Novus Biologicals, a Colorado based company supplying research reagents to the scientific community is opening its first international office in Cambridge, UK.

The company is negotiating space in Cambridge Science Park, and has started the search for a divisional manager to head up the operation.

Novus has worked with East of England International, a UK government backed non-profit, in setting up what will initially be a small operation but which will be ramped up over time.

Todd Padgett, CFO, said that Novus already supplied six Cambridge area companies – including the ‘antibodies Amazon’ Abcam – and felt the time was ripe to put down roots in Europe’s leading biotechnology cluster.

Novus Biologicals is growing rapidly but remains privately held; it develops and markets over 70,000 antibodies and related products worldwide to the research community.

Padgett said that 15-20 per cent of its business, depending on the time of year, was being generated in Europe. Novus felt the whole Eurozone held exciting potential for the business to expand on that success.

Padgett said: “How fast we grow in Cambridge depends on how much traction we gain in the early stages of the venture. The plan is to start with three or four people and perhaps double that by 2010. The first job is to recruit a good divisional manager for the operation. “We looked at a lot of possible locations in Europe for this new office but Cambridge, UK was the best fit for our current needs.

“We also like the cluster of science and research parks in the Cambridge area. These could provide the basis for further growth for Novus as we move forward.

Despite the global economic downturn, Padgett said Novus saw substantial growth in revenues in the second half of 2008 and the first quarter of this year.

“We believe that the market in Europe will grow as fast, if not faster, than any other region in the world, including the US, Japan and Asia.” Nykki Rogers, who is business development manager (Life Sciences) for East of England International Ltd has helped Novus Biologicals enter the European marketplace.

She said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to assist Novus Biologicals in its decision to choose Cambridge as its European base. Locating in one of Europe’s most successful clusters, Novus can readily serve its existing customer and supplier base.

“EEI will continue to work with Novus Biologicals as it grows its business here.”