Pictured above: Nick Speakman of Helvic (right) shows Allan
Wood from UK Steel Enterprise round the clean room and laboratories
at their new HQ
New company Helvic Laboratories could have chosen anywhere in
the UK to set up their pharmaceutical testing operation, but
funding help from Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise made
them choose Stoke.
Owners, Nick Speakman and Dr Ruairi O'Donnell who are both also
directors of a major UK-Irish pharmaceutical company have taken an
unsecured loan from UK Steel Enterprise, together with grant
funding from Advantage West Midlands, to establish a sterility and
microbiological testing facility at Trentham Lakes to serve the UK
and Irish pharmaceutical industry.
Nick explained why: "We know from our experience in the
pharmaceutical industry that there is a huge requirement for
sterility and microbiological testing of products for use on both
humans and animals. The cost of these tests is very high and the
level of service is not good, companies have to wait several weeks
for results. Our intention is to offer a quick turnaround at a
lower price than our competitors whilst operating to the highest
standards."
The new company has already secured two long-term contracts with
major pharmaceutical companies with more customers in the
pipeline.
He continued: "Opening the new facility in Stoke was very much
governed by the geographical position near a motorway and the
availability of financial help. The UK Steel Enterprise funds
have been crucial to us getting the new laboratories and cleanrooms
ready for licensing by the MHRA, which we have now achieved. Having
got our MHRA accreditation we are now ready to grow the
business.
" Our facility at Trentham Lakes has been built to provide
capacity to accommodate the growth included in our five year plan
and we will be creating further new jobs as we go. We currently
employ five scientists and have put the day-to-day running of the
facility into the hands of Dr Nicola Tomprefa, who is an
experienced microbiologist."
At UK Steel Enterprise, executive Allan Wood praised the
initiative. "This is just the sort of company we enjoy supporting.
They have a sound business plan, a ready market for their services
having seen a niche which is crying out to be filled, and the
expertise to ensure the business is a success.
"We are a not-for-profit company and our whole ethos is to put
something back into areas affected by the rationalisation of the
steel industry. We are able to invest up to £750,000 in
growing businesses and more companies in the Stoke area could
benefit from contacting us to discuss their plans."