UK laboratory managers continue cautious approach to laboratory spending

GAMBICA, the UK trade association for companies in Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology, carries out a quarterly purchasing trend survey for the UK laboratory supply industry. The Laboratory Managers Purchasing Index (LMPI) plots the trend in laboratory purchasing across the industry. It is completed, on-line, by a targeted audience of laboratory purchasing managers and professionals.

The latest results, on data collected over a two week period in December 2010, show the sectors purchasing intensions for Analytical and life science equipment, general laboratory equipment, chemicals, consumables and servicing, over the next three months, covering 16 industry areas including education, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, contract laboratories, food and beverages, chemicals and coatings.

The latest survey results (Table 1) show that overall purchasing intensions (a new total introduced to the index) have risen, Although most categories remained flat or fell from the previous quarter. The exception was Capital Equipment which showed some strengthening although it remains weak.

Tim Collins, Director of the Laboratory Sector at GAMBICA commented: “The last quarters survey showed a reduced response, probably due to the weather and the run up to Christmas. Those who did report back suggested that their overall sentiment was better but that purchasing intensions for the start of 2011 will remain fairly constant compared to the last quarter of 2010.”

He added: “We thank all those who took the minute or two to submit their answers.

This greatly supports our push to ensure that science remains at the core of government policy.”

The full results are available to GAMBICA members and those who submit data and request the results.