Knight Scientific Limited

Knight Scientific Limited is an innovative, Plymouth-based biotechnology company founded in 1990. Constantly on the leading edge of research, Knight Scientific have won the Department of Trade & Industry’s Smart award five times.

Doctors Jan and Robert Knight have spent over 20 years researching and developing the multiple uses of their unique Pholasin™ product. Pholasin™ is a photoprotein sourced from the light-emitting mollusc Pholas dactylus, the common piddock, which is a rock-boring sea creature. Knight Scientific are the only manufacturers worldwide of Pholasin™.

All the products developed by the company are unique and most involve Analysis by Emitted Light (ABEL) which is the registered trade mark of the company. Knight Scientific are directing their products at the oxidative stress market and their products are used in the research into: cancer, heart disease and diabetes; sports medicine; monitoring the well-being of individuals. They are also used for testing in the cosmetics and nutraceutical markets. The company was recently featured in the BBC Horizon programme, Prof Regan’s Beauty Parlour.

Knight Scientific already achieves a high proportion of export sales worldwide. Germany, China, Slovenia, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Spain, Brazil and Japan are just some of the countries KSL are exporting to at the present time, and they are actively seeking to expand sales in other international markets.

Knight Scientific were chosen by the South West Regional Development Agency to accompany SWRDA representatives and other SW businesses on a trade visit to Japan, with the JETRO scheme, and Dr. Jan Knight contacted RLN SW for help. The initial requirement was for in-depth knowledge about the business etiquette involved in trading with Japan. A company specialising in Japanese business culture and language, based in Cornwall, was chosen from the extensive range of cultural consultants and language providers with which the RLN SW’s advisors are familiar.

Managing Director Dr. Jan Knight praised the RLN SW and our recommended consultant, saying: “Hilary displayed an inside knowledge and enthusiasm which facilitated our visit to Japan. We have made a very good impression on our contacts out there, and even advice such as how to present your business card was fascinating and useful to us. RLN SW delivers a very valuable service in recommending business experts to local companies”.

Visit the Knight Scientific website at www.knightscientific.com.

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