easyLab Technologies Ltd (easyLab) based at the Science & Technology Centre at the University of Reading has been chosen as a finalist a South East Business Award.  easyLab has been selected as a South East Business Award finalist in the International Trade Category sponsored by UKTI and in the Innovation Category sponsored by QinetiQ and Shoosmiths.  These Awards, managed by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) are for companies which have demonstrated that they are making a powerful business contribution to the region.

easyLab has entered the International Trade Category as well as the Innovation Category and is a finalist in both.  The judging process involved a comprehensive audit of entrants’ business methodologies carried out by experts.  The judging panels are made up of representative from representatives from organisations such as QinetiQ, the Federation of Small Business (FSB), Confederation of British Industries (CBI), Henley Management College, Business in the Community, BT, and Kingston University. 

easyLab supply scientific instruments for high-pressure research and achieve around 90% of its sales through international activity.  easyLab’s products have been installed in some of the most advanced research centres from Japan to the US.  Since it started in 2004 the company already made two successful acquisitions and established an international distribution network which includes partners such as Oxford Instruments, Quantum Design, Inc. and LOT Oriel.

“It is absolutely terrific news for easyLab to be chosen as one of the finalists not for one, but for both categories of the South East Business Awards which we entered,” enthused Dr. Marcio Siqueira, easyLab Director.  “It demonstrates our accomplishments in both Innovation and International Trade.  It also shows that it pays dividends to think as a big company (even when you are a relatively small company) by implementing best practice processes that enable growing the business in a solid way.”

“I am delighted that easyLab Technologies Ltd has been chosen as a finalist for the Innovation and International Trade Categories,” said Jeff Alexander, Chair of the South East Business Awards and SEEDA Executive Director for Global Competitiveness.  “The judges have recognised their expertise and record in the area of international trade and of innovation.  The excellence demonstrated by easyLab will help other businesses around the region to consider implementing best practice and therefore drive business success throughout the region.”

easyLab will be attending the Awards Ceremony on 6th March 2008, at Ascot Racecourse where they will have the opportunity to meet with judges and peers.  The keynote speaker will be Digby Lord Jones, Minister for Trade & Investment.  More information is available at www.southeastbusinessawards.co.uk.

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For more information, please contact:
Marcio Siqueira, easyLab Technologies Ltd
Tel: +44(0) 118 935 7272
Or
Francesca Fogell, SEEDA Marketing & PR Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 484275, 07789 926735 or email francescafogell@seeda.co.uk




Notes for Editors

About easyLab Technologies Ltd
The de facto supplier of high-pressure instruments for scientific research: Diamond Anvil Cells, piston-cylinder cells, photoluminescence systems for ruby manometry, gasket micro-drilling machines and more. Our pressure cells cover a wide range of applications, from spectroscopy to magnetometry, pressures (from 1 GPa to above 100 GPa), temperatures (from the milliKelvin range up to 1,000 deg. C) and magnetic fields.  An astonishing B-T-P space is now open to researchers who use easyLab’s range of high-pressure products.


South East Business Awards Ceremony
Tickets are available for the South East Business Awards.  Tables of ten are £600 plus VAT per table.  Individual seats are priced at £65 plus VAT.  To book places please phone 01273 207155 or email businessawards@seeda.co.uk


About SEEDA
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is the Government funded Agency responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England – the driving force of the UK’s economy. Our aim is to create a prosperous, dynamic and inspirational region by helping businesses compete more effectively, training a highly skilled workforce, supporting and enabling our communities while safeguarding our natural resources and cherishing our rich cultural heritage.

The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for South East England 2006 -2016: a world class region achieving sustainable prosperity.
The RES has three headline targets. Progress towards all three of these will provide evidence of overall progress against the vision:

Global Competitiveness: Achieving an average annual increase in GVA (Gross Value Added) per capita of at least 3%.
Smart Growth: Increasing productivity per worker by an average 2.4% annually, from £39,000 in 2005 to at least £50,000 by 2016 (in constant prices).
Sustainable Prosperity: Reducing the rate of increase in the region’s ecological footprint (from 6.3 global hectares per capita in 2003, currently increasing at 1.1% per capita per annum), stabilizing it and seek to reduce it by 2016.