About the Covid Testing Network

Conceived by Mike Fischer CBE and his colleagues at Systems Biology Laboratory, CTN was set up by a team of dedicated volunteers in March 2020. Seed-funded by the Fischer Family Trust, our original mission was to support the UK’s testing effort by building a nationwide network of labs to deliver pro-bono PCR screening for NHS staff and care homes. CTN was subsequently contracted by DHSC and provided capacity for surge testing and special projects throughout 2020.

In the summer of 2020, we launched a commercial B2B offering, working with occupational health specialists and industry partners to create screening plans that would help keep employees safe as they returned to the workplace.

Now we’re using our experience to help consumers navigate the complexities of the travel testing landscape. Our comparison site features government listed test providers for travel testing and every day we help thousands of travellers to find a high quality testing service at the right price for them.

Ian Brownbill (Co-Founder)

In the early days, Ian was very much ‘in the weeds,’ leading across operations and partnerships, motivating CTN’s amazing team of volunteers, and ensuring the successful onboarding of our first-class network of UKAS accredited labs. With testing underway, Ian turned his attention to our B2B workplace screening proposition and in January 2021 was instrumental in pivoting the organisation to focus on the Travel Testing offering.

An IT and systems specialist and entrepreneur, prior to setting up CTN, Ian founded several software start-ups including a highly successful EdTech business. He began his career with Advent IT where he progressed from graduate analyst to MD.

Akshay Kumar (Co-Founder)

Akshay joined CTN’s founding team in June 2020, rolled up his sleeves and swiftly set about implementing systems and controls to monitor lab performance and maintain alignment with DHSC and workplace reporting. The next step was to build out CTN’s finance function, ensuring robust financial control and governance across our products and services and leading discussions and inputs into new specialist tax treatments.

An experienced, commercially-minded FD and CFO; before joining CTN, Akshay was an executive board member of a global technology-focused media and interactive gaming business. Akshay began his career at PwC and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Akshay and Ian jointly share the responsibilities for leading the day-to-day operational, commercial and strategic decision-making of CTN.

Tim Perkin (Co-Founder)

Tim was CEO of CTN and now supports us in a non-executive capacity, helping shape the organisation’s strategy.

Tim was instrumental in pulling together the team of volunteers that would become CTN. As the network grew, he worked closely with our partner laboratories to overcome the early-pandemic challenge of sourcing vital consumables. With testing operational, Tim defined our role in supporting the national effort through care home testing, local authority outbreak testing and as part of the central pillar 2 programme. Tim was also a key part of developing our workplace screening offering, winning contracts with leading occupational providers and a wide range of high-profile clients.

A serial entrepreneur, prior to setting up CTN, Tim founded several companies including a highly successful education software business. He spent his early career in financial services with Capital One and Lloyds Banking Group.

Covid Testing Network Ltd is a company registered at 5-7 West Central, 127 Olympic Avenue, Abingdon OX14 4SA, Company Registration: 12678406

Please note, that Covid testing samples should not be sent to this address.

CTN in the Media

Since our launch in March 2020, we’re pleased to have received extensive media coverage and to have been featured by some of the best in-class travel providers.

Covid Testing Network featured in: