Linear recognised for global growth

Nedlands-based Linear Clinical Research has won the national business services award at the Australian Export Awards this week, with the judges noting its impressive growth in US projects and ability to leverages advantages in the domestic market to underpin its export success.

The awards is a national program that recognises Australian companies engaged in international business that have achieved sustainable growth through innovation and commitment.

It measures businesses against their peers based on the strength of their international growth, marketing and financial strategies.

Linear, based at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, provides early phase and first-in-human clinical trial services to the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Since inception in 2010, the company has secured more than 170 contracts in 19 therapeutic areas, which have been part of international medical discoveries.

Linear has leveraged its innovative volunteer patient database and Australia’s favourable regulations and tax system to attract more than 100 sponsors from 15 countries.

Its 2016-17 export revenue was up 13 per cent on the previous year.

Although the US continues to be the company’s largest export market, this revenue result was largely due to growth in its Chinese operations, having achieved a 38 per cent year-on-year increase in China over the past two years.

Linear was one of 13 companies across the country, and the only representative from Western Australia, to win an export award, with categories covering agribusiness, creative industries, e-commerce, small business, regional exporter, health and biotechnology, manufacturing, and education and training.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive James Pearson said the chamber supported national and global conditions that enabled Australian businesses to compete internationally, such as lowering business taxes and costs, reducing red tape and improving flexibility in the workplace.

As global barriers came down, Australian businesses were taking their products and services to the world, growing their enterprise, creating new jobs and promoting the country, he said.

The 77 finalists generated $3.9 billion in export sales in 2016-17 and employ more than 30,000 people.