Guildford: Tech company secures £2.19m US deal

Guildford-based MRI technology company MR Solutions has secured a £2.19 million deal with the University of South Florida, which will see its world-leading PET and MRI scanners installed on campus. Used to scan animals, the company’s innovative product combines CT, PET and MRI scans giving the user a much more comprehensive view.

MR Solutions is the first in the world to have developed a range of scanners that have multi-modality capabilities and use superconducting magnets without the need for liquid helium cooling. This pioneering technology means that the machine is much smaller and lighter than its predecessors.

Exporting accounts for 100% of the company’s output, selling its scanning technology to leading academic institutions on every single continent. MR Solutions secured this deal as a result of its global reputation and a sales team that is situated in multiple locations across the world.

MR Solutions founder Dr David Taylor said: “Due to the nature of our business, we sell directly to academics wherever they are in the world, so we have found the process of exporting to be quite simple. Our first ever sale, and every sale thereafter, has been international and we have since won a Queen’s Award for Innovation due to our exporting success.

“In regards to Brexit, we think of it as a big storm in a tea cup. We are already selling to the EU and can’t see how it will be any more complicated after the fact.

“I would encourage other companies that are considering exporting or want to expand their presence to contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) as they can introduce you to contacts in country and support with your overseas presence.”

In recognition of its export achievements, MR Solutions was selected to be an Export Champion by DIT, joining the nationwide Export Champion Community of companies acting as ambassadors for overseas trade, offering practical advice and tips to other businesses.

DIT has been supporting the company with exporting for the past seven years with market research, trade missions, overseas exhibitions and general export advice. Next year, the company is planning to further its exports in central and South America.

Ben Raby, head of trade - South East at DIT, said: “MR Solutions is a prime example of how exporting can make a business more resilient and profitable, and its success will hopefully inspire other businesses in the South East to explore international opportunities.

“Any companies that are looking for support or advice should get in touch as we have International Trade Advisers on hand throughout the region to guide businesses on their export journey.”