From Spare Room Start-up to Global Export Powerhouse: St Ives Firm Celebrates 25 Years of Success

St Ives, Cambridgeshire – A pioneering Cambridgeshire business that began life in a spare bedroom is celebrating 25 years at the forefront of global gas analysis technology.
Founded in 2000, Cambridge Sensotec has grown from a small start-up in St Ives into a multi-million-pound business. Today, it exports its advanced gas analysers to clients in over 100 countries. Its headquarters on Stephenson Road remain the heart of operations, where the company designs, manufactures, calibrates, and supports its equipment.
The company’s Rapidox gas analysers are trusted across industries including clean energy, electrical switchgear, manufacturing, medical research, and environmental monitoring. Cambridge Sensotec also develops bespoke gas analysis solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clients, tailoring its technology to unique industrial challenges around the world.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Dr Mark Swetnam, Managing Director and founder, said:
“Twenty-five years ago, Cambridge Sensotec began life in my spare bedroom with hand-made gas analyser products. It has since grown into a multi-million-pound gas analysis business producing complex gas analyser solutions used in industries throughout the world. I am incredibly proud of our achievements, which are a testament to the dedication of our wonderful team here and the trust we’ve earned from our distributors and clients. We look forward to another exciting twenty-five years in our gas analysis journey ahead.”

Cambridge Sensotec has long championed the value of local partnerships, education, and sport. The company maintains a strong relationship with the local secondary school, St Ivo Academy, supporting its work experience programme and offering mentoring and development opportunities to students. One former work experience student has since returned to join the company full-time after completing his university degree, demonstrating Cambridge Sensotec’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
For over a decade, the company has also proudly sponsored St Ives Town Football Club, helping to strengthen community spirit and promote grassroots sport.

“Supporting our local community has always been a core part of our values,” added Dr Swetnam.

“We’re proud to give back through our long-standing partnerships with St Ivo Academy and St Ives Town FC, and we’ll continue to champion the next generation of scientists and engineers. Our success is deeply rooted in the support of our local community, and we’re committed to growing together.”

Over the years, the company has created skilled jobs, supported UK-based suppliers, and played a key role in Cambridgeshire’s reputation as a centre for high-tech manufacturing and engineering.

To mark the milestone, Cambridge Sensotec will be hosting a garden party at its headquarters this summer, bringing together past and present employees in celebration. The event reflects the company’s reputation as a great place to work, where strong relationships and mutual respect extend well beyond employment.
From its local roots to a global presence, Cambridge Sensotec continues to show that world-class innovation can thrive in Cambridgeshire.

Media Contact:
Natasha Hall
Cambridge Sensotec Ltd
Unit 29, Stephenson Road
St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3WJ
Tel: +44 (0)1480 462142
Email: info@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk
Website: www.cambridge-sensotec.co.uk