To learn more about the work that BD does, click on the link below. 

Advancing the world of health™ | BD United Kingdom 

What is BD?  

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson. 

The Plymouth plant is one of the premier evacuated tube and needle production facilities, making BD Vacutainer® blood collection products for markets across Europe and around the world.  Located in the Southwest of England, the BD Plymouth site commenced operation in 1981 with 88 associates manufacturing BD Vacutainer® tubes in a new 250,000ft2 building. In 1988, a second building was added, bringing the manufacturing footprint up to 490,000ft2. Over the last 40+ years, the operation has grown to over 850 associates. 

Why did you decide to sponsor Hummingbird? 

BD plant is based in the city of Plymouth which has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment on the south coast of Britain, providing opportunities in process engineering and advanced manufacturing. 

60% of all employment in Plymouth is STEM related. 14.6 % of Plymouth jobs are in the manufacturing sector specifically. 

The number of students taking up STEM subjects at school, sticking with them through university and then moving into the relevant sectors is not growing at a rate that meets the needs of industry. 

Hummingbird and the Greenpower Trust race series represent a challenge that encompasses all STEM subjects in one practical application to give young students exposure to the varied disciplines within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

By sponsoring the PHSG team, BD wanted to ensure that the young women of the Hummingbird team had the best opportunities to succeed as a team and develop personal long term STEM related interests. Financial sponsorship means that more students can travel to the events with less personal financial burden, for the team to purchase clothing, hardware and make improvements to the performance of Hummingbird. 

By purchasing a second car, Xantus, for the team, BD want to give more students the opportunity to be part of the racing team and participate in the development of the car from a standard kit car into a serious contender on the racing circuit. 

By enabling the team to achieve their goals, the long-term objective of encouraging more young women into STEM fields means further students are likely to pursue careers in STEM related disciplines. 

Why is it important to encourage young women into STEM? 

Encouraging young women to STEM related fields of study and career options has several important benefits, for the individual, for industry and to society. 

STEM related research and career fields are crucial for driving innovation, addressing societal challenges, promoting gender equality, and ensuring a diverse workforce that can understand the needs of the population by bringing a wider range of perspectives to scientific research and engineering. 

STEM careers also support improved product development, and technological advancements; contributing to economic growth by developing a large pool of talent and potentially closing the gender pay gap. 

By encouraging more women into STEM careers, more women become role models and mentors to support others in their STEM journeys.