Gillian Ashcroft is not your average entrepreneur – she’s a force of nature, a visionary leader, and an inspiration in the world of social care. With a diverse portfolio that spans across industries, Gillian has carved her path to success through academic excellence, entrepreneurial prowess, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference.
At the head of Exceptional Care and Think Tank Academy, Gillian leads with unwavering passion and dedication. Exceptional Care, founded nearly a decade ago, is renowned for providing therapeutic and nurturing homes, transforming the lives of countless individuals. Meanwhile, Think Tank Academy stands as a beacon of innovation in health and social care training, offering cutting-edge methodologies and state-of-the-art learning solutions.
But Gillian’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She’s a philanthropist at heart, actively contributing to various causes and championing policy change. Her initiatives, such as the national conference ‘See It Through the Eyes of a Child’ and the Combined Care Consortium, have catalyzed transformative change in the sector, earning her accolades like the Business Enterprise Innovation Award 2020 from Edge Hill University.
In her quest for global impact, Gillian is set to launch ‘The Real Show’ on Liverpool Live Radio, amplifying real stories, addressing issues, and fostering community support. With a vision to make Think Tank Academy a leading global training provider and presenting cases for policy change in Adult and Child Care to Westminster, Gillian’s journey is one of entrepreneurship, education, and unwavering dedication to social care.
Accolades and recognition have followed Gillian’s trailblazing path, including two wins at the GBEA 2023 and commendations at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards 2023. Yet, amidst her remarkable achievements, Gillian remains grounded, cherishing her greatest blessings – her four beautiful children.
Provide glimpses into Gill’s life, sharing moments of love, happiness, and adventures with her husband, kids, and the dynamics of a bicultural home split between the UK and Dubai.
Explore the Ashcroft residence, showcasing family events, the cinema room fun, and the glitz and glam of parties, highlighting unique features that make it a hub for family and friends.
Meet Gill, a force of nature with a larger-than-life presence. Her mind is a canvas of blue sky thinking, always reaching beyond limits and exploring new horizons. Strong-willed and motivational, she has a passion that’s both real and down-to-earth. Love and kindness are woven into her personality, and her attentiveness creates genuine connections with people. A true networking maestro, this individual brings a unique blend of creativity and determination to every venture, making her an inspiring and unforgettable presence in any room.
Gill’s family is the cornerstone of her life, bringing happiness, love, and adventure. Married for 23 years, she shares a deep bond with her husband and four children, whose ages span from 9 to 17 years old. Living a bicultural life with roots in both the UK and Dubai, Gill’s family embraces diversity and cultural richness. Recently acquiring a property in Dubai, they are embarking on a new chapter filled with excitement and possibilities. Together, they treasure moments with days out and travel adventures that create forever memories. In their hometown of Ormskirk, family gatherings and celebrations take centre stage, with the cinema room serving as a hub for laughter and shared experiences. Gill’s home is not just a place to reside; it’s a warm and welcoming place where family and friends gather to create lasting bonds and unforgettable moments.
Gill’s exceptional contributions garnered numerous awards including 3 nominations for the GBEA 2023, the most ever nominations for one person, where she won 2 of these, the Service Award and the John Caudwell Award. Notably, she received a Highly Commended recognition at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards 2023 and ranked 6th in the Social Care Top 30 awards in both the combined Adult and Children’s Care Sector awards of which she came first in the Children’s Care Sector awards. She was nominated for an Outstanding Contribution to Social Care at the Great British Care Awards 2023, and also won the Best Homes category at the same awards. She achieved a Highly Commended Winner at the EdgeHill Innovation Award 2020 among many other prestigious awards to date.
Gill’s exceptional contributions garnered numerous awards including 3 nominations for the GBEA 2023, the most ever nominations for one person, where she won 2 of these, the Service Award and the John Caudwell Award. Notably, she received a Highly Commended recognition at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards 2023 and ranked 6th in the Social Care Top 30 awards in both the combined Adult and Children’s Care Sector awards of which she came first in the Children’s Care Sector awards. She was nominated for an Outstanding Contribution to Social Care at the Great British Care Awards 2023, and also won the Best Homes category at the same awards. She achieved a Highly Commended Winner at the EdgeHill Innovation Award 2020 among many other prestigious awards to date.
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Her entrepreneurial acumen became evident early on when she delved into residential property investments in the UK, demonstrating a keen understanding of the market. Savvy land investments in the US further bolstered her financial capabilities, enabling her to establish a series of successful ventures.. Her diverse portfolio includes ventures such as designer retail stores, a chain of North West beauty salons, a successful Family Entertainment Centre, two Dubai based companies and previously owned a recruitment agency in Care called Sky Recruitment. She is a major shareholder in the international renewable energy company, Hectron International and a shareholder in Alphagenix, an innovative Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) business showcasing her diverse business aptitude.
Her two primary businesses are Exceptional Care and Think Tank Academy.
Gill has made significant contributions to job creation in the North-West community, providing valuable employment opportunities and running apprenticeship programmes to empower young individuals with meaningful careers. Notably, she has cultivated strong partnerships with highly recognised universities, particularly with Edgehill University. This collaboration has enabled the facilitation of student placements, fostering practical experience and often leading to long-term employment.
Her commitment to innovation and community engagement was recognised when she was awarded the Small Business Enterprise Innovation Award by Edge Hill University. This accolade underscores her dedication to enhancing the business landscape and supporting educational opportunities for young people throughout the Northwest.
In addition to these efforts, she has contributed to local community by donating to child and youth centre enabling the establishment of safe spaces, including a fully-equipped production suite for creative endeavours. This suite has empowered young individuals to explore videography and they even produced YouTube content creation. A remarkable outcome of this initiative has been the production of impactful videos, such as those addressing critical issues like Knife Crime and Criminal Exploitation, which have been utilized in some of our Think Tank courses.
Gill hosts of her own radio show titled “The Real Show,” broadcast on Liverpool Live Radio. With a focus on authenticity, the show features insightful interviews with celebrities, influencers, and business owners every week. Through engaging conversations, Gill provides entertainment to listeners while delving into pertinent topics such as Dementia, Autism, Poverty and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), making a significant impact in the realm of media and exposing sharing support for the community nationally through this platform. Some of her guests have been
Looking ahead, Gill envisions a future where her Care business expands both in the UK and overseas, creating a lasting impact on vulnerable individuals’ lives. Additionally, her brainchild, Think Tank Academy, is set to grow its client base, aiming to become the leading training provider with therapeutic input and excellence in care provision at its core.
Get in touch with me gillian@gillianashcroft.co.uk or tell about more your project in form and we contact with you.
Phone: 07814 698268
Malhouse Business Park
48 Southport Road
Ormskirk
L39 1QR