Business award for Aptus

Image: Ned Wakeman, Jonathan Lewis, Steve McConchie, Anita Cawley and Graham Bond

Specialist oncology clinical research provider, Aptus Clinical, has won the Bionow Start up of the Year Award 2016.

The company, based in the Biohub at Alderley Park, joined the North of England’s top achievers in the life science sector as they celebrated the 15th annual Bionow awards for a gala dinner at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa. The awards, sponsored by Manchester Science Partnerships, celebrate the very best of life sciences talent in the North of England and recognise the biomedical industry’s highest achievers.

Aptus Clinical was formed by three former AstraZeneca colleagues and aims to be the partner of choice for biopharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, by supporting them in their quest to develop new and valued medicines. From virtual beginnings in the BioHub, co-founders Jonathan Lewis, Steve McConchie and Anita Cawley have built a team of eleven and hold a database of around 150 expert clinical research professionals who they can call upon to support their clients’ drug development projects.

Steve said: “We were absolutely thrilled to be announced winners of such a prestigious award. The hard work of the past couple of years is really starting to pay off. It’s been a real team effort and I’d like to thank my colleagues and everyone who has supported us along the way.”

Ned Wakeman, director of the Biohub, said: “I’m delighted for the Aptus team. They were part of our first cohort of virtual tenants and they’re really made most of the support they’ve received through our mentors, networking events and business boot camps. Combined with the experience and hard work of their excellent team, the BioHub has been the perfect environment for them to grow their business.”

The Start up of the Year Award was sponsored by RSM. Graham Bond, head of health sciences at RSM, said: “Aptus Clinical has shown significant growth and has already built an impressive client base. Their business plan demonstrated clear plans for further growth plus a route to develop their own IP to further increase the value of the organisation. In addition to growing their business, the founders have also invested significant time working within the local and national ecosystem, widening the influence of the sector in the North. The award is very well-deserved and I wish them every success for the future of the business.”

For more information about Aptus Clinical, visit: www.aptusclinical.com