What ACE Centre does

Ace Centre is a UK-registered charity (charity no. 1089313; company limited by guarantee no. 04268143) founded in 1984 that provides specialist Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) services to children and adults with severe and complex communication difficulties arising from physical, cognitive, learning, or sensory deficits. It operates as the NHS England-appointed specialised provider for the North West and Thames Valley & Wessex regions under Contract 13Y_2022-23 CV011, delivering specialist assessment, equipment provision, maintenance, and training under formal referral pathways, while also offering self-funded and free routes via a national advice helpline (0800 080 3115) and twice-monthly information appointments.

The service portfolio is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialist teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and in-house registered rehabilitation engineers. Engineering capability is operated directly through Ace Centre workshops in Oldham (registered office: Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street, Oldham, OL8 3QL) and Abingdon (5 Hitching Court, Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, OX14 1RG), covering 3D scanning, 3D printing, custom-moulded switches and joystick tops, complex mounting and positioning systems, and powered wheelchair integration. Ace Centre also develops and publishes its own digital resources, including the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC (developed by Rachel Stevens, Suzanne Martin, and Katherine Small), AccessMaths, MorseWriter, You Matter (train-the-trainer package), and an AAC Language Library compatible with platforms such as Avaz, VocO Chat, Super Core, Text Talker, Fast Talker, LAMP, Cboard, TouchChat, Alphacore, Amego, and Aphasia Duo, across symbol sets including PCS, Widgit, and Symbolstix. Training is delivered through Ace Centre Learning on the Arlo LMS platform under a Collaborative Partnership Agreement with Manchester Metropolitan University, with 100+ resources published online.

Revenue is generated across multiple streams: NHS England specialised service contracts, paid Partnerships agreements structured into three tiers (Education, Health, Companies) plus bespoke options, accredited and non-accredited training course fees, e-commerce sales of resources via WooCommerce, and voluntary donations (the charity publicly states a minimum £75,000 per year fundraising need to sustain its free advice line and information services). Marketing and community engagement are content-led, combining a regularly updated blog, the AACInfo Monthly newsletter, the annual Communication Works North conference (200+ attendees in 2026 at Oldham Events Centre, with 2026 exhibition partners including Tobii Dynavox, Widgit Software, Inclusive Technology, TechEdology, Positive Eye, VisionAid, Calibre Audio, and OM Interactive), regional Network Days, and presence at Communication Matters conferences. Ace Centre holds a Communication Access UK subscription and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, and is governed as an independent charity with no parent company or venture capital involvement disclosed in the available data.

Name

ACE Centre

Legal name

Ace Centre

Website

https://acecentre.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ace Centre is a UK charity (founded 1984) that delivers specialist Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) services — including assessment, custom device engineering, training, and ongoing support — to children and adults with severe communication difficulties across two NHS England regions and beyond.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Assistive Technology and AAC Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) & Speech/Language Therapy Tech (EDAFAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) Devices, Apps & Training (EDAKAIAB), Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF), Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led) (EDAKAFAG), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG)

Keywords

• Augmentative alternative communication
• Assistive technology services
• Specialised AAC assessment
• Communication aid provision
• Accessible mounting engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Oldham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. NHS England Contract: Ace Centre is appointed by NHS England to deliver Specialised AAC services in the North West and Thames Valley & Wessex regions. This contract funds specialised assessment, equipment provision, maintenance, and training for eligible individuals meeting NHS criteria.
2. Donations and Fundraising: As a relatively small charity, Ace Centre depends on regular giving, one-off donations, fundraising activities, corporate sponsorship, and Amazon Smile programme. They state a need of at least £75k per year to maintain free information and helpline services.
3. Partnership Agreements (Education, Health, Companies): Paid consultancy and partnership contracts with schools, healthcare providers, and companies. Packages include side-by-side support, mentoring, training delivery, and loan equipment access. Three distinct tiers plus bespoke options.
4. Training Courses (Ace Centre Learning): Accredited and non-accredited training across four areas: Access, Communication, Education, and Engineering. Accredited training is partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University. Includes live online/onsite sessions and on-demand courses with certificates.
5. Resources and Publications: Sale of printed publications, training materials, and downloadable resources through the online shop. WooCommerce-based e-commerce store for resources and courses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ace Centre provides specialist Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) services for children and adults with complex communication needs, including NHS-contracted specialised AAC assessment and equipment provision, interdisciplinary assessments, bespoke engineering solutions (3D printing, custom mounting, access devices), and structured training programmes. It also offers a free advice helpline, a 100+ resource library, and partnership programmes for schools, NHS bodies, and companies seeking to build in-house AAC/AT capability.

Product overview

ACE Centre is a UK-based charity providing a comprehensive suite of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) services. The organisation operates as a service provider rather than a software product company, offering NHS-contracted specialised AAC services, independent assessments, engineering solutions (including 3D printing and custom devices), and the Ace Centre Learning training platform. Its product portfolio includes over 100 downloadable resources, the AAC Language Library (supporting various AAC apps), bespoke tools like the Pragmatics Profile for AAC users, AccessMaths software, MorseWriter, and the You Matter training package. Services span assessment, provision, training, research, and free advice helplines, delivered through a multi-disciplinary team across England.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ace Centre Learning: Training platform offering courses on Assistive Technology and AAC across four key areas: Access, Communication, Education, and Engineering.
• Ace Centre e-Newsletter (formerly AACInfo Monthly)
• NHS Specialised AAC Service

Products and services

• NHS Specialised AAC Service Contracted service delivered by Ace Centre on behalf of NHS England to provide specialised AAC assessment, equipment provision, and maintenance across the North West and Thames Valley & Wessex NHS regions for eligible individuals with severe/complex communication difficulties.
• Independent Interdisciplinary AAC and AT Assessments Multidisciplinary clinical assessments (involving specialist teachers, SLTs, OTs, and engineers) to identify appropriate AAC and AT resources for individuals with complex communication difficulties. Accessible via NHS referral pathway or self-funded routes.
• Engineering Services Bespoke assistive technology engineering including custom-moulded access devices (switches, joystick tops), 3D scanning and 3D printing, complex mounting and positioning systems, and powered wheelchair programming and integration, delivered in Ace Centre's in-house workshops.
• Ace Centre Learning Training platform offering courses across four areas (Access, Communication, Education, Engineering) and four levels (introductory, developing, enhanced, specialist), delivered via live online, face-to-face, and on-demand formats. Accredited training is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and distributed via the Arlo LMS.
• Partnerships Service Structured three-tier partnership programmes (Education, Health, and Companies tiers) plus bespoke options, providing side-by-side consultancy, mentoring, train-the-trainer support, equipment loans, and bespoke training to schools, NHS providers, and care organisations.
• Free Advice Line and Information Appointments Free telephone helpline (0800 080 3115 option 2, Mon/Wed/Fri 1-5PM) and free online information appointments twice a month, staffed by Ace Centre's clinical team to provide AAC and AT guidance to anyone nationally regardless of NHS eligibility.
• AAC Resources and Publications Shop Online shop selling over 100 downloadable and printed resources including symbol charts, alphabet charts, communication books, e-books, language libraries, and practical guides for AAC implementation, distributed via WooCommerce.
• AAC Language Library Collection of language library resources and symbol sets compatible with multiple AAC platforms (Avaz, VocO Chat, Super Core, Text Talker, Fast Talker, LAMP, CBoard, TouchChat, Aphasia Duo, Amego, Alphacore and others) including language packs in Arabic, Hebrew, Mandarin, French Canadian, and Spanish.
• Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC Freely downloadable assessment tool developed by Ace Centre to help capture functional communication needs and support person-centred goal setting for people who use AAC.
• AccessMaths Software Software developed by Ace Centre through research and development to support mathematical access for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities.
• You Matter Training Package Training package designed to support practitioners to deliver AAC training using a train-the-trainer approach, developed through Ace Centre's research and development activity.
• Communication Works Events Annual flagship conferences (Communication Works North and Communication Works South) bringing together professionals, families, and AAC/AT organisations, featuring seminar programmes, keynote speakers, and an exhibition hall with AAC/AT suppliers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,400+ referrals received, indicating significant demand and service reach
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAce Centre has been appointed by NHS England to deliver the Specialised AAC Service on their behalf in the North West and Thames Valley & Wessex NHS regions under Contract 13Y_2022-23 CV011. The contract covers specialised assessment and review, provision and maintenance of specialised AAC equipment (hardware and software), and training to support set-up and implementation.
• Hugh Steeper LimitedsupportingOthersHugh Steeper Limited undertakes the annual inspection of AAC devices provided by Ace Centre. A minimum dataset is shared under a written contractual agreement with appropriate safeguards for personal information.
• Manchester Metropolitan UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAce Centre's accredited training is accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University under a Collaborative Partnership Agreement (CPA). Delegates are registered as external students with the university, and a minimum dataset is shared to satisfy accreditation procedures.
• Communication MatterssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAce Centre participates in Quality Service Standards updates for AAC led by Communication Matters. Dr May Agius is working on behalf of Communication Matters to update standards that guide communication support across the UK.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Tobii Dynavox: Global leader in AAC hardware and software (TD Snap, Communicator 5). Exhibitor partner of Ace Centre at Communication Works North 2026; serves the same end users with a product-led, commercial model that contrasts with Ace Centre's clinical-service model.
• Smartbox Assistive Technology: UK-based AAC device and software vendor (Grid, LAMP Words for Life) serving the same end-user population. Exhibitor and ecosystem partner at Ace Centre's Communication Works North events; comparable end-customer but operating on a commercial product model rather than a charity/clinical model.
• Communication Matters: UK-wide charity and membership body for the AAC field, running the annual Communication Matters conference and the Communication Access programme (which Ace Centre subscribes to). Overlapping scope as a sector convener and standards-setter, with broader reach than Ace Centre's regional focus.

Emerging players

• AssistiveWare: Developer of Proloquo and Proloquo4Text AAC apps. Overlaps with Ace Centre on AAC software adoption and content/resource distribution (language libraries), but operates as a software-only commercial vendor without the clinical assessment arm.
• PRC-Saltillo: AAC device and app manufacturer (ChatPlus, TouchChat, LAMP). Comparable in serving the same end-user population with complementary hardware and language software; positioned as a vendor partner in Ace Centre's assessment and provisioning workflow.
• Inclusive Technology: UK supplier of inclusive and assistive learning technology to schools. Exhibitor at Communication Works North 2026; overlaps with Ace Centre on AT provision and training for educational settings, but with a commercial product rather than service-delivery model.
• Widgit Software: UK developer of symbol-based communication tools (Widgit Symbols). Exhibitor at Communication Works North 2026 and integrated into Ace Centre's resources across the Widgit symbol set; comparable in serving AAC end users with symbol-based content.

Direct peers

• CENMAC (Centre for Micro-assisted Communication): London-based charity providing assessments, equipment loans, and training in AAC/AT. Directly comparable service-delivery model (assessments, equipment, training) targeting schools, families, and NHS referrers in a different UK region.
• 1Voice: UK charity supporting children and adults who use AAC, with a similar mission of empowerment through communication. Comparable audience and community-led operating model, with overlapping family-facing events and resources.
• CALL Scotland (Communication, Aids for Language and Learning): University of Edinburgh-hosted specialist service providing AAC assessment, training, and resources across Scotland. Most direct UK peer — same mission (AAC/AT for complex communication needs), same multidisciplinary delivery model, and a parallel publicly commissioned role to Ace Centre's NHS contract.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/acecentre

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ACE Centre