A cutting edge chemical and research development company, whose work is contributing to medical discoveries across the world, is expanding into new premises at the North East’s premier science and technology park. High Force Research, which supports new product development in the fine chemicals, pharmaceutical, diagnostics and printed electronics industries, is opening a second Research Laboratory at the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, County Durham, as the company looks to grow from its current 34 employees to 40. High Force was set up 30 years ago by three research chemists and has grown organically with its main site at Bowburn North Industrial Estate, near Durham. The company is a chemical development partner for some of the world’s most innovative companies and is involved in many R&D projects, including scaling up processes to supply APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) made to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) standards for early clinical trials. The company has recently invested five hundred thousand pounds in fitting out the new lab and office space at NETPark and purchasing additional high-end analytical equipment. NETPark is managed by Business Durham, the economic development organisation for County Durham, which works on behalf of Durham County Council. High Force supports a number of PhD students in local universities which has resulted in the successful launch of a spin out company, Lightox Ltd, by Durham University academics which is based on research supported by High Force over the last ten years. Lightox Ltd has developed a range of novel fluorescent small molecules that can be used for biological imaging applications and also in photodynamic therapy that can be used for killing both cancer cells and antibiotic resistant bacteria. It was recently awarded the Bionow Start up company of the year award. Photo: From left, CEO Roy Valentine, NETPark Manager Janet Todd, Operations Director Stuart Penny, Business Durham’s MD Brian Archer and Councillor Carl Marshall of Durham County Council.