SCIENTIFIC genius pays. Evidence of that comes from Pivotal Laboratories, of Aviator Court, in Clifton Moor, York.

The laboratory services it provides to the world's pharmaceutical and biotech industries not only plays its part in clinical trials to fight a range of human diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's, but also proves the new maxim of York as an official science city - that brainpower is profitable.

As turnover soared from £3.2 million in October 2005 to £4 million a year later, the company's profitability doubled to £1 million.

This year, as revenue dramatically increases yet again, more than £5 million worth of sales are expected - 80 per cent of which comes from overseas customers.

All of which makes it a serious contender for the titles of two categories in The Press Business Awards 2007 - Growth Business Of The Year and the International Trade Award Much of the impetus of Pivotal Laboratories' success came in 2005 from a management buyout of the company led by Jerry Boxall - an £8 million deal backed by Northern Venture Managers and HSBC.

Just five months later, having consolidated its base and revenues in Europe, the company formed a major transatlantic alliance with ACM Central Laboratory Services, based in New York, giving it a network in more than 60 countries.

Now, as the staff levels rise by more than a quarter to 32 people, the firm is searching for new partners in India.

It has formed a partnership with an Australian lab as well as forging alliances in Argentina.

Mr Boxall said: "We are currently keeping a watching brief on the development of the market in China and we are in discussions with a Chinese lab and a Russian lab to provide services."

Having selected overseas partner labs, procedures and equipment are standardised, which is a major investment.

"Our customers demand faster turnaround times, a wider test menu, higher service levels and lower prices.

"The only way to meet these demands is through investment in people and technology," said Mr Boxall.