Randox named in US-Ireland Top 50 Companies at New York New Belfast conference
Randox named in US-Ireland Top 50 Companies at New York New Belfast conference
Global healthcare company Randox, which is headquartered in Co Antrim and has key R&D, engineering and manufacturing facilities in both Co Antrim and Co Donegal, has been named in The US-Ireland Top 50 Companies, to be announced today, Friday 16th June, at the New York/New Belfast conference in Manhattan.
With a focus on the transatlantic operations building bridges between the two countries, the awards celebrate those bringing business in Ireland to global heights in the belief that by doing so they are embedding peace for future generations.
The 50 honourees will be announced at a gala event hosted by the Irish Echo, the USA’s largest and most widely read Irish American weekly paper, at Pier A, Harbor House.
The tenth annual celebration will be addressed by Constance Hunter, Chief Economist of KPMG and Daniel Dromm, NYC City Council member and Chair of the Education Committee, and takes place as part of the two-day conference. This prestigious event highlights the progress and prosperity of both cities, and looks optimistically to the future while celebrating our shared past.
Movie makers, scientists, tech companies and engineers have been among those who have received the plaudit in recent years. They have included the all-conquering production company, HBO; leading law firm A&L Goodbody; pioneers in scientific imaging Andor Technology and the New York Stock Exchange.
This year’s US-Ireland Top 50 has proven to be just as illustrious with Randox Laboratories, Northern Property, Norwegian Airlines, and Bank of Ireland as just some of the companies being recognised for their success.
Editor of the Irish Echo, Ray O’Hanlon, who will host Friday’s event, said the awards were an acknowledgment of the unique bonds between the two nations.
“The unmistakable and unbreakable bonds between Ireland and the United States have proven a key element in Ireland’s progression, both in terms of peace and prosperity. Those bonds grow ever stronger when underpinned by economic growth and business relationships. With the Ireland-US Top 50 we acknowledge those companies whose transatlantic operations support that ongoing development and welcome them to this illustrious list of business beacons.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“The US is one of our most important markets and we have been exporting our diagnostic products there since the early 1980s. We have seen substantial success in this market and have secured for example, key clinical chemistry analyser contracts in Ivy League Institutions such as Yale University School of Medicine and Harvard University.
“Our diversification into the veterinary, research, forensic and food safety sectors has enabled our operations in the US to expand further still, and due to this increasing demand for Randox innovations, we are developing a new facility in the Greater Washington DC area.
“It is a tribute to the entire Randox team, both in Co Antrim and Co Donegal, that we have been named as one of the US-Ireland Top 50. We hope to serve as an example to other aspiring businesses that success is possible with a unique product offering, a commitment to investment, and making use of the support network available across the United States.”
For further information about the New York New Belfast Conference contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox pledges commitment to business in Europe
Global healthcare firm Randox Laboratories has pledged its commitment to maintaining and developing its business relationships with Europe, as a group of 20 representatives from the diagnostics company have travelled to Greece this week, to take part in one of Europe’s largest diagnostics conference in Athens.
EuroMedLab, which is run by the European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, is attended by thousands of healthcare professionals from across the globe, and offers Randox the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and to network with key decision makers.
Managing Director of Randox, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, commented on what the company hopes to achieve by attending EuroMedLab;
“We highly value the business we do within the European market and have successfully made a name for ourselves in the diagnostics industry in these countries. We already have a number of key sales offices and distribution centres in the likes of France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Poland, but there is so much more we can do. Attending key networking events such as EuroMedLab is vital because it allows us the opportunity to meet with our existing customers and partners, to nurture and develop these relationships, and of course establish new ones.”
At the EuroMedLab conference the delegation team of Randox scientists, business development executives and market researchers will be making a series of announcements and presentations for new products including an innovative stroke diagnostic, newly discovered biomarkers for coronary heart disease risk, and the latest in laboratory quality assurance software.
The team will also present for the first time the Evidence Evolution analyser, a biochip testing platform capable of delivering accurate results from more than 2600 tests an hour including, but not exclusive to, cancer surveillance, fertility, heart, nutritional, digestive and diabetes health.
Dr. FitzGerald continued;
“At Randox we invest up to 16% of our turnover in R&D and we therefore have more new tests in development than any other diagnostics company in the world. This puts us in a very unique position in the market because our new developments, which are focused in areas where they are needed the most, successfully address the most urgent health issues.
“In light of recent political developments, there will of course be particular business challenges in Europe, but at Randox we will maintain our commitment to nurturing our relationships with key business partners in Europe and to seeking new opportunities in international markets such as the US.”
EuroMedLab runs from the 11th – 15th June 2017 at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre in Athens. Randox can be found at booth #13 in the Skalkotas Hall Foyer.
For further information about EuroMedLab visit http://euromedlab.randox.com/ or contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox announced as the principal sponsor for the 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards
Causeway Chamber of Commerce has announced Randox as the principal sponsor for the 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards. The awards were officially launched today, Friday 2 June, at Dundarave Estate.
The awards are organised bi-annually by Causeway Chamber of Commerce and demonstrate the very best of business from across the region, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the economy and to society as a whole.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder and MD of Randox, said:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring these awards for the first time, as they play a very important role in the Borough and beyond. One of the most important things the private sector can do is to celebrate and support each other. By highlighting our achievements and innovations we can inspire and motivate others, as well as increase our reach beyond these shores.”
Anthony Newman, President of Causeway Chamber, said:
“The awards have been in place since 2005 and since their conception they have prospered and become the leading event of their kind in the Borough. The Chamber Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution of businesses to their local community and the wider economy. Within our Borough we have dynamic companies that are making a positive contribution to their local communities and finding new markets for their products and services at home and further afield. Our awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees and it is great to see the mix of businesses at the awards, representing sectors from services to manufacturing to retail.”
Companies can enter into eighteen categories, covering business growth, new business, people development, customer service, innovation and life time achievement.
The full list of categories this year is:
- Best Tourism Attraction/Service of the Year Award sponsored by TOURISM IRELAND
- Accommodation Provider of the Year sponsored by FIRST TRUST BANK
- Training & Development Award sponsored by ULSTER UNIVERSITY
- Innovation Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL
- Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by AUTOLINE INSURANCE GROUP
- Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY
- Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by RIADA RESOURCING
- Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by BANK OF IRELAND
- Green Business Award sponsored by FIRMUS ENERGY
- The Creative Industries Award sponsored by ULSTER BANK
- Social Enterprise of the Year Award sponsored by MC DONALDS
- AgriBusiness of the Year Award sponsored by ATG GROUP LTD
- Best Start up Business Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY ENTERPRISE AGENCY
- Business Growth Award sponsored by DANSKE BANK
- Best New Product / Service of the Year Award sponsored by ARMSTRONG MEDICAL
- Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL
- Best Young Person in Business Award sponsored by NORTHERN REGIONAL COLLEGE
- Good Food Award sponsored by ELECTRIC IRELAND
The closing date for entries is Friday 21 July with entrants being assessed and the finalists announced in August 2017.
We are delighted that Sarah Travers will return to compere the Awards ceremony which will take place on Friday 29 September at Ulster University, Coleraine. This is now a major event in the Borough’s social calendar, so put that date in your diary now. The Chamber promises an excellent evening so come along, network and most importantly help us celebrate and reward all that is the best in business in the Borough.
To view the award categories, please visit www.causewaycoastandglensbusinessawards.com or for further information please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox announced as Antrim Show’s first title sponsor
Antrim Agricultural Society and Randox Laboratories have announced they’ve agreed a three-year deal whereby Randox will be the new title sponsor of the annual Antrim Show.
The Randox Antrim Show will take place this year on Saturday 22nd July at Shanes Castle, Antrim.
With 111 years of events under its belt, Antrim Show is one of the longest running and most highly regarded of Northern Ireland’s regional agricultural shows. It is a showcase of country life with an eclectic mix that includes the best of the best livestock competitions, equine events, local food and rural crafts, set amongst stalls, marquees and family entertainment.
Randox is one of the most important businesses in Northern Ireland. For over 35 years, it has been committed to transforming global healthcare. A world-leading medical diagnostics manufacturer, its products and services are used in hospitals, universities and laboratories in 145 countries. Spearheading the drive towards preventive healthcare, it opened Randox Health clinics across the UK to offer its diagnostic expertise directly to the public. Headquartered in Crumlin, Randox recently invested over £161m on Randox Science Park, redeveloping the former Masserene Barracks in Antrim into a state-of-the-art R&D, engineering and manufacturing hub.
Welcoming this show of support from Randox, a neighbouring company of the Show, Fred Duncan, Chairman of Antrim Agricultural Society, said:
“This partnership with Randox offers us a fantastic and refreshing opportunity to enhance our marketing plans as well as add to the Show’s offering of activities. We welcome the return of regular visitors and newcomers to enjoy our fun packed day in the country that we offer within the beautiful setting of the Shanes Castle Estate.
“Antrim Agricultural Society is a not for profit organisation. It’s thanks only to the support of sponsors and the hard work and dedication of a team of volunteers that the Show can continue to go from strength to strength.”
Randox is also well-known for its veterinary division and in line with its new commitment to equine events, through its sponsorship of the Randox Health Grand National, is developing a leading equine health programme. Show-goers are guaranteed an eye-opening experience when they visit the interactive stands at the Randox Health marquee at Shanes Castle on the 22nd July.
Randox’s Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“This partnership means a great deal to Randox and we’re delighted to work with the very committed team behind this event. Our success is in no small way down to the support we’ve received from the local community and the people who work with us, and we believe that it’s vital to give back wherever possible. This is one way of the ways we are doing that and we’re all looking forward to the very first Randox Antrim Show.”
Coinciding with the news of this valuable support from Randox, the Show has unveiled a new logo as part of a rebrand that will also include an update of the website in time for the opening of competition entries in the early half of June. To stay up to date with Randox Antrim Show’s news, visit www.facebook.com/AntrimShow.
For more information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Impact Excellence Awards: Randox revealed as Ulster University Placement Employer Award Finalist
The cream of students employers were last night celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office, to pay recognition to the companies across Northern Ireland that go above and beyond to provide high calibre placement and job opportunities for University students.
With over 155 companies nominated, including PWC and BBC, the competition for the top Placement Employer in Northern Ireland was fierce. We are extremely pleased to announce that Randox came in as one of the top 3 finalists for Ulster University’s Top Placement Employer of the Year, in the ‘nominated by an Ulster University Student’ category.
We caught up with Human Resources Officer, Jolene Jamison, who manages the Placement and Graduate Programme, about what it is that makes the placement experience at Randox so unique.
The Randox Placement Programme, by Human Resources Officer, Jolene Jamison
An in-depth induction
For students the Randox placement journey, from beginning to end, is the perfect transition from university life to the workplace.
When they arrive, the induction process is an important first step in easing students into what is for many, their first professional job. It gives students an overview of the company, the company’s products and services, the ethos of the organisation, the responsibilities of their job role, the placement support on offer and the processes in place for feedback and evaluation. The induction process also gives students an insight into the valuable contribution they can make to Randox and subsequently global health, by showcasing examples of previous placement students’ work.
Students also have the opportunity to meet with other employees and students across the company to develop an understanding of the wider Randox organisation. Each induction is tailored dependent on the role to be fulfilled, in order to help the student to gain an understanding of where they personally fit within the organisation, and so they experience a mix of presentations, seminars, interactive sessions and shadowing a supervisor, to gain insight into the responsibilities of their department.
We also make a preliminary assessment of each student’s capabilities in order to identify training and development needs throughout the duration of their placement.
A Supportive Environment
During placements with us our students are each supported by a dedicated placement co-ordinator and mentor, and meet with them every 3 months for review.
At an initial review students outline the skills gained from their degree, identify their career goals, and agree a plan of action with their mentor. This ensures their skills are utilised during their placement, provides focus and direction and helps them on their chosen career path.
For each upcoming review period, each student’s strengths and any challenges they have encountered are identified, with new objectives set as part of an on-going review. This helps highlight any training and development needs, enabling the placement co-ordinator to implement a training plan.
The placement co-ordinator at Randox is responsible for the pastoral support of each student, and additionally, students are often paired off with a colleague in their department who helps with day-to-day support.
All Randox student placements are financially supported; they receive an employment package similar to full-time employees including paid holidays and flexible working hours.
Helping students discover their goals and objectives
At Randox we are aware of the important contribution we can make in shaping a student’s professional career, which is why placement opportunities are offered to even those in their first year of university studies, through the Randox APEX Programme.
Students are encouraged to discuss their long term career goals with their placement mentor and manager, and are encouraged to pursue their own areas of interest.
Students are often involved in novel research projects, encouraging individual thinking, ideas generation and strong confidence in their ability. These novel research projects encourage placement students to get involved in the core company projects and voice their thoughts and ideas. Working in such an environment can give placement students the opportunity to develop professional expertise in specialist areas.
The opportunity to make a real contribution
This year we were awarded with our Placement Employer Award specifically for the placement we provided for Business Student Meghan Sample.
Meghan made real contributions to Randox during her time here, and was involved in presenting a digital content marketing strategy to Marketing Management. This included strict guidelines to ensure consistency through all graphics, language used and tone of voice. She then implemented this content marketing strategy via mail-campaigns, social platforms, web pages, insightful clinical market articles and whitepapers.
The results of Meghan’s digital content marketing strategy helped her and her team understand her value and the value of her work to the organisation. Online engagement increased by a staggering 1,200%, web traffic by 256.91% and by quarter 3 of 2016, 100% of Randox RX Series sales to distributors and end-users originated from Meghan’s digital marketing campaign.
This not only gave Meghan a focus for her studies upon her return to university but a real understanding of how academic learning is put in to practice in the working world. This project enabled her to find her passion and decide what area of work she wanted to pursue.
Letting students know that they’re doing well
We really value that students require support and encouragement and therefore we celebrate their achievements at a Student Placement Awards Ceremony, in which exceptional students who have worked hard, made outstanding contributions to the company, and excelled in general during their placement year are formally recognised. This furthermore instils pride and self-esteem in the students that will encourage the continuation of their hard work and determination.
Meghan Semple joined Team Randox in September 2015 as a Marketing Placement student from Ulster University Business School, and left Randox as our Business Placement Student of the Year 2015-2016, an accolade that recognised her achievements and contributions to the company.
An exceptional experience
The placement student experience is second to none. During their Randox placement, students are given the opportunity to be involved in ground breaking research and development, often working with pioneering technologies that are exported globally.
Being entrusted to work individually on personal projects of such high calibre means that students can set and achieve impressive goals, instilling a strong sense of professional pride early in each student’s career.
Being given their own tasks and responsibilities integrates students into the Randox workforce, performing duties of equal importance to graduate, part-time, full-time, new, and long-serving members of staff alike.
For the duration of their placements, placement students are as involved in the running of Randox as any other member of staff and their contributions make a real difference.
Students are offered exposure to staff at varying levels and are involved in presentations to Management. They are offered the same opportunities as any other member of their team, as the fresh ideas and perspectives of Ulster University students are hugely beneficial and valued by Randox. Many Randox students are offered full-time jobs upon completion of their degree, which shows the importance of Randox placements as a springboard into exciting and enjoyable careers.”
For more information about the Impact Excellence Awards, please contact randoxpr@randox.com
For information on what it’s like to work at Randox, visit http://www.randox.com/we-are-randox/ , or for current vacancies please visit http://careers.randox.com/
The story of RX
Introducing Amy Fekkes, graphic designer of the new RX series logo.
The RX series have just launched their brand new logo! We did a quick Q&A session with the creator of the new logo, graphic designer Amy Fekkes, who works in the RX series marketing team. We asked Amy a few questions about the history of the RX brand and the process she went through to create a selection of preferred designs, through to senior management approving their favourite logo for the company to implement across the board.
How old is the RX series brand?
15 years old, the first analyser having been released in 2002. We now have 5 analysers in our range.
How many versions of the RX series logo have been created?
This is the third version.
What is the meaning behind each of the individual names of the analysers? (RX misano, RX monaco, RX daytona+, RX imola, RX modena)
Each of the analysers are named after famous racetracks around the world. This helps reinforce the idea of workflow and speedy turnaround of results.
What inspired this current brand re-fresh?
I felt passionate about the RX series and felt the old logo was not communicating the correct brand image us as a marketing team wanted to portray. Therefore, I set out to design a logo which voiced the cutting edge and innovative technology the RX series has to offer.
The new logo needed to portray a more modern brand image which would be attractive and eye-catching in order to entice new customers and build upon existing business.
What is the meaning behind the design of the new logo?
The shape of the logo is inspired by the seamless, dynamic workflow of a Randox laboratory. This modern innovative logo speaks quality and reliability with its flowing design and robust RX typeface.
The simple, clean cut, iconic design is instantly recognisable and gives us a superior edge over our competitors.
The logo helps reflect the brand image of innovative technology at the heart of the laboratory.
Why did you change the colours of the logo and what is the reason behind the new chosen colours?
I wanted to strengthen the relationship between the RX series and Randox brands. The green now correlates with the green in the Randox brand, therefore strengthening overall brand awareness.
The subtle introduction of black in the palette creates a strong clean contrast against the Randox green and communicates power and clarity.
How did you decide on the final logo?
After much in-depth research and sketching, the design was then created digitally using Illustrator®.
The final decision was a two-step process. I selected my preferred designs and presented these to the marketing team who voted on their two favourite designs. These two designs were then brought forward to senior management to make the final decision. I was absolutely delighted that my favourite of the two was chosen.
As a team, we believe that the new logo will be instantly recognisable to customers worldwide and synonymous with high quality, reliable clinical chemistry testing. Initial feedback has been very encouraging and we look forward to strengthening our presence globally through our modern, innovative logo.
Make sure to check out our social media accounts for more!
Randox representing businesses in Donegal at Irish American Business Chamber and Network Event in Philadelphia
Randox Teoranta is joining a trade mission of Irish firms visiting Philadelphia this week for the Irish American Business Chamber and Network Symposium, in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Alongside Complete Lab Solutions and Eirecomposites Teo from Galway, Westire Technology Teo from Mayo, and the National University of Ireland Galway, Randox Teoranta is taking part in Údarás na Gaeltachta’s third visit to the Irish Chamber, to showcase the business and job opportunities available in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht.
The event was launched last night with a welcome reception in the prestigious Pyramid Club of Philadelphia, with a number of presentations, seminars and networking opportunities taking place during today’s session at The Union League of Philadelphia.
Senior Manager of Randox Laboratories, Mark Campbell, who is attending the Symposium in Philadelphia, is looking forward to showcasing what Donegal has to offer, meeting potential business partners and finding new investment opportunities;
“It is a great honour and privilege to join Údarás na Gaeltachta on their Trade Mission and to represent businesses within Donegal at the Symposium. Not only do we have key diagnostics capabilities of interest to the US, we also want to let the wider Irish diaspora know that there are world-leading career opportunities on offer in Donegal, including those in the life sciences, engineering and software development industries. Our revolutionary diagnostics simultaneously allow us to partner with like-minded innovators in markets overseas, and to create further employment at home.”
In 2015 Randox Teoranta in Donegal announced an investment of €25 million to extend and develop the R&D and manufacturing facilities of the state-of-the-art biotech facility. The investment in the site will accelerate the development of new products into a wide range of clinical needs, including various cancers, stroke, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
Mark continued;
“Interest in Donegal as an exciting place to live and work has grown significantly in recent times. In the past year alone Donegal Airport was voted one of the world’s most scenic airports, and the National Geographic Traveller named Donegal the coolest place on the planet.
“Our Randox site in Dungloe has much to offer the US and we are looking forward to sharing our innovative diagnostic technologies and our world-class careers with the members of the Irish American Business Chamber and Network.”
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Director of Enterprise, Employment and Property, Údarás na Gaeltachta, is heading up the delegation to Philadelphia, and commented;
“Údarás na Gaeltachta are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase all of our Gaeltacht areas at the Irish American Business Chamber and Network Symposium. Our Diaspora are an essential element in attracting business and employment home to Ireland and to our Gaeltacht areas, a lot of which are located in remote and peripheral areas. We are very proud to be able share a platform with and showcase a cross section of our excellent client companies such as Randox who reflect the business success that can be achieved in cooperation with Údarás na Gaeltachta.”
For more information about the American Business Chamber and Network Symposium please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Health Grand National debut “could not have been better!” says Dr. Peter FitzGerald
The sponsor of the Randox Health Grand National has congratulated all involved in this year’s event, saying it has been a fantastic success.
Dr Peter FitzGerald also paid tribute to the company’s partners The Jockey Club and the new broadcasters ITV.
“We couldn’t have wished for a better first year for the Randox Health Grand National, from the incredible weather, the warmth and energy of the crowds, to the fact that for a fifth year all runners came home safely.
“Yet again this race delivered a magical story for the winning jockey Derek Fox who broke his wrist a month ago and fought against the odds to come back. It was a very special moment handing over the trophy to One for Arthur’s owners Belinda and Deborah – the emotion they felt was clear to all. I am delighted for the trainer Lucinda Russell and her assistant Peter Scudamore who deserve every credit for this fantastic victory.
“This was our first Randox Health Grand National, and we have at least four more to look forward to.
“Throughout history there are periods of enlightenment, and I believe this is one. People now understand they can take a proactive, preventive approach to their health. Only Randox Health offers the only diagnostic technology to enable people take control of their futures. We are moving beyond traditional models of delivery and have launched mobile clinics so people can access our services wherever they are, whenever they want.
“It has been a wonderful experience working with ITV, as it has been their first Randox Health Grand National as well. The build-up to the People’s Race was insightful and engaging, with terrific presenters led by Ed Chamberlin and Oli Bell, and helped of course by our ambassador Sir Anthony McCoy. That it increased audience share is a marker of the success of the team.
“The Jockey Club has also been a superb partner, and they worked tirelessly to deliver a first-rate festival which was enjoyed by millions on TV and tens of thousands on the course.
“I would also like to thank the public who attended and gave their support to the event. We look forward to the next few years delivering the most iconic horse-race and sharing our message with the world.”
For more information about Randox Health please contact Nicola McHugh or Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
View a selection of photographs from the Randox Health Grand National festival in the Image Gallery below.
View a selection of photographs from Randox Health Week, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, in the Image Gallery below.
Cutting-edge research and testing centre opens at Randox Science Park
Following the success of the first ever Randox Health Grand National, global health diagnostics company Randox has today announced the official opening of its new central laboratory, Randox Clinical Laboratory Services (RCLS), at the recently acquired Randox Science Park in Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Situated at this new state of the art biohub, the RCLS accredited lab now houses Randox’s latest blood screening equipment – the pioneering Evolution machine. This new technology enables the labs to conduct a full range of niche and standard research testing, as well as current health testing for the company’s Randox Health division, which offers the world’s most comprehensive full body health analysis.
Research areas at the newly accredited laboratory include but are not exclusive to cancer, fertility, heart, inflammation, stroke and kidney health, both in-house and collaboratively with external organisations. Current and past collaborations include an Acute Kidney Injury Study with the Royal Victoria Hospital, a Bladder Cancer Study in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and The Belfast Trust, a Stroke and Brain Injury study with Cambridge University, and key partnerships with a number of major pharmaceutical companies.
A staggering 222 clinical diagnostic tests are currently run routinely with the lab, with more tests pending accreditation in the coming months.
Ann-Marie Jennings, Laboratory Manager for Randox Clinical Laboratory Services, explained that the new facilities will allow RCLS to increase their output and enter new markets;
“Randox Clinical Laboratory Services has been operational for a number of years in our headquarters in Crumlin, near the Belfast International Airport. Now that we have moved to our new, purpose-built labs in the Randox Science Park, we have the ability to increase the output of both our health testing and our research testing. This involves expanding our team of experienced scientists, working towards further accreditations and furthermore setting up independent labs in Dubai, LA, Holywood and Liverpool in addition to our current labs in Antrim and London.”
Thanks to the new Randox Science Park facilities, the company will now be able to provide an increasingly wide range of testing services to Biotechnology and In Vitro Diagnostic companies, and will deliver to pharmaceutical companies the testing services required to support their drug development projects, in addition to the testing provided to research organisations,
With the ability to conduct an unrivalled range of health testing – haematology, biochemistry and immunoassay – all under one roof, the laboratory offers unparalleled support services to the dynamic and growing healthcare industry. With a greater understanding of human complexity, pharmaceutical companies are now focusing on developing safer drugs tailored to specific patient groups or sub-groups and the expansion plans in motion at RCLS will help these organisations bring new drugs to market faster.
Ann-Marie continued;
“On our patented Randox Biochip Array Technology we can customize bespoke testing platforms based on the requirements of each drug development project, which can be a challenging process. From initial product development to clinical trial stages there can be a number of barriers and time constraints before drugs are successfully released to the public. We’re confident that our newly enhanced capabilities will benefit patients suffering from conditions in most need of research by offering pharmaceutical companies at the forefront of pioneering research, with the latest technological developments.”
For more information about RCLS please contact Randox PR on 028 9442 2413 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
The 50th anniversary of ‘Foinavon,’ the most unexpected Grand National winner
There are many anniversaries to be celebrated during the 2017 Randox Health Grand National, and one of them will be of the most unexpected victory in 1967. A horse no-one ever thought could win did just that 50 years ago. Foinavon and his jockey -John Buckingham – entered the history books.
This year, John’s widow and 70 of their closest friends and family will be coming to Aintree to mark the anniversary.
It’s being marked in a special BBC Merseyside tribute by the well-known racing correspondent Mike Hughes, who was the last person to interview John.
This Saturday’s Randox Health Grand National marks fifty years to the very day of the most extraordinary race in Aintree history.
Foinavon was the 100/1 winner in 1967 but the huge price about the winner was only part of the story.
Given the challenging nature of the course of the world’s most famous race, there’d been the usually array of fallers on the first circuit. Becher’s Brook has a fearsome reputation as one of the most difficult fences in National Hunt racing, but all the horses left standing on the second circuit managed to jump it.
Next up was the 23rd fence, the smallest on the course, nobody could have foreseen what was to happen.
A loose horse, Popham Down refused and turned away from the fence – preventing almost every other horse from clearing the fence. Except one. Foinavon was thirty lengths off the pace, and under the expertise of jockey John Buckingham , managed to pick a way through and jumped Becher’s like a stag.
The favourite for the race Honey End remounted and was making up ground but Foinavon drew clear to win the race in emphatic fashion.
John Buckingham was the toast of the weighing room and his fellow jockeys praised him to the heavens. Incredibly John only got the ride on Foinavon on the Wednesday before the race after three jockeys had turned down the ride. The night before the race he slept on two armchairs in a nearby Guest House.
Foinavon’s victory was so unexpected that even the horse’s owner and trainer were elsewhere on the day.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the race, BBC Radio Merseyside have put together a documentary, called simply “Foinavon”
It will be broadcast this Wednesday night on Merseyside Sport 6-7pm.
The programme includes an interview with the hero of the day John Buckingham. I travelled down to Chipping Warden to speak to John in early December last year. He couldn’t have been more charming and informative. Sadly John died unexpectedly a couple of weeks later.
It was the last interview he ever did.
On Randox Health Grand National day this Saturday, John’s wife Anne and seventy of their friends and family are coming to Aintree to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the day that John and Foimavon wrote their names in sporting history.
You can listen to “Foinavon” on Wednesday night on Merseyside Sport at 6.15 pm, or on www.bbc.co.uk/radiomerseyside or on the BBC iPlayer for Radio App.
For more information please contact Randox PR on 028 9442 2413 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
