“The drug and alcohol-testing industry was a fragmented market with swathes of small companies providing niche services,” says the 41 year-old Irishwoman. “I saw an opportunity to aggregate them into one group that provided a ‘basket’ of complimentary services.”
The £64.5m purchase of Cozart at the end of 2007 was the biggest deal of the lot – bringing her total number of employees to 350. “It’s been a busy few years,” she jokes.
The economic downturn isn’t putting her off her stride. This year, Begley will be focusing on international expansion, with an eye on mainland Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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