Oldham based Ascroft Medical increased turnover by 33% after developing a new AI-enabled diagnostic platform with support from GM Business Growth Hub and a £17,000 innovation grant.
Healthcare is becoming increasingly digital, with patients expecting faster, more accessible services and healthcare providers looking for more efficient ways to manage this growing demand. Ascroft Medical recognised this shift towards more digitally tailored healthcare and identified the commercial opportunity to innovate using AI.
Playing a key role in Greater Manchester’s growing tech ecosystem, Ascroft Medical delivers specialist laboratory testing services that support the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of a wide range of health conditions.
Co-founder Kris Zemlik said his team had a clear vision: “To empower people to take control of their health by helping to make healthcare more accessible, proactive and personalised.
Zemlick explains: “We wanted to simplify access to blood testing and clinical guidance.
” To realise their mission, Ascroft Medical designed their new AI-integrated healthcare platform, that streamlines the patient journey and simplifies access to personal medical data. Their AI innovation helps patients to interpret their diagnostic data and connect with relevant healthcare professionals more quickly.
Zemlik, a former finalist for Business Person of the Year at the Oldham Business Awards, is no stranger to fresh thinking. However, he was also aware of the obstacles on the journey towards AI enabled healthcare and knew Ascroft Medical needed guidance in navigating the commercial, technical and regulatory challenges of bringing their new AI-driven platform to market.
“We’ve always had the ambition to expand our services, and we’ve got a strong track record of delivering healthcare projects efficiently, but developing, training and deploying AI models in healthcare is resource intensive and requires. We knew we couldn’t do it all ourselves.”
Kris Zemlik, Co-Founder of Ascroft Medical Working closely with GM Business Growth Hub's Health Innovation Service and Health and Life Sciences Specialist Dr Yousef Taktak, Ascroft Medical refined its plans, assessed commercial opportunities and identified the right technology development partner. The support also helped secure a £17,000 innovation grant, enabling the development of the company's AI-enabled platform, transforming their initial concept into a market-ready solution.
Zemlik said: "The quality of support we received from GM Business Growth Hub has been exceptional. The combination of scientific expertise, commercial insight and funding support helped us move from concept to delivery much faster than we could have achieved alone.
" The new platform creates a seamless journey from choosing the right blood test to receiving personalised clinical guidance, allowing users to access results in one place and connect with appropriate healthcare professionals, while providing clinicians with valuable insights and more efficient workflows. The innovation has also opened growth opportunities across Europe and the Middle East through partnerships with private healthcare providers. Since engaging with GM Business Growth Hub, Ascroft Medical has increased annual turnover by 33% as it continues to scale and secure new business.
Dr Yousef Taktak, Health and Life Sciences Specialist at GM Business Growth Hub, said: "Businesses like Ascroft Medical demonstrate how combining clinical knowledge and digital innovation with a clear commercial strategy can have a real impact for patients. We are proud to have supported them throughout their journey and expect the business to continue to grow, create skilled job opportunities and meaningful healthcare solutions.
" With revenues expected to reach £2.5 million by 2027/28 and two new Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer roles and a further four positions over the next two years planned, the business is positioning itself for growth across the UK and internationally. With its success Ascroft Medical remains firmly committed to Oldham and continues to invest in its local operations and community.
GM Business Growth Hub believes that the right support creates extraordinary results. Businesses of any size or sector can benefit from their fully funded support. For more information, visit www.ascroftmedical.co.uk
