Contact Traces
Specialists in forensic science - Oxford -
Tiernan Coyle, one of the UK's leading forensic scientists, set up Contact Traces in 2006 as the only forensic science provider in the UK specialising in trace evidence. Contact Traces provides expert services in many kinds of legal cases, a number of which are high profile and contributes to bringing some of the worst criminals to justice. It is one of only a few police approved firms and currently serves 11 police forces.
Tiernan's bank referred him to Armada as the forensic equipment he needed financing was too specialised for them to help with. Armada's flexible approach meant there was no problem funding the Raman Spectrometer and Nicolet Imaging microscope, crucial for Contact Traces work. Armada has played an instrumental role in helping the business to grow.
"As a new, small business looking for finance at this time, I was delighted to find a company focused on relationships, which was precisely the type of organisation we wanted to work with. It was very reassuring to be able to meet with someone as professional as Helena Cairns face-to-face, who understood the needs of our business, particularly considering what was at stake for us. It was also most encouraging that the MD Kirk Smith took the time to meet us. Although we are in the early stages of our relationship with Armada, it has really set the tone for the future. Having these instruments has given us the flexibility to take on some exciting new projects and has enabled us to plan our next stage of expansion."