Trust is the key word for new GAMBICA member
Esco Lifesciences Group
Many GAMBICA members already know Chris Moore, General Manager of our latest member, Esco Lifesciences Group (Esco) in Great Britain, from his time as MD of Appleton Woods. Chris’s extensive experience in the lab industry has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Now at the helm of Esco Great Britain, his focus is clear: trust, innovation, and customer-centricity.
“My primary focus is to cultivate a customer-centric culture, and I am committed to building an organisation that is trusted by our valued customers and channel partners, one that is easy to engage with, responsive to their needs, and consistently delivers on its promises,” says Chris.
For anyone unfamiliar with Esco, the company is a world-leading manufacturer of laboratory, pharmaceutical equipment, bioprocess tools and IVF medical devices, delivering sustainable workflow solutions to advance global health. As a Singapore-based company, Esco is strategically positioned to bridge the East and West, delivering technologies that foster a healthier, more equitable and resilient future.
Through the Esco Lifesciences brand, the new G4 Labculture Biological Safety Cabinets and recently launched CelCulture® Touch CO₂ Incubator showcase the company’s continued commitment to advancing laboratory solutions. ESCO Lifesciences also serves pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide with production and bioprocessing tools and services.
Chris is particularly excited about Esco’s latest advancement in assisted reproduction, developed under the Esco Medical brand:
“The recently launched MIRI® M is the most innovative IVF incubator in the world, with up to 18 independent, movable chambers. It creates a stable, in vivo-like environment that supports optimal embryo development. It’s a game-changer in IVF technology and a testament to our dedication to improving outcomes in assisted reproduction.”
With offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Africa, Esco established its UK presence in 2006. This global reach is supported by a robust portfolio of certifications, including NSF, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485, underscoring Esco’s commitment to quality and compliance, earning the trust of blue-chip clients across the biopharma, IVF, public, and academic sectors.
Additionally, Esco Lifesciences Group offers support through its affiliate, Esco Aster. As a cGMP-certified CRDMO, Esco Aster provides process development, contract manufacturing, consultation, and clinical research services.
As General Manager, Chris brings clarity and purpose to Esco’s UK operations:
“My ambition for Esco Great Britain is to establish the company as a leader in customer-centric innovation within the life sciences and fertility sectors. We’re building an organisation that not only delivers world-class products and services but also sets a new standard for trust, responsiveness, and ease of doing business. I want Esco Great Britain to be recognised not just for what we offer but for how we operate, with integrity, agility, and a deep commitment to our customers and channel partners.”
Chris is especially sensitive about how the company engages with its distributors, a reflection of his own background, having worked his way up at Appleton Woods from Operations Manager to becoming Managing Director in 2022.
“In the recent past, Esco hasn’t been able to make the impact it deserves in the UK. I plan to surround myself with good people and build trust. At the moment, we mainly sell through distributors and I will ensure that our channel partners can confidently trust us with their valued customers, knowing they’ll receive exceptional care and service. We will maintain open communication and provide comprehensive support. While we do have a small internal sales team, we rely on our channel partners, and we will ensure they feel valued.”
At the heart of Esco’s approach is a dedication to helping customers make the best choices for their specific applications.
“The UK lab industry excels in ensuring customers get the right equipment for their application and workflow. At Esco Lifesciences, we offer an extensive range of biological safety cabinets, and our team can advise on which one is exactly right for any application. With the best intentions, a lab manager does not always have the time or experience to identify the best solution for their lab—that’s why our industry devotes so much of our staff’s time to providing expert advice.
“At Esco, we’re rooted in strong values. While we’re driven by growth, we never lose sight of our social mission. From IVF technologies that support families to biological safety cabinets that protect scientists at the bench, everything we do is designed to support better outcomes for people and the planet.”
While much of Chris’s focus is on expanding the company’s positive impact and strengthening partnerships, he also reflects on broader trends affecting the sector, including how purchasing decisions are made in tight funding environments. He notes a growing trend toward second-hand lab equipment, which, while understandable in the current climate, carries hidden risks.
“We’ve seen a noticeable rise in used and second-hand lab equipment since the Covid pandemic. While the lower price points can seem appealing, the hidden costs can be substantial. Lack of warranty, unknown maintenance history, contamination risks, downtime, and limited support can quickly offset any upfront savings. Even equipment over-purchased during Covid and later mothballed often comes with expired warranties, leaving labs exposed.”
“We encourage any lab considering a second-hand purchase to speak with the original manufacturer first. It’s vital to understand the full lifecycle implications. Investing in the right equipment, with full warranty and expert support, ensures your workflows remain uninterrupted and your research uncompromised. Ultimately, the integrity of your science depends on the tools you trust.”
Chris is also passionate about addressing the structural challenges faced by the UK life sciences market, especially in academia.
“I believe the effects of Brexit and Covid are still negatively impacting our industry, particularly academia. Academic institutions have and continue to suffer from significantly reduced budgets, partly due to increased costs, but also due to a notable reduction in international student enrolments. Recent government policy changes, such as the shortening of the Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months, have made the UK less attractive for international students.
“Universities, particularly outside the Russell Group, rely heavily on this income. The introduction of stricter entry criteria, higher tuition fees, and tougher accreditation standards has only added pressure. These changes have had a knock-on effect on research funding and lab investments.
“Policy reform is essential. Restoring or extending the Graduate Route visa would be a strong first step. Revisiting tuition fee structures and easing overly stringent entry and accreditation requirements could also help reverse the decline. These changes would strengthen university finances and reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in education and research.”
As for the way forward in procurement, Chris advises a long-term view:
“I would encourage universities and industry alike to consider lifecycle cost analysis when making procurement decisions. Prioritising long-term reliability and ongoing support over short-term savings helps safeguard research integrity and operational efficiency. At Esco, we stand by our products for the long haul and are here to support our customers at every stage.”
To get in touch with Chris you can reach him at [email protected]
For more information on Esco Life Sciences, click here.