Overview
The UK mental health system is facing unprecedented demand, with ADHD and autism referrals increasing over 400% since the pandemic. NHS services are overwhelmed, with average ADHD wait times reaching up to 10 years and autism diagnoses often delayed by five years or more.

The Aspen Clinic is building a national network of independent, CQC-accredited clinics to deliver faster, multi-disciplinary neurodevelopment assessments and treatment. Its model combines private sector speed with public sector partnership, offering scalable support for complex mental health needs. The first site in Greater Manchester is operational and trading ahead of plan, with NHS commissioning discussions well advanced.

Competitive Advantage
Aspen’s hybrid model offers:

• End-to-end care for ADHD, autism and complex mental health

• CQC-accredited clinical governance and service delivery

• Engagement with NHS Integrated Care Boards under Right to Choose

• Purpose-built environments designed around neurodiversity

• Leadership team with deep experience in NHS, mental health and service commissioning

With early traction, private revenue, and a defined NHS contracting path, Aspen is well positioned to meet urgent national demand.

Strategic Focus
Aspen is focused on relieving the UK’s neurodevelopmental care backlog through a replicable, high-quality clinic model. By combining private speed with public alignment, it aims to be a trusted delivery partner to the NHS. The long-term strategy is to scale nationally, establishing 20–30 clinics across England within five years.

Investment Required
Aspen is raising £500,000 via a convertible loan note or equity to:

• Fund working capital at its first site

• Launch two additional clinics in Cheshire and Merseyside

• Support operational readiness for NHS contracts

• Build out the executive function and governance infrastructure for scale

The round supports both revenue and capacity growth as NHS and private referrals accelerate.

Traction and Achievements

• First clinic live and exceeding private revenue forecasts

• Fully CQC accredited, with clinical team in place

• NHS commissioning discussions underway with two ICBs

• Signed contracts with private insurers and referrers (WPA, MyGP, Patches Health)

• Strong pipeline of patients and clinical partnerships

• Full procedural framework in place for multi-site rollout

Competition
While some private providers offer ADHD and autism assessments, most lack the ability to manage complex cases or partner with the NHS. Aspen’s fully staffed, multi-disciplinary team — including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses and therapists — delivers a more comprehensive, scalable service. Its positioning as an NHS-aligned provider differentiates it from legacy clinics and single-specialty competitors.

Growth & Future Prospects
Key drivers of growth include:

• Ongoing escalation of national waiting lists

• Increased NHS use of third-party partners under Right to Choose

• Policy support for modernising mental health infrastructure

• Private demand for fast, high-quality assessments

• Expansion of services into adult and child mental health pathways

Exit Potential
Aspen could become an acquisition target for larger healthcare operators, private equity consolidators, or public sector outsourcing firms. Its clinic network, clinical governance and NHS relationships create a strategic asset in a market under structural pressure. Scalable IP in operational procedures and contracts enhances long-term value.

Risk Warning
Investing in early-stage businesses involves significant risks, including illiquidity, loss of capital, lack of dividends, and dilution. Investments should only be made by investors who understand these risks and can afford to bear them. Past performance is not an indicator of future results. Tax relief eligibility (such as EIS) depends on individual circumstances and current UK tax legislation, which may change. Seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions.