11 May 2009
Key Forensic Services receives NWDA Grant
A Warrington-based forensic science service provider, Key
Forensic Services Ltd, is set to become a major player in the UK’s
forensic services market for the provision of DNA profiling thanks
to a £65,000 ‘Grants for Business Investment’ from the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
The company was formed in 2005 to provide forensic services to
the UK’s law enforcement agencies, to take advantage of the
structural changes taking place in the forensic services
market.
Originally founded in the Midlands, the company also has a
number of facilities across the country but is making a significant
investment at its Warrington site, as a result of the NWDA grant to
expand the services being offered in England’s Northwest.
With the £65,000 NWDA Grant, Key Forensic Services will
significantly increase its capacity to provide DNA profiling
services. DNA is a powerful forensic tool in the investigation and
detection of crime, the demand for which is very high.
The Grant will be used to install and equip specialist
laboratories that will be able to provide a range of services in
addition to DNA profiling, which is not currently offered from the
Warrington site.
The expansion will initially create 8 full time jobs.
Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Economic Development at the
NWDA said:
“The UK’s current market size for forensic services is
approximately £230 million per annum and it is anticipated that in
excess of £111 million new contacts will be available over the next
12 months from the National Framework Agreement.
“Without the Grant for Business Investment, the company would
continue to increase its sub-contacted DNA work to a company
outside the Northwest, rather than take advantage of the skilled
workforce locally available.”
Finance Director for Key Forensic Services Brian Thomas
said:
“Key Forensic Services has an enviable opportunity to expand
significantly as a result of the current National Framework
tendering rounds and the decision to locate the businesses’
expansion at Warrington was made for sound commercial reasons but
was nevertheless favourably influenced by the grant from the NWDA.
The grant gave the board confidence to press ahead with the
development in very a challenging economic environment and we very
much appreciate the support and confidence of the NWDA for their
support. As a result we are now looking forward to take full
advantage of the commercial opportunity ahead of us, which we have
no doubt will provide a valuable economic boost for the local
region.”
The NWDA is playing a crucial role in response to the current
economic downturn, with a number of actions being taken to meet the
needs of businesses during these challenging times.
To keep updated on the range of support being offered by the
NWDA go to www.nwda.co.uk/supportingbusiness
For more information on business support visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest
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Notes to editors
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press
Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925
400259.
For further information and to view previous press releases visit
us at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The NWDA is supporting businesses and prioritising investments
to ensure that the Northwest is in a strong position to respond to
the current economic climate. Initiatives include:
• The launch of a £10m High Growth business support
programme
• A new £4m Innovation Voucher Scheme to help 1,000 businesses
work with our knowledge base
• Dedicated Access to Finance support within Business Link
Northwest – now available
• £140m Venture Capital Loan Fund (VCLF) - to be launched in
2009
• £40m package of support to stimulate investment in priority
skills development - to commence in 2009
• 10 day prompt-payment pledge to our suppliers to help with
cash-flow
For more information, see nwda.co.uk/business
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life