Asbestos Audit takes giant leap in asbestos testing

Asbestos Audit’s Ben Pickard, managing director, Frances Bell, laboratory manager, and Kieron Halley, technical and quality manager. (PHOTO: Asbestos Audit)

The United Kingdom-based company, which operates nationwide and has carried out over 20,000 on-site asbestos surveys in the past year alone, described the launch of the testing facility as a “key strategic” move that will help it to meet the country’s growing demand for asbestos services, while streamlining and improving its own operations.

Ben Pickard, managing director, Asbestos Audit, said: “Our ambition is to offer the market a one-stop-shop that allows us to move instantly and with great agility to meet the needs of our customers, offering a turnaround that is the quickest in the market.

“Providing in-house laboratory testing and analysis, alongside on-site surveys, demonstrates how we are bringing our strategy to life.

“We have an incredibly loyal customer base and, with their continual support, we will achieve our aim of building a dynamic business based on organic, sustainable growth.

AA has appointed Frances Bell, who has over 20 years of experience in asbestos testing and analysis, as the manager of the laboratory, which it says is capable of handling “all types of suspect asbestos containing materials”.

Frances will be responsible for the growth of the laboratory, recruitment, training and the development of new analytical services.

Having held senior roles in major asbestos consultancies, Frances emphasises the highly regulated nature of the asbestos sector and the importance of maintaining high standards of competence and integrity.

Frances said: “The asbestos sector, quite correctly, is highly regulated and audited and those operating within it must demonstrate the highest levels of competence and integrity.

“Standards continue to improve across the industry and it is important to me that Asbestos Audit is committed to pushing the quality of its services to the highest possible level.”

Frances’ appointment also coincides with AA attaining the UKAS accreditation to ISO:17025. This accreditation complements the company’s existing UKAS ISO:17020 accreditation.