A solid year and very positive performance in a very demanding and challenging market environment.

Hans Hux, Chairman and Group Chief Executive at B. Braun in the UK, said: “We are very pleased to be able to report an increase in sales revenue in all our businesses, particularly in each of our strategic growth areas.

This illustrates that our products and services are meeting the needs of our customers and helping the NHS to improve efficiencies and outcomes.

Key growth areas for the B/ Braun business in the last year include Safe Infusion Technology, Homecare, Endosurgery, High end 3D Visualisation, Disinfection and Home Haemodialysis.

The challenges we are facing are caused by the devaluation of the pound and the uncertainties around Brexit. In particular the weakness of the pound has made our European procurement more expensive which is the main reason for the 2017 decline in profits.

We focused our investments in line with strategic business priorities and applied a disciplined approach to investment in our business.

Last year the expansion of the business alongside digitalisation and modern working practice saw B. Braun unveil a newly designed and created ultra-modern collaborative workspace. A Business Centre, meeting zones, a full-service cafe and auditorium are among features of the purpose-built head office and distribution centre at Thorncliffe Park, Sheffield.

As part of the global B. Braun group, B. Braun in the UK is a leader in key market areas including computer navigated orthopaedic surgery, needle safety technology, surgical instrumentation, sterile technology and disinfection and hygiene.

The company supports both the private and public sectors, working with the National Health Service (NHS) to help it continue to become more innovative and productive while still achieving efficiency savings