Scaling Impact.
Empowering Science.
From our base in Cambridgeshire, Royston Instruments provides the growth-oriented capital needed to transform breakthrough life science research into market-leading solutions.
The Vision of Growth.
The Mission of Science.
Royston Instruments’ vision is to build a leading, trusted group of scientific instrumentation and data solutions companies that enable accurate measurement, reliable data, and meaningful scientific insight across laboratories, industry, and research environments worldwide.
Through our portfolio of specialist businesses Grant Instruments, Eltek, and Biosan we aim to support scientists, engineers, and organisations with robust, well-designed tools that improve understanding, drive innovation, and support critical decision-making. We believe that precision, reliability, and thoughtful engineering are essential to progress in science and technology.
Guided by an experienced Board and a long-term ownership mindset, Royston Instruments is committed to sustainable growth, continuous innovation, and the development of talented teams. We respect the heritage and independence of each of our companies while fostering collaboration, shared expertise, and operational excellence across the group.
Our ambition is to be recognised as a partner of choice in scientific instrumentation valued for our technical depth, integrity, and lasting contribution to the global scientific community.
Ownership
Royston Instruments is a privately owned company, backed by a group of experienced entrepreneurs and investors with deep expertise in scientific instrumentation, life sciences, and technology-led businesses.
The company is independently governed, with strategic oversight provided by its Board of Directors. The Board’s focus is long-term decision-making focused on innovation and sustainable growth, while maintaining close alignment with the needs of customers, partners, and employees.
Group Companies
Expertise Across Scientific Instrumentation and Data Solutions
Royston Instruments is proud to be the parent company of a group of leading scientific technology brands that together advance measurement, data acquisition, laboratory instrumentation, and life sciences research capabilities worldwide. Each business maintains its own identity and specialist expertise while benefiting from shared strategic support, operational strength, and a commitment to quality and innovation.
Grant Instruments
Precision Scientific Instruments
Grant Instruments is a world-renowned provider of scientific laboratory equipment and precision temperature control systems. Based in the UK and with a heritage dating back over 70 years, Grant designs and manufactures instruments trusted by research, industrial, and life sciences laboratories around the globe. Its portfolio includes controlled-rate freezers, Refrigerated chillers and circulating baths. As part of Royston Instruments, Grant continues to innovate and expand its market reach while maintaining the high reliability and quality the brand is known for.
Eltek
Advanced Data Logging Solutions
Specialists in robust, long-range wireless data logging systems Eltek is a specialist UK-based developer of flexible data logging and environmental monitoring systems. With more than 30 years of expertise, Eltek provides both off-the-shelf and bespoke solutions from standalone data loggers to wireless and cloud-enabled telemetry systems to support diverse applications in environmental monitoring, industrial sites, utilities, conservation, and laboratory environments. Eltek’s solutions are designed for accuracy, reliability and scalable data capture.
Biosan
Innovative Laboratory Equipment
Biosan is a leading European manufacturer of modern laboratory instruments that support life sciences research across genomics, proteomics, cell biology, immunology, and biochemistry. Founded in Riga, Biosan develops a broad range of precision laboratory tools from shakers, rotators and incubators to mini centrifuges, thermo-shakers, and diagnostic support equipment used by researchers and labs in more than 100 countries. With a focus on innovation, quality, and functional design, Biosan serves scientists and technologists worldwide.
Strength in Specialisation, Unity in Vision
Together, these companies form a powerful ecosystem that combines best-in-class laboratory hardware, data acquisition and analysis technologies, and tailored solutions for modern scientific and industrial challenges. Each continues to operate with its own brand strengths and technical depth, underpinned by Royston Instruments’ strategic support to accelerate innovation and global impact.
Group Leadership
Board of Directors
Guided by technical expertise and commercial vision, our board ensures Royston Instruments maintains its position as a catalyst for life science transformation.
David Newble
Chair
David is a highly experienced Chair and executive leader within the life sciences and technology sectors, with a strong track record of building, scaling, and guiding high-growth businesses. He has previously held senior leadership roles including CEO of SPT Labtech and TAP Biosystems, and most recently served as Group Chairman of Cresset, where he led strategic growth, governance, and international expansion.
As Chair of Royston Instruments, David brings deep expertise in corporate strategy, operational excellence, and board leadership, supporting the company’s long-term vision and sustainable growth.
Ludo Chapman
Non-Executive Director
Ludo is a seasoned business leader with over 35 years of experience driving innovation and growth across technology and scientific instrumentation companies. Former CEO of Grant Instruments, he now leads The Innovation Practice, where he advises leadership teams on strategy, funding, product development, and go-to-market execution. Ludo’s commercial insight and hands-on leadership experience play a key role in shaping Royston Instruments’ strategic direction.
Dr. Andrew Lovatt
Director
Andrew brings a combination of scientific expertise and commercial leadership to the board. With experience across life sciences and scientific instrumentation businesses, he contributes a balanced perspective on product development, technology strategy, and operational performance. His involvement in multiple science-led organisations strengthens Royston Instruments’ engagement within the wider innovation ecosystem.
Mark Gilligan
Director
Mark is an entrepreneurial engineer with extensive experience in scientific instrumentation and life science technologies. He has founded, led, and supported several technology ventures, with a focus on engineered solutions, microfluidics, and analytical systems. Mark’s passion for innovation and product excellence supports Royston Instruments’ mission to deliver high-impact scientific tools to global markets.
Recent News
Royston Instruments Announces Acquisition of Controlling Stake in Biosan, Strengthening Global Life-Science and Laboratory Instrumentation Capabilities
Royston Instruments (RI) is proud to announce the acquisition of a controlling stake in Biosan, a leader in the development and manufacture of innovative laboratory instrumentation based in Riga, Latvia. This strategic investment represents a key step in Royston's long-term vision to build a premier group of scientific technology companies that deliver high-impact measurement and data solutions to the global research community.
Biosan’s extensive portfolio—which spans genomics, proteomics, and cell biology—complements Royston's existing expertise in precision laboratory equipment and data logging provided by Grant Instruments and Eltek. This acquisition strengthens the group's ability to offer comprehensive, high-quality technical tools to scientists and engineers worldwide.
"Our investment in Biosan underscores our commitment to supporting technical excellence and scientific progress," stated the Royston Instruments Board. "Biosan has built a world-class reputation for the reliability and functional design of its diagnostic and research tools. We look forward to working closely with their talented team to foster innovation, expand their global reach, and continue delivering the precision instruments that researchers rely on every day."
Biosan will maintain its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Latvia, preserving its unique technical heritage while gaining access to the strategic resources and shared expertise of the Royston Instruments group. This partnership reflects Royston’s philosophy of long-term, sustainable ownership focused on innovation and growth across its specialist technology businesses.