About Us

Our History

Aurora Scientific was founded in 1988, by Brian Hepburn, an experienced and well respected micro-biologist, who decided to set up his own company making specialised sampling equipment for the UK water industry. With his specialist knowledge, he knew exactly what was required to fulfill the Drinking Water Inspectorate requirements, and meet the necessary EU parameters for analysis. These include sampling for pH value, fecal matter, and metals, for example, and complying with the frequency with which samples have to be taken.

Today

Aurora Scientific provide a professional, efficient and friendly service. We supply 70% of regional water utility companies, as well as large laboratories, that have to carry out microbiological and chemical analysis for all water types. With over twenty-five years of experience we can also offer a wide range of reliable, high quality products to the food, environmental pharmaceutical and water industries. Our specialist range of bottles are procured, assembled, sterilised and treated with Sodium Thiosulphate, before being distributed nationwide. We provide a turnkey operation for the water industry, with every single bottle being completely traceable with a unique batch and barcode.

Meet the Team

Based in Keynsham, near Bristol in the south west of England, the team at Aurora is made up of 17 members of staff, all of whom play a vital role in the smooth running of the business.
The company today is headed by Tim Down, Chief Scientist and Quality Control; a micro-biologist with over 25 years’ experience in the water and manufacturing industries. He is supported by Samantha Hepburn – General Manager and, together with Tim, responsible for Quality Management; Barry Wood – Production Manager; his capable assistant David Hamblin; Sharon Osmond – Production Laboratory Supervisor; Susie Bishop - Sales Office Manager and the rest of the team at Aurora

Sam Hepburn - General Manager and Quality Control

Sam is another key member of Aurora Scientific’s management team. With Sam’s strong administrative skills, interpersonal skills and attention to detail she ensures smooth operational functioning on a day to day basis. These duties encompass general financial management, transport utilisation and the management of customer service and satisfaction. Working closely alongside Susie Bishop in our accounts team, both Susie and Sam provide the main customer focus to our customers and suppliers. In addition in her capacity of General Manager Sam develops, implements and maintains Aurora Scientific’s Quality Management Systems in synergy with the scientific knowledge of Tim to ensure that all work undertaken conforms to ISO9001 and ISO14001 external regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Barry Wood - Production Manager

Barry has been working at Aurora Scientific for over fifteen years and thus provides the company with a wealth of manufacturing production experience. He currently manages and oversees a team of ten production staff ensuring that all of the production and assembly lines run efficiently and smoothly. At Aurora Scientific, Barry performs an essential link to the management team in setting cost effective targets whilst delivering all finished products on time and the highest of quality standards.