NVM completes £10m Investment into home testing business

NVM Private Equity has completed a £10 million investment into a YorkTest which specialises in the provision of home-to-laboratory tests.

The investment from NVM is to be used to enable YorkTest to expand its current product range targeting the launch of 10 new home health tests this financial year. It now has plans to invest in more laboratory equipment, and continue its expansion into new markets, including the US market, which currently represents a very small proportion of the overall sales.

YorkTest is a leading health and wellness company with over 40 years of expertise in food intolerance and allergy testing in the home-to-laboratory test market. 

The company has recently diversified into the US where it is building on its established UK reputation. The firm operates in a rapidly growing market with revenues having grown significantly over the last two years. 

The growth, they say,  reflects a growing awareness of health, nutrition and wellbeing and the trend towards increased home testing.

As part of the transaction Richard Millman will join the Board as Non-Executive Chair. 

Former Managing Director of a PC World group business, part of the Dixon’s Retail Group and the former CEO of Total Fitness, Richard also Chairs Protein Works, a global direct to consumer sports nutrition business and Vivify Venues, a tech enabled sports and leisure venue marketplace.

Richard Millman, said: “I am delighted to be joining YorkTest as Non-Executive Chair. It’s an exciting time for the sector, as people take more ownership of their own health, particularly following the challenges of the pandemic. 

“The business is already seeing a shift in consumer behaviour and the rise in online sales across its portfolio of home health tests. 

“With significant investment in cloud-based technology, laboratory expertise and strong scientific credentials at its core, YorkTest is well positioned to achieve significant growth over the coming years.”

CEO of YorkTest, Richard Dawson, added: “We are delighted to welcome Richard and NVM as investors in YorkTest. 

“YorkTest is well positioned to replicate our success in the UK food intolerance and allergy testing market in the USA, having recently launched our new US e-commerce platform. 

Richard Dawson

“At the same time, we remain the UK market leaders in food intolerance and allergy testing, whilst investing to expand our wider range of home-to-laboratory blood tests in the UK. We look forward to working with both Richard and NVM to implement our ambitious growth plans.”

The transaction has been led by Andy Leach, Mauro Biagioni and Oliver Wildig. Mauro and Andy will represent NVM’s interest on the Board. 

Mauro Biagioni, said: “Under the leadership of CEO, Richard Dawson, the management team has built a robust business which is extremely well regarded in the home testing market. 

“We are confident that with today’s investment the business is now suitably capitalised to enable the team to deliver their vision and we are delighted to be able to support them on that journey.”