EireChrom - Sustainability Report

1. Sustainability Report
2015
innovative scientific solutions

2. | Statement Of Intent
The EireChrom brand is synonymous with the highest standards of integrity, service and quality. We recognize that
our business is as good as the sum of our people, and do everything to create a great workplace, where staff is
suitably rewarded for their work. Our customers expect us to operate to the highest technical standards, but also in a
fair and transparent manner.
Our priorities for 2016 include implementing ISO 9001, fully integrating the website with HubSpot/ SalesForce/
MailChimp/Magento, fundraising for the Irish Guide Dogs event, ‘To Hell and Back’, and opening the Applications and
Research and development Laboratory.
Our priorities for the next three years include implementing an Environmental Management System (ISO14001
or similar), assessing new products for manufacture using Life Cycle Analysis techniques, using a Total Cost of
Ownership (TCO) analysis when purchasing new equipment and fleet cars, continually striving for excellence and
targeting key awards to validate our business excellence, applying for the Excellence Through People award, and
providing further employment by increasing the workforce to 20 people by 2019.
| Message From
The Managing Director
EireChrom has grown rapidly to become Ireland’s recognised
market leader in the highly specialised area of mass
spectrometry - an advanced separations science technique
that has both quantitative and qualitative uses within the
chemical analysis and life science sectors.
We are trusted partners to some of Ireland’s largest public
and private sector organisations. Our anti-bribery and
corruption policies are recognised as best-in-class. We care
about our communities and have particular causes that are
close to our heart.
We strive for excellence and we are proud to have many
accolades under our belt, the latest of which is Outstanding
Small Business in Ireland Award 2016, awarded by the Small
Firms Association.
PJ Moloney
Managing Director
Sustainability Report 2015
Introduction Community Environment Workplace Marketplace
Introduction
| What We Do
EireChrom provides end-to-end mass spectrometry solutions and is the market leader in Ireland. It is an
advanced separations science technique that has uses within the chemical analysis and life sciences sectors.
We provide bespoke client solutions, delivered by highly qualified industry experts.
Our services include chromatography, column and chemistries, mass spectrometry, method development,
sample preparation, training and consultancy, and research and development. The markets we serve include
bio-pharmaceuticals, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, clinical diagnostics, drug discovery and
development, environmental testing, food and beverage testing, and forensic toxicology.
We are proud of our achievements, which include winning the following: 2016 SFA award for Outstanding Small
Business in Ireland, SCIEX – Highest Growth Country in EMEAI 2015, IE Domain Optimise Fund in 2015, Little
Island Business Association 2015 in the area of innovation/RD, finalist in Irish Laboratory Awards 2016, finalist
in Cork Chamber Company of the Year Award 2016, finalist in the 2015 Pharma Industry Awards, and proud
client company of Enterprise Ireland.
| Contact Details:
Questum Innovation Centre,
Ballingarrane,
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary
Unit 1201,
Building 1000,
City Gate,
Mahon, Co. Cork
Email: info@eirechrom.ie
Website: www.eirechrom.ie
Tel No: +353 (0) 21 240 9033
| How We Do It
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a market leader in mass spectrometry solutions in Ireland by focusing on
growing our business into Western Europe.
Our Mission
We will achieve this by:
• Partnering with leading technology
companies
• Providing bespoke client solutions
to both public and private sector
organisations
• Nurturing an excellent workplace
• Investing in research with academia
• Being the only Irish company
offering services provided by our
training academy
Our Values
• Specialist: Highly qualified staff, understanding the end
clients’ needs is paramount in our business model
• Reliable: EireChrom insist on a ‘Right First Time Approach’
• Innovative: Driving change in industry by correct Processes
a QbD approach
• Professional: Listening to our end clients’ needs, and
always striving to be best in class
• Integrity: We follow only best business practices
in how we conduct our business
practices

3. | Irish Guide Dogs
We have chosen the Irish Guide Dogs as our main charity partner, and are
looking at building a long term relationship with them. We are delighted to
have entered into a five year relationship under the Sponsor a Puppy Campaign,
where we sponsor ‘Olympia’ This relationship was sparked from the realisation
of how a visual disability can cause huge life changes after a friend of the MD’s
became blind due to the eye disorder, glaucoma. In the past we have fundraised
through Golf Classics.
| Science Week
Science Week promotes the relevance of science, technology, engineering and maths in our everyday lives and
demonstrates their importance to the future development of Irish society and to the economy. Science week aligns
with our business and we are very active around this event.
We have previously hosted the European MASStastic Voyage mobile lab, which is relevant for anyone involved in
food safety testing, drug discovery and development, clinical research, environmental analysis and biomedical
research. Various seminars provided information about new technologies, new techniques, useful tips and improved
methodologies to enhance analytical workflows.
The MASStastic Voyage was the most talked about activity happening in the mass spectrometry industry in Europe in
early 2013, and feedback was extremely positive.
Introduction Community Environment Workplace Marketplace
Community
In 2016 we are participating in the ‘Hell and Back’ event and have set a fundraising target of €15,000. This is Ireland’s
toughest mental and physical endurance challenge - an obstacle course run, over a 15km trail route crossing rivers
and lakes, climbing hills and mountains and crawling through bogs and swamps. We are supporting and advocating
for the cause through our various communication channels, in particular on social media.
| Providing regional employment opportunities
We provide attractive employment opportunities for technical experts and office administrators at our sites in
Tipperary and Cork. We aim to grow in the next few years to a team of 20 people. These employment opportunities
will help support social issues, particularly youth unemployment and rural unemployment.
| Internships
We offer internships for students who are not native English speakers to improve
their business/technical language skills. This provides the participants with valuable work
experience to build their CVs. Students are keen to return for a second term and are potential
candidates for future positions within the company.
| Community Engagement
We recognise that small businesses can play a vital role in our community. As the company grows, we are keen to
develop good relationships with our community. In Cork, our main engagement is through the Irish Guide Dogs. We
are open to any dialogue with the community around issues that may concern or interest them.
| Academic Links
One of the key pillars of our continual improvement under ISO9001 is to engage with academia in research
and development. We deal with many stakeholders like Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and Science
Foundation of Ireland to grow the career path of academics while looking at product development.
EireChrom has a very strong affiliation with academic institutes and universities within the Republic and Northern
Ireland. We encourage career development at EireChrom by engaging with academia to foster internships and work
placement in our fast-growing business.
Through the Irish Research Council; Marie Curie and Science Foundation of Ireland Fellowships, EireChrom will
strengthen its Irish and European presence with the best graduates in the market.
Sustainability Report 2015

4. | Reducing Fuel Consumption
We choose our fleet cars based on their efficiency. In the future, we plan to assess the Life Cycle Cost of all vehicles
to ensure we make decisions that are both financially and environmentally advantageous. In the long term, we are
keeping a close eye on the electric car market for suitable fleet cars.
EireChrom has adopted the SYNX Tracker in current company vehicles which tracks, collects and uses data to ensure
the vehicles are running at maximum efficiency and safety. This system gives us visibility on what fuel is used and
maintenance records allowing us to reduce costs as well as improving the environmental performance.
Driver behaviour is one very important way to improve fuel efficiency using the SYNX Tracker. Driving style is
measured by logging events such as speeding, harsh braking and rapid acceleration and idling - all these events
affect fuel efficiency. It also has a side benefit of reducing the paperwork needed to track this information offline!
More savings on paper and time.
| Improving Energy Efficiency
As our business is relatively new, the facilities in which we operate have been built with energy efficiency in mind. We
have sensor lighting where appropriate and have LED lighting for low energy consumption. Printing requirements are
minimised, but where it is necessary we always print double sided.
We are currently consulting with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to identify the best options for our new
research and development and manufacturing labs.
We use Radisson Blu Hotels for conferences/ meetings outside our two office locations, as they take many actions to
reduce energy and water consumption and to minimise waste generation. All Radisson Blu Hotels in Ireland have a
green hospitality award. There are also Radisson Blu Special Blu eco-initiatives for events. These include measuring
our carbon footprint, carbon offsetting options and facilities to support paperless meetings.
| Product Design
We are currently at the planning stage for our new products and associated manufacturing processes. During the
design phase, we will consider the processes, materials and consumables.
We plan to investigate Design for the Environment (DfE) strategies and techniques to ensure that we have considered
our materials appropriately, how they are used, production techniques and our distribution system.
We will also consider the impact of our products during it use and end of life. This will allow us to assess the products
and processes using a life cycle approach and to ensure environmental impact is considered throughout.
Introduction Community Environment Workplace Marketplace
Environment
Sustainability Report 2015

5. Introduction Community Environment Workplace Marketplace
Workplace
| A Great Workplace
We aim to treat everyone fairly and create a great place
to work. We have a zero tolerance on issues such as
bullying, and have a strong policy around this. We are
members of the Small Firms Association (SFA) and work
with them to develop our employee handbook and HR
policies.
In the future, we aim to look for external validation
of this through the Excellence Through People
programme. This is a standard for human resource
management accredited by NSAI. It is also a business
improvement model that will allow us to enhance
performance and realise strategies through the
management and development of our people.
| Employee Benefits Package
A competitive salary is paid to appropriately qualified
employees. A company car is provided to those who
need it for their work. We believe in protecting our
employees and their immediate families from any
unforeseen accidents/incidents inside or outside of the
EireChrom working environment.
We work with ARACHAS to provide healthcare cover
for employees and an appropriate package for pension
contributions and life assurance. We ensure our
employees meet with ARACHAS in advance of any
contracts or promotions, ensuring best practice in an
SME.
| Employee Training
and Development
Career development is important to us and all
employees. As a start-up company on a rapid growth
path, there is potential for a wide range of opportunities
for new and existing employees.
Our employees always come first. We ensure that
they have the correct skillset for the job function and
regular training and refresher courses are encouraged
to ensure best practice. We are advocates of highly
skilled/qualified personnel and will contribute to Back
to Education or evening study where requested.
We have a quarterly review cycle to assess areas of
opportunity for employee development. Resources
are available to provide training where appropriate
to business needs. We use HR Locker for tracking
continuous professional development and compliance
training.
| Innovative Recruitment
We found that traditional CVs were not fulfilling our
needs for recruitment purposes. We now work with
LeanUnlimited, who are experts on organisational
behaviours, to assess potential candidates and identify
the right employees to align with our business vision
and values. This helps us to identify the competencies
and skillsets we want from our staff.
Managing Director PJ Moloney offers full transparency
and visibility around his own six month behaviour review
by sharing it on staff whiteboards.
| Health and Safety
Health and safety is a very important factor in
our industry. We ensure our industry experts are
appropriately trained in our laboratory methods which
complement our Good Manufacturing Practices and
(GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). First aid
training is provided for employees keen to get involved.
We have the first EXPLORIS®
lab in Ireland, which
provides enhanced quality, design, flexibility,
ergonomics, safety and innovation.
| Work-Life Balance
We are conscious that employees have busy lives and
may have family commitments. We realise that getting
the balance between work and home life can
be difficult, and that needs may change at different life
stages.
We offer flexible working hours for those with family
commitments. We support remote working where this is
a feasible option for the particular role.
Access to financial advisors is offered by EireChrom to
its staff, as we want to foster an environment where our
staff feel protected and secure in their roles. Optional
gym membership is a company perk, along with
quarterly team outings.
| Diversity and Inclusion
We strive for a diverse workforce through our internship
programme and we engage with students from
different countries. We are a proud workplace and do
not tolerate discrimination in any form, and ensure
our policies and practices (e.g. recruitment) foster an
inclusive workplace. EireChrom supports the JobBridge
and JobPlus employment schemes, where we ensure
that our recruitment is applicable to all candidates,
regardless of their qualifications.
| Employee Communication
We pride ourselves on being very open and transparent
with our employees in all of our business planning and
performance information. This is done on an ongoing
basis through day-today interactions, but also on
whiteboards within our facility for everyone to see.
As we grow our workforce, we are conscious that our
employees’ needs may change and we will endeavour to
maintain are good communications practices.
Staff meetings are held regularly on Mondays and
Fridays as part of our Quality Management System,
either face-to-face or through WebEx.
Sustainability Report 2015

6. Introduction Community Environment Workplace Marketplace
Marketplace
| Awards and Accolades
We are proud of our many achievements:
• Winner of the 2016 SFA award for Outstanding
Small Business in Ireland
• Winner of SCIEX – Highest Growth Country in
EMEAI 2015
• Winner of IE Domain Optimise Fund in 2015
• Winner of Little Island Business Association 2015 in
the area of innovation/RD
• Finalist in Irish Laboratory Awards 2016 (Young
Leader of the Year, Education Laboratory of the
Year, Laboratory Supplier of the Year)
• Finalist in Cork Chamber Company of the Year
Award 2016
• Finalist in the 2015 Pharma Industry Awards
(Pharma Start-Up Company of the year, Pharma
Contract Services Company of the year)
| Customer Engagement
We operate a customer help desk to support clients
when they need it and monitor social media for any
relevant conversations. We encourage positive and
negative feedback to ensure we offer the best customer
experience.
| Industry Partnerships
We are the sole Irish partner to SCIEX Global Services.
This is an organisation dedicated to delivering local
service excellence and is a world leader in mass
spectrometry as per the Frost Sullivan report.
SCIEX excels by listening to and understanding the
ever-evolving needs of its customers to develop
reliable, sensitive and intuitive solutions that continue
to redefine what is achievable in routine and complex
analysis.
We also partner with some of the leading industry
brands including Tecan, PEAK Scientific, Ionicon,
Phytronix and IonBench.
| Management Systems
We are currently in the process of implementing ISO
9001, which is an internationally recognised quality
management standard focused on meeting customer
expectations and delivering customer satisfaction.
We use six sigma techniques and tools for process
improvement. These ensure our processes are world
class by using a well-proven data driven methodology to
identify and eliminate defects in products and services.
We hold kaizen events, which works alongside six sigma.
These events are an efficient way to quickly improve a
process that may have been identified as having a low
sigma score. It allows our team the time away from the
daily routine to engage in a focused activity to support
our continuous improvement approach.
We apply lean practices, which are a way to eliminate
waste within the value chain. We have implemented
5S within our offices and laboratories. This is another
methodology to organise work spaces to improve
efficiency and effectiveness. The 5S’s include sort, set
in order, shine, standardise and sustain.
| Research and Development
We strive to enhance our value offering and further
develop our business through partnering on research
projects.
Our current research and development partnership
plans and aspirations include:
• Irish Research Council (IRC) postdoctoral fellowship
in the area of food and environment
• Marie S-Curie Individual Fellowship for 2017-2019
• Science Foundation Ireland Industry Fellowship
| Non-Biased Laboratory
Training
We are unique in providing non-biased training for our
customers. This means that we do not push one product
over another to our clients. We work with our clients to
provide bespoke solutions based on their needs.
The ‘Right First Time’ approach is adopted by
EireChrom and our customer satisfaction reports
show excellent results on our training delivery. We
were finalists in the Irish laboratory Awards 2016 for
Education Laboratory of the Year.
| Partnerships
As Enterprise Ireland clients, we will participate in the
High-Potential-Start-Up (HPSU) programme. We make
use of this support to ensure our company is efficient
as possible and delivers effective solutions to our
customers.
| Business Conduct
It is vital for our business to be cognisant of how we
operate within our marketplace. We have a policy on
anti-corruption and bribery, which includes guidance
around gifting to and from suppliers - it is not allowed.
| Memberships and
Associations
We are engaged with many organisations such as:
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• Science Foundation Ireland
• Enterprise Ireland
• Industry Research and Development Group
• Little Island Business Association
• Irish Mass Spectrometry Society
• Clonmel Chamber of Commerce
• Cork Chamber of Commerce
• Industry Research and Development Group
| Sustainable Procurement
EireChrom held a Kaizen event on best practice
in purchasing, which led to the identification and
implementation of the standard BS 8903. This sets out
a comprehensive framework on procurement.
We look at key drivers in all internal purchasing
decisions and have adopted SourceDogg software. This
allows for an open bid which is not based on ’Bottom
Line Price’. Our purchasing decisions are also weighted
on corporate social responsibility; ISO901; delivery and
company competency.
WINNER
Sustainability Report 2015

7. Responsible Business
For SMEs
www.responsiblebusiness.ie
responsiblebusiness@bitc.ie
BUSINESS
IN THE
COMMUNITY
IRELAND
About Us
Responsible Business for SMEs is a new service from Business in the Community Ireland, Ireland’s
only network dedicated to responsible business. In existence since 2000, we are a national non-profit
organisation founded by Tina Roche. Our patron is Michael D.Higgins, President of Ireland and our board,
chaired by Kieran McGowan, comprises some of Ireland’s leading business figures. We ask companies in
Ireland to commit to the journey towards being more sustainable and responsible. We offer our members
practical support to help them to integrate responsible business practices across their organisations.
What We Do
Initially working with larger corporates in Ireland, we now aim to work with small, medium and micro-
enterprises (SMEs) as they represent over 99% of business in this country. In real numbers, they dominate
daily life: we shop with them, work in them, use their services, and they include everyone from the local
hairdresser to the IT company. They provide high quality and diverse jobs, play an important role in social
cohesion and act as incubators of entrepreneurial culture.
Together, the 230,000 SMEs in Ireland have a huge impact on the viability of Ireland’s economy, the
community in which it exists, and the environment on which it depends. Through Responsible Business
for SMEs, we are inspiring and supporting Irish companies to use that impact to do better business by
improving and reporting on their responsible and sustainable practices.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS for SMEs
EireChrom Sustainability Report 2015 - 12 pages.indd 12 4/26/2016 3:32:43 PM
CORK OFFICE
Unit 1201, Building 1000,
City Gate,
Mahon,
Co. Cork, T12 W7CV
Ireland
+353 21 240 9033
info@eirechrom.ie
TIPPERARY OFFICE
QUESTUM Innovation Centre,
Ballingarrane,
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary,
Ireland
+353 21 240 9033
info@eirechrom.ie
www.eirechrom.ie
| About Us
Responsible Business for SMEs is a new service
from Business in the Community Ireland, Ireland’s
only network dedicated to responsible business. In
existence since 2000, we are a national non-profit
organisation founded by Tina Roche. Our patron is
Michael D.Higgins, President of Ireland and our board,
chaired by Kieran McGowan, comprises some of
Ireland’s leading business figures. We ask companies in
Ireland to commit to the journey towards being more
sustainable and responsible. We offer our members
practical support to help them to integrate responsible
business practices across their organisations.
| What We Do
Initially working with larger corporates in Ireland,
we now aim to work with small, medium and
micro-enterprises (SMEs) as they represent over 99%
of business in this country. In real numbers, they
dominate daily life: we shop with them, work in them,
use their services, and they include everyone from
the local hairdresser to the IT company. They provide
high quality and diverse jobs, play an important role in
social cohesion and act as incubators of entrepreneurial
culture.
Together, the 230,000 SMEs in Ireland have a huge
impact on the viability of Ireland’s economy, the
community in which it exists, and the environment on
which it depends. Through Responsible Business for
SMEs, we are inspiring and supporting Irish companies
to use that impact to do better business by improving
and reporting on their responsible and
sustainable practices.
innovative scientific solutions
DesignedbyForza! www.forza.ie