A Chelmsford firm specialising in DNA testing, preservation and forensic analysis is on the verge of business stardom after being named one of Britain's 20 brightest new businesses by HSBC Bank.
DNA BioScience fought off stiff competition from hundreds of other young firms to reach the final 20 of the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards - Britain's biggest awards recognising and encouraging businesses less than two years old.
Now owner Avi Lasarow is hoping to go on and scoop the coveted title of HSBC Start-Up Star 2004 and the top prize of £20,000.
DNA Bioscence was established in early 2003 in response to 28-year old Avi Lasarow's own personal experience with paternity testing.
It was a costly and traumatic event that he was determined others should not have to undergo.
Linking up with a large US-based laboratory, he launched DNA Bioscience. The core business of the company encompasses relationship testing, forensic analysis and investigation and DNA retrieval and preservation.
All testing is performed in fully accredited labs.
Although these services are available elsewhere, they are not generally accessible to the public.
DNA Bioscience is committed to raising public awareness of the benefits and applications of genetic information and ensures their technical services are supported by emotional management and support teams, working through the British Association of Psychotherapy.
Turnover for the company's first year exceeded £130,000 and, as public awareness grows, Avi Lasarow is convinced there will be an increasing interest in accessing the kind of genetic information that is the ultimate form of personal identification.
Ten finalists, to be announced in August, will share prizes worth over £65,000, including £20,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-up.
Each finalist will also receive £4,000 worth of consultancy and software courtesy of Croner Consulting, and Intuit.
The winner and runner-up will be announced before an audience of 300 leading businessmen and women on October 7 at London's Savoy Hotel.
Published Tuesday July 20, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article