83. CoolMed

Founders: Stephen Johnson and Brian Johnson
Founded: 2017
Website: coolmed.co.uk

It’s no secret that the UK healthcare industry is under significant strain. Understaffing and underfunding has put financial strain on the NHS, while an ageing population means that health and social care services are in the highest ever demand.

Manchester-based CoolMed has been supporting the sector since 2017, by manufacturing medical-grade fridges at exceptionally low prices.

Its innovative products were at the heart of the UK’s fight against COVID-19, supplying NHS testing centres and developing new products for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, such as its Portable Vaccine Carrier. Now, the startup is poised to make a significant difference to the UK’s healthcare crisis.

CoolMed's innovative products were at the heart of the UK’s fight against COVID-19.

All of CoolMed’s refrigerators are made using unique materials which it says are 20-25% cheaper than rivals. And, by using aluminium instead of plastic, every product is built to last longer – no wonder it was nominated for a 2022 North West Manufacturing Award.

The Startup 100 judges were wowed by CoolMed’s clever design strategy, which has found a way to bring real added-value to big-name partners like Lloyds Pharmacy and the billion-dollar American pharmaceutical distributor, McKesson.

But CoolMed has gone two steps further than its market competitors. By focusing on green credentials, the brand says it is a carbon neutral company, as certified by fellow Startups 100 2023 winner, Earthly. Plus, its commitment to the circular economy has seen it donate any returned/restored fridges to RSPCA centres around the UK.

The Startup 100 judges were wowed by CoolMed’s clever design strategy, which has found a way to bring real added-value to big-name partners.

CoolMed has had an impressive two years, working hard to support the NHS during the pandemic. New products are already in the works including a specialist blood bank fridge, and the business says it is working on partnerships with other leading UK pharmacy and veterinary chains.

Despite the name, we’re giving CoolMed anything but a cold shoulder. We’re sure we’ll see lots more success from this exciting manufacturer.