Our team

We’re a UK based team of leading pharmacologists, dermatologists, microbiologists and safety & compliance experts

ADSL. UK based team of leading pharmacologists, dermatologists, microbiologists and safety & compliance experts ADS Laboratories. UK based team of leading pharmacologists, dermatologists, microbiologists and safety & compliance experts
Our team

Meet the senior ADSL
management team

Mark Bowes-Cavanagh

CEO

Mark founded ADSL as a consultancy company in 2008, after spotting a gap in the UK cosmetics market for somewhere that could offer the breadth of services covered by ADSL under one roof. Since then, Mark has concentrated on recruiting excellent staff across the board and ADSL is now approved by all major UK retailers to provide CPSRs and further support services. Mark is very hands on in the business and after 24 years in the cosmetics industry has expertise himself in formulating, regulatory, technical and ingredient aspects. Mark loves seeing customers and solving the day-to-day challenges that running a business throws up – but most of all getting great feedback . Fun fact: Mark once, on a business trip in Hong Kong, ended up in a bar with seven former Liverpool (who he supports) Football Players and played with them in a seven-a-side match!

Read more

John Dean Jnr

Office Manager

John followed his dad to the company in August 2013. He came over from Mayfield manufacturing labs, attracted by the coast and different role available to him. John manages a lot of incoming workflow and generates CPSR reports. He’s constantly in contact with customers, collating and relaying information for projects and reports. A jack of all trades, he’s even been known to dip back into the labs and help out when they need an extra pair of hands. John loves getting completed, detailed briefs from customers, with no follow ups necessary, especially if he’s worked with them before. Fun fact: John’s also a keen drummer and was the year below Joss Stone at school!

Read more

Bill Witt

Regulatory & Compliance Manager

Bill’s been at ADSL since the company was founded in 2008. Prior to this he worked in optoelectronics, which is where Mark found him and asked him to move over to cosmetics. Bill manages and advises an important pillar of ADSL’s services – regulatory. It’s a huge category including acceptable ingredients use, labelling and claims both within the EU and around the world (he is essentially a walking regulatory encyclopaedia!). He gets great satisfaction from resolving customer questions and seeing their products go to market. Fun fact: Bill’s degree was actually in Painting & Fine Art History just along the south coast in Exeter!

Read more

Claire Bowes-Cavanagh

Operations Manager

Claire is in charge of supporting senior management and the directors in the accounting and operations of the business. She has a proven track record of managing complex operations from her work in the food retail sector and has been successful in delivering time-critical projects. Claire’s line management experience working in manufacturing environments means she understands the importance of working as a team and the quality assurance this delivers. This translates to a genuine commitment to providing exemplary customer service. She manages the implementation of projects and the systems that support ADSL’s core business. Claire describes herself as enthusiastic, collaborative, self-motivated, and eager to take on new and diverse projects.

Read more

Dean Kelly

Business Development Manager

With 20+ years’ experience in Sales & Business Management, Dean joined ADSL in September 2021 taking on the role as Client & Business Development Manager. With a strong background in business growth strategies and customer service structures in a variety of technical industries, Dean’s experience will maintain the high levels of service expected by ADSLs current and future clients. Fun fact; Back in the 90’s Dean was a road manager for Club DJ Carl Cox.

Read more

Jessica Rood

Formulation Chemist

Jessica joined ADSL in June 2021 from THG Labs (Acheson & Acheson).  She started in the industry in 2016 as a Laboratory Technician and took a keen interest in this career path. She holds a Diploma in Cosmetic Science as well as a BSc in Environmental Science. Jessica formulates a variety of new briefs in the development lab working alongside her Technical Manager to achieve the best result. She is experienced in a wide range of products such as skin care and hair care, with a distinct knowledge of COSMOS Natural and Organic formulations. Jessica particularly enjoys the variety in her job and working with customers on new and exciting briefs. Fun Fact: Jessica is a PADI qualified Open Water Diver and has swum with Blue Sharks off the coast of Cornwall.

Read more

Justyna Sobczyk

Formulation & Development Manager

Justyna joined ADSL in 2019 from Swallowfield PLC, a cosmetics, make-up and aerosol company. She brought with her 6 years of research, formulation and development experience within the cosmetic industry. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Cosmetic Science to add to her Bachelor’s Degree in Polymer Chemistry. Justyna’s knowledge and experience covers a full spectrum of applications including hair care, skin care, aerosol technology and naturals chemistry. Her main role is to work with clients to formulate class-leading products aligned to specific briefs and objectives in addition to management of ADSL’s ISO 17025 accredited R&D laboratory. Outside of R&D, her daily activities include stability and compatibility testing as well as preservation guidance to ensure products survive the shelf and their intended applications. Fun fact: From early childhood, Justyna always aspired to pursue a life in chemistry. She is a passionate chemist who loves innovation and development, and she started off as a teacher in a high school.

Read more

Charlotte Priestman

Microbiologist & Compliance Technician

Charlotte joined ADSL in August 2014 from a pharmaceutical contract laboratory, moving down to Devon from Greater London for a change of pace by the seaside. Her day-to-day tasks include challenge testing, product registration, PIF compilation, general organisation and office administration. Charlotte also just learnt to do available water testing for products with water contents below that which can need to be challenge tested. Charlotte also performs Stability testing and worked alongside John (Snr) and Gurdip to get ISO 17025 accreditation. She really enjoys the variety of the role and learning more in the office side of the business and industry. Fun fact: In her youth, Charlotte used to do a lot of dancing and once did a charity dance show in Staines with some well-known Eastenders stars!

Read more

Erin Robinson

Research & Development Technician

Erin joined ADSL in March 2020 after completing an Extended Diploma in Public Services. After initially wanting to pursue a career within the Army, an opportunity arose to join the team here at ADSL as a Laboratory Technician. Her main responsibilities include assessing Stability and Compatibility samples and working alongside Chemists to make up formulations. Erin enjoys the vast variety of different responsibilities within her role but particularly appreciates speaking with customers on testing requirements. Fun Fact: Erin is a keen horse rider and often takes part in equestrian events.

Read more

Craig Stoneman

Microbiologist

Craig joined ADSL in 2018. After studying Extended Science at Plymouth University, Craig sought to pursue a career in science and brings a proven track record of microbiological experience to the team. Craig enjoys pushing the microbiological side of the business and brings a professional and friendly attitude to customers and colleagues. Fun fact: Craig loves invertebrates and is an avid tarantula keeper. He hopes to add scorpions to his growing collection!

Read more

Jake Robinson

Microbiology Manager

Jake undertook 2 years of work placements at ADSL before joining full time in 2019. Jake’s background is in Pharmacology having completed a degree in the field at university which has prepared him perfectly for his position within ADSL. The role combines a very diverse range of practices which cover clinical, practical and theoretical aspects of science. Jake enjoys the interesting variety of work and the responsibility that comes with it.

Read more

Martin Perry

Senior Safety Assessor

Martin joined ADSL in August 2016 from SGS. His role involves ensuring products comply with regulations & producing CPSRs as well as giving customers expert advice on cosmetics safety and the path to market. Martin has a background in chemistry including a doctorate in that field. H’s been working in the UK cosmetics industry for over 10 years and is a respected expert in the regulatory and safety capacity. Martin still considers himself a formulator first and foremost and loves the opportunity to look at new and innovative formulations. Fun fact: Martin is a long-time Stoke City supporter and hopes they’ll be the next Leicester!

Read more

Louis Macco

Financial Assistant

Louis joined ADSL at the start of 2022 after graduating from Cardiff University with a joint Honours degree in Accounting and Finance. Working alongside Steven, Louis assists with overseeing the finances of the business, helping customers with queries, and providing them with assistance when needed. Louis is also involved with our compliance team and assists in PIF compilation as well as product registration. After graduating from university, Louis spent 3 months travelling around southeast Asia and after returning home he decided he wanted to continue where his degree left off and pursue a career in finance. Louis aims to go on to study with CIMA and gain his Chartered Accountant qualification. Fun fact: Louis used to work at Legoland and once had Jamie Vardy and his family on the rides. 

Read more

Hannah Folland

Dermatology Administrator

Hannah joined ADSL in 2019 after 10 years in retail management. Her previous experience was in a performance-driven environment but she really enjoys being part of a team and leading by example. Hannah’s role within the DermaCentre places her perfectly in the middle of a community of individuals ADSL work with for clinical evaluation activity, as well as clients who want to complete regulatory requirements concerning objective claim data. She enjoys the variety of the job, from study protocols through to collation of Product Information Files. Fun fact: Hannah is a keen amateur runner.

Read more

Steven Henderson

Finance & Accounts

With 16 years’ experience as a Practice Accountant, Steven joined ADSL as the Internal Accountant in 2019. Steven has known Mark and Claire for many years and is a dynamic addition to the team. Steven oversees the financial and accounts aspects of the business. A hands on, transparent and approachable individual, Steven is focused on delivering a reassuring influence to each and every one of our customers. Fun fact: Steven was, at one time, the youngest person in the UK to achieve a red kruang-ruang (equivalent to black belt) in Muay Thai.

Read more

Shannon Bowes-Cavanagh

Derma Centre

I joined ADSL in the summer of 2020 whilst still at university in Cardiff. I started working in the development lab, helping with stability and compatibility testing, and making products. An opportunity came up to work in the DermaCentre in 2021 so I decided to base myself here because I enjoy the variety that organising and carrying out clinical trials brings. I’ve always worked best in social environments so the DermaCentre seemed like a good fit for me as I am able to deal with panellists as well as co-workers. Fun fact: I spent three months travelling Southeast Asia.

Read more

Tierney King

Analytical Manager

Tierney joined ADSL in 2021 while in her final year of studying Chemistry at the University of Plymouth. Once she completed her Bachelor’s degree, she joined full time in the analytical centre using HPLC, GC-MS, FTIR and ICP-MS. Her day-to-day roles include testing samples for heavy metals, 1,4-dioxane, cannabinoids, terpenes and residual solvents. Tierney’s analytical and problem solving skills, developed through her university and industrial experience, are ideal for this position. Tierney enjoys working alongside customers to meet their analytical testing requirements. 

Read more

“DCS have worked very closely with Mark Cavanagh at ADSL for many years and are very happy with the quality of service.”

Dr Philip Wright, Head of Technical, DCS Group

Read more
Next
Previous

Book a FREE consultation

Whether compliance, CPSR, formulation, trials or testing... our team can help advise and guide you through everything you need. Book a 15min session at the time of your choice.

Let's start a conversation

All of the cosmetic formulation, compliance, testing and safety services you need to get your products starts with an enquiry. Please get in touch.

Book a free consultation
or
Untitled

"DCS have worked very closely with Mark Cavanagh at ADSL for many years and are very happy with the quality of service."

Dr Philip Wright, Head of Technical, DCS Group

"Mayfield Laboratories has worked closely with ADSL since their incorporation in 2008. During this time ADSL have provided crucial technical advice and support to our company."

Jim Bullen, Director, Mayfield Laboratories

"Rodial have worked with ADSL over the last 5 years and are very happy with the quality of their services."

Melanie Khoury, Head of New Product Development, The Rodial Group

"I have worked very closely with ADSL over the course of the last year and have been extremely happy with their technical services"

Simon Coe, Operations Director, Foam & Substance Ltd

We have been using the services of ADSL since the beginning of 2013- for safety assessments, dermatological testing and routine microbial analyses. ADSL are our first choice for CPSRs as we value highly the professional but personal service, quick turn around and helpful advice.

Jonathan Clements, Technical Manager, Brodie & Stone International Plc

The UK’s leading development, testing & regulatory laboratory.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive insights and news from ADSL and key technical partners.

"DCS have worked very closely with Mark Cavanagh at ADSL for many years and are very happy with the quality of service."

Dr Philip Wright, Head of Technical, DCS Group

"Mayfield Laboratories has worked closely with ADSL since their incorporation in 2008. During this time ADSL have provided crucial technical advice and support to our company."

Jim Bullen, Director, Mayfield Laboratories

"Rodial have worked with ADSL over the last 5 years and are very happy with the quality of their services."

Melanie Khoury, Head of New Product Development, The Rodial Group

"I have worked very closely with ADSL over the course of the last year and have been extremely happy with their technical services"

Simon Coe, Operations Director, Foam & Substance Ltd

We have been using the services of ADSL since the beginning of 2013- for safety assessments, dermatological testing and routine microbial analyses. ADSL are our first choice for CPSRs as we value highly the professional but personal service, quick turn around and helpful advice.

Jonathan Clements, Technical Manager, Brodie & Stone International Plc