Cooper is the founder of Bristol-based Limbs & Things, which she set up in 1990 after having a vision of clinical education moving away from cadavers and animals. For many tasks, these were difficult to use and expensive, so she invented anatomically accurate and cost-effective models and simulators to allow students – whether nurses, GPs, surgeons, radiologists or paramedics – to become more competent and confident learners and professionals.
Limbs & Things’ models and simulators are now universally used worldwide to learn skills such as taking blood, administering injections, delivering babies, wound repair and keyhole surgery and the company has won numerous awards including a Queen’s Award for Innovation.
On the night, Cooper said: “It’s mind blowing to win this award; a great privilege. It is absolutely wonderful to be recognised for the work we do. We are keen to go forward and continue making life safer for patients throughout the world within healthcare.”
Focusing on the contribution of a dynamic, creative and visionary leader, the Inflexion Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognises an enterprising individual who has achieved sustained levels of growth and strong financial performance through a culture of innovation, resilience and an ethos of inspiring others through their leadership style.
Inflexion partner and National Business Awards judge David Whileman said: “The heritage of Inflexion came from our two founders who built our business from humble beginnings, hence that entrepreneurial spirit and respect for those who have the courage to back their conviction is ingrained in our DNA. We take great pleasure in supporting this award, which recognises the very best in entrepreneurial talent.”
Attended by over 1,200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and journalists in celebration of the Best of British Ambition, the 17th National Business Awards (organised by UBM) were held on 13 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London and presented by BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty and received a keynote speech from national treasure Joanna Lumley.
The winners across all 16 categories included a magazine for dementia patients called The Daily Sparkle, which triumphed in the Lloyds Bank Positive Social Impact Award category, New Business of the Year Gas Tag, and Net World Sports, winner of the Lloyds Bank SME Business of the Year. Virgin Money CEO Jayne-Anne Gadhia was named Leader of the Year.