Innovative Trials named a finalist in the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards
A Hertfordshire-based company, Innovative Trials, is celebrating after being named a finalist in two categories of the annual Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards.
The patient recruitment company, which works with some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical organisations to help facilitate faster access to life-changing treatments for patients, is one of three local businesses shortlisted for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It has also been named a finalist for the Family Business of the Year award.
Innovative Trials began as a one-person operation in 2010. Founded by Kate Shaw from her kitchen table, the company has now grown into a global, multi-million pound business with its headquarters in Letchworth Garden City. The company supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and Clinical Research Organisations to accelerate patient recruitment for clinical trials and has played a part in six new treatments being approved for patients across the world.
Innovative Trials specialises in recruiting patients into complex clinical trials where patient recruitment and engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups such as minority ethnic communities and disabled people, can be challenging. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected internally where the company has introduced a raft of measures to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace. This includes the creation of a Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, menopause support training, a team of Mental Health First Aiders and inclusive recruitment practices.
Innovative Trials also works with schools as part of the Local Enterprise Partnership, supporting students with career advice, CV writing and interview workshops to encourage the next generation into STEM roles. This includes discussions around equality and diversity.
Kate Shaw, CEO of Innovative Trials, said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for these awards, especially considering the calibre of the other finalists. I’m proud of the work we are doing to promote diversity and inclusion, and foster a sense of ‘family’ within the company, and it’s great to be recognised for this. Together, these values promote a friendly, diverse and equal workplace where everyone is driven to perform at their best for each other and our clients, and is a big part of the secret to our success.
“Being able to bring together a diverse range of employees and retain this talent through a positive workplace culture that promotes equality is crucial for any business. Without this range of perspectives, knowledge and life experiences, we wouldn’t be as effective when trying to engage with diverse communities. As a company, this makes us well-placed to find practical solutions for our clients and keep the development of treatments on track.”
Shaw added: ”We’re up against tough competition, but have our fingers firmly crossed for when the winners of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards are announced this summer.” The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards is an annual event run by the county’s Chamber of Commerce. Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on Thursday 9 June 2022.
About Innovative Trials
Founded in 2010, Innovative Trials works alongside pharmaceutical and clinical research organisations to ensure that patients enrol onto clinical trials in a timely manner and are fully informed of what the research will involve for themselves and their families. This enables potential new treatments to come to market as early as possible to provide alternative therapeutic options for present and future patients.
Based in Letchworth Garden City in Hertfordshire, Innovative Trials employs around 72 members of staff in the UK. The company works internationally with a further 70 people stationed overseas in 70 countries to help clinical trial researchers recruit eligible patients and keep them involved.
For more information, visit www.innovativetrials.com