Platinum Informatics

The Client

Platinum Informatics, a Dundee University spin-out company, provides cloud-based informatics solutions that lay the foundations to manage big data and ensure reproducible results for laboratories. Their solutions enable process optimisation, remote working, improved regulatory compliance, and enhanced data quality, with a focus on application in early-stage drug, vaccine, and biomarker discovery in the growing area of precision medicine. Their vision is to build a world-leading laboratory informatics company that transforms scientific experimentation by bringing the digital laboratory of the future to the research laboratories of today.

The Challenge

With ambitious plans to build a world-class global business and create multiple new high-tech jobs based in Dundee, Platinum Informatics wanted to establish itself as an employer of globally recognised life scientists and software talent.

To achieve this, their experienced leadership team recognised the value of investing in strong and inclusive HR infrastructure and practices as early as possible in their growth planning. They needed a strategic HR partner to support their growth, improve their organisational effectiveness, and enable the business to scale effectively.

Key to them was selecting a business partner who had recognised experience of working with scaling technology businesses and who understood the start-up environment, culture, and local talent market.

“We chose AAB for their deep knowledge and understanding of fast-growing technology spin-outs and start-ups.”

The Solution

Following an introduction to the CEO via another Board member, AAB conducted a comprehensive audit and review of Platinum Informatics’ business, existing HR documentation, and practices to identify gaps and needs. We held discovery sessions with the management team to fully understand the company ambitions and growth plans, culture, people plans, and HR support requirements.

We then provided recommendations and an indicative timeline for a fully tailored HR and people management strategy. In addition, a supporting framework and HR plan to improve working practices and align strategy, people, resources, and processes. This was presented to their Board by our Managing Director, Lisa Thomson.

In line with the company’s short and long-term strategy and goals, we outlined the key areas of priority. These included: a refresh of policies and an Employee Handbook; a recruitment and onboarding strategy; salary benchmarking; a performance management system; a bespoke and fully tailored manager training programme to support the implementation of new toolkits and processes; and learning sessions for the wider team to support working practices and employee engagement.

Additionally, a regular ‘bank’ of ongoing HR support was agreed, giving Platinum Informatics responsive, hands-on support and access to HR expertise as and when required. This has been scaled up over time, aligned to needs and budget as their team continues to grow.

The Outcome

Platinum Informatics now has an effective and fit-for-purpose HR strategy and supporting framework embedded in its business to allow it to grow and scale sustainably from a people management perspective.

Their tailored toolkits and processes are fully reflective of the company culture and suited to the needs of an early-stage and high-growth technology business.

The organisation benefits from clarity and consistency across all key documentation, enhanced operational efficiency through the implementation of an HR system, a professionalised recruitment process coupled with strong employer branding, as well as a robust performance management framework.

A bespoke programme of training for managers has empowered and upskilled the leadership team to implement and deliver on all new people management systems and processes, ensuring maximum value across the business.

Platinum Informatics continues its growth journey, confident of being fully compliant and with the reassurance of having a trusted and culturally aligned HR partner embedded in their organisation who understands their vision and purpose.

“The AAB team are highly responsive and flexible to our business needs, are honest and agile in their approach and are a great cultural fit. We really value their expert advice and are now confident in the knowledge that we have a robust HR framework in place to support our growth. I would highly recommend AAB as an excellent business partner and a strong asset to entrepreneurial businesses.”

Mukesh Moorjani, CEO, Platinum Informatics