Having joined The Specials Laboratory in 2004 in a part-time credit control role, her natural drive and people-focused ethos was instantly recognised. Sharon quickly progressed through the business to become managing director in 2008 at just 32 years old. Her passionate personality and rise through the ranks typifies the vibrant culture at The Specials Laboratory, which revolves around staff welfare, development and progression.

In recognition of her tremendous achievements at the company, Sharon was crowned Young Achiever of the Year at The North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) Awards 2007 and profiled in The Journal’s prestigious Monday Business Interview in 2010.

Exemplifying the importance of continuous professional development at every level, she is currently completing her studies for an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification to become a chartered accountant.

Another one of the senior managers that has climbed up the internal ranks in typical ‘Specials’ style, Lee joined the business back in 2004 as a Warehouse Supervisor. With well over a decade of experience in the Specials manufacturing industry, Lee has worked in a variety of roles giving him an all-round knowledge of the business. He has worked across wholesale, supply and logistics before being tasked with the responsibility of planning, launching and growing the company’s hospital-focused over labelling service. 

A highly-regarded member of the senior management team, Lee has created a completely new business stream for The Specials Laboratory aside from its core Specials business, which is on track to deliver well over £1million sales in just its second year since launch.

With a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies, Louise has over 10 years experience in managing customer service teams. She has been with the firm since 2008 and is constantly focused on understanding customer needs to help establish strong relationships.  

Her role involves creating and building strong, long-term relationships with The Specials Laboratory’s retail and hospital customers, ensuring excellent service through leading and developing her team. Louise also oversees courier deliveries, a vital responsibility given the company’s 24-hour turnaround on most orders. In addition, she also plays a key role in evaluating market conditions to identify new opportunities and formulate future business strategies.

With a degree in Pharmacy and a post graduate diploma in Industrial Pharmaceutical Studies, Robert has around 20 years of experience in Industrial Pharmacy at large and small pharmaceutical companies, including several years at The Specials Laboratory.

With quality the bedrock of everything at The Specials Laboratory, Robert ensures the company complies with its several MHRA licenses and produces products in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.

A member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society and a Qualified Person, he provides a wealth of technical knowledge to ensure the company always meets its key aim of providing high quality pharmaceutical products to customers.

Committed to continual professional development, Susan is a chartered accountant and is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). She has around 10 years of accounting experience, of which six have been spent in the pharmaceutical industry.

An active member of the Pharmaceutical Sales Manager Group, Kevin has been in the pharmaceutical sales industry for around 25 years and is one of the firm’s most experienced senior managers. With an Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (APBI) qualification, Kevin has exceptional commercial industry knowledge that equips him in business development at The Specials Laboratory.

Working closely with the company’s marketing team, Kevin plays a key role in liaising with the company’s biggest customers, ensuring it is constantly meeting evolving needs. In addition, he is often the ‘face’ of the business at various key industry events, exhibitions and conferences.

Lynn has 25 years generalist HR operational and strategic experience, gained within the private sector for “blue chip” international and national companies as well as the public and voluntary sectors for regional and local organisations. 

Lynn has a Masters degree in Human Resource Management, is a Chartered Fellow of her professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is also qualified with the British Psychological Society in psychometric testing. She also lectured at Tyneside Metropolitan College teaching the CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice to predominantly experienced HR practitioners.

With its people and culture at the centre of the company’s ongoing success and its exceptional staff retention rate, Lynn plays a vital role in making sure people are constantly nurtured and developed at The Specials Laboratory.

With a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Management Studies, Nicole is also currently in her final year of a part-time MBA at Northumbria University. She has worked within the pharmaceutical industry since 2002. 

Nicole’s diverse role at The Specials Laboratory involves the advancement of the operations strategy to help improve business performance and prepare it for future market requirements. No stranger to fast-growing companies, Nicole is enthusiastic and passionate about working in challenging environments and is determined to help the award-winning company meet its operational and commercial objectives.