Cambridge Research Biochemicals wins top award

Nov 22 2010 by Mike Hughes, Evening Gazette

A BIOCHEMICAL company in Billingham has won a top industry award for its spectacular growth.

Cambridge Research Biochemicals, which provides chemicals and biological products for medical research, triumphed in the outstanding growth category of the Business for Life Awards hosted by The Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences.

The company employs 22 people at Belasis Hall Technology Park. It has increased its turnover by 25% and is on track for a further 35% increase in 2010, taking its turnover to just over £2m.

Commercial director Emily Humphrys said: “We have had a well researched and planned strategy for growth in place since 2006 which has given us a framework to develop strategic partnerships, employ more sales managers and commit to capital investment.

“We are aiming for a turnover of £3m and plan to double the space at our HQ and take our workforce up to 30 people over the next couple of years.

“We are optimistic that companies such as ours can really help reshape the economic prosperity of the North-east and secure the region’s reputation as the place to do healthcare business.”

The Business for Life Awards, which are now in their fourth year, celebrate excellence in the North-east’s healthcare industry, recognising the outstanding achievements of those employed in the sector while cultivating future business success.

Dr Mike Nicholds, Cels’ managing director, said: “The growth and innovation shown by companies like Cambridge Research Biochemicals, despite the current economic climate, has been outstanding.”

Cels is partly funded by the regional development agency One North East to drive the growth of the healthcare and life sciences economy.

It handles development and commercialisation of new technology, innovations and the exploitation of new and market opportunities.