Variable Outlook in UK Laboratory Purchasing Sentiment

GAMBICA, the UK trade association for companies in Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Laboratory Technology, launched a purchasing trend survey for the UK laboratory supply industry in 2009.

The Laboratory Managers Purchasing Index (LMPI) plots the trend in laboratory purchasing across the industry and takes place on a quarterly basis. The LMPI survey 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 May 2010, showed 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) showed that overall purchasing intensions had improved in from the previous quarter for general laboratory equipment and servicing and repairs. However purchasing of analytical and lifescience equipment, chemicals and consumables were forecast to be fall slightly.

Tim Collins, the Director of the Laboratory Sector at GAMBICA, commented: “Analytical and life science equipment purchasing sentiment continues to be well below the 50 mark (the level at which growth is indicated) and while other areas are around the 50 mark there still seems to be a feeling of nervousness among many buyers.”

He added: “Since the survey started we have seen an increasing number of regular contributors to the survey, to whom we are very grateful. We have also seen an increase in those requesting the full results back. It would appear that the survey is now seen as a useful tool in being able to inform the industry and government about the current status of the market.”

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