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BIOSCIENCE FIRM IN HUNT FOR £1M INVESTOR

A bioscience firm that has taken DNA technology to the high street is looking for an investor.

A bioscience firm that has taken DNA technology to the high street this year is looking for a £1m investor to "accelerate its growth".

Anglia DNA, based at Norwich Research Park, this year became the first UK company to launch a Do-It-Yourself DNA paternity test kit over the counter at chemists.

Now the firm is working with business angel consultancy Beer and Partners to find an investor to help expand its range of products and services and to take the DNA paternity kit overseas.

Anglia DNA also revealed that it had generated an annual profit for the first time since it was founded in 2004.

Founder and managing director Dr Thomas Haizel said: "We are looking for £1m to expand the growth of the business. The areas we intend to go into are drug testing, forensic work for solicitors, and take the retail project global. We have had very interesting responses."

Dr Haizel added that the Assure DNA paternity kit had been "well received by stockists and consumers".

"Since the product was launched, we've seen interest by independent pharmacies and many of the major high street chains," he said.

"We've seen consumers purchasing tests from all areas of the UK and have been thrilled by the feedback we've received."

Dr Haizel said that the festive season tended to be a peak in demand for DNA testing services.

"This Christmas being the first that kits are available in-store, Anglia DNA is predicting its busiest year to date.

"We see our biggest demand for testing during the Christmas period as mothers and fathers plan to spend time with

their children and many families want peace of mind about issues of paternity before making commitments."

The firm is one of only nine laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Justice to carry out DNA tests for the UK courts, though the DIY paternity test kits carry no legal weight.

Anglia DNA has about 14 staff and is eyeing a turnover in excess of £1m in 2010.

Thomas Haizel and Anglia DNA are one of the EDP's Future50 - entrepreneurial companies and individuals who will be among the ones to watch in future. Visit www.edp24.co.uk/future50