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Monthly Archives: July 2018

Four ways to minimise disruption during the lab moving process

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When it comes to laying out a list of objectives to focus on during a lab move, minimising disruption always features highly. This is understandable on a number of levels – especially since funding and ongoing support and sustainability often depends on performance. Here we share four ways to ensure that disruption doesn’t get in the way of your long-term objectives during a lab relocation.

Plan ahead

Plan and prepare as much as possible for the move, taking into account every single aspect. Put together a project plan with key milestones that need to be achieved and allocate specific jobs to each individual. Don’t forget to include contingency time in case one stage runs over – this ensures you can stay on track no matter what happens, even when the unexpected occurs. Little issues could threaten to derail the entire process – so it’s worth making a separate list of things that could go wrong and how you’ll manage and mitigate problems as they arise.

Outsource to eliminate downtime

Where possible it may be sensible (and necessary) to outsource to a trusted partner during the move who can take on a portion of your day-to-day work. This takes the pressure off your lab and your team during relocation, but it also ensures that any disruption to the service itself and clients or end users is reduced or eliminated completely.

Be realistic with your expectations – and others

One mistake some lab managers make is failing to focus on what can go wrong – or making promises they can’t keep which become troublesome if things don’t go to plan. Be 100% realistic with your expectations on all levels – from the timing of the move and the delays it could bring to the outcome itself. Overpromising and underdelivering can affect staff morale, productivity, progress and customer satisfaction, so it’s very important to carefully consider the implications and communicate them properly whilst also making proper provisions for each aspect of the move.

Organise professional support throughout the process

Enlisting professional support is a sure-fire way to minimise disruption – since experts who are well-versed in the processes and know each aspect of a lab move inside out will be fully aware of what needs to be done and when. Consult them early on to ensure that they can help with the planning and preparation processes – as getting them in too late could cause further disruption and delays if they are required to redo or alter what’s already been done.

Cutting-edge Cambridge – the frontier of physics and science in England

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Well-known as a world-famous hub of academic activity, Cambridge is naturally home to a variety of colleges and facilities dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding in all areas of study. The city has long been a centre of scientific excellence – from the Cavendish Laboratory Cambridge to the Sir William Dunn Institute of Biochemistry. Here we share some of Cambridge’s most significant scientific discoveries over the years celebrating its long and illustrious history as a place of earth-shattering insight and cutting-edge research.

Discovery of the electron

The Cavendish Laboratory Cambridge has long been a centre associated with ground-breaking discoveries – one of which was made by renowned Cavendish Professor of Physics J.J Thomson. In 1897 he discovered the electron, a breakthrough that laid the foundations for modern physics – including the development of electronics and computer technology.

Splitting the atom

In 1922 Cavendish Laboratory’s John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton split the atom for the first time – giving birth to the study of nuclear physics. Without this discovery nuclear power simply wouldn’t be a possibility. 

Development of magic bullet drugs

So-called ‘magic bullet’ drugs travel straight to the source of serious diseases such as cancer to fight them on a cellular level. This revolutionised many aspects of drug design and promises to save many lives in the future – a significant breakthrough promising to combat a variety of illnesses.

The foundations for Newton’s gravitational theory

Newton’s gravitational theory was greatly influenced by discoveries made in Cambridge as early as 1675. John Flamsteed (also known as Astronomer Royal) provided data used by Newton to verify his ground-breaking theory. This has since provided the basis for our understanding of the earth and life on the planet as we know it – as well as the relationship between us and other planets in the solar system.

Making the most of lab relocation from a marketing perspective

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Lab moves are often facilitated for positive reasons – signifying progression, expansion or an exciting new chapter in the history of a laboratory facility or organisation. Despite this few remember to make the most of their lab relocation from a marketing perspective – maximising the benefits of the move and ensuring your lab and the work you do is more well-known, possibly resulting in greater exposure designed to open up investment opportunities and secure important press coverage in industry publications and beyond. Here we share three ways to maximise the marketing potential of your upcoming lab relocation.

Outline and communicate the benefits of the move

Start by setting out the benefits associated with the move. Why is it happening? What will it achieve? How will it improve service delivery? Are you moving on to bigger and better premises? Perhaps you are joining forces with another high-profile team for an exciting collaboration designed to make waves in the industry. This is especially important when there is a negative motivation behind the move or controversial aspect to the relocation. Spinning the situation in your favour will help outsiders to see the changes in a positive light – but it may also help you to get staff and investors on board where disagreement or trepidation are concerned.

Announce in advance to secure press coverage

Press coverage is notoriously difficult to secure if you aren’t prepared. Start by compiling your list of benefits into a succinct, comprehensive document designed to attract and excite journalists. Make a carbon copy then tweak according to the publication you are aiming for. For example, if your breakthrough in cosmetic research affects both the industry and the consumer, compile a press release that focuses on the technical and scientific aspects and achievements for industry press, and a piece aimed at the benefits for the end user to satisfy mainstream publications. If this is of significant importance to you it’s well worth hiring a PR firm with industry experience to manage the marketing and print promotion aspect on your behalf.

Chart the lab move on social media

If your company or organisation uses social media, be sure to announce the move then chart its progress across all platforms. This keeps followers involved and informed and can encourage heightened interest from various groups. Share images and video media from start to finish and don’t be afraid to be creative – building up to the point where you can share and show off the end result.

Sourcing specialist medical and laboratory equipment – what you need to know

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When sourcing specialist medical and laboratory equipment it can be easy to quickly become overwhelmed and confused by the sheer amount of choice on the market. Even for seasoned professionals and senior laboratory staff the quickly moving nature of technology and wealth of options on offer can throw up some tricky decisions. Lab equipment is rarely cheap so it’s important to get this right – adding pressure to the process. Here we share expert insights to bear in mind when finding and purchasing specialist medical and laboratory equipment.

Note individual merits of each option to avoid overwhelm

Different types and brands of specialist laboratory equipment have varying benefits and downsides. Taking in the product offering on the market in its entirety and selecting pros and cons from each based on your individual requirements should help you come to a sound decision. Request realistic reviews and testimonials from fellow laboratories in similar sectors or manufacturers to gain an accurate view of how the equipment could positively impact upon the work that you do.

Find reputable, reliable suppliers

Carefully research both the companies that manufacture the equipment and suppliers to learn more about what they offer. You need a reputable company offering genuine, high quality equipment that is carefully sourced. Some retailers offer assembly, transportation and aftercare support – others don’t. This could guide your decision and save you time and money in the long-term.  

Consider second-hand options

Some second-hand specialist medical equipment has only been used a handful of times and has been incredibly well looked after. Some have been fully reconditioned or repurposed. This offers a cost-effective and savvy option – ideal for equipment that is only going to be a short-term fixture in the lab, or will rarely be used.

Is used medical laboratory equipment an efficient way to save funds?

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Once upon a time labs found themselves in a race to invest in the latest new equipment, often facilitating full refits to ensure enhanced profitability and productivity. But since the economic downturn of 2008 and its impact on many organisations seen as carrying out ‘non-essential’ research, now many facilities are turning to used medical laboratory equipment where appropriate as a way to conserve vital funds and continue their important research. Here we investigate the pros and cons of purchasing used medical laboratory equipment and offer tips to help you to maximise the benefits of second-hand shopping.

Used equipment offers a cost-effective and savvy way to restock and replace old machines

Adopting an ‘out with the old and in with the nearly new’ is a great way to increase the productivity of your lab and save money at the same time. Often it has been used very little or fully reconditioned and repurposed for second-hand use. This means that small yet significant items such as centrifuges, incubators and sterilisers that are perfectly functional can be purchased at a fraction of the price of what they can be bought for brand new. 

Consider how crucial this piece of equipment is, and how frequently it will be used

It’s true that used medical laboratory equipment won’t always be a perfect fit or a savvy choice in every instance. If you need something that’s going to last for years to come, or will incorporate the latest technology, you’re unlikely to find something that suits your requirements on the second-hand market. Consider how the equipment will be used and why it is needed before deciding to investigate used options.

Ask for independent guidance

If this isn’t your area of expertise it’s well worth consulting colleagues to find someone who does understand the merits of used lab equipment and knows what to look for. They will guide and advise you using their individual expertise and can circumvent any crucial errors that could end up costing money rather than saving vital funds.

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