History

In 1974 the National Physical Laboratory discontinued its Microanalytical Programme, which had been led by Mrs Doris Butterworth. This resulted in her starting her own independent company to continue providing Elemental Microanalytical services to the same high level of quality and client service.

Responding, two years later, to the need to provide more than the classical elemental microanalysis services of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur and Halogens, the company expanded its range of instrumental techniques to include Ion and Gas Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. This diversification provided the firm foundation from which the company continues to expanded its range of services.

With the need for more space, the company moved to its present site in 1980, initially leasing the single storey section of the building (~4000sq ft). During this period the company set up a Microbiology facility and expanded the range of techniques to include HPLC and GC-MS to meet the demands of the Environmental sector.

With the recession in the Construction Industry in the late 1980’s and the privatisation of the Water industry the company shifted its focus to the Pharmaceutical Industry. Becoming GLP Compliant in 1989 and successfully passing the first GMP Inspection in 1994 were pivotal in the continued expansion.

Again the need for more space prompted the purchase of the freehold of the entire property (~10,000sq ft) in 1996, which included an expansion into the two storey section of the building, allowing for new Chromatography and Elemental Microanalysis laboratories to be created and additional office space.

During 1999 the decision was made to close the Microbiology laboratory to allow the company to concentrate on its core business of providing Contract Analytical Chemistry services.  The Staff complement is now over forty.

Looking to the future, the Management Team are committed to remaining fully independent whilst maintaining and expanding the range of services the company currently provides.

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