Sparks Lab Supplies
SLS (Sparks Lab Supplies) is a UK and Ireland B2B distributor of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables, offering 18,000+ products from 4,000+ global suppliers to research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, and industrial customers via e-commerce, field sales, and an international distribution partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersDublin, Ireland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sparks Lab Supplies does
SLS (Scientific Laboratory Supplies Ireland Ltd, operating as Sparks Lab Supplies and under the SLS Group) is a B2B distributor of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables, self-described as the UK and Ireland's largest independent laboratory supplies distributor. The company distributes over 18,000 catalogued products sourced from more than 4,000 suppliers globally, with 70% of active products sourced from outside the eurozone (predominantly from within the UK) to manage Brexit-related exposure. Operations span headquarters in Dublin, a main UK trading and warehouse site in Nottingham, a UK registered office in Hessle, and a Northern Ireland office in Lisburn, with a distribution network combining own transport and multiple UK and Pan-European carriers. The Irish operating entity is Scientific Laboratory Supplies (Ireland) Limited, part of the wider SLS Group owned by the European conglomerate The Dutscher Group, which also incorporates Analab in the Republic of Ireland.
The product portfolio spans laboratory equipment (centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pipettes, incubators, freezers, hotplate stirrers, autoclaves) from leading brands including Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, Gilson, Sartorius, Mettler Toledo, OHAUS, Merck, CYTIVA, Azenta, Millipore, and Anton Paar, alongside consumables (pipette tips, filters, syringes, chemicals, media bottles), own-brand SLS Select products, and chromatography and life-science sub-categories. The proprietary technology layer is a B2B e-commerce platform at scientificlabs.ie offering 18,000+ SKUs with catalogue search, brand and supplier browsing, stock-availability display, account management, share basket, order tracking, and secure credit/debit checkout, supplemented by an interactive digital catalogue, printed catalogue of 18,000+ items, and targeted promotional campaigns (Back 2 Basics) with discounts of 26-70% on selected products.
Revenue is generated through one-time transactional sales of equipment and consumables at unit pricing (pay-as-you-go), with delivery charges of €18 standard, €15 ADR, and €25 or €55 for chemicals (including dry/wet ice), and credit accounts available on separate terms. The go-to-market combines a self-serve e-commerce platform, dedicated field sales representatives providing personalised account management (named in customer testimonials as George and Clare), an inside sales team for order processing and stock checks, and carefully selected international distribution partners for cross-border markets. The customer base spans five primary verticals: Research & Academia, Healthcare & Clinical, Pharmaceutical & Biotech, Industrial & Manufacturing, and International Aid & Development, with named logos including the University of Reading, NHS clinical departments, biotech firms, water utilities, fertility clinics, marine science companies, and industrial testing laboratories. The company holds ISO9001, ISO14001, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, SafeContractor, JOSCAR, DGSA, and ICO data-protection certifications, qualifying it for procurement-gated regulated buyers.
Sparks Lab Supplies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sparks Lab Supplies
- Legal name
- Scientific Laboratory Supplies (Ireland) Limited
- Website
- https://sparks.ie
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- SLS (Sparks Lab Supplies) is a UK and Ireland B2B distributor of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables, offering 18,000+ products from 4,000+ global suppliers to research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, and industrial customers via e-commerce, field sales, and an international distribution partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sparks Lab Supplies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Laboratory Equipment and Consumables Distribution
- NAICS
- Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423450)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047), Laboratory Apparatus & Furniture (3821), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens) (HLAGAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations) (HLAGAIAD), Medical, Dental & Lab Supply Marketplaces (CRAFAHAG)
Keywords
Where Sparks Lab Supplies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dublin
- HQ country
- Ireland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
Sparks Lab Supplies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Laboratory Equipment Sales: Sale of laboratory equipment including centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pipettes, incubators, freezers, and analytical instruments from brands like Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, Gilson, Sartorius, and Mettler Toledo.
- Laboratory Consumables: Sale of consumable laboratory supplies including pipette tips, filters, syringes, chemicals, and disposable items. These represent recurring revenue opportunities as consumables need regular replenishment.
- Chemical Products: Sale of laboratory chemicals with specific delivery requirements including ADR compliance and dry/wet ice shipping. Includes higher delivery charges for chemical products (€25 direct, €55 for dry/wet ice).
- Own Brand Products: Sale of SLS Select branded products including media bottles with promotional discounts up to 70% off. Own-brand products offer higher margins and include items like SLS Lab Pro autoclaves.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SLS branded products with promotional pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Brand name laboratory equipment |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Delivery |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Chemical Products Delivery |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Sparks Lab Supplies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (Ireland) Ltd (SLS) is the UK and Ireland's largest independent distributor of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables. The company distributes more than 18,000 catalogued products sourced from over 4,000 global suppliers, offering laboratory instruments, consumables, and chemicals to research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and industrial customers through an e-commerce platform and dedicated sales teams.
Product overview
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (Ireland) Ltd operates as a B2B laboratory equipment and consumables distributor, offering an extensive e-commerce platform alongside dedicated sales and account management services. The company distributes over 18,000 catalogued products from more than 4,000 suppliers globally. The product portfolio encompasses laboratory equipment (centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pipettes, hotplate stirrers, autoclaves), analytical instruments (pH meters, conductivity meters, dissolved oxygen meters), storage solutions (refrigerators, freezers), and consumables (media bottles, pipette tips, filtration products, electrodes). Key branded offerings include Thermo Scientific GENESYS G5 spectrophotometer series, Sartorius pipetting/filtration/water purification solutions, Mettler Toledo analytical meters and electrodes, Gilson PIPETMAN pipettes and accessories, Eppendorf centrifuges and pipettes, and OHAUS equipment. The company also offers its own SLS private-label brand products and Anton Paar precision instruments as newer additions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SLS Select Media Bottles Laboratory consumable bottles for media storage and handling, available under the SLS own brand at promotional discounts up to 70% off.
- SLS Lab Pro Personal Benchtop Autoclaves Personal benchtop autoclaves for laboratory sterilization applications, available at up to 28% off under the SLS own brand.
- SLS Own Brand Products Private-label laboratory supplies and consumables under the SLS own brand, offering higher margins and value pricing.
- Thermo Scientific GENESYS G5 Vis Spectrophotometer Visible range spectrophotometer for analytical testing applications in laboratory environments.
- Thermo Scientific GENESYS G5 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer UV-Visible spectrophotometer for quantitative analysis across the UV and visible spectrum.
- Thermo Scientific GENESYS G5 UV-Vis Pro Spectrophotometer Advanced UV-Visible spectrophotometer with extended functionality for professional laboratory analysis.
- Sartorius Pipetting Solutions High-precision pipettes and liquid handling instruments backed by over 140 years of Sartorius expertise.
- Sartorius Lab Balances Precision laboratory balances for accurate mass measurement in research and quality control applications.
- Sartorius Water Purification Systems Laboratory water purification systems for producing high-purity water for analytical and research applications.
- Sartorius Filtration Products Syringe filters, filtration units, filter capsules, centrifugal filters, pressure filters, venting filters, filter membranes, and filter paper for laboratory filtration applications.
- Mettler Toledo pH Meters High-precision pH measurement instruments with intuitive user interfaces and data export capabilities including USB and LabX software integration.
- Mettler Toledo Conductivity Meters Analytical instruments for measuring electrical conductivity in laboratory solutions.
- Mettler Toledo Multichannel Meters Multi-channel analytical meters for parallel measurements in high-throughput laboratory workflows.
- Mettler Toledo Dissolved Oxygen Meters Instruments for measuring dissolved oxygen levels in laboratory and field applications.
- Mettler Toledo Electrodes and Sensors Comprehensive range of pH electrodes, conductivity probes, and sensors including InLab Power Pro, InLab Expert Pro, and LE series sensors for various laboratory measurement applications.
- Gilson PIPETMAN Pipettes Precision pipettes establishing the gold standard in liquid handling technology for accurate and reproducible sample transfer.
- Gilson PIPETMAN Diamond Tips Precision pipette tips designed to fit PIPETMAN pipettes for accurate and precise pipetting performance.
- Gilson Pipette Tips PIPETMAN Diamond Tips, capillary pistons for MICROMAN positive displacement pipettes, and DISTRITIPS for DISTRIMAN pipettes.
- Eppendorf MiniSpin Mini Centrifuges Compact mini centrifuges for quick sample separation in laboratory settings, available in standard and plus variants at 26% off.
- Eppendorf Research 3 neo Multi-Packs Multi-pack bundles of the Research 3 neo laboratory pipette for high-volume laboratory operations.
- OHAUS Guardian 3000 Hotplate Stirrers Laboratory hotplate stirrers combining heating and stirring capabilities for chemical and biological applications, available at 33% off.
- Thermo Scientific TSE Series Refrigerators and Freezers Laboratory refrigeration and freezer storage units for sample preservation at controlled temperatures, available at 30% off.
- Anton Paar Precision Analytical Instrumentation High-precision analytical instruments newly available from SLS, representing a premium addition to the product portfolio.
Quantifiable outcome
- 95% stock availability on catalogue products
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sparks Lab Supplies
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Sparks Lab Supplies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Sparks Lab Supplies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Dutscher GroupcoreParent company of SLS Group. The Dutscher Group acquired SLS providing global laboratory supply operations with high degree of flexibility across UK and Ireland operations.
- Analab (Ireland)corePart of SLS Group incorporating Analab in Ireland. Analab operates under the same business structure providing laboratory supplies in the Republic of Ireland market.
- Labserve UKminorService and repairs partner providing maintenance and repair services for laboratory equipment sold through SLS.
- International Distribution PartnersminorCarefully selected overseas distribution partners chosen for long-term sustainability, commitment to stockholding and market development. Provides SLS with global presence for servicing local markets professionally.
- MilliporecoreKey supplier brand offering laboratory water purification and filtration products.
- Thermo ScientificcoreMajor supplier brand offering comprehensive laboratory equipment including centrifuges, CO2 incubators, ULT freezers, class II safety cabinets, and spectrophotometers.
- EppendorfcoreKey supplier brand offering laboratory equipment including centrifuges (MiniSpin, Research 3 neo), pipettes, and related consumables.
- GilsoncoreKey supplier brand offering PIPETMAN pipettes, PIPETMAN DIAMOND tips, and liquid handling tools.
- SartoriuscoreKey supplier brand offering laboratory balances, pipettes, laboratory water systems, and consumables including syringe filters and pipette tips.
- Mettler ToledocoreKey supplier brand offering pH meters, conductivity meters, multi-channel meters, dissolved oxygen meters, electrodes and sensors.
- OHAUScoreKey supplier brand offering laboratory balances, scales, and analytical instruments including Guardian hotplate stirrers.
- AzentaminorSupplier brand offering sample lifecycle management and storage solutions.
- CYTIVAminorSupplier brand offering life sciences products and technologies.
- MerckcoreKey supplier brand offering chemicals, lab supplies, and life sciences products.
- Anton PaarminorSupplier brand offering precision analytical instrumentation newly available from SLS.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sparks Lab Supplies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sartorius AG: Manufacturer of laboratory balances, pipettes, water purification, and filtration products — all distributed by SLS as a key brand partner. Similar channel dynamic to Eppendorf, competing through its own direct sales while supplying SLS.
- Gilson Inc. Manufacturer of liquid handling products (PIPETMAN pipettes, Diamond tips) and a key SLS distribution partner. Sells both directly and via distribution, similar to Eppendorf and Sartorius in competitive structure.
- Mettler-Toledo International: Manufacturer of precision laboratory instruments (pH meters, conductivity meters, balances, sensors) and a key SLS distribution partner. Operates direct sales alongside distribution, creating channel overlap with SLS for analytical instruments.
- Eppendorf SE: Manufacturer of laboratory equipment (centrifuges, pipettes, consumables) and a core brand distributed by SLS. Sells both direct and through distributors like SLS, so it functions as both supplier and competitive channel for the same product categories.
- Cole-Parmer: Distributor of laboratory equipment, supplies, and consumables for scientific and industrial customers. Direct competitor to SLS in the UK and Ireland lab supply market, with comparable product breadth across equipment and consumables.
Broad incumbents
- Merck Life Science (Sigma-Aldrich): Major supplier of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables distributed by SLS as a key brand partner. As a manufacturer-distributor, it competes with SLS at the brand level while also supplying through the SLS distribution channel.
- Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher Scientific): One of the world's largest laboratory supplies and equipment distributors, offering the same broad catalogue of branded products (centrifuges, pipettes, chemicals, consumables) to research, healthcare, and industrial customers globally. Directly competes with SLS in UK and Ireland, but at significantly larger scale.
- Avantor (VWR): Global distributor of laboratory products, chemicals, and consumables serving biopharma, healthcare, and research customers. Operates the VWR brand, a direct competitor to SLS in the UK and Ireland distribution market with broader international reach.
Emerging players
- Helena Biosciences Europe: European distributor of laboratory diagnostics and life science products, with comparable channel structure (multi-brand distribution, e-commerce, field sales) but narrower portfolio focused on clinical and diagnostics segments.
Regional players
- Anachem (part of Avantor): UK-based laboratory supplies distributor and part of the Avantor group, focused on serving UK and Ireland life science and research customers. Directly overlaps with SLS in geography, customer base, and product categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sparks Lab Supplies social profiles
Digital presenceSparks Lab Supplies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Sparks Lab Supplies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sparks Lab Supplies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Sparks Lab Supplies subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Sparks Lab Supplies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sparks Lab Supplies 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 Sparks Lab Supplies
What does Sparks Lab Supplies do?
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (Ireland) Ltd (SLS) is the UK and Ireland's largest independent distributor of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables. The company distributes more than 18,000 catalogued products sourced from over 4,000 global suppliers, offering laboratory instruments, consumables, and chemicals to research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and industrial customers through an e-commerce platform and dedicated sales teams.
Is Sparks Lab Supplies a public or private company?
Sparks Lab Supplies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Sparks Lab Supplies founded?
Sparks Lab Supplies was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Sparks Lab Supplies based?
Sparks Lab Supplies is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, in the Europe region.
How does Sparks Lab Supplies make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Laboratory Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are laboratory Consumables, chemical Products and own Brand Products.
Who are Sparks Lab Supplies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sartorius AG, Gilson Inc., Mettler-Toledo International, Eppendorf SE and Cole-Parmer. Broad incumbents are Merck Life Science (Sigma-Aldrich), Fisher Scientific (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and Avantor (VWR). Helena Biosciences Europe is listed as an emerging player. Anachem (part of Avantor) is listed as a regional player.
Does Sparks Lab Supplies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sparks Lab Supplies.
What industry is Sparks Lab Supplies in?
Sparks Lab Supplies's product category is Laboratory Equipment and Consumables Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAC, General Lab Equipment (Centrifuges, Incubators, Shakers, Ovens), with a secondary code of HLAGAIAD, Liquid Handling & Laboratory Automation (Pipettes, Robots, Workstations). Its NAICS code is 423450 and its SIC code is 5047.