Dave Ruddy, BSc (Hons), MWMSoc, MRSC

Chief Executive Officer

CEO at Biochemica Water Ltd, Dave Ruddy

Mr Ruddy has over 16 years experience in the water treatment industry, having started his early career as a chemist. Specialising in boiler and cooling water treatment, Dave is heavily involved in the development of Biochemica’s industry innovations and led the company’s award-winning Bio Pack Clean development project from concept to delivery, as well as other product and technology ventures.

Mr Ruddy has particular expertise in the treatment of industrial cooling water applications and specifically, High Pressure boiler water treatment for which he is one of only a small amount of specialists in the UK.

An extremely driven and passionate individual, Mr Ruddy excels at problem-solving which enables him to identify the cause of an issue and the best method of system optimisation through chemical applications. As the water industry evolves, Mr Ruddy is eager to progress diversification within Biochemica Water, such as by replacing traditional chemicals with environmental concepts, and taking a focused approach to sustainability.

As well as heading up Biochemica alongside business partner Dr Tim Robinson, Mr Ruddy sits on the Leadership Team for the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC). This strategic thrust team aims to provide industry leadership to define and prioritise the requirements of sustaining and attracting new process industries to the North East of England.

Dr Tim Robinson, PhD, BSc (Hons), MWMSoc, MSB

Chairman

Chairman at Biochemica Water Ltd, Dr Tim Robinson

Dr Robinson has a PhD in Environmental Biotechnology and over 13 years solid experience in water treatment. With over 20 published research articles and book chapters from his time in academia, he has specific experience in the chemistry, microbiology and process technology of industrial wastewater treatment systems.

Starting his career in academia, Dr Robinson initially developed novel methods and technologies for the treatment of industrial textile dye effluents before expanding his skill base into other areas of water treatment and beyond.

Dr Robinson is an internationally published and peer reviewed author in subjects ranging from fermentation technology, membrane bioreactors (MBRs), odour treatments, enzymatic and molecular microbiology, remediation and process technologies. He was also part of Cranfield University’s prestigious MBR and Odour research groups during his tenure as post-doctoral researcher.

During his time working in the industrial sector, Dr Robinson developed his skills in speciality chemicals and their application, as well as sales and commercial acumen. From this grew supply chain development, business strategy and company start-up skills which ultimately led to the formation of Biochemica Water Ltd with Mr Ruddy.

Dr Robinson has a wealth of experience within the field of wastewater treatment and has a keen interest in tackling issues relating to anaerobic digestion. More recently, he spearheaded Biochemica’s environmentally-friendly division, Ecochemica.

Together, Mr Ruddy and Dr Robinson have grown Biochemica from a fledgling business to an award-winning and nationwide operation, with interests and experience in a host of industries from food and beverage, municipal, aggregates, power generation, chemical, pharmaceutical, paper, manufacturing and more.

John Fraser

Managing Director

Managing Director at Biochemica Water Ltd, John Fraser

Biochemica’s Managing Director, with a background in Chemical Engineering, has over 10 years experience in the water treatment field having worked in sales and management roles within the industry.

As Managing Director, Mr Fraser is responsible for the performance of the company, as dictated by the board’s overall strategy. He reports to the board of directors. Responsibilities include formulating and successfully implementing company policy and strategy.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Mr Fraser was Head of Operations at Biochemica. During this time he was able to utilise his experience and knowledge of the industry to help create a team at Biochemica capable of providing our customers with the highest levels of service and support.

Gary Lumby, MBE FCIBS

Non Executive Director

Non Executive Director at Biochemica Water Ltd, Gary Lumby MBE

Mr Lumby joined Biochemica Water as the company’s first Non Executive Director in early 2016. With several other Non Executive Director positions with companies across the North East and Yorkshire, plus a career history including numerous high profile roles, Mr Lumby brings a wealth of high level experience to Board.

Until 2011, Mr Lumby was UK Director of Small Business Banking at Yorkshire and Clydesdale Banks. Prior to this, he held the roles of Head of Retail Banking and Head of Business Banking for Yorkshire Bank and was North East and Cumbria Regional Director of SME Banking for Barclays Bank.

An active member of the North East and Yorkshire business community, Mr Lumby has held leadership roles in various industry forums, including Board Member of Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of the Access To Finance Committee. He was also President of Leeds Chamber of Commerce from 2008 – 2011.

Mr Lumby is a Mentor/Tutor on the Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Business Programme run by Leeds University Business School and currently sits on the Investment Panel for the North East Let’s Grow Regional Growth Fund.

In 2008, Mr Lumby was awarded an MBE for Services to the Finance Industry in the New Year’s Honours List and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Scotland.

For more information on Biochemica’s background, please visit the Company History page.