Future Health Technologies has been pioneering the collection and long-term cryogenic storage of stem cells from umbilical cords since 2002.
The first UK-based private family cord blood bank to receive full accreditation as a human tissue bank from the MHRA in 2004, Future Health has seen its business grow by 138 per cent in 3 years as the practice of saving and storing cord blood - and now cord tissue - has grown in popularity in line with increasing evidence of the power of stem cells to heal and repair.
From a handful of enquiries at the start, the company now handles more than 2500 enquiries per month through its UK and 22 affiliate offices and currently stores over 45,000 samples from some 43 different countries.
The company's current top four markets are: Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. UK business is increasing following the launch of the country's first dual cord blood and cord tissue service in late 2009. However, the UK continues to be 'behind the curve' versus other countries, such as the USA, where pregnant women are routinely informed about cord blood options well before the birth.
The growth in overseas business enabled Future Health to expand its facilities in 2009 and the company now occupies a 15,000 square foot site, including specialised clinical laboratories and cryogenic storage tank rooms. Its facilities are of such a high standard that overseas competitors are asking the company to provide processing and storage on their behalf. In January 2011, the company received a new blood establishment authorisation from the MHRA which paves the way for expansion into other forms of stem cell storage including  immune system banking.
Roger Dainty, Director of Future Health said: "We are delighted with our Queen's Award; it not only marks the impressive growth we have achieved but also highlights stem cell banking as a valued and valuable UK industry. We very much hope that our international success will soon be replicated domestically as we believe that all pregnant women should have the right to decide what happens to their baby's cord."

Future Health Technologies Ltd
10 Faraday Building
Nottingham Science & Technology Park
University Boulevard
Nottingham NG7 2QP  UK
Tel: +44 (0) 115 967 7707
Fax: +44 (0) 115 967 7836
info@fhbb.com
www.futurehealthbiobank.com