Senior Management

David Hawkins CBiol, MBiol, MRQA

I joined Butterworth Laboratories in 1989 as a Junior Analytical Chemist and then advanced to hold a number of positions, including Senior Microbiologist, Quality Assurance Manager, Head of Quality Assurance, and then Chief Operating Officer.

Since my appointment as Managing Director in 2017, I have committed to furthering our success story by embracing innovation whilst retaining the Butterworth values that have stood us in great stead over the years.

David Hawkins CBiol, MBiol, MRQA

Managing Director

John Gearey FCA

Prior to my appointment as Finance Director and Company Secretary, I had spent 30 years as a partner in a private accountancy practice with Butterworth Laboratories as a client.  Consequently, on retirement from private practice in 2000, the move to Butterworths was a natural one.  I resigned as Finance Director and Company Secretary in April 2024 but remained on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

John Gearey FCA

Non-Executive Director

David Riches CChem, MRSC

My career began in 1984 with a position of Analytical Chemist for an analytical consultancy that provided chemical testing services for the construction industry. With a love for analytical chemistry, and a desire to broaden my experience, I moved to Butterworth Laboratories in 1986.

I have been rewarded with opportunities to gain experience in most of the major analytical techniques and to apply these techniques across many sectors: the Construction Industry, Contaminated Site Investigations, and to the Pharmaceutical Sector.

It has been a privilege that Butterworth has given me such a broad range of experience that I can draw upon as Technical Director of the Company to support our staff and customers.

David Riches CChem, MRSC

Technical Director

Paris Sheppard FCCA

After qualifying as a certified accountant in 1995 and gaining extensive experience in senior finance roles within technology, telecoms, and recruitment, I spent 18 years building and eventually selling a successful finance outsourcing business in 2020.

In January 2024, I joined Butterworth Laboratories as Finance Director, where I continue to leverage my expertise to drive financial strategy and add value to the organisation.

Paris Sheppard FCCA

Finance Director & company Secretary

John Welch CChem FRSC MRQA

Having started my career at Kodak Research, where I qualified as a Graduate of the Royal Society of Chemistry, followed by Upjohn, I joined Butterworth Laboratories as a Laboratory Analyst over 30 years ago.

At Butterworths I have progressed through positions of Laboratory Manager, QA Manager, and Business Development Manager, to reach my present position as Associate Director of Business Development. As a Chartered Chemist and Fellow of the RSC, I use my expertise, experience, and operational understanding to find solutions for my peers in the pharmaceutical industry.

John Welch CChem FRSC MRQA

Associate Director Business Operations

Rebecca Dodds

I started my career working as a forensic chemist specialising in fire investigation at M-Scan Ltd back in 2005, developing experience in GC, GC-MS and LC-MS over 5 years. I then re-joined SGS M-Scan Ltd in 2012 as an analytical chemist before rapidly being promoted to Team Leader, Extractables and Leachables, where I led a team of analytical chemists for over 3 years.

I joined Butterworth’s in 2016 as a Senior Project Manager, and was promoted to Head of Projects in 2018.

Rebecca Dodds

Head of Projects

Stuart Davey MRQA

I started my career as a microbiologist at a vaccine manufacturing company in 1999 before moving into the biotechnology sector, where I spent 12 years working in various roles within Quality Assurance.

Since joining Butterworth Laboratories Ltd in 2013 as a Deputy QA Manager, I have progressed through the department and was promoted to my current position as Chief Regulatory Officer in 2024.

Stuart Davey MRQA

Chief Regulatory Officer

Colin Ward

My route to Head of IT began in an unconventional manner having started my career as a chemist in the Soap & Surfactant industry and then as a Technical Manager in the Paper Recycling Industry before turning to IT; I returned to university to complete a degree in Computer Science and study for a PhD in Artificial Intelligence.

Starting as a Systems Administrator at Butterworths in 2012, I rose to Head of IT six years later and now have the responsibility to ensure that our systems are as reliable and efficient as our laboratories.

Colin Ward

Head of IT

Allow your laboratory to innovate

icon

The latest technology combined with our expert team of scientists make us leaders in Quality Control Testing, Method Development, Method Validation and Stability Testing of both pharmaceutical raw materials and finished products.

We refine this service by promoting a culture of open communication between our analysts and our clients, ensuring that you retain control of your work.

Request a quote Make an enquiry