Orla aims to spread the word

Oct 22 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

NANOTECHNOLOGY group Orla is looking to expand the global reach of its products with the launch of a new online shop.

The Newcastle company, which develops cell culture surfaces and molecule kits for scientists and researchers, has worked with fellow Tyneside firm Infinite Design to create a website which will help it reach more potential customers across the world.

The business was backed by funding from Business Link to develop the site, which follows recent international tie-ups with firms in Japan.

Last summer the company agreed a collaboration with Japan’s biggest glass manufacturer, NSG Group, to develop bio-surfaces used in biological research in areas such as cell growth and culture.

The new website is aimed at growing the global presence of the firm by making its complex goods and services easier to understand.

Infinite managing director Des Kennedy said: “Orla works at the cutting edge of nano-biotechnology but for the lay person their work can be difficult to understand.

“The brief was to develop a simple way of communicating the essence of their work.

“We worked with the team to develop a character, ‘Orla’, who represents a protein who can be modified and applied to surfaces. The next stage was to work with the company to develop an easy-to-use e-commerce system.”

Orla chief executive Dale Athey said: “In order to really make the most of global sales opportunities, it’s vital that potential customers can source and buy our products quickly and easily.

“Our new web shop has already proved to be a hit at recent trade shows and we expect it to grow in popularity as word of mouth spreads on how easy it is now to access and buy from our product range.”

Last April Orla won £140,000 in funding to support its ongoing work with Japanese electronics giant Japan Radio Company.

Orla had been working with the company – which has offices across Europe, Asia and the Americas – to help develop the next generation of miniature devices which can diagnose infectious diseases.