b'wwwwStrategic report Governance Financial statementsSpecialistonline retailer Currentbody is the only specialist online retailer for home-use beauty devices. Safe, effective treatments for hair removal, anti-ageing and skin care allow consumers to access the same advanced technology used by professional clinics, but in the comfort of their Lateral flow own home. rapid test services Specialist syndicationThe home beauty market is now estimated to Tackling diagnostics has never been sobe worth over $4billion. The investment from important and York-based Abingdon Health Mercias VCT business has helped Currentbody is a good example of one managed fundto grow on a global scale with 11 websites and portfolio company that has been involved ina joint venture in China with Thakral. More the fight against COVID-19. It is one of therecently Mercia has been joined by the founding members of the UKs rapid testBusiness Growth Fund to further back consortium (UK-RTC") and has led the assayCurrentbodys growth plans.development programme in partnership with the University of Oxford.Healthy investmentAbingdon Health received 1.5million from Mercias NPIF equity fund in January 2019 and revenue increased by 83% from 2018 to 2019 (calendar year).Specialist safetyAbingdon Health is using the investment software provider from Mercia to build out its lateral flow development and manufacturing capabilitiesHealth and Safety software provider,and invest in its AppDx lateral flow readerSHE Software, provides a proprietary platform technology. It is not just focused on theto improve workplace safety, driving healthcare sector; it also targets animalsubstantial cost savings and stronger health, plant health and environmentalcompliance compared to traditional systems.testing, ensuring a diversified and sustainable target market.Safety in numbersThe company has won several awards for its innovative approach and is recognised in the Verdantix Green Quadrant as a specialist.Its solution is used by blue-chip customers including Network Rail and Eddie Stobart as well as public sector organisations such as the NHS and several universities.Mercia Asset Management PLC 31Annual Report and Accounts 2020'