Phenna Group continues to invest in our businesses, this time with over £1million in new, state-of-the-art laboratory technology at Cansford Laboratories. This investment further strengthens the group’s Food and Life Sciences Division and enhances the UK’s capacity for fast, accurate and highly sensitive drug and alcohol testing.
This has enabled Cansford to install two Waters Xevo TQ-S Absolute XR LC/MS systems, making it the first drug and alcohol testing laboratory in the UK to operate this model. The new technology represents a major step forward in analytical capability, supporting faster turnaround times, increased testing capacity and unprecedented sensitivity, particularly critical when working close to decision cut-off levels.
The investment comes at a time of rising concern around drug-related harm across the UK, with growing demand for reliable testing across workplaces, schools, legal settings and public health environments. By backing advanced laboratory capability, Phenna Group continues to support its companies in responding to complex societal and regulatory challenges with confidence and scientific rigour.
Cansford Laboratories sits within Phenna Group's Food and Life Sciences Division, which brings together specialist laboratories and technical experts delivering analytical, regulatory and compliance services across highly regulated markets. Phenna's investment reflects its long-term approach to growth, backing management teams, infrastructure and technology to ensure its businesses remain leaders in their fields.
Charles Hartwell, Divisional Managing Director – Food and Life Sciences at Phenna Group, said: "This investment demonstrates exactly how we support our Food and Life Sciences businesses, by backing them with the technology, resources and long-term commitment they need to grow sustainably.
Cansford has built an outstanding reputation for sector-leading turnaround times, quality and integrity in drug and alcohol testing, and this new capability significantly strengthens both their offering and our divisional platform. We are proud to support their continued growth and innovation.”
The new systems enable Cansford to deliver faster, more sensitive and more reliable results, reinforcing confidence for clients making critical decisions based on laboratory data.
Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: "At Phenna Group, we invest for the long term. Our role is to support ambitious, high-quality businesses by giving them the backing to scale capability, embrace innovation and stay at the forefront of their markets.
This £1million+ investment at Cansford is a clear example of that approach in action — strengthening technical excellence while ensuring the business is well positioned for continued growth."
Founded in Cardiff and now employing over 40 specialists, Cansford Laboratories has grown into a nationally recognised provider of drug and alcohol testing services, supporting clients across the UK and internationally. The latest investment marks another milestone in the laboratory's development and underlines Phenna Group's ongoing commitment to investing in its companies across all divisions.
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