Image: Settling in to their new surroundings at Exeter Science Park are L-R Andy Torrance, John Thipthorpe & Jade Wilde of the VPG

Leading UK veterinary pathology firm, The Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG), is moving to Exeter Science Park following recent company growth.

From a team of just three which formed in Exeter in 2001, there are now 135 employees across the group, 45 of which have been based in Exeter Science Park’s Newton building since June 2019.

Previously known as Torrance Diamond Diagnostic Services (TDDS) before becoming VPG in 2018, the team was previously based at the University of Exeter’s Innovation Centre. VPG is part of the SYNLAB Group.

The VPG provides a diagnostic results service for veterinary surgeons, offering particular expertise in cytology, haematology and histopathology.

Using an in-house courier service, the VPG receives samples and biopsies from over 900 veterinary practices across the UK and Ireland. The team then study, analyse and diagnose the samples and liaise directly with vets regarding the results and treatment.

On the company’s first day, July 2nd 2001, the team of three analysed four samples in 12 hours, now the VPG analyses 900 samples per day nationwide.

Andy Torrance, Director of the VPG, explained: “Our company has grown substantially since we moved into the Innovation Centre in 2001, testament to the unrivalled service that all of our staff provide for our veterinary clients who have continued to use our services.

“The move to Exeter Science Park will underpin the next phase of our company’s growth and allow us to enhance the service further as we continue to develop new diagnostic tests to support veterinarians in the UK and across Europe.

“We chose the Science Park as not only does it offer fantastic facilities to allow our staff to perform their duties, but the prime location provides a very accessible point for our network of courier drivers and clients to deliver samples to our laboratory for diagnostic testing and analysis.”

The VPG is a network of responsive labs and experienced pathologists across the UK and Ireland offering a full range of clinical diagnostic services to veterinary practices. The group of choice for nearly all the veterinary referral centres in the UK and Ireland, the VPG offers access to quality services and exceptional pathologists.

Exeter will become the company’s head office, the other laboratories and offices are located in Ringwood, Hitchin, Bristol, Leeds and Cork.

Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park, said: “Exeter Science Park is an excellent choice for the VPG’s next phase of growth, we provide high-quality office and laboratory space and outstanding business support to help innovative science, technology, engineering, maths and medical, or STEMM, businesses deliver extraordinary growth. We wish them continued success here.”

The Exeter Science Park Grow-on Buildings are partly funded by £4.5 million from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal Funding.

Steve Hindley CBE DL, Chair of the HotSW LEP, said: “Exeter Science Park is at the heart of a growing cluster of innovative businesses who are relocating here. It’s a key site in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise zone, which is part of the wider Heart of the South West Enterprise Zone package which provides prime sites for businesses in the area’s most valuable sectors. 

“The LEP is proud to have supported the development of Exeter Science Park through a variety of funding streams over the 8 years since we were set up to generate growth and productivity. It’s an excellent example of partnership working between district and county councils, the LEP, Government and the private sector, and these new Grow-On buildings were partly funded by £4.4m from our Growth Deal. I welcome the Veterinary Pathology Group to the Exeter Science Park and wish them every success in the future of their business.”

Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: “The Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the UK and building a Britain fit for the future. This £4.5m Local Growth Fund investment in Exeter Science Park will support businesses to develop and put the city at the forefront of the UK’s world-leading science and tech sectors.

“I’m pleased to see this new development attracting a wide range of innovative companies which will create high-value jobs for local people and grow the local economy.”

To find out more about Exeter Science Park, visit exetersciencepark.co.uk or call 01392 247047.

Submitted on 12/07/2019