Diagnostic tests manufacturer SureScreen Digital has won two King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The Derby-based company, which makes and exports millions of lateral flow tests, was recognised in the Innovation and International Trade categories.
Its expertise came to the fore at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, after it developed antigen lateral flow tests, which were the first European tests to pass the strict validation process in the laboratory by Public Health England.
As a result, they became a vital part of the UK Government’s rapid testing programme and were also exported to help other countries tackle the pandemic overseas.
Director David Campbell said: “We are incredibly proud to have been announced as double King’s Awards winners in recognition of what continues to be a huge company-wide effort to develop and manufacture lateral flow tests that help save lives both in the UK and in countries around the world.
“It is a wonderful testament to the hard work across the whole team, and what makes this fitting is that our company has been built on scientific innovation and has always exported a significant volume of our products, so these awards reflect the ethos of SureScreen Diagnostics from the very beginning.”
Founded in Derby in 1996, SureScreen has been making lateral flow tests for more than 25 years and recent developments include rapid tests for flu, Covid, Strep A and M-Pox.
It also makes tests for other applications, including drug and alcohol detection and fertility screening.
Mr Campbell said: “Our work during the pandemic has built a strong platform for our company which promises to help millions of people by giving them the ability to take control of their health and diagnose issues early through fast and reliable testing at home or in clinical settings. Reducing waiting times for diagnoses is at the heart of improving healthcare.
“Whether it be workplace testing for drugs and alcohol, home wellness screening or infectious disease testing at the GP, we will be ready to help catch issues early and help prevent them before they arise.”
