Lab Manager Starts at Durham Public Analysts

Nigel Payne joined Durham Scientific Services on 9th June to take on the role of laboratory manager. Nigel has been a public analyst since 1995, working at Central Scientific Laboratories in London before joining Pattinsons in Newcastle. Nigel also spent a year working in the Middle East on water treatment projects. Nigel said "I am pleased to join the Durham laboratory at a time of concern over the future of the public analyst role in the UK. I will be working hard with the staff towards ensuring the long term viability of what is a highly respected regional laboratory. We will be providing public analyst services from the Tyne to the Tees. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Alan Richards, head of the Durham laboratory said "I am really pleased to welcome Nigel to Durham; he will be a great asset to our team. This is an excellent opportunity to see how a regional laboratory facility can operate in the north east. Added to this the new laboratory facility that has been provided by Durham County Council I am confident we will all do well."

Alan is still leading the fight with the Food Standards Agency and other stakeholders over how funding for official food testing is carried out in the UK. He has raised serious doubts over the sustainability of this important public service. With spending on food testing in the UK continuing to reduce against a background of increasing global food and energy costs there is a growing risk of food adulteration and safety issues arising that will eventually impact upon consumers health and wealth.