East Malling Research (EMR) has taken a 25 per cent share in QTS Analytical, a pesticide-residue testing company, creating a single analytical chemistry centre at EMR. The investment is in cash and placement of new equipment enabling QTS Analytical to continue expansion.

QTS Analytical, through new technology, offers a standard five-day, turn-around pesticide-residue testing service compared with the industry standard of 10 days. It also offers a same-day service for time critical products.

Steve Gardner, QTS Analytical's founder, says: "The company has expanded rapidly over the past six months and EMR's investment will enable this continued growth and increase our analytical capability. We also welcome the backing and expertise of a well respected horticultural research establishment such as EMR."

Colin Gutteridge, chief executive of EMR said: "EMR is seeking further opportunities to get involved in the provision of near-market services to the horticultural industry. QTS Analytical has an excellent business model with tested technology behind it and we are delighted to be able to support it."

QTS Analytical's technology can be applied to testing pesticides in fresh produce, in soils, in water and in providing environmental analysis. The company has applied for a patent on its new technology and has been granted UKAS accreditation for testing fresh produce. It is based at the Enterprise Hub at East Malling, Ken and has won a research and development grant for the concept and to help fund the development of the technology.