Randox & Camerata Ireland hitting a high note in Paris
Randox & Camerata Ireland hitting a high note in Paris
Last night (19TH May, 2015), in what was a unique collaboration, Randox and Camerata Ireland took part in a very special musical event, in one of the most beautiful and prestigious addresses in Paris. Four musicians selected by Artistic Director, world renowned pianist Barry Douglas, performed at the British Ambassador’s Residence, also known as the Hôtel de Charost; the palatial edifice, bought by the Duke of Wellington in 1814. Camerata Ireland is an all-Ireland organisation, supported by joint patrons; Her Majesty the Queen and President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. As such, it was fitting that the event was hosted by both the British Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Ricketts and Irish Ambassador to France, Geraldine Byrne Nason.
150 specially invited guests, including some of France’s leading scientists and clinicians attended the concert, which is part of a series of events, marking the 15th anniversary season of Camerata Ireland. Founded in 1999, by Tchaikovsky Gold Medal winner, Barry Douglas, Camerata Ireland brings together the finest musicians from Ireland – North and South; to present a new and positive image of Ireland and to create a distinctive sound that comes from the orchestra members’ shared musical heritage. As Global Sponsor, Randox has supported Camerata Ireland’s vision for almost a decade.
Speaking after last night’s recital Barry Douglas, Artistic Director said:
“We are all immensely proud of the work of our all-island orchestra, Camerata Ireland over the past 15 years. We feel very privileged to enjoy the joint patronage of HM the Queen and President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. We are honoured to have the support of the British and Irish Ambassadors in Paris, and we thank them for their warm welcome at this event. We also want to thank our wonderful Global Sponsor, Randox, who have made our tours and work with young musicians possible through their generous support”.
Sir Peter Ricketts, British Ambassador to France said:
“This was an evening which reflected all the warmth in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland. I am delighted that it brought together such a wide range of people to enjoy the magic of Camerata’s music and thanks to Randox’s generosity.”
Geraldine Byrne Nason, Irish Ambassador to France said:
“I was delighted to join the British Ambassador to co-host this evening’s concert to celebrate the fifteenth birthday of Camerata Ireland. It is fitting that we jointly celebrate with friends from across the island of Ireland and with our neighbours. With sincere appreciation for Camerata’s Global Sponsor, Randox”.
As well as highlighting musical talent, the event was a platform for Randox to promote its ground-breaking diagnostic tests and technology, allowing its experts to network with some of France’s pre-eminent pathologists, cardiologists and life-scientists, as Mark Campbell, Head of External Affairs at Randox explained:
“As Global Sponsor of Camerata Ireland Randox are delighted to have enjoyed a wonderful event in such a magnificent setting, graciously hosted by both the British and Irish Ambassadors. Randox’s partnership with Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland goes back for over a decade and has allowed us to support the Arts and build and strengthen relationships in key markets across the globe. Camerata Ireland is recognised as one of this Island’s chief cultural assets, showcasing the very best of what Ireland, North and South, has to offer”.
Students in peak position with the Randox pinnacle placement awards
Global biotechnology firm Randox is celebrating the success of its placement students through the newly established Randox Pinnacle Placement Awards. Randox works closely with a number of universities throughout the UK to support the professional development of students, including providing work placements in its world-leading Engineering, Science and Business departments.
Students, past and present, have been recruited from Queen’s University, Ulster University, St Andrew’s, Strathclyde, Imperial College London and University of Brighton.
The cream of the 2014-15 placements have been recognised by the company, through the new Randox Pinnacle Placement Awards. The top three achievers within each discipline have been rewarded for their outstanding contributions and today were presented with certificates of merit and prizes to mark their achievements.
Receiving special recognition for his work was 22 year old Michael Mulligan from Lisnaskea. The Business with Computing student from Ulster University, was awarded the Best Overall Placement Student, for his innovative Mobile App, designed to aid sales teams. The app will be utilised by Randox’s Global RX analyser sales team to provide product information, competitor comparisons and analysis as they meet potential clients in international markets.
Receiving his award Michael Mulligan said:
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Randox, I’ve been allowed to express myself in lots of different projects and the help and support has been great! I’ve learned so much in such a short time, it really has helped me to develop my skills and to understand what I want out of a career.”
Congratulating Michael and his 32 fellow placement students, Linda Magee, Head of HR at Randox said:
“We’ve always been great supporters of the placement model in education; it provides the student with some very valuable work experience in their discipline, as well as real life experience. As the employer, it provides us with a stream of excellent students, with the skills and the talent we need, keeping us one step ahead for the next year’s recruitment.”
Due to demand, 50 places on the Randox Pinnacle Placement Programme 2015-16 have already been filled, however anyone interested in applying for the 2016-17 scheme should email recruitment@randox.com.
Randox announces princely partnership with leading youth charity
Global biotechnology firm Randox has today announced the Prince’s Trust as its official corporate charity. Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of the medical diagnostics company, has supported the youth charity in a personal capacity for more than 30 years, but now the Prince’s Trust will be at the heart of Randox’s corporate fundraising efforts.
The partnership was launched at the Randox Point-to-Point in Crumlin (Sat 25th April), where a number of young entrepreneurs supported by the charity, marketed their crafts to the thousands of race-goers. Stalls included commercial courier company Put it on a Pallet, Nicola Drennan Ceramics aptly made with horse hair designs! Artist, Miguel Martin, Eat Me Drink Me artisan teas and Dolled up Decor up-cycled furniture.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of The Prince’s Trust, Sir Nigel Hamilton said:
“Randox is a complete inspiration to all aspiring young entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland and we at The Prince’s Trust were delighted to have five of our young business people represented at the point-to-point event. It is so encouraging to have companies like Randox who make such a significant contribution to the local economy, supporting the fledgling businesses that have been established through The Trust’s Enterprise programme.”
In addition to showcasing Prince’s Trust supported businesses, Randox guests at the event donated more than £1,200, this was topped off by Randox staff handing over a cheque for £3,500 from fundraising events throughout the year, including cake sales and sports challenges.
Describing the partnership as ‘a natural fit’, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:
“We are pleased to have selected the Prince’s Trust as our official corporate charity. Its values of innovation, enterprise and education mirror our own. Within Randox we are committed to finding and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers and our alliance with the Prince’s Trust allows us to help support the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Sun shines on crowds at the Randox Point-to-Point
The annual Randox Point-to-Point at Crumlin, once again attracted bumper crowds who turned out for the two day point-to-point steeplechases. Situated on what is widely regarded as the premier point-to-point track on the island of Ireland, the weekend’s event (24th and 25th April) did not disappoint with multiple All Ireland Champion Derek O’Connor registering a double on Saturday partnering Ballycross to victory for Templepatrick trainer Colin McKeever and leading local owner Wilson Dennison followed by Chosen Dream at the fifth. O’Connor also recorded a brace of winners during Friday evening’s session having scored with Sister Saragh at the first and Frost at the fifth.
Thousands enjoyed the spectacle and the sunshine and the increasingly popular event also boasted food and drink outlets, as well as portrait painting, crafts and even horse hair ceramics, all provided by the Prince’s Trust charity.
Randox wins place on league table of UK’s fastest-growing profit stars
Published this weekend, the 16th annual Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 league table ranks the UK’s private companies with the fastest-growing profits over the last three years.
The three companies headquartered in Northern Ireland (compared to no companies last year) have made a strong contribution to the local economy, together achieving combined profits of £23m and employing almost 1,200 staff, having added 260 jobs in the last three years.
The region’s highest-ranked company at No 44 is Randox Laboratories, which appears on the league table for the first time. Led by founder and managing director Peter Fitzgerald CBE, 64, the company designs and manufactures diagnostic instruments and tests used in medical laboratories. It also supplies antibodies and proteins to the healthcare industry. It grew profits an average of 65% a year to £16.3m in 2013, and plans to invest £161m in a new science park near its head office in County Antrim.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox said:
“Over the past 3 years we have witnessed a period of strong growth within Randox. Our success is largely due to our unwavering commitment to innovation and the skill, dedication and energy of our people – be they scientists, engineers, software developers or those fulfilling a wide range of business and support roles. This growth will enable us to further strengthen our infrastructure and increase the world leading research and development we are conducting – to achieve the earliest possible diagnosis of a very wide range of clinical conditions. At the moment 1-in-20 people on the globe are diagnosed using Randox tests and technology, and by 2020 we want to see this increase to 1-in-10. We remain dedicated to saving lives and improving health worldwide, and reinvesting our profits helps ensure that we will realise our vision.”
Two other Northern Ireland companies also make their debut on the Profit Track 100; County Antrim’s BI Electrical Services, and County Londonderry’s Tobermore Concrete Products.
The Profit Track 100 league table and awards programme is sponsored by BDO, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, and UBS Wealth Management. It is compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events firm.
Peter Burnside, managing partner at BDO in Northern Ireland, the title sponsor of the league table, commented on the region’s success stories:
“Medium-sized businesses in Northern Ireland and across the UK are thriving. Our newly-named ‘Brittelstand’ has outgrown the German ‘Mittelstand’ with mid-market businesses across all sectors seizing the opportunities a growing economy presents. Northern Ireland’s most profitable companies have remained focused on sustainable growth by making intelligent investment decisions in innovation and overseas expansion.”
Randox Point-to-Point making champions in 2015
Global biotechnology firm Randox is delighted to once again host the Killultagh, Old Rock and Chichester Hunt Point-to-Point Steeplechases at Crumlin, County Antrim.
The Randox Point-to-Point will take place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of April, at Largy Road in Crumlin, on what many have described as the premier Point-to-Point track on the island of Ireland!
Point-to-Points are now firmly established in national hunt racing, with several champion horses starting their careers on the Irish Point-to-Point circuit, including several Grand National Winners, last year’s Randox Point-to-Point was no exception; Classic Place, winner of the Dennison’s Commercials 4 year old geldings maiden, was sold to Gigginstown House Stud (owned by Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary) and is now trained by Ireland’s top National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins.
Duke Arcadio won the Stonebridge Premium Feeds 5 year old confirmed maiden and is now trained by Donald McCain in England, Duke Arcadio then went on to win at Ayr at his next outing.
Pumped Up kicks won the Delta Packaging Mares winner of three, she is now owned and trained by Dan Skelton in England and has won two further races at Perth.
Randox Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald said:
“We are pleased to once again host the Point-to-Point where champions are made. As an award winning diagnostics company, we succeed because we are ahead of the curve and so we support events which encourage entrepreneurship, team work and healthy competition! We look forward to this year’s two day meeting where we might spot the next Cheltenham Gold Cup or Aintree Grand National winner.”
This popular event isn’t just for racing enthusiasts, everyone is welcome to enjoy the food stands, craft stalls and family festivities. General admission is £5 per person, with free entry for children under the age of 16. The first race on Friday 24th of April will start at 4pm; on Saturday 25th of April, the first race takes place at 2pm.
3 million people in England could have been spared chronic kidney disease – as health watchdog calls for changes to testing
- Precision test detects minute deterioration in kidney function
- Identifies patients at early stages – missed by current testing
- NICE says new test regime could cut the number of patients on medication and dialysis by up to 20%
- Chronic kidney disease affects older people and more common in women
- Unchecked, CKD can eventually cause kidney failure and death
- CKD linked to diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease
Millions of people in the UK are needlessly suffering from advanced kidney disease, because of a ‘blind spot’ in current testing methods. The traditional test used by the NHS to identify kidney dysfunction, measures the level of a waste product (Creatinine), which is only raised when up to 60% of the kidney has already been damaged. This damage is irreversible, with dialysis or transplant the only available therapies.
As kidney disease progresses, waste builds up in the blood which can have a significant impact on other key areas of the body; impairing heart health, weakening bones, reducing immune response and damaging the central nervous system. If left unchecked, CKD can cause kidney failure and death.
With early detection, the progression of CKD can be prevented; in response to this the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has drafted new guidance for doctors to improve diagnosis and identify kidney dysfunction in the earliest stages. The health watchdog makes it clear that a highly sensitive test for the biomarker Cystatin C, should be used alongside the traditional creatinine test, for more accurate and earlier identification of kidney function deterioration.
Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body at a constant rate, its small molecular weight allows it to be completely broken down and removed by the kidneys; levels therefore, remain steady if the kidneys are working efficiently and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is normal. If kidney function deteriorates, Cystatin C concentrations rise.
Testing for cystatin c means doctors can pick up on even the smallest changes in GFR, identifying a drop in kidney function at the earliest opportunity. Once a problem has been spotted early it can be managed through medication and/or changes to diet and lifestyle, preventing chronic kidney disease from occurring.
Around 2 million adults in England have CKD – but as it is largely asymptomatic and often undiagnosed, it is thought a further 1 million could also be suffering from the advanced stages of the disease. Dr Gilbert Wieringa, Consultant Biochemist at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, a keen advocate of the test commented:
“I welcome the fact that NICE now recognises Cystatin C as a key biomarker in the differential diagnosis of CKD. The ready availability of this blood test ensures the right treatment can be started for the right patient in the right time in turn helping to prevent or delay progression of CKD, reducing or delaying complications, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It provides a key example where investment in a diagnostic test helps reduce far greater cost burdens of managing secondary complications further down the line”
NICE says that while using the cystatin c test will increase the cost of diagnosis “accuracy is expected to improve and fewer people are expected to require treatment and monitoring”.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, MD at UK Biotech firm Randox, which has created a cystatin C test for use in every standard hospital lab in the UK, believes the new diagnostic method could have a significant impact on the financial burden of CKD on the NHS:
“CKD is closely linked with diabetes, obesity, stoke and cardio vascular disease – as we see these conditions increase across the UK, so too will the prevalence of CKD, but if we can catch kidney function damage early, we can prevent CKD and prevent the need for expensive medical interventions such as dialysis, the cost of which per patient, per year is around £31,000. Needless to say, it also comes at considerable personal expense, but this does not have to be the way.”
NICE estimates that up to 20% of the current CKD population may not have needed medication, if the new testing method was introduced and says “savings are expected at a local level as a result of this change.”
An āeggs-traordinaryā career at Randox Teoranta for the first of the #Dungloe2020
As Easter arrives, global biotech firm Randox, is celebrating the success of its first recruitment drive, as part of its planned expansion under the #Dungloe2020 programme.
In October 2014, the company laid out its vision for Randox Teoranta, a leading life science and engineering centre, which includes a major investment of €25m in the site. This significant investment will see employment figures at Randox Teoranta rise to 540 by 2020.
Recruitment began in earnest in the New Year and for the last few weeks, the first of the #Dungloe2020 life scientists, engineers and software specialists have been getting to grips with their new roles at the frontline of improving healthcare; pioneering research and building technology to make a real difference in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and diseases of the kidneys and liver.
One of the new recruits, Dr Lisa Staunton, a PhD in Protein Biochemistry, has been with Randox for two months:
“I’m passionate about what Randox is doing and pleased that I am using my experience to bring scientific breakthroughs in health care directly to the patient. I’m originally from Ballyshannon and was working at the Conway Institute at UCD, but now I can be at the cutting edge of research at home!
“Randox has a progressive way of making the most of your skills, I’m learning new skills from the team and they are learning from me, it is about how we can best fit each other to achieve our goals and not a lot of big companies have that flexibility. It is brilliant being able to put in a good, productive day in at the laboratory and then go for a run on Rossnowlagh beach.”
23 year old Mechanical Design Engineer, Darren McGeever is also among the first of the #Dungloe2020. Darren graduated in 2014, with an Honours in Mechanical Engineering from Letterkenny Institute of Technology and was concerned that he might have to emigrate:
“I’m heavily involved in the local GAA and Soccer teams and was worried that I would be joining a long list of former players who have had to emigrate for jobs; so I applied as soon as I heard about #Dungloe2020. It is just fantastic I could get a job like this right on my doorstep.
“I learn something new every day, the technology being developed here is truly ground-breaking and it is great to be part of that, so early on in my career. As well as studying at Letterkenny I.T., I also studied at Galway I.T., back then I used to go home to a cold house – now when I finish work I go to a warm house and my mum’s dinners!”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox MD said harnessing the skills of the community is the key to success of the #Dungloe2020 campaign:
“The interest we’ve had to date is wonderful – we are attracting high calibre life scientists, engineers and software developers from within Donegal, the rest of Ireland and abroad. I’d like to congratulate and indeed welcome the first of our #Dungloe2020 staff, who will each play an important role as we strive to improve health across the globe.”
Steve Ó Cualáin, CEO at Údarás na Gaeltachta, is supporting the #Dungloe2020 recruitment drive:
“Údarás na Gaeltachta, are very pleased with the success of the first wave of recruitment for #Dungloe2020. We would like to support Randox Teoranta in their continued recruitment drive over the Easter period and we wish the company continued success with the campaign. We are confident that Randox will achieve its ambitious recruitment targets.”
For more information on the #Dungloe2020 positions available please visit randox.com or email recruitment@randoxteoranta.com
ColaboraciĆ³n en asistencia sanitaria destacada en la visita del Ministro de Salud irlandĆ©s a MĆ©xico
Una colaboración entre un laboratorio clínico pionero de México, Biomédica de Referencia y la empresa irlandesa de biotecnología, Randox, será el aspecto notable de la visita del Ministro de Salud irlandés al país.
El Ministro Leo Varadkar quien está en México para una serie de compromisos políticos y de negocios y para celebrar 40 años de relaciones diplomáticas entre México e Irlanda, hoy (18 de marzo 2015) hará una visita al laboratorio de vanguardia de Biomédica de Referencia en la zona de Lomas de Chapultepec en la ciudad de México. Esta empresa que ofrece excelencia en laboratorio clínico y diagnostico por imagen ha ganado varios honores internacionales y nacionales, incluso el Premio Nacional de Calidad 2014.
El Ministro Varadkar y la Embajadora de Irlanda para México, Sonja Hyland, observerán el uso de los productos de Randox en el laboratorio y encontrarán representantes del equipo dedicado para Latinoamérica de Randox. Hablarán también con los médicos y científicos pioneros de Biomédica de Referencia, que utilizan los productos de control de calidad de Randox para asegurar la exactitud y precisión en sus análisis de pacientes, lo que ha contribuido al estatus premiado del laboratorio.
Dando el bienvenido a la visita del Ministro de Salud, Clara Corona de Lau, Director Ejecutivo de Biomédica de Referencia dijo: “Para Biomédica de Referencia el contar con los productos de Randox desde el 2010, ha sido una herramienta invaluable en el aseguramiento de la calidad de los resultados. Los productos de Randox nos permiten tener procesos más eficientes al controlar todos nuestros sistemas en un solo programa, además que, el contar con matrices conmutables hace que la evaluación de los materiales de control refleje el desempeño analítico de manera similar al observado con las muestras de los pacientes; de igual manera, el tener resultados en “tiempo real” nos ha ayudado a tomar decisiones correctas en cuanto a nuestros sistemas analíticos, ayudándonos a fortalecer nuestros valores organizacionales de mejora continua e innovación. Estamos convencidos que en Randox Tenemos un aliado que en estos 5 años ha contribuido fuertemente al logro de nuestro reto de excelencia en la operación y en el posicionamiento de nuestra marca.”
Randox, un líder a nivel mundial en la industria de diagnóstico in vitro, exporta sus pruebas y tecnología innovadoras a hospitales, clínicos y laboratorios de investigación por todo México desde hace casi 20 años. Dominic Hasson, Gerente para Latinoamérica de Randox dijo que el éxito del equipo es debido a la fortaleza de los productos de Randox y al desarrollar buenas relaciones:
“Randox exporta a 20 países en Latinoamérica, y muchos de éstos están fortaleciendo sus sistemas de asistencia de salud. Debido a esto, estamos viendo una mayor demanda cada año de nuestros productos diagnósticos de alta calidad; y México no es una excepción. Randox ha invertido en personal hispanohablante para apoyar a este mercado, suministrando equipos dedicados para esta región que trabaja en desarrollar y mantener relaciones con clientes; esto es esencial para hacer crecer la presencia de Randox en Latinoamérica.”
El Ministro de Salud Leo Varadkar dijo: “La relación fuerte entre Biomédica de Referencia y Randox es un ejemplo claro del valor de la colaboración entre empresas mexicanas e irlandesas en el sector de salud. Como Ministro de Salud, estoy muy orgulloso del hecho de que productos de control de calidad desarrollados y fabricados por una empresa irlandesa han contribuido al otorgamiento del Premio Nacional de Calidad 2014 a Biomédica de Referencia.”
La Embajadora de Irlanda para México, Sonja Hyland, dijo: “México es el socio comercial más grande de Irlanda en Latinoamérica y el sector de productos médicos y farmacéuticos es una parte importante y creciente de esta relación, representando casi $400 millones de negocios entre México e Irlanda. La visita del Ministro Varadkar a México nos da la oportunidad de desarrollar y fortalecer aún más esta relación.”
Irish biotech firm Randox announces export success to Latin America as 2014 sales exceed ā¬7 million
Irish biotechnology company Randox Laboratories is highlighting the impact of its export strategy to Latin America, as sales of the firm’s products into the region in 2014 exceed €7 million. The announcement comes as Health Minister, Leo Varadkar visits Mexico’s leading clinical laboratory to see Randox products in use.
Randox, a global market leader within the in vitro diagnostics industry, has been exporting its innovative tests and technology to hospitals, clinics and R&D labs across Mexico for almost 20 years. One of the company’s key customers in the country is principal clinical laboratory, Biomédica de Referencia, based in Mexico City, winner of the prestigious 2014 Mexican National Quality Award.
Today (18th March 2015), the Health Minister and Irish Ambassador, will tour the state-of-the-art facility and will meet representatives from Randox’s dedicated Latin America team. They will also speak to the pioneering medics and scientists at Biomédica de Referencia, who use Randox Quality Control products to ensure accuracy in patient testing.
Welcoming the Health Minister’s visit, Dominic Hasson, Randox’s Latin America Manager said the team’s success is due to the strength of Randox products and to developing good relations:
“Randox exports to 20 countries in Latin America, many of which are strengthening their healthcare systems and as a result we are seeing increased demand for our high quality diagnostic products, year-on-year; Mexico is no exception. Randox has invested in Spanish speaking staff to assist with this market, providing teams dedicated to the region, who work to develop and maintain relationships with customers; this is vital to growing the Randox footprint in Latin America.”
Health Minister Leo Varadkar said: “The strong relationship between Biomédica de Referencia and Randox is a clear example of the value of collaboration between Mexican and Irish companies in the healthcare sector. As Minister for Health, I am very proud that quality control products developed and manufactured by an Irish company have contributed to Biomédica de Referencia receiving the 2014 Mexican National Quality Control Award.”
Irish Ambassador to Mexico, Sonja Hyland said: “Mexico is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Latin America and the pharmaceutical, medical devices and medical products sector is an important and growing part of that relationship, accounting for nearly $400 million of business between Mexico and Ireland. Minister Varadkar’s visit to Mexico gives us an opportunity to further develop and strengthen that relationship.”
Clara Corona de Lau of Biomédica de Referencia said: “For Biomédica de Referencia, the use of Randox products since 2010 has been an invaluable tool in assuring the quality of our results. Randox products allow us to have more efficient processes to control all our systems with one programme, and in addition to this, having commutable matrixes means that evaluation of the control materials reflects our analytical performance in a similar way to that seen with patient samples. Also, having “real time” results has helped us to take correct decisions in regards to our analytical systems, helping us to strengthen our organizational values of continuous improvement and innovation. We are convinced that with Randox we have an ally, which in these last 5 years has contributed strongly to the achievement of our goals of operational excellence and positioning of our brand.”
