Mike Trenell is a North East-based medical leader and entrepreneur with more than 20 years in clinical innovation and digital technology. In 2024, he co-founded Daiser, a healthtech platform which gives healthcare providers and researchers an easy-to-use digital toolkit.
What was your first job, and how much did it pay? Delivering papers early in the morning. I think it paid around £5 a week — and I probably spent most of it on sweets before I left the shop. It was a great early lesson in responsibility because papers won’t deliver themselves. It also helped me realise I am a morning person!
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? "Start with people, not the product or problem.” That simple advice has shaped everything we do at Daiser. Whether you’re building a digital health tool or developing a clinical research programme, success starts with understanding the real needs of real people. Technology is only as valuable as the difference it makes in someone’s life.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing The biggest shift has been the rise of digital health and personalised care. Ten years ago, much of this was still theory or small-scale research. Today, it’s an expectation - people want health support that’s tailored, digital, and on-demand. The challenge is delivering that while maintaining the evidence base and ethical responsibility that health requires. Data privacy, regulation, and clinical effectiveness are all essential—but they can be complex to navigate in a fast-moving digital landscape.
What would your dream job be? Honestly, I’m lucky enough to be doing it. I get to combine research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, all with the goal of improving people’s health. If I had to choose something different? It’d be working in a chalet in the snow. Still health-related, just with more mountains and less email.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Be open to learning across disciplines. Health tech is a space where science, design, psychology, and engineering all collide. Don’t feel like you have to fit a narrow mould. Also, be guided by purpose. It’s easy to get swept up in the buzzwords, but the most meaningful work happens when you’re genuinely focused on helping people live better lives.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The North East has an amazing mix of academic excellence, healthcare innovation, and community spirit. There’s a real sense of collaboration; people want to work together to solve problems, not just compete. Plus, it’s a great place to live: beautiful, and full of energy. That combination attracts talent and keeps it here.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Absolutely essential. Business isn’t just about profit, it’s about impact. Especially in health, if we’re not improving lives or supporting better outcomes, then what are we doing? The most successful companies of the future will be those that put people and the planet on equal footing with commercial gain.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Up a mountain. It’s always been an important part of my life - whether it’s clearing my head, testing limits, or just enjoying flying down the hill on a snowboard. I cook a lot too. If I had to be honest, I’m not very good at it, but I do enjoy it!
Who would play you in a film about your life? Let’s go with Cillian Murphy - he’s got that intense, thoughtful energy I’d like to think I have. Though the reality might be closer to Steve Coogan trying to do “serious.” Either way, hopefully there’s a good soundtrack and they can perfect a frown.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? David Attenborough, for his lifelong dedication to the planet and his ability to inspire across generations. Barack Obama, for his calm leadership, eloquence, and the stories he must have. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, because every dinner party needs someone who’s brilliant, unpredictable, and hilarious.
