LDC Top 50 2021

When pharmaceutical companies need to handle dangerous compounds, they call on the containment specialist Envair Technology. The Cheshire-headquartered company designs, manufactures and installs every kind of containment equipment – even fume cupboards for school science labs.

When Mark took over in 2018, the business employed 30 people; in 2021, Envair Technology has grown to 122 staff and turnover is set to hit £20m. Mark plans to grow the business further through a focus on international sales. “I love taking things from concept to completion,” he says. “Put the work in, treat people well and empower them, that’s how you drive things forward.”

Q&A

What drives you?

I’m ambitious and passionate about this business. It’s been a really interesting and exciting journey for me. I sold my last business before joining Envair Technology, which was in materials testing, so I understand the pharmaceuticals industry and knew it was a sector I wanted to work in. We are a disruptor in this space and we aren’t confined to pharmaceuticals; we support food manufacturing, education, and the R&D sector. The sky’s the limit.

What’s so special about Envair Technology?

We do all aspects of containment, which makes us unusual. If someone needs to manufacture a high-potent cancer drug – which can be very dangerous in large quantities – we offer a global containment solution. I have identified some niche markets too, and 50pc of what we do now is bespoke. We have a unique way of working. Our design engineers can be at client sites around the world, in as little as 48 hours. We then manufacture everything in-house, typically taking six weeks from order to installation.

How big is your international business?

We have a manufacturing facility in Spain and are active across Europe; our equipment is found in most cancer care centres.  We also have big plans for the US and China in the future. Right now, about a third of our revenue comes from overseas.