Labskin doubles in size to attract multi-national companies to the region

 

Leading skincare testing company Labskin UK has embarked on a large expansion plan here at York Biotech Campus, which will see it launch a dedicated research and training lab, attracting multi-national cosmetic and healthcare companies to the region.

The company based onsite creates artificial human-like skin that can be used to test skincare and healthcare products in a real-world environment.

Labskin, which has been based at York Biotech Campus since 2014, has grown exponentially and is now doubling its lab space from 1,457 sqft to 2,943 sqft to meet demand. The expansion includes a complete new fit out of two of the laboratories, as well as alterations and improvements to a further three laboratories.

The expansion will enable Labskin to meet current demand in the market by allowing them to increase the amount of sample testing that can be done on site. The new research and training lab is also set to see Labskin collaborating with local universities, including the University of Bradford, where the two will work together to improve Labskin’s artificial skin model.

From its base here, a key centre for innovation and has a world-class reputation in the biotech sector, Labskin will also be able to offer new services. The new space will give them the facility to teach in-house researchers from multi-national skincare companies how to use its products with best practice in mind.

The company will be creating more opportunities for high-value jobs in the region and is currently recruiting a new laboratory technician to support the team of eight based at York, with a further three research and technical positions likely in the next 12-18 months.

Alex Chapman, head of operations at Labskin, commented: “It is an extremely exciting time for us. We’ve got the perfect base, and now space, here at York Biotech Campus to collaborate with universities in the area to utilise and combine knowledge to make world-first scientific developments. Demand has been steadily increasing, so it was essential that we invested in our facilities to extend our capacity to improve our service to clients and increase efficiency of testing.

Liz Cashon, innovation campus manager, added: “Labskin’s expansion shines a spotlight on the strength of Yorkshire’s bioscience sector. It is cutting edge research from companies such as Labskin that is attracting national and international interest and their expansion and investment into innovation and training facilities will continue to drive interest in the area, as well as create, and maintain, fantastic jobs in the region.

“We understand that SMEs have a variety of needs, including access to funding and being given the opportunity for long-term growth. We have supported Labskin over the last few years, giving the team the flexibility they needed to help the business grow and it’s encouraging that this has paid off – exactly what we hope to see with all our SMEs on site.”