SkyBlue Healthcare Associates founder Su Sandhu named a runner-up in Global Woman Awards 2024

A Bishop’s Stortford mum of two who runs a successful healthcare business has been named a runner-up in the Global Woman Awards 2024.

Su Sandhu, the founder and chief executive of SkyBlue Healthcare Associates, was a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year category.

She attended a prestigious ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on International Women’s Day (March 8).

Sandhu’s firm provides business insights and analytics consultancy services to the healthcare industry to improve patient health outcomes.

She founded SkyBlue Healthcare Associates in 2011 when, working in the pharmaceutical industry, she noticed that few companies were gathering or analysing data properly to work out patient’s unmet needs.

“It’s been an incredible journey and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent not only myself, but also the countless women breaking barriers in entrepreneurship worldwide,” said Sandu.

“This recognition is a testament to the power of determination, innovation and collaboration. More importantly, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in all fields, particularly in STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths].

“As we celebrate this achievement, let’s also use it as a platform to encourage more girls to pursue their passions in STEM. Let’s inspire them to dream big, break stereotypes and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Sandhu lives on Bishop’s Park in Stortford. Her son Aaron is in Year 11 at Hockerill Anglo-European College and daughter Simone, who went to Herts and Essex High School, is at university in York studying biochemistry.

She is a long-standing member of Stortford choir Somewhere 2 Sing, goes to gym AbFabFit Club on the Raynham Road Industrial Estate and is a former governor at both Hillmead Primary School and Herts and Essex.

Sandhu pursued her academic journey at Imperial College, University of London, earning both a BSc and a PhD in Chemistry. While at university, she ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a property business that thrives to this day.

Blending her love for science and business, she embarked on her professional journey at Procter & Gamble, spearheading the development of groundbreaking consumer products.

She then shifted her focus to healthcare, in the pharmaceutical sector, facilitating the introduction of new medicines to the market, contributing to advancements in patient care.

Sandu went on to form SkyBlue Healthcare Associates 13 years ago, before also having to help son Aaron overcome a serious illness.

Aaron, then aged eight, suffered a stroke in 2016. He also suffered a bleed on the brain as a result of benign lesion bursting.

Following surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, weeks in a wheelchair and months of rehabilitation, he recovered well.

Aaron went on to be named Child of Courage at the 2021 Indies community awards.

The Global Woman Awards recognise the achievements of women who represent different backgrounds, nationalities, cultures and ages. Their aim is to empower women locally and connect them globally.