MQS
MQS is a UK-based precision metrology equipment supplier and UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Coventry, selling 25,000+ instruments from 18+ major brands to UK manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and defence customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersCoventry, England, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What MQS does
MQS (trading as MQS SHOP and Metrology Quality Services) is a UK-based precision metrology equipment supplier and UKAS-accredited calibration services provider, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Coventry, England. The company sells hand-held and bench measurement instruments — including digital and vernier calipers, external and internal micrometers, bore gauges, dial and digital indicators, height gauges, surface and form testing equipment, optical metrology systems, material testing equipment, reference gauges, and workshop essentials — through a Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront (mqs.co.uk), supplemented by phone/email direct sales and quote-based procurement for specialised systems. The catalogue spans 25,000+ stocked SKUs drawn from authorised distribution and service relationships with more than eighteen major metrology brands, including Mitutoyo, TESA (for which MQS holds Platinum Authorised Service Centre status), Mark-10, Mahr, Starrett, Renishaw, Bowers Group, Vision Engineering, Trimos, and Baty.
The second leg of the business is a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory providing traceable instrument calibration both in-lab and on-site, alongside a TESA authorised service centre, subcontract manufacturing services, and an online Customer Calibration Portal for instrument tracking. Pricing is split between publicly listed unit prices for standard catalogue items and quote-based pricing for complex metrology systems, with promotional and warehouse-clearance inventory available. The target customer base spans UK manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, and ISO/IEC 17025 calibration laboratories requiring precision dimensional measurement, quality control inspection, and accreditation-compliant calibration certificates.
MQS is a privately held, independently owned company with no disclosed parent, subsidiaries, external investors, or funding rounds in the input data. Marketing is conducted through a multi-channel mix including the e-commerce site, social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), YouTube product demonstrations and training videos, email newsletters, and blog/buyer-guide content. Operating geographies are listed as United Kingdom only, with no claimed international footprint.
MQS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MQS
- Legal name
- MQS SHOP
- Website
- https://mqs-shop.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MQS is a UK-based precision metrology equipment supplier and UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Coventry, selling 25,000+ instruments from 18+ major brands to UK manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and defence customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MQS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Metrology Equipment Distribution & Calibration Services
- NAICS
- Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH), Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK), Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches) (IMAGAFAC)
Keywords
Where MQS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Coventry, England
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MQS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Metrology Equipment Sales: Sale of precision measurement instruments including digital and analogue calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, dial indicators, height gauges, optical metrology equipment, surface testing, and material testing equipment. Products sold include own-stock items and branded products from partner manufacturers.
- UKAS Calibration Services: UKAS-accredited laboratory calibration services for precision measurement instruments, both in-lab and on-site. Includes calibration for TESA and other major brand instruments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Products |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Specialised Equipment |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Warehouse Clearance |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
MQS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MQS supplies precision metrology instruments — including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, dial and digital indicators, optical metrology systems, surface and material testing equipment, and calibration laboratory systems — as an authorised distributor for major brands such as Mitutoyo, TESA, Mahr, and Renishaw. The company additionally operates a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory providing in-lab and on-site calibration, TESA Platinum authorised servicing, and subcontract precision manufacturing for manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence, and calibration laboratory customers across the United Kingdom.
Product overview
MQS is a precision metrology equipment supplier and UKAS calibration services provider with over 40 years of experience. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of measurement instruments including calipers (digital, vernier, dial, depth), external micrometers (digital, analogue, depth, special), internal/bore micrometers, bore gauging equipment, dial and digital indicators, lever-type indicators, electronic gauging (probes, displays, linear scales), height gauges, and various gauges (thread, thickness, snap, tension). Their metrology systems encompass software for form measurement and data management, optical metrology (stereo microscopes, profile projectors, vision systems), surface/finish testing, contour and roundness measurement, and material testing equipment (Mark-10 force gauges, hardness testers, coating thickness gauges). They also provide calibration laboratory systems, reference gauges, measuring tables/supports (including granite products), and workshop essentials/tools. Services include UKAS-accredited calibration, TESA authorised service centre, on-site service and calibration, subcontract manufacturing, and a customer calibration portal. The company distributes products from major brands including Mitutoyo, TESA, Mark-10, Mahr, Starrett, Renishaw, Bowers Group, Vision Engineering, Trimos, Baty, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Calipers Precision hand-held measuring instruments including digital, vernier, dial, and depth calipers for linear dimension measurement, sold to manufacturing, engineering, and quality control buyers.
- External Micrometers Precision external dimension measurement tools including digital, analogue, depth, and special micrometers with setting rods and instrument sets, for engineering and metrology buyers.
- Bore Gauging Equipment Internal bore measurement instruments including pistol grip bore gauges, thread bore gauges, stick micrometers, two-point bore measurement, large dimension measurement, and telescopic gauges for internal diameter verification.
- Dial and Digital Indicators Analogue and digital dial gauges, lever-type indicators, dial gauge inserts and accessories for precision measurement applications and narrow-space measurement.
- Height Gauges Scribing, manual, and motorised height gauges including TESA µ-HITE measuring stations for vertical measurement in workshops and inspection rooms.
- Material Testing Equipment Mark-10 force gauges, hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, and accessories for material testing applications in quality control and manufacturing.
- Optical Metrology Systems Toolmaker and stereo microscopes, profile projectors, vision systems, and accessories for optical inspection and non-contact measurement in manufacturing and laboratory environments.
- UKAS Calibration Services UKAS-accredited laboratory calibration services for precision measurement instruments, providing traceable calibration certificates for quality-critical applications in manufacturing, aerospace, defence, and laboratories.
- TESA Platinum Authorised Service Centre Manufacturer-authorised service, repair, and calibration for TESA Platinum precision measurement equipment, provided under MQS's TESA authorisation.
- On Site Service & Calibration On-site calibration and servicing of customer measurement instruments at the customer's premises, for organisations requiring instrument service without removal from their facility.
- Subcontract Manufacturing Subcontract precision manufacturing services for clients requiring bespoke measurement-related components or metrology production work.
- Customer Calibration Portal Online portal for customers to manage and track their calibration jobs and instrument certification status with MQS.
Companies that use MQS
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
MQS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
MQS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- CHOTESTcoreCHOTEST flash measurement systems sold through MQS with positive reviews from UKAS lab veterans.
- MitutoyocoreMajor brand partner for precision measurement instruments including calipers, micrometers, and coordinate measuring machines.
- TESAcoreAuthorised Service Centre for TESA Platinum products. Sells TESA measurement instruments including calipers and height gauges.
- Mark-10coreMaterial testing solutions including force gauges, hardness testers, and coating thickness gauges.
- MahrcorePrecision measurement equipment including micrometers, bore gauges, and length measuring systems.
- StarrettcorePrecision measuring tools and metrology equipment for industrial applications.
- RenishawcorePrecision engineering and metrology solutions including CMM styli and measurement systems.
- Bowers GroupcoreBore gauges, internal micrometers, and precision measuring equipment.
- Vision EngineeringcoreOptical metrology equipment including stereo microscopes and vision systems.
- TrimoscoreHorizontal and vertical measuring systems for calibration laboratories.
- Kroeplin GaugescoreSpecialised gauges for internal measurement applications.
- BatycoreProfile projectors and optical measurement systems.
- GV MetrologycoreMetrology equipment and measurement solutions.
- VerdictcoreMetrology and inspection equipment.
- Leitech InstrumentscoreSpecialised measuring instruments for industrial applications.
- InsizecorePrecision measuring tools and gauges.
- AccudcorePrecision measuring instruments and gauges.
- Moore WrightcorePrecision measuring tools and workshop instruments.
- NogacoreEngineering tools and workshop equipment.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MQS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Trescal: International accredited calibration services provider with strong UK presence. Directly comparable to MQS's UKAS laboratory business across dimensional, electrical, and mechanical calibration for industrial customers.
- Baty International: UK manufacturer and supplier of profile projectors, vision measurement, and optical metrology. Direct product overlap with MQS's optical metrology line and similar focus on UK industrial buyers.
- Insize UK: Distributor of Insize precision measuring tools across calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gauges. Closely comparable product catalogue, e-commerce-led go-to-market, and price-competitive positioning vs. MQS.
- Vision Engineering: UK-based manufacturer of stereo microscopes, optical inspection, and vision systems. Overlaps directly with MQS's optical metrology category and competes for similar quality-control buyer profiles.
- Bowers Group: UK-based manufacturer and distributor of bore gauges, internal micrometers, and precision measuring instruments. Direct product overlap with MQS across bore gauging and precision hand tools, with a similarly UK-centric B2B customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Global metrology incumbent (parent of TESA) offering CMMs, portable measurement, optical systems, and software. Broader portfolio than MQS but overlaps on TESA-branded hardware, calibration services, and UK aerospace/automotive customers.
- Renishaw: UK-based manufacturer of CMM probes, styli, and advanced metrology systems. A MQS brand partner, but also competes for high-end measurement work and offers direct service capabilities comparable to MQS's authorized service centre role.
- Starrett: Global precision tool manufacturer with a UK presence offering calipers, micrometers, gauges, and material testing equipment. Both a MQS brand partner and a competitor in the same product categories.
- Mitutoyo UK: UK arm of global metrology manufacturer Mitutoyo; sells direct and through authorized channels. One of MQS's key brand partners, making it both supplier and competitor to MQS's own resale activity.
Regional players
- Titan Tool Supply: US-based distributor of precision measuring tools and metrology equipment with e-commerce catalog similar to MQS. Comparable multi-brand distribution model, but serves North American rather than UK industrial customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MQS social profiles
Digital presenceMQS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
MQS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MQS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
MQS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MQS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MQS
What does MQS do?
MQS supplies precision metrology instruments — including calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, dial and digital indicators, optical metrology systems, surface and material testing equipment, and calibration laboratory systems — as an authorised distributor for major brands such as Mitutoyo, TESA, Mahr, and Renishaw. The company additionally operates a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory providing in-lab and on-site calibration, TESA Platinum authorised servicing, and subcontract precision manufacturing for manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence, and calibration laboratory customers across the United Kingdom.
Is MQS a public or private company?
MQS is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MQS founded?
MQS was founded in 1984. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MQS based?
MQS is headquartered in Coventry, England, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does MQS make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Metrology Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are UKAS Calibration Services.
Who are MQS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Trescal, Baty International, Insize UK, Vision Engineering and Bowers Group. Broad incumbents are Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Renishaw, Starrett and Mitutoyo UK. Titan Tool Supply is listed as a regional player.
Does MQS have an API?
No public API is recorded for MQS.
What industry is MQS in?
MQS's product category is Precision Metrology Equipment Distribution & Calibration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAD, Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness), with a secondary code of IMAGAFAH, Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services). Its NAICS code is 334513 and its SIC code is 3823.