The Interview: John Naylor, technical director, Ground Gas Solutions

A COMPANY that is using pioneering technology developed at a North West university is seeking to grab a market share worth £20m in the environmental research sector over the next 10 years.

Manchester-based Ground Gas Solutions (GGS) can carry out highly detailed subterranean atmospheric tests for developers as well as companies operating in the mining and landfill industries.

It conducts continuous monitoring by using equipment planted in a bore hole which it says builds a better picture of ground gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide. The conventional method of gathering this data usually involves a technician using a hand held device over a number of weeks or months.

GGS is the first company to use monitoring equipment developed by the University of Manchester spin-out Intelisys which trades as Salamander and is led by Dr Stephen Boult.

“We think there’s a £20m market share that we think we could be taking within 10 years or so depending on how we expand. But that’s the goal,” says technical director John Naylor.

“Using this technology we usually have enough information within four weeks to draw up a risk assessment rather than the months it usually takes which allows developers to get on with the job.”

He adds: “With the work we’ve done we’re not missing anything. The technology allows you to see what’s influencing the gases present, such as changes in weather and temperature. There are lots of variables that affect ground gases. The instrument allows a much better assessment of the risks.”

While GGS is working in a number of different sectors its clients are usually other consultants such as the multi-national Golder Associates. It currently employs around five staff but is looking to expand over the next three years with five or six regional offices.

GGS, which turned over £250,000 last year, was established by managing director Simon Talbot, a former director of the Greater Manchester Geological Unit.