AnalytiChem UK is a specialist supplier of ‘cleanroom microbiology solutions’, but it wasn’t always so. Originally known as Cherwell Laboratories, the business was founded by Lawrence Whittard in 1971 as a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
Lawrence was an entrepreneur and had an eye for an opportunity. Cherwell evolved and became a distributor for a range of laboratory equipment. A focus on microbiology, and particularly within the pharma sector, set the foundations for the business.
In 2005, Lawrence passed the baton to Andy Whittard who became the second generation to lead the firm after a long apprenticeship working in all areas of the business. Andy attributes the firm’s ongoing success to maintaining a focus on supplying high quality products, supported with excellent customer service.
Andy Whittard
1971 – Company name is set up by Lawrence Whittard, veterinary surgeon by profession, and starts trading performing laboratory analytical work as a result of consultancy work Lawrence had been undertaking for the Central Pathology Laboratory in Welwyn Garden City.
1971 – Company name is set up by Lawrence Whittard, veterinary surgeon by profession, and starts trading performing laboratory analytical work as a result of consultancy work Lawrence had been undertaking for the Central Pathology Laboratory in Welwyn Garden City.
Early in this decade, PBI launch the SAS air sampler and Cherwell introduce this to Evans Medical in Runcorn. They purchase units and ask Cherwell if they can provide the pre filled Contact plates, ideally irradiated.
Early in this decade, PBI launch the SAS air sampler and Cherwell introduce this to Evans Medical in Runcorn. They purchase units and ask Cherwell if they can provide the pre filled Contact plates, ideally irradiated.
Cherwell was expanding and built its first production clean room for the manufacture of prepared media. Demand for equipment for clients to make their own plates was starting to decrease as a shift towards buying in prepoured plates accelerated.
Cherwell was expanding and built its first production clean room for the manufacture of prepared media. Demand for equipment for clients to make their own plates was starting to decrease as a shift towards buying in prepoured plates accelerated.
Cherwell’s growth continues and in 2004 the business relocated to a single new site in Bicester, expanding is capabilities with a new 500m2 clean room manufacturing suite. Cherwell also becomes the UK distributor for the Datatrace datalogging products.
Cherwell’s growth continues and in 2004 the business relocated to a single new site in Bicester, expanding is capabilities with a new 500m2 clean room manufacturing suite. Cherwell also becomes the UK distributor for the Datatrace datalogging products.
Continued demand for the Redipor range sees Cherwell extend its premises and acquire a neighbouring unit, allowing its clean room facility to be doubled in size.
Continued demand for the Redipor range sees Cherwell extend its premises and acquire a neighbouring unit, allowing its clean room facility to be doubled in size.
In September 2020 sadly Lawrence passed away at the age of 83. His legacy is a successful, prosperous business that is well set for the years ahead, which places the importance of the customer at its heart.
In September 2020 sadly Lawrence passed away at the age of 83. His legacy is a successful, prosperous business that is well set for the years ahead, which places the importance of the customer at its heart.
Cherwell joins the AnalytiChem Group, a collection of eight dynamic businesses located across North America, Europe and Australia.
Two other companies in the group also manufacture prepared media, presenting opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Cherwell joins the AnalytiChem Group, a collection of eight dynamic businesses located across North America, Europe and Australia.
Two other companies in the group also manufacture prepared media, presenting opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Cherwell becomes AnalytiChem UK and completes its full integration into the group.
After 36 years with the business Andy Whittard steps down and retires as Managing Director.
Cherwell becomes AnalytiChem UK and completes its full integration into the group.
After 36 years with the business Andy Whittard steps down and retires as Managing Director.
10 days on full pay to cover absence due to ill health, once you’ve completed your probation.
We like a brew as much as anybody does, so you’ll find free tea and coffee at all times at AnalytiChem UK.”
Free eye tests for everybody at AnalytiChem UK, in partnership with Specsavers, and for some roles we mandate regular eye tests.
Delivering what you need, doing what we said we would
Developing our products, processes - and ourselves - to meet what our customers need
Supportive, helpful & committed to our customer and each other
