"Social Enterprises are the ideal model to develop innovative methods of working" according to Health Launchpad ‘s Jacques Mizan (pictured). Speaking at the NHS Innovation Expo, members of the team addressed groups of would-be innovators from the Health Service on the experience of making innovation a reality.

The first of its kind, the Innovation Expo attracted thousands of people connected with the Health Service to the Docklands based Excel centre on 18 and 19 June 2009. The futuristic location adding weight to the message of the conference - the NHS must look forward and innovative in order to be ready for the economic and demographic challenges which are on the horizon .

Addressing a seminar on the Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) at the Expo, Launchpad's Simon Tucker, together with members of NESTA, encouraged the talents of would be innovators. Strategic Health Authorities advised by Health Launchpad and NESTA, are developing individual criteria for distributing newly available innovation cash at local levels. The RIF fund is worth £220 million.

Speaking and promoting innovation during the event were Professor Lord Darzi of Denham,Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Science and Innovation and David Nicholson, CEO of the English NHS.