GROWING demand has led a Bradford-based scientific firm to expand as it prepares to increase its workforce by 50 per cent to more than 60 people over the next 12 months.

Agenda1 Analytical Services, part of the Concept Life Sciences group, has acquired a new building at the Listerhills Science Park after outgrowing its existing laboratories and offices.

The company has invested in a new 4,100 sq ft building which will increase its laboratory space by 2,500 sq ft. It’s existing premises will become the main head office and the base for the commercial and science teams.

Agenda1 is a specialist contract analytical company serving pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical device companies. It was established in 2006 by Dr Simon Bristow and Ian Siragher and quickly became a recognised laboratory working with a wide range of companies.

The business was acquired last year by Concept Life Sciences which promised more investment in the business.

Ian Siragher, managing director, said : “The new unit at is part of a significant investment programme by Concept Life Sciences amounting to more than £600,000 in the last year.

“The Bradford site already delivers world class scientific services and we are sure that the depth, breadth and scope of work carried out here will increase significantly in the coming years.”

He said the deal with venture capital-backed scientific laboratory and consultancy group CLS had given Agenda 1 access to more finance and had enabled it to sell services to large pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.

The new premises were formally opened by Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchliffe.