//ALEX STEWART GROUP - NEWS

The Alex Stewart Group Continues to make Groundbreaking progress in the development of its UK Laboratory

17th April 2008

We recognise the fundamental importance of accuracy and turnaround times (TAT) to meet your specific needs.

We are forward thinking and are constantly aiming to improve the level of service provision to all clients. As such, we are continuing to progress towards excellence through our laboratory development project: "PROJECT MAX"

PROGRESS REPORT

Project Objectives:

To provide 7-day maximum turnaround times (TAT) for all routine assay samples.
To significantly increase laboratory capacity.
To maintain and improve the quality and reliability of our analytical services.

Project Status:

Currently running at an average turnaround time (TAT) of 8.5 DAYS per routine assay sample
Average turnaround time (TAT) has improved by 50% during the first year of the project.
Laboratory capacity has almost doubled and is currently running at +/- 4,000 samples per month.
Quality Level is currently running at 99.93% "Error free".

Project Timeline:

Focus is upon continuous improvement:

• Mid 2008: 7-day Average turnaround time.
• Ultimate Goal: 7-day Maximum turnaround time.
• Recruitment of experienced laboratory staff.
• Investment in staff development to enhance quality of analysis.
• Investment in laboratory equipment / instrumentation and a new "state of the art" LIMS system to support increased laboratory capacity and ensure project progression.

We are confident that we are in an excellent position to provide you with top quality analytical services.

We look forward to receiving your samples.

Please feel free to discuss the above information in more detail with any of our committed Commercial Team:

Christopher Walker
Commercial Manager
+44 151 632 9215
christopher.walker@alexstewart.com

Stephen Russell
+44 151 632 9243
stephen.russell@alexstewart.com

Gloria Parra
+44 151 632 9263
gloria.parra@alexstewart.com