News Archives - James Markey

Visiting 10 Downing Street

James Markey — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:36:24 +0000

Getting invited to 10 Downing Street

It’s a rare privlege because, as a naive citizen, I tried to visit No 10 before only to find out it’s off limits to the general public. The whole street is cordoned off and security is pretty heavy. There’s no pretending to be a lost tourist and slipping through here.

My invite was totally unexpected. I do volunteer at the Department for Business and Trade and I had the good fortune of participating in the (long) process of bringing the Make Work Pay Act to fruition. I played a very, very, small part. So, I was delighted to receive an email inviting me along to a small reception to mark the occassion. The invite didn’t have any more details than the date and the time and the purpose.

When to turn up to Number 10 Downing Street

My invited was for 6.45pm and, of course, I turned up early. Too early in fact, because there was a reception before the reception so I had to go find a Pret and get a tea. The best time to arrive is about 30 minutes before, and even then you might be waiting before the official queue starts.

What to wear to No 10 Downing Street

Lets be honest, everyone is pretty smartly dressed. Most men are in shirts, ties (not me) and navy jackets (I had a grey one) but, to be honest, chanches are you are invited here on merit so I wouldn’t worry if you want to spice things up a bit and, nowadays, you could dress down (a bit) too.

Inside No 10 Downing Street

Once you’re through the first gates you are poushed along through a mini airport-like security. When finally takes you to Downing Street. It’s eery because you find yourself on a street and you’re not too sure where to go but you assume you keep on walking – you do. As luck would have it Larry the Cat decides to cross the road. Once you reach the famous door you reach for the knocker to someone immediately opening the door.

In here you have a small reception area where you get checked in again. You leave your phone in a small cubby hole which, surprisingly, is not particuarly secure but you hope nothing with go awry. Next along is a coat area (I believe it’s a meeting room normally), where you get a number for your jacket. You keep going until the reach a lobby and then swing a right.

Now – you’re in Love Actually and you see the famous staircase decorated with the photos of all the ex Prime Ministers. Top of the stairs and you’re at the reception room to network in wait for the VIPs. In this case we had; Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Peter Kyle and Bridget Phillipson to keep us entertained.

When to leave 10 Downing Street

Once the speeches are over, the VIPs will stay and mingle around the room and the comms team are ready to snap a few nice shots. After a little while, the VIPs will leave and now is probably the best time to leave whilst everyone finishes up drinks and clear the canape plates.

Part of the reason for this is that you get to take all your photos on the way out at the famous door, so it’s best to beat the crowd.

A few minutes later you would leave through the visitor exit and be the normal person you were just an hour and a half ago.

The post Visiting 10 Downing Street appeared first on James Markey.

From Local to Global

James Markey — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:21:29 +0000

James Markey, Export Champion for the Department for Business and Trade, was invited by Portsmouth City Council and Solent Partnership Growth to present his journey from startup to exporter.

Local to Global brochure

“My story is about belief. Believing in something bigger, believe in myself, and belief in what I was doing. I was never afraid to lose as I felt so fortunate to giving it a shot, whatever the outcome. I had belief that whatever happened, it would be OK.

That said, I never expected to sell anything when I did and I never expected to be exporting from day one but that’s what happened.

I believed in myself and I joined an entrepreneurship programme with the Open University. I failed miserably the first time round but I’m a quick learner and won the second time round and then a Santander Universities entrepreneurship competition, both of which I was delighted to win after a few attempts.

When I showed my pencil drawing of what I imagined to be my MVP (Minimal Viable Product) to a university I only wanted feedback on the idea. Instead, they said “we’ll take ten”. Unfortunately their bank didn’t have the same belief in us as they did. The lucky moment came when I found out they banked with… Santander and I pushed the great PR it gives them to help one of their own entrepreneurs succeed and the money was unblocked.

Everyone’s story is unique.

There’s also things we can learn from each one. Here’s my top tips I would like to pass on and I hope you’ll share yours with me too;

Business Academy from DBT – free training

Tariff Code Checker – Put in your product (HS) code and find out the import / export tariffs and rules.”

James Markey discussing exports

The post From Local to Global appeared first on James Markey.

Prime Minister Delegation

James Markey — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:45:28 +0000

Last week I had the extraordinary privilege of traveling to India alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of the UK’s historic trade delegation. Representing the vibrant community of small businesses that export worldwide—and standing proudly as the founder of Universal Simulation Ltd (unisim.co.uk)—the experience was both inspiring and deeply affirming.

A Momentous Visit

Prime Minister Starmer’s two‑day trip to Mumbai marked the largest UK business delegation ever sent to India, featuring over 100 CEOs, entrepreneurs, university leaders and cultural figures. The purpose was clear: to build on the landmark UK‑India trade pact signed earlier this year and to unlock fresh opportunities for Britain’s 5.6 million small enterprises.

Walking into the bustling corridors of the Taj Mahal Hotel, I felt the weight of history and the promise of future collaborations. The delegation’s agenda was packed—high‑level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, round‑tables with Indian industry leaders, and site visits to cutting‑edge tech hubs. Yet amid the grandeur, what resonated most were the intimate conversations with fellow small‑business owners, each eager to turn the trade deal into tangible growth.

Why Small‑Business Export Matters

Small firms are the engine of the UK economy, accounting for a significant share of jobs and innovation. Yet many face barriers when trying to reach overseas markets—limited resources, regulatory complexities, and a lack of local networks. The UK‑India partnership offers a unique gateway:

Reduced tariffs and streamlined customs under the new agreement lower cost‑of‑entry for UK products.
Joint innovation programmes foster co‑development of technology, especially in sectors like clean energy, fintech and advanced manufacturing.
The “Great British Pitch” initiative, slated for November, will give SMEs a platform to showcase solutions directly to Indian investors and buyers.

Being part of this delegation allowed me to voice these needs directly to policymakers and to hear first‑hand how India’s rapidly expanding consumer base is hungry for innovative, high‑quality UK offerings.

Personal Reflections

Gratitude: Sharing the stage with Prime Minister Starmer and meeting Indian leaders was a humbling reminder of how far small‑business advocacy has come.
Connection: The genuine curiosity from Indian entrepreneurs about our simulation solutions sparked ideas for joint pilots that could launch later this year.
Momentum: The energy of the delegation convinced me that the UK‑India trade deal isn’t just a diplomatic milestone—it’s a catalyst for real‑world growth for companies like ours.

The post Prime Minister Delegation appeared first on James Markey.

Department for Business and Trade Interview

James Markey — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 19:40:59 +0000

James Markey, founder of UNI SIM, was interviewed as part of a panel by the Department for Business and Trade as part of their “Made in the UK, sold to the world” roadshow.

As an “Export Champion” volunteer, James helps UK businesses to make their steps into exporting abroad. James has worked on more than 50 different countries and gives his expertise, free of charge, to any UK business that needs it.

The post Department for Business and Trade Interview appeared first on James Markey.

BBC Radio Five Live Interview

James Markey — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 17:04:57 +0000

James Markey on BBC Radio Five Live: Summer, Bipolar, and Support

We’re thrilled to announce that James Markey, who openly lives with bipolar type two, was interviewed today on BBC Radio Five Live! The insightful discussion, hosted by Lucy Whyte, delved into a crucial topic: how the summer months can affect the management of bipolar disorder.

James shared his personal experiences and valuable insights, shedding light on the unique challenges and strategies involved in navigating bipolar during the warmer seasons. The conversation highlighted the often-overlooked impact of seasonal changes on mental health, particularly for those with bipolar.

A key takeaway from the interview was the vital role of support organizations. The discussion emphasized that Bipolar UK is an invaluable resource, offering guidance, community, and support for individuals living with bipolar and their families. Their work is crucial in helping people understand and manage their condition effectively, regardless of the time of year.

We’re incredibly proud of James for his courage and willingness to share his story on such a prominent platform. His openness helps to reduce stigma and raises essential awareness about bipolar disorder. If you missed the interview, you can listen back at the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002g178.

Images can be used freely in all cases:

The post BBC Radio Five Live Interview appeared first on James Markey.

Invite to House of Lords

James Markey — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:17:23 +0000

It’s been a busy and prestigious time for James Markey, the dynamic founder of UNI SIM. Recently, he received a distinguished invitation to the annual luncheon of the National Conference of University Professors (NCUP) at the iconic House of Lords.

This event is a significant highlight in the academic calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the UK’s university system to discuss critical issues in higher education. For James, whose company, UNI SIM, is revolutionising medical and dental training with haptic and VR technologies, attending such a gathering at the heart of British governance is a powerful testament to the impact his work is having.

Being invited to the House of Lords for the NCUP lunch underscores the growing recognition of how innovative companies like UNI SIM are shaping the future of education and professional development. It’s an opportunity for James to engage directly with influential academics and policymakers, showcasing how his Guildford-based firm is contributing to a more skilled and prepared generation of medical professionals.

This kind of high-level engagement is crucial for UNI SIM’s mission to make cutting-edge simulation training widely accessible. It’s a clear signal that the vital role of technology in enhancing practical learning is being acknowledged at the highest levels, further solidifying James Markey’s position as a key innovator in the UK’s educational landscape. What a fantastic opportunity to connect with the very people driving the future of academia!

The post Invite to House of Lords appeared first on James Markey.

Dental Seminar in Bulgaria

James Markey — Sat, 24 May 2025 14:43:20 +0000

Cutting-Edge Dental Simulation Takes the Stage at Plovdiv University

Plovdiv University recently hosted a special event highlighting the future of dental education, featuring a live demonstration and seminar by James Markey of UNI SIM and Virteasy Dental. The event was held in collaboration with Professor Dr. Jorge Domínguez from ADEMA University in Palma, Mallorca, and was organized through the generous invitation of Prof. Neshka Manchorova from the Faculty of Dental Medicine.

James Markey introduced attendees to the advanced capabilities of Virteasy Dental, a state-of-the-art virtual reality system that allows dental students to practice procedures in an immersive and highly realistic environment. The interactive demonstration gave students and faculty the chance to explore the simulator firsthand and understand its potential to transform clinical training.

Professor Domínguez contributed valuable academic insights, sharing experiences from ADEMA University where simulation-based training has already been successfully integrated into the dental curriculum. His presentation emphasized how such technology supports more effective, hands-on learning and better prepares students for real-world clinical situations.

The seminar was well-received by students, educators, and professionals alike, sparking conversations about innovation, collaboration, and the evolution of dental education in Bulgaria. This visit represents an exciting step forward in bringing cutting-edge simulation tools to universities across Europe and fostering global partnerships in healthcare education.

The post Dental Seminar in Bulgaria appeared first on James Markey.

Recognition for James Markey

James Markey — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:33:23 +0000

I am very proud to have been recognised recently by both:

Being presented with a pair of honorary dental scrubs at the British Dental Association show in Birmingham for advancing the state of dental education in the UK
Being invited to the House of Lords for the annual lucheon of the National College of University Professors

Thank you so much to those involved.

The work we do at UNI SIM and at Virteasy Dental is having a real, and profound, impact on education around the world and we hope to continue to contribute positively towards the goal of improving education for everyone.

Below if the original article:

The landscape of dental education here in the UK is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks in no small part to the visionary work of James Markey. As the founder and CEO of UNI SIM in the UK and Sales for Virteasy Dental in France, James has been at the forefront of integrating ground-breaking haptic (sense of touch) and VR (immersive experience) technologies into dental curricula across the nation and abroad. His pioneering efforts haven’t just pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in dental training, but have also garnered significant recognition, culminating in a series of prestigious honours.

Markey’s impact is perhaps most notably seen at institutions like the NHS site in Altrincham and The University of Newcastle, where students are now experiencing a new era of hands-on, yet risk-free, learning. Imagine aspiring dentists being able to “feel” the intricate nuances of a dental procedure, performing complex manoeuvres in a virtual environment that mirrors reality – all before ever touching a real patient. This is the power of the haptic and VR integration championed by James, offering unparalleled opportunities for skill development, error correction, and confidence building.

To commemorate his extraordinary contributions, James Markey was recently presented with a unique symbol of appreciation: a pair of honorary dental scrubs. This special presentation took place at a British Dental Association event in Birmingham, a fitting tribute to someone who is literally reshaping the future of dentistry. The scrubs signify not only his deep connection to the dental profession but also the lasting “hands-on” impact he is having on its educational foundations.

The recognition didn’t stop there. James was also extended an invitation to the esteemed House of Lords in London, where he attended the NCUP conference. This invitation to such a hallowed institution underscores the national significance of his work and the growing awareness of how technological innovation can elevate professional training.

Notably, James Markey is an alumnus of The Open University, holding both a degree and a master’s. The Open University, in a successful partnership with Santander Universities UK, played a crucial role in the launch of UNI SIM, demonstrating the power of academic support and entrepreneurial funding in bringing transformative ideas to fruition. Furthermore, James’s expertise and commitment to promoting British innovation on the global stage have been formally recognised, as he serves as an Export Champion for the Department of Business and Trade.

James Markey’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation driven by a clear purpose: to advance the state of dental education. By bringing the “sense of touch” into the virtual realm, he isn’t just teaching dentistry; he is fundamentally redefining how future dental professionals are trained. His unwavering commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology ensures that UK dental graduates are not only exceptionally skilled but also prepared for the evolving demands of modern dental practice.

The dental community, both here in the UK and beyond, can look to James Markey as an inspiring example of how embracing technological advancements can lead to profound and lasting positive change. Congratulations to James on these well-deserved honours – they are a true reflection of his real impact on the virtual world of dental education.

The post Recognition for James Markey appeared first on James Markey.

CPTTP Launch

James Markey — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:38:02 +0000

For the launch of the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/the-uk-and-the-comprehensive-and-progressive-agreement-for-trans-pacific-partnershipcptpp) CEO and Founder of UNI SIM, James Markey, was invited by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) to their Head Office in London to celebrate the occasion and to meet people from, or those exporting to, the 11 parties that make up the CPTPP.

The Agreement will become effective from the 15th December 2024 and will help promote international business, especially for small businesses, by making it a Free Trade area and reducing barriers to exporting to those countries.

Next week is the roundtable for small businesses, which UNI SIM has also been invited to attend.

The post CPTTP Launch appeared first on James Markey.

Government International Trade Week

James Markey — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:32:08 +0000

Invited to give a talk for International Trade Week with the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Specifically this was about the use of FTA and ATA trade with Japan and other countries that we export to. As we sell both software and hardware, it means there are logistical challenges as well as customs and duties to take care of. Any mis-calculation can destroy our margin on international sales.

Alongside us was Nicanti from a cyber security company.

The post Government International Trade Week appeared first on James Markey.