Pursuing Excellence: The Chemistry Behind ARETE’s Success

FRANCIS - ‘ARETE is a small company that has managed to establish an important market presence within the laboratory supply sector. Our major focus is on consumables such as glassware, plasticware, analytical chemicals, microbiological supplies, disposables, Personal Protective equipment, standards, clean room supplies – essentially all the tools needed by a laboratory’.

EMMA - ‘Yes, and aside from all this, we also supply a wide range of equipment, educational supplies, analytical services, process filtration equipment, safety storage systems and spill control and a host of other bespoke solutions. We have, throughout the years, designed and constructed laboratory setups in schools, pharma labs and other industrial applications’.

EMMA - ‘We began with very humble beginnings in 2011 but with a huge passion and will to succeed. Since then we have slowly but surely expanded our company and the clients we service from industry, pharma, life sciences, education and other sectors.

Today we stand as one of the top players in the sector but, while keeping our feet on the ground, we seek to further expand our operations and services. We are a tightly knit team, driven by a will to be of service. We have invested in our people who have now been with us for years, ensuring continuity and a level of service that has set standards in our industry’.

FRANCIS - ‘Three years ago, we underwent a rebranding process, launched a webshop for consumer products, invested in bespoke software for internal processes, and initiated a three-year succession plan, marking significant milestones for our future growth.

Additionally, we've strengthened our supplier base to offer a wider range of products and services, staying attentive to market changes and evolving client needs. Keep in mind that our name ARETE is a Greek word that signifies the concept of “the pursuit of excellence in what one does to achieve best outcomes”. And this is our driving force’.

EMMA - ‘Yes so back in 2021, we celebrated our tenth anniversary. This also marked the beginning of a three year succession process where my father, Francis, would slowly hand over the reins to me.

Now that the process is almost complete, my father can take a backseat while still contributing through his experience in certain areas like business development and financial issues’.

FRANCIS - ‘Yes that’s right, I can relax a bit more now. My daughter is well poised now to take over the management of the company and will from next year be the driving force of our business, something of which I’m immensely proud of!’

EMMA - ‘There’s never a dull moment – markets are constantly in flux. All this contributes to an exciting mix of challenges, beyond which we see huge opportunities’.

FRANCIS - ‘Past experience teaches us a lot, although what lies ahead is uncharted territory. Business dynamics have changed and this change in leadership will give a needed boost of fresh minds, more aligned to the new way of doing business.