How Does Radleys' Technology Improve Chemical Processes?

Interview conducted by Skyla BailyApr 17 2023

insights from industryBen Jeffery Global Sales ManagerRadleys 

AZoM speaks with Ben Jeffery of Radleys about their chemical expertise and their approach to green chemistry within the business. Radleys will be exhibiting at ChemUK in Birmingham this May. 

Could you please introduce yourself and your professional background?

I’m Ben Jeffery, the Global Sales Manager at Radleys, responsible for both the UK and International sales teams and business.

Radleys have a broad range of customers and applications, from small gin distilleries to huge pharmaceutical research labs. After 17 years at Radleys, my contact with customers and the huge variety of chemistry applications we work with keeps my job interesting.

Could you describe the products and services that Radleys offers its clients in the chemical industry?  

Radleys equipment range includes solutions for chemical synthesis, process development, evaporation, and work-up. Designed for chemists, by chemists. All of our products can help make the lab a safer, cleaner, greener, and more productive place. From research to development, benchtop to production.

Image Credit: Radleys

We have a dedicated team of science and engineering professionals, including chemists, chemical engineers, R&D, glassblowers, technical support and servicing, who are working hard to provide our customers with the very best technology and customer experience.

How does Radleys blend engineering and chemistry expertise, and what value does this add to the company and its output?

Our unique blend of chemistry and engineering expertise is what allows us to design the equipment we offer and what drives us to strive for more. We work directly with our customers to develop solutions for everyday challenges in the lab. Our team works hard to identify changes that can be made to chemistry processes to make research more productive.

What capacity does Radleys have for research and development?

We have a full in-house research and development facility at our UK base, where we focus our innovation on equipment for chemical synthesis and process development.

We also have a state-of-the-art production facility which we recently expanded. Radleys has been manufacturing scientific glassware and laboratory instruments for over 50 years, so we’re in this for the long haul. Our goal is to design products that give users the flexibility to conduct chemical research in the way they want.

How important is green chemistry and sustainable practice to Radleys? What are some of the ways you are implementing this?

Radleys want to be kind to the environment. Reducing wastage and energy costs mean our equipment ultimately has a lesser impact on the environment – this is great for labs and scientists who are trying to reduce their ecological footprint.

Image Credit: Radleys

For example, our Heat-On Block Systems take the place of oil baths, eliminating the use of oil and using less energy to run. Our Findenser Air Condenser provides effective condensing without the need for running water, saving thousands of liters every day. The StarFish Work Station massively reduces the energy and space used in traditional setups.  

Radleys is proud to offer greener alternatives for an environmentally-friendly lab.

Radleys will be exhibiting at this year’s ChemUK trade show in May. What can visitors expect from your presence at the show?

The Radleys team will be on stand C62, ready to discuss all chemistry applications and to help guide people in selecting the right equipment. We’re a team of chemists and PhDs, so we understand the challenges and speak your language. Look out for the bold blue and orange stand and some exciting bits of kit, including our new Reactor-Ready Filter Reactor and a constant flow evaporation system from Heidolph.

Why is it important for you to engage with in-person trade shows such as ChemUK?

It’s always great to be able to see our customers face-to-face, to have some relaxed discussions about their goals, and any blockers or challenges they’re facing.

Radleys are also fully set up to help customers online as well – we speak to users and prospective users all over the world every day. Video meetings have really opened this up, and we’ve invested in this for the benefit of our customers worldwide.

Are there any exciting developments on the horizon at Radleys?

There are always exciting developments at Radleys. We have a strong in-house R&D team of scientists and engineers working on developing new accessories and improvements to existing equipment and software.

We’re also focused on working with customers on their problems and bottlenecks in the lab to develop the next generation of smart tools. We’re focused on problem-solving, and our energy, resources, and investment are concentrated on helping scientists to accelerate their chemistry.

About Ben Jeffery 

I joined Radleys in 2007 as a Technical Sales Specialist, my job has changed over the years through Product Management, UK Sales Manager, and International Territory Manager for Europe and Africa. I am now the Global Sales Manager, responsible for both the UK and International sales teams and business.

I often work with customers and distributors on projects and designs over several years, it’s great to see these through from a pencil sketch in a lab, to design, then installation and support many years on. I really enjoy sharing ideas or problem solving, I get to see such a huge range of laboratories and equipment around the world, that I can often bring some fresh ideas to the table or bench…”