Meet James, VH Bio’s Sales and Marketing Manager!

We’re pleased to reintroduce James Briggs, VH Bio’s Sales and Marketing Manager from our Molecular Biology team!

Enjoy his thoughtful Q&A:  

Describe what your job entails.

My role is a mix of strategy, problem-solving, and relationship-building. I oversee sales strategy, business development, customer relationships, supplier engagement, and marketing for VH Bio’s Molecular Biology portfolio – basically, making sure everything works together to drive growth while keeping quality and scientific integrity at the heart of what we do.

Day-to-day, I spend a lot of time working with suppliers, customers, and the internal team to keep things moving in the right direction. I believe in ethical sales and transparency, making sure we’re offering solutions that genuinely help our customers. Trust is everything in this industry, and a big part of my job is maintaining those relationships and keeping VH Bio’s reputation strong.

What is your career and/or educational background?

I graduated in 2006 with a BSc in Biosciences from Leeds Metropolitan University. My first job was in Veterinary Diagnostics as a Laboratory Scientist, but I quickly realised that being in the lab full-time wasn’t for me. I wanted something that combined my scientific background with a more people-focused, fast-paced role, so I moved into Life Sciences sales.

I started as a Technical Sales Specialist for an international Molecular Biology manufacturer, spending six years there before joining VH Bio in 2012. What began as another technical sales role turned into a 13-year career (and counting), working my way up to my current position. Along the way, I’ve worked with a huge variety of customers, faced plenty of challenges, and watched the industry evolve, which keeps things interesting and means I’m always learning.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Most of my time outside work revolves around family – ferrying the kids to activities, coaching my daughter’s football team, or just enjoying time together. Football is a big part of my life, both as a coach and a fan, and I love helping young players grow in confidence while keeping the game fun and engaging.

When I get a bit of downtime, I enjoy trying out different craft beers and discovering new breweries. I also like to stay active, whether that’s running, Pilates, the gym, or just getting outdoors. Partly for fitness, but mostly for the mental reset it gives me. I’m always looking for new challenges to push myself, but I also appreciate the simple things, like a good beer whilst listening to a great playlist.

What is your favourite film?

I can’t pick just one, but a few stand out for different reasons. The Dark Knight is just a brilliant film all round. Inglourious Basterds, Gone Girl, and Fight Club all have that psychological edge and razor-sharp dialogue that make them stick.

For something more thought-provoking, Good Will Hunting and Joker both hit differently, and Saving Private Ryan is one of those films that stays with you. Then there’s Superbad, which never gets old no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

It all depends on the mood. Sometimes I want something clever and intense, sometimes I just want to be entertained, and sometimes I want both.

What is on your bucket list?

For me, it’s all about travel and experiences – seeing the world, exploring different cultures, and taking in some incredible landscapes.

At the top of my list is touring the West Coast of the USA, taking in the national parks, soaking up the scenery, and stopping off at some of the best craft breweries. A road trip through Europe is another big one, visiting Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia, experiencing the mix of cultures, food, and landscapes. I’d also love to visit Vancouver and British Columbia – it seems like the perfect blend of city life and breathtaking nature.

Beyond that, I want to explore Iceland and Scandinavia, see the wild beauty of Costa Rica, and take on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, which would be as rewarding as it is demanding. There’s so much out there to see, and I want to make the most of it.

What do you think sets VH Bio apart as an employer?

VH Bio genuinely values its people, which makes a huge difference. It’s the kind of place where you’re trusted to get on with your job rather than being micromanaged, and where hard work is recognised. There’s a real sense of stability and long-term opportunity – a lot of us have been here for years, which says a lot.

The company strikes a good balance between professionalism and a supportive, down-to-earth culture. It’s not just about business growth, it’s about the people behind it, making sure we have what we need to do our jobs well. There’s also a real commitment to doing things properly – not cutting corners, not chasing quick wins, but maintaining high standards and long-term relationships. It’s a company that values expertise, encourages development, and trusts its people to make a difference, which makes it a great place to work.

Thanks for sharing, James! We are so happy to have you on the VH Bio team.