Labserve: The science of reliable service

A new laboratory service business from the Scientific Laboratory Supplies Group is bringing nationwide equipment maintenance, calibration, validation and compliance support together under one roof, helping laboratories reduce downtime and managing their equipment with greater confidence.

Reliable equipment is fundamental to laboratory performance. An unexpected failure can interrupt workflows, delay results and create additional compliance risks, while poorly coordinated servicing can place further pressure on laboratory teams.

Labserve has been established to help laboratories manage these challenges through a single source of equipment servicing, maintenance, calibration, validation and compliance support across the UK and Ireland.

The new business brings together the experience of C&M Scientific and Northern Balance, combining decades of engineering expertise under one name. Part of the Scientific Laboratory Supplies Group, Labserve supports laboratories across academia, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, environmental and food and beverage.

Taking a proactive approach to equipment maintenance

Waiting for equipment to fail can result in avoidable disruption and unplanned costs. Preventative maintenance helps identify developing problems before they affect laboratory operations, supporting equipment reliability and extending asset life.

Labserve provides planned maintenance programmes alongside responsive on-site and off-site repairs. Its engineers operate from six locations across the UK and Ireland, enabling the business to support hundreds of equipment makes and models.

By bringing multiple service requirements together under one provider, laboratories can also reduce the administrative burden associated with managing different engineers, service schedules and certification records.

Supporting calibration and audit readiness

Accurate and traceable measurements are essential in laboratories operating within regulated or quality-controlled environments. Labserve provides UKAS-accredited and traceable calibration services, supported by documented certification to help customers demonstrate equipment performance and compliance during audits.

Its engineers work with laboratories to understand their equipment, operating environment and applicable standards before recommending an appropriate service programme. This can include calibration, validation, compliance testing, preventative maintenance, repair support and replacement.

Specialist services are also available for equipment subject to particular regulatory requirements, including testing to European Pharmacopoeia Chapter 2.1.7 and United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 41 requirements.

Supporting equipment throughout its lifecycle

Laboratory equipment requirements do not begin and end with an annual service. Equipment may require installation, commissioning, qualification, calibration, maintenance, repair and eventual decommissioning during its operational life.

Labserve brings these services together, giving laboratories access to a single technical partner throughout the equipment lifecycle. Service programmes can be tailored to the customer's equipment estate, internal quality procedures and regulatory responsibilities rather than being limited to a standard maintenance package.

The business operates an ISO 9001:2015-certified quality management system and holds ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. These quality systems support consistency and traceability across its services, helping customers maintain confidence in their equipment and associated records.

This integrated approach also supports laboratories’ sustainability goals by extending equipment life, reducing avoidable replacements and minimising waste.

For laboratories in the UK and Ireland, the aim is straightforward, fewer unexpected failures, clearer service documentation and greater confidence that equipment remains suitable for its intended use.

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