Integrin Advanced Biosystems alistair darling Page 1
On Wednesday 31
st
of August, the Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling visited
integrin advanced biosystems in Barcaldine, during his visit to the West Highlands.
Mr Darling felt it would be useful, when in the area to hear something of Integrin's
developments in the biotechnology sector and its experiences of building the
business in a rural location.
During his visit, Mr Darling was given a tour of the laboratories and the chance to
discuss with the employees the important work that is being carried out in the fields
of seafood safety, marine biotoxin analysis and drug discovery. Integrin is the
global commercial leader in the field of marine biotoxins and since April 2005,
Integrin has been managing the algal toxin monitoring programme for the whole of
Scotland in a three year contract with the Food
Standards Agency Scotland.
It was a good opportunity for the employees,
management and CEO of Integrin to discuss with
Mr Darling concerns about living and working in
the Highlands; the challenges and obstacles which
are encountered when starting and running a
business in the Highland area. Integrin has shown
with its commercial success that it is possible for
companies to thrive in the Highland area.
"What is particularly impressive about this company is that it's only been going for
a relatively short time, but it's been able to attract staff from across the UK and
beyond and it's doing a lot of useful research into things that might improve the
production of marine food in the future and of course it's providing a testing
service" Alistair Darling said.
With collaborations with universities throughout the United Kingdom, Europe
and the rest of the world, Integrin are able to draw on a pool of expertise,
experience and knowledge.
"It's precisely the sort of activity that I want to see more of in the Highlands
and Islands of Scotland because it's work that could be done anywhere in
the world and there's no reason why it shouldn't be done here and why
we shouldn't have a centre of excellence here which is what the
company is doing" Mr Darling added.
services that are offered, please contact Dr Douglas McKenzie.
Photograph & quotes courtesy of Oban Times
Newspaper.
Ph: 01631 720765
Fax: 01631 720590
E:
info@integrin.co.uk
www.integrin.co.uk
