Domainex first moved to Unity Campus in January 2022, taking 7,000 sq ft of laboratory space at Iconix 2 to facilitate the company’s strong growth by providing a dedicated facility for its biology department and freeing up space at its closely located Chesterford Research Park site. This enabled further expansion of its chemistry and bioanalytical departments at Chesterford Research Park. The company has continued to grow at pace, with headcount growth of over 50% in the last 12 months and record revenue over the last two years. Recently, Domainex was proud to announce it was the recipient of a King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2023, recognising the company’s outstanding growth in international trade. Growth, however, has not just been overseas, with UK revenues also achieving record levels.
Key to Domainex’s growth has been continued investment in cutting-edge technologies, for example the company recently launched a new Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) service. Investment in attracting and retaining talent has also been instrumental and Domainex plans to continue to recruit and ensure all its staff have opportunities to develop their careers and enjoy generous benefits.
Established in 2001 as a spin-out from University College London, Birkbeck College and the Institute of Cancer Research, Domainex has been supported throughout its development by a consortium of UCL Business, Longbow Capital, Bury Fitzwilliam Lay, Juno Capital and a syndicate of other private investors. The company is now recognised as one of the UK’s foremost providers of drug discovery services and has ambitious plans to double its revenue over the next three years, necessitating this further expansion of its facilities. At over 24,000 sq ft, Building A2 provides a significantly increased floor area for Domainex’s biology department compared to Iconix 2. This allows space for both new instrumentation and staff, which will be essential for the company to continue on its rapid, organic growth trajectory. The facility will be let fully fitted and Howard Group is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of ‘B’. The sustainability and energy efficiency of the facility were important factors in Domainex’s selection process. The new building will be able to house over 100 biologists and it is anticipated that Domainex will take occupation by the end of the year. With its existing Chemistry and Bioanalytical Centre of Excellence at Chesterford Research Park, the combined footprint of Domainex research facilities will exceed 44,000 sq ft.
Commenting on the expansion, Dr Tom Mander, CEO of Domainex, said: “With the backing of our shareholders and the Board of Domainex, we are embarking on this significant expansion and funding it through our existing reserves. I am grateful to our shareholders for their continued support for our growth and I am proud of all my colleagues; without their hard work and dedication, we would not be in this exciting position. We look forward to the future with optimism and are poised to remain at the forefront of new medicines research for the ultimate benefit of patients.”
Having developed a collaborative relationship with Domainex as existing tenants at Unity Campus, Howard Group worked closely with Domainex to understand their needs and requirements, enabling Howard Group to offer the opportunity to expand on campus at the right time, rather than looking elsewhere. Domainex was supported in this transaction by One Nucleus, Dowley Turner Real Estate LLP and Moss Solicitors whose expert advice has facilitated this strategic transaction.
Katherine Friend, Director Investment & Asset Management, Howard Group commented: “Having first welcomed Domainex to Unity Campus in early 2022, we have been delighted to see the company thrive to the point at which additional space was needed to keep pace with their current growth trajectory. Being able to facilitate that significant growth on Campus is particularly exciting for our team, having built up a strong and collaborative partnership with Domainex during our day-to-day interactions on Campus. Suffice to say, we are delighted to see the company go from strength to strength and we are proud to be partnering with them in facilitating the next stage of growth.”