Cambridge A Centre for Lab Technology

Cambridge is now a central hub for laboratories and lab technology in the UK, further bolstered by Cambridge University’s Academy for Science and Technology. In today’s blog we discover more about the city’s significant scientific status – and why choosing a specialist laboratory removals company can ensure that your move goes as swiftly and smoothly as possible.

Cambridge – a hub for science and industry

Cambridge has long been home to some of the UK’s most respected educational institutions – and offers an ideal environment for technological advancement and learning. Over the past few years the city’s offering has greatly diversified, offering specialist spaces for computer laboratories, research facilities and more. New developments include American giant Thermo Fisher Scientific’s UK hub alongside the respected Cavendish Laboratory and Sainsbury Laboratory linked to the University of Cambridge.

Choosing removal companies in Cambridge

There are a few key things to look for when choosing removal companies in Cambridge. Whether you’re moving a facility across country or heading to the city from London or nearby Oxford, excellent lab logistics and best practice will be key aspects of a successful relocation. Avoid making a selection based purely on price – and instead carefully check a company’s credentials and ask to see testimonials and reviews to indicate the quality of past performance.

Relocating to Cambridge? Work with a laboratory moving company you can trust

At Johnsons we work with scientific labs and facilities nationwide, helping them to conduct their lab move without disruption or delay. As an increasing number of larger laboratories look to relocate to Cambridge we’re on hand to help, with experienced project managers and dangerous goods advisors to oversee and organise every aspect of the move. Highly trained and experienced laboratory relocation teams that work in line with current GLP legislation will handle your lab equipment with care, organising specialist transportation where required for biohazards, dangerous goods and cold chain materials.

When planning an upcoming laboratory move time is of the essence and early intervention by professionals can significantly speed up the process. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with our friendly team.

3 Top Tips When Moving Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory relocations are on the increase – as facilities look to downsize, streamline and improve efficiency. But moving laboratory equipment is a sensitive and complex process which must be well-managed in order to guarantee success. At Johnsons we work with research firms, universities, laboratory equipment suppliers and medical facilities to help ensure a smooth, efficient relocation. Here we share three simple yet effective actions to ensure a productive process from start to finish.

Prepare and schedule

Adequate planning and preparation and a focus on doing things the right way at the right time can significantly lower the financial, professional and regulatory risks posed by moving laboratory equipment. Firstly, set out an inventory list before putting together a rough chronological itinerary detailing every task that will need to be completed throughout the process. Consult with staff members and others involved in the move before passing the finished schedule to your lab equipment removals company.

Collaboration and cohesion are key

Successful collaboration between your internal teams and the experts responsible for the move is a key component of a smooth and efficient relocation. Once a plan has been put together, share and fine-tune it with the help of professionals. Assign key roles within your company and work actively with your lab equipment movers to ensure that every role is covered by an appropriate professional. Your service provider should then be able to delegate and brief sub-contractors, such as disposal experts or specialist logistical support. A contingency plan should also be created in case of unexpected occurrences.

Choose trusted lab equipment movers

The importance of choosing trusted partners for removal (especially where specialist requirements need to be taken care of, or medical equipment transportation is required) cannot be underestimated. Specialist medical equipment movers and lab equipment distributors will have partner companies they work with to ensure that every element of the move is properly provided for – from disposal and logistical support to chemical waste management and post-relocation clean-up. For this reason it’s key that you choose a trusted provider based on real recommendations, and are confident that they will provide services in a responsible and professional manner.

Discover more about Johnsons specialist laboratory logistics and medical equipment transport services here.

Specialist Transportation Requirements To Consider When Moving Lab Equipment

Co-ordinating a lab equipment move is naturally a complex and detailed process, even when requirements are relatively straightforward – so specific provisions for specialist transportation requirements is paramount. Specialist requirements need specialist attention and care – so forward planning and expert intervention are needed for a smooth and successful move.

Consider key disruptions and consequences before commencing

Once a move has been decided, it’s important to spend time co-ordinating before the planning and preparation stages commence. What needs to be done? How will the move disrupt lab activity both in the short and long-term? What could go wrong? Considering every potential outcome and eventuality in detail may take some time – but it helps you to prepare adequately for a move involving specialist lab equipment. Enlist professional support from a provider well-versed in moving medical and laboratory equipment – alongside other specific services such as dedicated cleaning companies to help you to clear out following the move, and storage facilities to hold items securely and safely during the relocation.

Choose an ADR certified laboratory equipment removals partner

An Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods or ADR certification is a legal requirement for most countries within the European Union. This ensures that the individuals responsible for managing, handling and transporting laboratory equipment and items or substances classed as ‘dangerous goods’ are qualified to do so. If your lab equipment movers are found not to have sufficient certification you could be liable for any accidental damage – so it’s important to ask to see evidence of accreditation and fully vet all companies you’ll be working with during the relocation process – including third parties assigned by partners.

Emergency provisions are paramount

When specialist transportation requirements are present specialist measures must be put in place – and this includes planning for potential accidents. Even when proper preparatory measures are in place, naturally things can sometimes go wrong. Considering your immediate actions and putting a timeline in place in case the worst should happen will be invaluable should a minor or major mishap occur. This is especially true when dealing with scientific lab equipment or dangerous goods. At Johnsons, our staff and equipment are fully compliant with DGS standards – and our vehicles are equipped with necessary facilities including aggressive chemical spill kits and P.P.E. Our in-house Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors ensure that the project is co-ordinated with care in line with current regulations.

For specialist removals and storage of lab equipment UK-wide, get in touch with our dedicated team today.

Furniture Recycling Alongside Laboratory Equipment Services

When a laboratory undergoes a refit, refurbishment or relocation there are often changes to be made – and new spaces, fresh furniture and chemistry equipment is often introduced. So what happens to the non-specialist items that are no longer required – such as chairs, desks, tables and storage units? Asset recycling from Johnsons could provide the answer.

Why is recycling a savvy option?

Conscious companies are now favoured by consumers – but the benefits of recycling furniture are also interesting from a financial and organisational perspective. When furniture is redundant or no longer required, disposing of it can pose a massive headache for busy organisations without the time or inclination to sell or look for a new home for it. Some disposal options can be costly – and there’s no guarantee that the items you discard will be dealt with responsibly.

Save the planet

Recycling naturally has a positive knock-on effect on the environment around us. This is great news for laboratories with an actively eco-friendly, ethical focus, implementing conscious practices as part of their day-to-day activity. Our services actively support your commitment to waste reduction and prevention – by encouraging companies to adopt a ‘zero landfill’ policy through providing simple, straightforward services and a hassle-free alternative to traditional options.

Arranging furniture recycling alongside laboratory equipment services for maximum efficiency

Combining furniture removal and recycling alongside laboratory equipment services can be efficient and hugely beneficial for managers looking to reduce disruption and downtime caused by relocation or refurbishment. At Johnsons we provide specialist laboratory equipment services and commercial recycling provision – so we can organise assistance and disposal to coincide with a relocation either within your premises or to pastures new.

Talk to us today about your upcoming move and recycling needs. Our specialist laboratory equipment services are comprehensive and flexible. Get in touch for a tailored plan and quote for your business.

Simple Steps To Sample And Cold Chain Material Relocations When Moving Laboratory Equipment

Specialist care and attention is required when moving laboratory equipment of any kind – so when some items need to be transported in controlled conditions this adds an extra dimension that can be challenging for overloaded lab managers. But with the right support and professional intervention relocating temperature-sensitive items and dangerous goods needn’t be stressful. In today’s blog we share simple tips to enable you to concentrate on moving laboratory equipment without added stress or hassle.

What are sample and cold chain materials?

Many laboratories deal with biological, medical and chemical samples that must be stored and transported under specific conditions in order to retain certain properties, ensure general safety or preserve outcomes of previous research. These are also often classified under various other regulations and conditions – including the Dangerous Goods Act.

Why specialist logistical support for temperature-controlled materials is important

Taking on the task of arranging transportation for samples and cold chain materials yourself can be difficult – adding a considerable amount to a workload that’s often already overstretched during relocation. When you work with specialist lab equipment movers, you retain complete peace of mind. Experienced project managers will put together a timeline and itinerary, detailing the equipment and tasks necessary to keep your cargo safe. They’ll also handle inventory, packaging, labelling and monitoring items during transit – so you’re free to focus on day-to-day tasks without disruption.

Simple steps to moving laboratory equipment with temperature specification

At Johnsons we always stress that the very first step to successful relocation is planning. Involving a team of lab equipment movers as early as possible is key. Compile detailed lists including all items that will need to be transported under special conditions – then pass this to the relocation experts responsible for overseeing the move. Finally, be sure to make provisions for reception on the other side, ensuring that each item will have safe storage upon arrival.

Need specialist support relocating laboratory equipment, or experts in medical equipment transport services to manage your move? Planning an imminent refurbishment? Get in touch today to learn more about our comprehensive lab equipment services.