Julian Puts the Sun in Sunderland

Industry expert Julian Hewitt has decided to make the city the base for his business, JPH SunCare Technologies, which develops sun care and skin care products for clients across the globe.

From his new lab at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Julian formulates, develops and tests innovative products offering UV protection.

Julian said: “Suncare is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global personal care market because people have really woken up to the dangers of sun damage. They want more of their everyday skin care products, as well as their sunscreen, to offer protection from harmful rays.

“Many of the small and medium-sized companies developing cosmetics and decorative products want to add UV protection to their claims and benefits but don’t have technical departments to do this inhouse so using the expertise of an independent consultant like me is a perfect solution.”

Clients provide Julian with a brief outlining the properties they want in the final product, and a shopping list of ingredients they want to use or exclude in their formulation, and he finds a way to use them to optimise the product.

He also draws on his 30 years of industry experience to provide training – teaching the science of sun protection to those new to the field – and offers advice to companies unfamiliar with complex industry regulations.

Julian set up JPH SunCare Technologies in 2011 after a highly successful career leading sunscreen applications research and technical service for chemical giants ICI, Uniqema and Croda.

Originally operating from a pay-by-the-week lab in Teesside, the investment in dedicated lab space and new equipment represents a major leap forward.

Julian said: “I have built up a great client base and repeat business so I now have the confidence to grow the business and finding the perfect permanent home was top of my list.

“As soon as I stepped into the lab at the BIC I knew it was exactly right. It was a big investment for me but well worth it because I now have the flexibility to run the business at a whole new level.

“I am often away visiting clients in the likes of the US and Europe and it’s so reassuring to know everything is safe and secure and exactly as I left it when I return.”

Paul McEldon, Chief Executive at the North East BIC, said: “The BIC is proud to be called home by all kinds of innovative companies boasting diverse knowledge and expertise and we are delighted to welcome JPH Suncare into our community.

“It’s clearly a very exciting stage of development for the business and we will work closely with Julian to help him to exploit opportunities to grow and thrive here in Sunderland.”

For information on the workspaces and support available at the BIC visit ne-bic.co.uk or call 0191 5166200.  For more information on JPH SunCare Technologies visit jphsuncare.com