In the first of three features looking ahead to Lab Innovations, Michelle Locke and Ricky Williams, of regular attendees Teknomek, share their views on the value of the show…

“For Teknomek, Lab Innovations provides a unique opportunity for us to come together with organisations from across the sector to connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” says Michelle Locke (below, left), product and marketing manager at Teknomek. 

“From emerging technologies and new ways of working to evolving regulatory expectations and sustainability challenges, the event provides a valuable forum for exchanging knowledge and driving progress across the laboratory and manufacturing community.”

The Lab Innovations Show, which returns to the NEC Birmingham next month is designed around five key themes, one of which is especially significant to the company, adds Locke.

“As a business that has built an enviable reputation for the design, manufacture and supply of hygienic furniture and equipment for laboratories, cleanrooms and controlled environments, innovation has been central to our success throughout our history.” 

However, she is quick to point out that the firm applies a wider interpretation to phrase normally focussed on groundbreaking science and engineering.

“Innovation doesn’t simply mean R&D: it is about understanding changing customer requirements and creating practical solutions that genuinely support hygienic laboratory environments.”

Locke’s colleague, Ricky Williams (below, right) is head of sector sales for laboratories and healthcare at Teknomek, and himself an experienced laboratory manager. He sees the show as an opportunity to connect with end users.

“What I find particularly valuable about Lab Innovations is the opportunity to have honest conversations with the people running and developing laboratories. We hear first-hand where a space is not working as well as it could. Whether that is workflow, storage, cleaning access, contamination control or simply making the best use of a restricted footprint. Those conversations help us turn real operational challenges into practical, workable solutions.”

There’s also the opportunity for knowledge share with peers working within the same area of the lab sector, he adds.

“The exhibition also creates opportunities to learn from others. The laboratory and pharmaceutical sectors are home to some of the most highly skilled specialists in the world, covering disciplines that range from laboratory planning and contamination control to HVAC, automation, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. Bringing these experts together under one roof encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise that ultimately benefits the wider industry.”

A particular interest for him is the Future of Laboratories Stage, where the onus is not only on sustainability but also the need for agile development and adaptation.

“Customers need laboratories that are not only technically suitable today, but flexible enough to adapt as their processes, equipment and compliance requirements develop. It is always useful to hear how others are approaching those challenges,” says Ricky Williams.

Locke concurs, saying that events such as Lab Innovations “allow us to continue learning, refining our thinking and identifying new ways to help our customers adapt and evolve to meet future challenges.”

“Ultimately, the continued success of the laboratory and pharmaceutical sectors depends on collaboration, innovation and a willingness to share knowledge. Lab Innovations plays a vital role in enabling those connections, and we are proud to be part of an event that helps bring the industry together. 

“By working collectively, we can continue to develop the products, facilities and practices that support scientific progress for years to come,” concludes Michelle Locke.

Teknomek is exhibiting at the event on Stand F118 at the Lab Innovations Show, which takes place from 4-5 November at the NEC Birmingham, Hall 2.