Aspire was founded on an entrepreneur’s vision to create an agile, entrepreneurial company that was not present in the UK. The founding principle was to take a medicine, a molecule or a device and enhance it. This might be an improved presentation, a more convenient dose, or a more acceptable formulation for patients, and that principle still drives what they do today. The company started with a single drug license in 2009 and now have more than 400 products in 16 therapeutic fields.
The company’s rapid growth, consistent astute strategic choices and extensive development know-how, led to Aspire being acquired in 2021 by an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm who specialise in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies. Going forward, H.I.G., with its significant financial and geographic reach, will help maintain Aspire’s impressive growth trajectory and take the company into another exciting phase for its people and customers.
As a rapidly growing company, there can be challenges in the timely increase in workforce numbers. Attracting a wide range of talents, ensuring that innovation, empowerment and an entrepreneurial spirit can provide equitable opportunities for all employees, and fosters a culture of inclusion where every voice is valued.
Carolyne Malizia, Chief People Office at Aspire, reflects on the company’s growth: “By embracing different perspectives, it enables a better understanding of the needs of diverse patient populations around the world and develops more inclusive solutions. Creating an inclusive environment at Aspire in which people feel as though they belong is the catalyst for great change, both internally and externally.”
Fostering an environment with fair opportunities for all, ensures that every individual feels valued and supported in their growth. The company encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work, confident that their contributions matter. Guided by their core values, Aspire create a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard and empowered to thrive.
“We back this up with a commitment to providing a dynamic and enriching learning environment that empowers our employees to achieve their full potential. We offer meaningful job opportunities that not only align with individual career aspirations but also foster continuous professional growth. Through structured training programmes, development initiatives and mentorship opportunities, we ensure that learning remains an integral part of the employee experience at every level.
“Our values inspire integrity, putting patients and employees first, while driving collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation to enhance well-being. At Aspire, around 65% of our workforce are Gen Z and Y, who emphasise the importance of aligning company values with their own. This year, updating our company employee values has been a major project, involving company-wide surveys, executive interviews, and workshops with representatives from our Employee Interest Groups and the CSR Committee.”
Aspire Pharma’s five core values
Accountability – Make it happen – Taking ownership; driving outcomes; empowering others;giving it a go.
Integrity – Doing the Right Thing – Turning ideas into action; taking responsibility; upholding ethics; fairness; consistency; dependability; honesty; kindness; confidentiality; tact; giving commitment to people and the environment.
Innovation – Grow with Courage – Fostering a culture to uncover needs; seeking solutions;moving fast with courage; entrepreneurial spirit; continuous improvement; creativity; versatility.
Collaboration – Adventure Together – Seeking diverse perspectives; assume good intent;celebrate success together; make the next step easier; achieve as one team; encourage knowledge sharing.
Inclusivity – Value All Voices – Commitment to encouraging participation; challenging barriers, building bridges; advocating for fairness; creating a safe space.
A cultural alignment of employees around a common set of values leads to a cohesive organisational culture. One set of guiding principles promotes unity, collaboration and a shared purpose.
Employment engagement helps employees to understand what is expected from them and what they can expect from others, and the company. They are important for prospective employees who are increasingly looking for companies whose values align with their own. Existing employees are more likely to stay with organisations that prioritises what they believe in.
In addition, the power of supportive leadership can ensure that others facing personal challenges in the workplace receive a level of compassion and flexibility. It is important to foster a culture where empathy, understanding, and support are not just values, but everyday practices.
Overall, core values play a crucial role in shaping the organisational brand reputation. When a company consistently demonstrates its commitment to values, it enhances its reputation as a trustworthy, ethical and socially responsible entity, which can positively impact on customer loyalty and stakeholder relationships.
Today, Aspire Pharma is a premier niche generics pharma business, based in the UK with global ambitions, devoted to delivering true value to patients, healthcare professionals and the NHS, through the development and supply of innovative products and medicines throughout the world.
