Since its founding in 2001, the company has built a reputation as a trusted global compliance partner, supporting manufacturers, raw material suppliers and brand owners across more than 60 countries with a seamless, integrated approach to product safety and regulatory compliance.
Over the past 25 years, MSL has helped customers navigate significant regulatory changes in the biocides sector, including the introduction of the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) in 2012, the establishment of the UK’s post-Brexit regime, and the heightened focus on disinfectant efficacy and claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside this, ongoing updates to standards and test methods continue to shape how efficacy is demonstrated. This depth of regulatory and scientific experience strengthens its position as a trusted partner in biocidal product compliance, backed by ISO 9001‑accredited regulatory services and UKAS‑accredited microbiological testing (No. 4045).
Recent highlights include receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2022, recognising the company’s exceptional export growth and expanding international customer base. The company’s transition to an employee-ownership model in 2019 has also secured long-term independence and embedded a culture where scientific quality and customer service are shared responsibilities. Today, more than 30 specialists contribute to MSL’s continued growth and technical leadership.
Following the retirement of founder Angela Davies, long-standing board member Carolyn Burney became Managing Director in 2022, supported by Alex Fotheringham as Operations Director. Together, they continue to strengthen MSL’s scientific capability, expand its global reach and uphold the company’s commitment to high standards and practical, risk-led regulation across the industry.
Carolyn Burney, Managing Director, comments, ‘Marking 25 years is a proud moment for everyone at MSL. The industry has changed significantly since 2001, and we’ve adapted with it, broadening our services, deepening our scientific expertise and helping customers respond to increasingly complex regulatory expectations. We’re committed to leading the way on high standards and practical, risk‑led regulation, and we’re excited about the role we’ll continue to play in supporting safe, compliant and innovative products.’
Operating internationally, MSL delivers an integrated regulatory and laboratory testing service that helps companies stay compliant with evolving global requirements. Its in-house accredited laboratories provide a comprehensive suite of microbiological and product performance tests, including preservative efficacy (challenge) testing, stability studies, and pack performance and compatibility assessments, alongside tailored programmes designed around individual client needs.
The company also offers claims substantiation, auditing, consultancy, user trials, disinfectant testing and BPR claim support. Its EU and UK regulatory services are ISO 9001 accredited and insurance-backed, while its laboratory testing services are recognised under UKAS Accreditation No. 4045, confirming compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
For further information, visit www.msl.io.
