Come and find out about Alicia's scientific background!

Alicia Breakwell joined the Appleton Woods team in October 2021 as a Customer Service Officer.

Before joining the team, Alicia completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Birmingham. Alicia enjoys using her scientific knowledge to recommend products to our customers, and is passionate about helping labs to become more sustainable.

Read on to find out how Alicia’s expertise can help you and your lab (and how you can win free doughnuts!)

What did you study at university Alicia?

I studied my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Materials Science, which involved learning about Biomaterials which are used to replace or restore the function of tissues in the body. During my studies I found a love for Microbiology, and I went on to complete a master’s degree in Microbiology and Infection. I really enjoyed learning about the ways pathogens cause infections, and how scientists and doctors target these microorganisms to improve patient outcomes.

What is your job role at Appleton Woods?

I am a Customer Service & Marketing Support Officer here at Appleton Woods. My role is hugely varied from day-to-day, but my main role is to ensure our customers’ orders are processed quickly and accurately. I really enjoy communicating with our customers and finding the best products for their experiments. If an item you need is not in stock, I will always try to find you a suitable alternative wherever possible! Alongside my customer service role, I also support our marketing team by assisting with the creation of content for our social media platforms, website and other resources, which I thoroughly enjoy.

How does your science background help our customers?

During university, I completed two final year laboratory research projects and several lab-based experiments. Having conducted my own research using a range of laboratory equipment, consumables and reagents, this experience has equipped me well to assist our customers with product recommendations and many other enquiries.

Click here to contact Alicia with any enquiries!

4. What are your career goals at Appleton Woods?

The great thing about working at Appleton Woods is that there are so many career options to explore. I am currently working on some exciting projects with our marketing team, and I am hoping to complete additional training to enable me to move into a role within this department in the future.

Results of Our 2022 Customer Satisfaction Survey

At Appleton Woods, we are passionate about providing excellent customer service and we are extremely proud of the wonderful feedback we received from our customers in 2022!

**Would you like to win free doughnuts or chocolates? Enter our Customer Satisfaction Survey to be in with a chance!**

Customer feedback is highly valued by the entire Appleton Woods team. Click here to enter our short Customer Satisfaction Survey and be in with a chance of winning free doughnuts or chocolates!

I am pleased to support Appleton Woods partnership with ZEISS. I recently purchased from Appleton Woods a ZEISS Axiolab 5 compound microscope with a range of bright field and phase contrast objectives and a camera attachment. The service has been excellent. This included a prompt home demonstration by a very knowledgeable representative who also provided some very practical advice with regards to ZEISS objectives.

Dr John S. NoyesScientific Associate

Our account manager Harriet has always been extremely helpful and proactive, helping supply critical items where others have failed. The service is extremely friendly and I always feel the matter is being dealt with behind the scenes, so no need to chase. Always available and responsive to any enquiries we have. Reliable delivery dates in an extremely difficult time for logistics, due to COVID-19, Brexit, and many other factors. Would always be happy to recommend Appleton Woods to other companies in the industry for lab consumables and equipment.

AdamProcurement Officer

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have found Appleton Woods to be extremely responsive and reactive to the needs of the University, which is greatly appreciated. Appleton Woods were especially supportive in providing essential supplies for the University PPE Store at a time when it was needed the most.

E. CorkishPurchasing ManagerUniversity of Oxford

I have been ordering from Appleton Woods for a number of years now after our lab started using their molecular reagents. Pricing of most items is very competitive, and delivery has usually been exceptionally quick, even for quite large orders. The local sales reps are also very helpful and responsive, and frequently pay us visits to check on our needs. I will certainly be continuing to order from Appleton Woods.

Dr D. ClarkSenior Research Officer University of Essex

I have been dealing with the company Appleton Woods for several years now and have been extremely satisfied with their level of service. The local representative regularly makes contact with various members of the department with information on new products and special offers that he considers would be of interest and I also receive email updates for circulation. Quotations are sent promptly and orders dealt with efficiently with personal follow ups to ensure we are satisfied with the products. I look forward to a continued association with the company.

T. ClarkeChief TechnicianOxford

Appleton Woods is always the first company I consult when ordering laboratory equipment or consumables. They stock an extensive range of products to suit all needs at prices for every budget. Having liaised with both the customer services team and sales representatives I can say they are always professional, knowledgeable and happy to help. Delivery of items is always very prompt and their regular e-newsletter provides updates of the latest offers and product information. I would definitely recommend this company

Dr R. DavidResearcherLondon

I have been happily working with Appleton Woods for over 7 years in the capacity of laboratory manager encompassing the role of procurement of laboratory consumables and equipment. The product range has always met my needs; there are usually different brands/manufacturers available which either cater for specific needs or small equipment to fit with the available funds - pertinently they offer a much needed budget priced range of items. I have always found them competitive on pricing, which along with their attention to detail, good communication and prompt response time makes them a personal preferred supplier

Alex MartinLab ManagerLondon

The fact that I've been dealing with Appleton Woods for many years says it all - I've never felt the need to take my business elsewhere. The company sells quality products at competitive prices and the service is very reliable. The staff are well informed, helpful and friendly. An excellent organisation

S. ButlerTechnicianOxford

I have found that Appleton Woods are able to provide a wide range of laboratory consumables and equipment at competitive prices. The staff are always very friendly, helpful, and quick to respond to requests. Their reliability means that they are often a first port of call when we need to source new items

K. LangfordResearch TechnicianManchester

Appleton Woods provides an extensive range of laboratory consumables and equipment - both large and small - and on request they make every effort to source spares and replacement parts. The customer service is excellent and the local representative extremely helpful, professional and quick to respond to queries and requests. In addition, Appleton Woods listens to and acts upon customer feedback. This company is on my list of top suppliers of good quality, competitively priced laboratory goods.

Dr S. ShawcrossUniversity of Manchester

Appleton Woods is one of my favourite companies to deal with. The sales staff are always friendly and efficient, providing us with competitive prices on a quote tailored to our needs, as well as regular communication about all current offers, which we have often taken advantage of. Our area sales manager is extremely helpful, sourcing many consumable items for us in the past and is a pleasure to deal with. I would definitely recommend using this company.

J. WoodSenior Technician Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool

Overall, very pleasant to deal with. Very efficient and competitively priced. I would always recommend this company to anyone.

Dr K. ChamInstitute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool

Appleton Woods have supplied my lab with a wide range of quality consumables and equipment at competitive prices for many years now and the fact that we continue to use them speaks volumes

J. RobinsonSenior TechnicianInstitute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool

I've been using Appleton Woods for purchasing laboratory consumables and equipment for a number of years now. The reasons for this are quite simple; an excellent local sales representative who has an in depth knowledge of products, who is always available by telephone or e-mail when further information is required for a particular product and when quotations are required. In addition, prices are competitive and delivery is prompt. Overall, an excellent service. I would definitely recommend this company!

Dr D. HowarthTechnician

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