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+44 345 565 1725 
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Under the visionary leadership of Dr Natalie Kenny, BioGrad was established in 2014 in Welwyn Garden in London. Moving to Liverpool in 2015, BioGrad has charted an extraordinary path of growth and transformation over the past ten years.
Originally founded with an aim to advance research education in the scientific field, BioGrad has expanded its mission and impact, becoming a beacon of innovation in the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
A Transformative Journey
From its inception, BioGrad has been dedicated to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. CEO and founder of BioGrad, Dr Natalie Kenny, explains, “Years ago, I had MA and PhD students who did not have the skills that they needed to do their job in the lab. They had great theoretical knowledge, but when it came to the lab, they didn’t know how to keep it clean, dispose of waste properly, or pipette correctly. They had all of these degrees, but when it came to lab skills, they just didn’t have it.”
Dr Kenny continues, “When my son was born, I’d just come off maternity leave, and I decided to set up a little maternity hobby. I was going to teach PhD students how to do real skills in a real lab with real scientists. When I was on maternity leave, I registered BioGrad. I thought maybe I’d teach a few training courses, then go back to work. And that’s how BioGrad started, because I wanted to teach scientists real science.”
Ten years since Dr Kenny registered the company that began as BioGrad Laboratories, it has flourished into The BioGrad Group, a multifaceted organisation encompassing BioGrad Education, BioGrad Biobank, BioGrad Prenatal, BioGrad Diagnostics, and BioGrad Foundation.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout its history, BioGrad has faced and successfully navigated numerous challenges, with the COVID 19 pandemic being one of the most significant. During this unprecedented global crisis, BioGrad rose to the occasion, becoming one of only five providers in the UK approved by UKAS to process COVID 19 tests.
“Our key strength is that we can pivot quickly. We had mass COVID PCR testing on the market before the UK government had mass testing. In early 2020, we were screening about 3,000 people a day in the UK. We then white labelled it to 92 other suppliers. We secured major national contracts, all delivered from Liverpool through BioGrad Diagnostics.”
The revenue generated during the pandemic was reinvested into creating jobs in the Liverpool City Region, boosting the local economy, and strengthening community resilience. BioGrad also invested heavily in scientific equipment and facilities, enhancing training quality and establishing a multifaceted scientific research centre at the forefront of numerous scientific disciplines.
Matthew Fagan, Managing Director of BioGrad, highlights the importance of regional partnerships: “BioGrad worked with companies across the Liverpool region, the Liverpool City Region, and Liverpool City Council. During the pandemic, BioGrad supported local authorities and schools with COVID testing, health checks, and services. We also partnered with the Liverpool City Region to deliver Skills Bootcamps to help support the growth and education of scientists. In the last two months alone, we have helped over 150 people into new roles. We will continue this work long into the future.”
Staff Testimonies
At BioGrad, people always come first. This has always been Dr Kenny’s vision: to build a company that values staff, their wellbeing, and their lives. BioGrad continues to invest in equipment, training, and a positive working environment, while encouraging a healthy work life balance. Initiatives include housing schemes for staff, extended paternity leave, and a positive workplace culture.Jay Fitzgerald, Clinical Director: “I love working for BioGrad. It feels like home. I joined in 2020, thinking it would be short term during the pandemic, but from the first day I knew this was where I wanted to be. We have a fabulous team. We always step up to any challenge.”
Elle Owen, Marketing Executive: “I’ve been here seven years because Dr Kenny invests in staff progress and truly cares about our growth. Every day is different, creative, and exciting.”
Andy Russell, Level 3 Programmes Manager: “It’s a fantastic place to work with a fantastic team. One of the best parts is seeing our students go on to achieve their dreams of medical school or science careers.”
Daisy Marquadt, Senior Scientist: “The main thing about BioGrad has always been the people. You learn something new every day. It’s a great place to work.”
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence
As BioGrad steps into its second decade, the organisation remains committed to advancing science and education. The future promises further expansion of educational programmes, innovation in regenerative medicine, and new ventures in diagnostics and healthcare.
A Legacy of Impact
BioGrad’s ten year journey is a testament to visionary leadership, dedication, and an environment that nurtures people. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with optimism and determination. BioGrad’s story is one of growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives through science and education.
