MEMBERNEWS
Another major contract for SureScreen Diagnostics
SureScreen Diagnostics will create 200 jobs at its Derby factory after landing a contract to supply the UK Government with 20 million rapid Covid-19 test kits. The Chamber member’s lateral
flow antigen tests, which can produce a result in under 30 minutes are the first British-made tests to be validated in the laboratory by Public Health England (PHE). They will be used as part of the
Government’s rapid testing programme for people without symptoms, which has involved deploying the kits across the country to test NHS and care home staff, as well as in targeting settings including schools, universities and in businesses featuring key workers. With up to a third of individuals
with coronavirus not displaying symptoms, broadening asymptomatic testing is essential in
‘We believe our rapid antigen tests can really help in screening people both in the community and in clinical settings’
finding positive cases who may unknowingly pass on the virus in order to break chains of transmission. Prime Minister Boris Johnson
visited the company's Prime Parkway headquarters on 8 February after the announcement. During the tour, he hailed Derby as the "home of innovation". SureScreen director David
Campbell said: “We believe our rapid antigen tests can really help in screening people both in the community and in clinical settings. Routine testing is crucial to help business, as well as hospitals and GPs. We are delighted to be working with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on
this project and that our tests have been recognised by the Government and its scientists. We look forward to doing all we can to help the UK going forward in 2021.” Throughout the pandemic,
SureScreen – which has a headcount of 100 people and also makes antibody tests for identifying when people have previously had the virus – has sent its kits across the world to more than 50 countries. In January, it signed a deal to
supply two million antigen tests to the Government but said it had the capacity to make millions more over the coming months. The latest contract will create 200 additional jobs for Derby
residents, with roles across the whole production line as well as in the wider UK supply chain. The tests have already been
validated by PHE in the lab and are now in their final stage of validation in clinical trials. They have been proven to detect
the B117 “Kent variant” of Covid-19, and are already CE-marked and MHRA-approved. Results for the test at the laboratory validation stage showed sensitivity against high viral loads was 97.1% and specificity was 99.9%. Lateral flow antigen tests work
by taking a sample from the nose or back of the throat and testing that sample for the presence of antigens, the signature proteins of the virus. Antigen testing can tell someone
whether they currently have the virus that causes Covid-19, and produce results in under 30 minutes.
Stratstone unveils plans for new showrooms
Stratstone has announced a multi-million-pound redevelopment of its Derby BMW showroom, bringing both BMW and MINI brands into one dedicated site. The project, set to be completed in late 2021, will create a showroom
with space for 17 new models, showcasing the latest technology across the two ranges. Located in Sir Frank Whittle Road, the 50,000 sq ft site has been designed to enhance the customer experience by bringing both brands under one roof. Customers will also benefit from a bright and modern showroom space,
which will also include BMW M and BMWi zones, allowing them to explore the performance and electric vehicle (EV) ranges alongside product specialists. Three new delivery bays will allow the retailer to create a personalised
experience for each person. In addition to the revamped showroom, the site will boast a 21-ramp
service and repair workshop – equipped to include EV servicing. There will also be SMART repair (small, medium area repair technology)
facilities, increased space for approved used vehicles, a new two-storey car deck and outdoor EV charging points. Bill Berman, CEO of Stratstone owner Pendragon, said: “We are
8 business networkMarch 2021
delighted to unveil the plans for our re-development of BMW and MINI Derby. We believe this facility marks a significant investment in not only the
BMW and MINI brands, but also in the local community through long-term job creation. We look forward to welcoming customers from across Derby into this bold new facility when we open later this year.”
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