--- title: Our Story | AnalytiChem UK (formerly Cherwell) description: Learn about AnalytiChem UK (formerly Cherwell)'s history through the decades --- [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) [![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=7907&height=1706&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png "analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB")](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/) ![50th Logo Cherwell logo final](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/50th%20Logo%20Cherwell%20logo%20final.svg) Search # Our Story ### Where we came from, where we are, and where we’re going. [Join our team](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/current-opportunities) #### THE EMPHASIS IS ON CONTINUITY, QUALITY, AND INNOVATION ## **As AnalytiChem UK looks to the future** The goal is to establish AnalytiChem UK (formerly Cherwell Laboratories) as the trusted name in environmental monitoring. ![Lawrence Whittard - Founder ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Mask%20Group%2016.png "Lawrence Whittard - Founder ") **Lawrence Whittard** - Founder 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, Cherwell MD](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Andy%20Whittard%2c%20Cherwell%20MD.jpg?width=300&height=294&name=Andy%20Whittard%2c%20Cherwell%20MD.jpg) **Andy Whittard** In 2021 Cherwell celebrated the 50th year in business. Over the years the company has seen significant growth and evolved into a manufacturing and distribution company offering a fully integrated range of products for environmental monitoring and process validation.   In 2023, Cherwell was acquired by AnalytiChem, a group of seven other dynamic businesses located in North America, Europe and Australia. The business quickly aligned into the Life Sciences segment within group and embarked on the next chapter. Then in Autumn 2025, Cherwell became AnalytiChem UK and Andy Whittard retired after 36 years working in the family business. AnalytiChem UK focuses on supplying high quality products and services for environmental monitoring and process validation for healthcare, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. From the site in Bicester, AnalytiChem UK manufactures Redipor® Prepared Media, a range of microbiological media products which has been developed to meet the specific needs of our customers. AnalytiChem UK also supplies SAS® microbial air samplers as well as a range of EM accessories. . The wider group of AnalytiChem companies specialise in the supply of reference materials, specialised laboratory consumables and sample preparation systems. ## **Celebrating 50 Years of Cherwell**   In September 2021, we managed to get together as a team to celebrate our 50 years in business. It had been a while since we’d socialised as a company, due to COVID restrictions and it was certainly worth the wait. We’ve put together a short video of our celebrations. [![Cherwell-50th-Part-Montage-low-with-play.jpg](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Cherwell-50th-Part-Montage-low-with-play.jpg.png?width=677&height=354&name=Cherwell-50th-Part-Montage-low-with-play.jpg.png)](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/celebrating-50-years-at-cherwell) #### THIS IS OUR CULTURE ## **Our History - AnalytiChem UK (formerly Cherwell) through the decades** ![Lawrence at Lab Week-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Lawrence%20at%20Lab%20Week-1.png) ## **The 1970’s** 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. ![Lawrence at Lab Week-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Lawrence%20at%20Lab%20Week-1.png) ## **The 1970’s** 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. ![Churchill Rd 2-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Churchill%20Rd%202-1.png) ## **The 1980’s** 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. ![Churchill Rd 2-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Churchill%20Rd%202-1.png) ## **The 1980’s** 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. ![irradiated-petri-dishes-90mm-min](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/irradiated-petri-dishes-90mm-min.png) ## **The 1990’s** 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. ![irradiated-petri-dishes-90mm-min](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/irradiated-petri-dishes-90mm-min.png) ## **The 1990’s** 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. ![datatrace-300x214](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/datatrace-300x214.png) ## **The Noughties** 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. ![datatrace-300x214](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/datatrace-300x214.png) ## **The Noughties** 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. ![MinncareDryFog2-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/MinncareDryFog2-1.png) ## **The 2010’s** 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. ![MinncareDryFog2-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/MinncareDryFog2-1.png) ## **The 2010’s** 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. ![2020s](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/2020s.png) ## **The 2020’s** 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. ![2020s](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/2020s.png) ## **The 2020’s** 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 logo - our story](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Cherwell%20logo%20-%20our%20story.png) ## **2023** 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 logo - our story](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Cherwell%20logo%20-%20our%20story.png) ## **2023** 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. ![analytichem_Logo_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Analytichem%20Assets/analytichem_Logo_RGB.png?width=2000&name=analytichem_Logo_RGB.png) ## **2025** 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. ![analytichem_Logo_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Analytichem%20Assets/analytichem_Logo_RGB.png?width=2000&name=analytichem_Logo_RGB.png) ## **2025** 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. ## Some of the benefits you will receive at AnalytiChem UK ![medical-report](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/medical-report.svg) ### Paid sick leave 10 days on full pay to cover absence due to ill health, once you’ve completed your probation. ![hot-drink](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/hot-drink.svg) ### Coffee coffee coffee! We like a brew as much as anybody does, so you’ll find free tea and coffee at all times at AnalytiChem UK.” ![eye-test](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/eye-test.svg) ### Your eyesight is important Free eye tests for everybody at AnalytiChem UK, in partnership with Specsavers, and for some roles we mandate regular eye tests. ![Group 9849](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Dec-2022/Current-Opportunities/Group%209849.png "Group 9849") “I have worked for Cherwell for 23 years, initially in Production but then changed career and moved into an office role, something I had never done but the company helped me reinvent my career. It is a good, family run business where everyone is friendly & co-operative in helping me provide answers for our customers, bringing my wealth of knowledge to customers old and new.” **Debby** #### THIS IS OUR CULTURE ## **Our culture is based on three words: Reliable, Adaptable, Partnership** ![Reliable](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Reliable.png?width=93&height=100&name=Reliable.png) ### Reliable Delivering what you need, doing what we said we would ![Adaptable](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Adaptable.png?width=103&height=100&name=Adaptable.png) ### Adaptable Developing our products, processes - and ourselves - to meet what our customers need ![Partnership](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Partnership.png?width=117&height=60&name=Partnership.png) ### Partnership Supportive, helpful & committed to our customer and each other #### THIS IS OUR CULTURE ## **50th Anniversary Agar Art Competition** We were looking for ways to involve our customers in our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2021 and we thought what would be more fun than holding an agar art competition. A massive thank you to everyone who took part in our first ever agar art competition, the standard of the entries was fantastic. There were a couple of themes amongst the entrants – animals and the NHS! We particularly enjoyed Sophie D’s elephant, who looked a little mischievous, and Jenny P’s rabbit. The microscope from Jayasingh J was also very impressive and intricate. ![Agar Art Competition Winner](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Agar%20Art%20Competition%20Winner.png?width=645&name=Agar%20Art%20Competition%20Winner.png "Agar Art Competition Winner") ![Agar Art Bee](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Dec-2022/Our-Story/Agar%20Art%20Bee.png?width=645&name=Agar%20Art%20Bee.png "Agar Art Bee") It was also great to see several entries celebrating the fantastic work of the NHS and at a time when it has faced perhaps its biggest challenge. As always with these things, a winner has to be picked and because of the intricate use of several organisms which provided a colourful display of flowers, we would like to congratulate Megan W for her wonderful creation. Many congratulations to Megan and many thanks to all who entered. We planted a tree with the National Trust on behalf of everyone who entered. [See all entries](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/festive-agar-art-competition-gallery?hsCtaTracking=0a9dfab4-f343-4b4e-b46a-62f9e8c3866e%7C012c41d1-cb86-4694-a16f-0dd531bdd585) ## Join the AnalytiChem UK Team #### “Carpe diem. Seize the day. Make your life extraordinary.” #### – John Keating, Dead Poets Society [Explore opportunities](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/en-gb/current-opportunities) #### What's Next #### Recent News [![Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Redipor%20TwistLock%20Contact%20Plates%20with%20GS1%20DataMatrix%20Codes.png) **Specialist products for boosting microbial EM protocol reliability spotlighted by AnalytiChem UK at Pharmig 2025** 10 November 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/analytichem-uk-highlight-specialist-em-products-pharmig-2025-annual-conference) [![New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/Tom%20Pickford%20AnalytiChem%20UK%20Business%20Development%20Manager%20Midlands.jpg) **New AnalytiChem UK appointment strengthens customer focus and growth strategy** 20 October 2025 ](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/cherwell-labs-post/new-analytichem-uk-appointment-strengthens-customer-focus-and-growth-strategy) #### Subscribe Receive the latest articles as they are published. #### Contact Us Registered Office 7 & 8 Launton Business Centre, Murdock Road, Bicester, OX26 4XB **Phone** Tel: +44 (0) 1869 355 500 Fax: +44 (0) 1869 355 545 **Email** [sales.uk@analytichem.com](mailto:sales.uk@analytichem.com)[mailto:sales@cherwell-labs.co.uk](mailto:sales@cherwell-labs.co.uk) ![analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png?width=2000&name=analytichem_Logo+claim_RGB.png) ![bsi-iso-9001-certified-logo-1](https://www.cherwell-labs.co.uk/hubfs/bsi-iso-9001-certified-logo-1.png) AnalytiChem UK ©2025 (Formerly Cherwell) Reg. in England No: 01159518 VAT Reg. 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