Avril Chester, aka 'Ave'

   An award-winning Technology Entrepreneur, experienced CTO, Author, Podcast Host and Cancer Thriver.
Avril is passionate about Social Impact Technology. She loves good food, big dreams and a giggle.   

Multiple Award Winner


Entrepreneur of the year
Women in IT Awards 2019

Founder of Cancer Central
 short awards video 



Healthtech innovation
of the year
Digital Leaders 2019

Founder of Cancer Central Article in the Evening Standard


Best public sector project
Computing Digital Technology Leaders 2021

Founder of Ask Ave, engineered by Ensono, enabling Scotland's NHS 24 to rapidly scale to meet huge spikes in enquiries during COVID-19



Best Cloud-Native Project 
International Cloud Awards 2022

Watch how a collaboration between Cancer Central, Ensono (formally Amido) and NHS 24 enabled Scotland's NHS Inform to meet huge spikes in enquiries during COVID-19



Podcast Host


The 3 Digital Amigos is a podcast series where Craig Ambler, Chris Lord & Avril Chester have a fun conversation in a non techie way about all things digital.


Experienced CTO


Avril is Chief Technology Officer at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and CTO of the Year finalist at the Women in IT awards 2022. She's featured in Computer Weekly's most influential women in UK tech 2022 long list, 3 years in a row. 

She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, manufactures and commerce (RSA) - a network of entrepreneurs, educators and innovators working to advance society, the economy and the environment.

Hear Avril's reflections on positivity, Cancer Central and being a women in Tech, in 'The Job Podcast', hosted by Nigel Job (available through LinkedIn and YouTube).  


Learn more about Avril's passion for collaboration and Tech Carbon Impact in this 'Starts at the Top' podcast episode, hosted by Zoe Amar and Paul Thomas.