Our Directors
James Ellis
Managing Director
James joined Synoptics in 2026 as Managing Director. He has experience across the life sciences, specialty chemicals and advanced materials sectors, having held a range of commercial and leadership roles, including leading global teams at Johnson Matthey. He has also worked in a consulting capacity, supporting businesses with strategy, commercial development and growth initiatives across technically focused markets.
His background spans sales, operations and strategic development, with a focus on supporting customers and delivering sustainable growth. James is looking forward to working with the Synoptics team to build on the company’s strong foundations and continue to develop the business across its specialist divisions.
Clare Hough
Finance Director
In November 2000, Clare joined Synoptics as the Finance Manager. She was instrumental in achieving the AIM listing for SDI Plc in 2008 before taking over as Finance and Operations Director for Synoptics Limited in 2019. Before joining Synoptics, Clare gained her ACCA qualification in 1996 while working at the University of Cambridge Physiology Department, before becoming an Audit Manager at KPMG, specialising in Owner Managed Businesses and the Education Sector.
Our Managers
Clare Grimsey
Senior Sales Manager
Clare is the Sales Manager for the Syngene, Fistreem and Gallenkamp brands. She was essential in the process of on-boarding the Fistreem and Gallenkamp brands. Before working at Synoptics, Clare worked with a range of companies in the scientific field in a similar role. If you want to know more about our Syngene, Fistreem and Gallenkamp ranges contact Clare at sales@syngene.com
Richard Edridge
Projects and Sales Manager
Richard is a Sales and Projects Manager at Synbiosis, where he drives advancements in products, processes, and technology. He has a background in Biological Sciences and computing, which helps him develop solutions that meet customer needs. Richard has successfully launched innovative products and participates in conferences to stay updated with the latest developments in biological sciences and computing.
Simon Gough
Service Manager
Simon has been an excellent member of our team for over 30 years, currently working as a Service Manager for the Syngene, Synbiosis, Fistreem, and Gallenkamp divisions. He has acquired a wide range of knowledge across the entirety of our product range over the years, his vast experience helps provide customers with vital product support.
Our Specialist Team
Dr Martin Biggs
Field Application Sales Specialist
Martin joined Syngene as the UK & Ireland Sales Manager in 2012 and is responsible for looking after direct sales in the UK and our distributors in Ireland and the UK. Martin studied Biological Sciences at the University of Plymouth for his first degree and holds a PhD in Bioscience and Biotechnology from the University of Strathclyde. His previous experience was as Sales and Marketing Director at GRI and European Sales Manager at Hoefer, Scie-plas and Biochrom Spectrophotometers.
James Hill
Field Application Sales Specialist
James is our talented Field Application Sales Specialist, joining Synoptics in 2025, bringing with him over 10 years of experience in the Life Sciences market following roles with Scientific Laboratory Supplies and Eppendorf. His knowledge of Life Science sales has been a great addition as we continue to grow and support our customers and distributor network.
Dr Lindsey Kirby
Product Specialist
Lindsey is a Product Specialist who handles the Syngene, Fistreem, and Gallenkamp brands. She has been with Synoptics since 2009 and has closely collaborated with the Support, R&D, and Sales teams. With a Doctorate in Philosophy that focuses on molecular neuropsychopharmacology and extensive experience in molecular biology, Lindsey is an invaluable member of the team.
Josh Greene
Sales, Applications & Support Specialist
Josh joined us in 2023. With his extensive experience in various industries, from food production to telecoms, he brings diverse skills to the Syngene, Synbiosis, Fistreem, and Gallenkamp divisions. Josh’s friendly demeanour makes him the perfect addition to the Synoptics family and the ideal person to help you with your systems.
About the Synoptics Family
Our team’s extensive experience spans various divisions, including Syngene, Synbiosis, Fistreem, and Gallenkamp, based in Cambridge, UK. We are fully equipped to provide you with the support you need for your laboratory requirements.
