Science company receives top business award
A STAFFORDSHIRE science company has been presented with one of the most coveted awards in UK business at a ceremony at Keele University.
Dermal Technology Laboratory (DTL), located on Keele University Science and Innovation Park, received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its growth in international trade and success in recent years.
DTL has contracts with major pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial chemical companies around the world, providing a safety testing service in the field of in vitro dermal absorption. Using a method which it developed as an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline, products such as industrial chemicals and skin creams are tested on donated human skin tissue rather than using living animals. This testing ensures the development and registration of safe and effective new products for the firm’s clients in Europe, USA and Japan.
Professor Jon Heylings, DTL chairman and chief scientific officer, and David Fox, managing director and COO, were officially presented with the Queen’s Award by Ian Dudson, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the Queen’s representative within the county.
Speaking about the award, Mr Fox said: “DTL operates in a niche market but has evolved into an international brand representing quality British science. We are very proud of our achievements and recognise the trust of our clients in placing work with DTL and the outstanding efforts of our team producing high quality studies.
“Working with major multi-national companies and regulators, and collaborating with Keele University, demonstrates that a fledgling firm in North Staffordshire can grow and compete in the international arena.”
DTL is also aligned with several enterprise and postgraduate activities with Keele University, mainly with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Prof Heylings, who holds an honorary position as Professor of Toxicology in the university’s School of Pharmacy, said: “We are proud to be based at Keele and to be able to represent Staffordshire on the world stage. Our collaboration with the university ensures that education, training and business all work together for the benefit of each stakeholder and the wider business community.”
