Grant for DNA testing company

Mar 11 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

DNA testing company Complement Genomics has stepped up its expansion after winning a £48,000 grant.

The Sunderland company is investing in new technology to roll out its services which include paternity testing and research into forensic testing at crime scenes.

It is buying equipment which it says will help it increase productivity, capacity and capability of its DNA analysis services, including the company’s accredited parentage testing service, dadcheck®, with the grant from regional development agency One North East.

Complement’s chief executive Louise Allcroft said: “We are delighted to have received this investment from One North East, who continue to demonstrate their unwavering support for research intensive companies in the region.

“The addition of these new pieces of equipment to our facilities will allow us not only to increase our competitiveness and bid for larger contracts, but will also improve upon the level of service we already offer our existing clients.”

One of only eight providers in the UK approved by the Ministry of Justice to carry out parentage tests, Complement Genomics Ltd was one of the first in the UK to launch internet-based paternity testing.

Complement has previously received a Research and Development grant of £75,000 from One North East to help develop a new method of genetic material recovery that could see DNA samples extracted from hairs left behind at crime scenes.

Ken Samson, business finance manager at One North East, said: “One North East is pleased to lend its support to Complement Genomics, which has continued to go from strength to strength.”