Augustus Wiredu, the Founder and Technical Director of Verity Labs, Temu, Ghana, talks about their uncompromising approach towards delivering accurate, transparent and reliable testing services for fuels, lubricants and water.
What inspired the idea of creating Verity Labs, and how did you identify the gap in the market for local testing services?
In Ghana and across West Africa, businesses, regulators, and consumers have long struggled with the lack of accessible, high-quality fuel testing services. This led to issues like fuel contamination, regulatory gaps, delays, and high costs from overseas testing. Being a chemist with experience in the energy sector, I realized the importance of accurate fuel testing to ensure safety and quality.
This inspired me to establish a local fuel testing lab offering timely, accurate, and cost-effective services. We conducted market surveys with fuel distributors, refineries, and regulators to understand their needs. We also reviewed both local and international standards, discovering a significant gap for a local lab that could provide reliable results, cost-effective solutions, and expertise in regional fuel standards and regulations.
What role do local talent and expertise play in Verity Labs' operations,
and how do you ensure they are utilized to their full potential?
We take pride in being wholly Ghanaian, independent, and managed by locals. Our deep understanding of the regional market, fuel types, and regulatory requirement allows us to tailor our operations to meet both local and international needs. By navigating cultural nuances, we foster effective communication with clients, stakeholders, and regulators.
Our team is quick to respond to client needs, building strong relationships in the process. We also prioritize local talent, employing targeted recruitment strategies, offering training and development, and empowering employees to take ownership of their work. This approach ensures accountability and motivation. Certifications are supported by policies that promote local content, ensuring local talent plays a key role in Verity’s success.
How has Verity Labs' approach to local testing impacted the industry, and what benefits have your clients seen from keeping testing services within Africa?
Reflecting on our journey with Verity Labs, the most rewarding aspects are clear. Creating a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology was a significant milestone. The ability to develop innovative testing protocols that meet both local and international standards has been truly fulfilling. Building strong relationships with clients and offering exceptional service has resulted in loyal partnerships. Growing our capabilities to serve diverse industries and navigating the challenges of starting from scratch have shown our resilience. Achieving ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 certifications, and knowing our work helps ensure the quality and safety of fuels, has brought immense pride and satisfaction.
With the aim of becoming a fully-fledged research centre, how do you
see your services evolving in the next 5-10 years?
We plan to expand our testing capabilities, introduce new services, and develop proprietary testing methods to stay ahead of industry needs. I envision collaborating with universities, research institutions, and industry partners on joint research projects.
I also aim to offer strategic consulting services, helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments, develop sustainability strategies, and optimize operations. We’ll create a platform to share research findings and best practices. I see Verity Labs establishing itself as a global leader in fuel testing research, offering training programs, and diversifying services into emerging markets like renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels.
Verity Labs’ mission includes ensuring client safety and quality. How do
you manage to consistently meet these high standards while growing
your service offerings?
The safety and quality of our operations are driven by a rigorous Quality Management System (QMS). We ensure that our laboratory management system meets international standards by maintaining our accreditation. Our team regularly reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tests, calibrations, and laboratory activities to stay ahead of industry needs.
We have implemented strong quality control and assurance processes to continuously monitor and improve our performance. Safety is a top priority, so we provide regular training and awareness programs for our employees. Transparent communication with clients is key for us to ensure they are fully informed about test results, reports, and any safety concerns. We have also established a client feedback mechanism to gauge satisfaction and pinpoint areas for improvement.
To ensure ongoing excellence, we provide continuous employee training, maintain equipment for accuracy, and keep our facility clean, safe, and well-organized. This approach keeps us at the forefront of quality and safety in fuel testing.
Your vision mentions becoming a leading laboratory in fuel, lubricants,
and water testing. What strategies are in place to help you achieve that
position in the industry?
We are committed to stay ahead of industry trends. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to improve test accuracy and are continually developing new testing methods to meet evolving regulatory needs. Our quality management system ensures compliance with international standards while we diversify our client base into sectors like mining, marine, and renewable energy.
We prioritize collaboration, partnering with industry leaders and research institutions to drive innovation. Additionally, we focus on recruiting skilled professionals, offering continuous training to enhance their expertise. We foster a culture of teamwork and innovation, and we are expanding our digital presence through an updated website and social media engagement. By participating in industry events, publishing technical papers, and upgrading our infrastructure, we aim to stay at the forefront of the industry while maintaining competitive pricing and profitability.
What does "customer satisfaction" mean to you at Verity Labs, and how
do you measure or ensure it in your day-to-day operations?
Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. Starting from delivering services that meet or exceed expectations, providing real value, and building trust through reliable, accurate, and timely results. Our goal is to create a positive experience that encourages customers to return and recommend us.
To ensure customer satisfaction, we actively gather feedback through surveys, questionnaires, and online reviews. We address complaints promptly to prevent escalation and measure key metrics like turnaround time, accuracy, and responsiveness. We also encourage customers to share their thoughts through various channels, whether by email, phone, or in person.
We regularly review our services to ensure they meet high-quality standards, and we incentivize our team to deliver exceptional service by recognizing their efforts. Based on feedback, we continuously make improvements to enhance our customer experience.
How do you plan to expand your capabilities and testing scopes in the short term to further support your mission of delivering precise and dependable results?
We focus on hiring highly skilled professionals with expertise in specialized testing areas. We’re committed to their ongoing development by providing training opportunities that enhance their knowledge and skills. We foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging our team to identify areas for growth and implement changes. Regular audits and assessments ensure we stay compliant with our Quality Management System. As we grow, we’re also expanding our laboratory facilities to accommodate new testing equipment and capabilities, ensuring we continue to offer top-tier services.
Given the financial burden of importing materials and equipment, how do you balance quality with cost-effectiveness in your operations?
We establish clear quality standards for our equipment, focusing on accuracy, precision, and reliability. We carefully select reputable suppliers by evaluating factors like pricing, lead times, and after-sales support. To ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, we ensure all equipment meets international certifications like ISO, CE, or UL. We also consider purchasing refurbished equipment when feasible, offering cost savings without compromising quality. Our proactive maintenance and repair strategy helps extend equipment lifespan, reduce downtime, and keep our operations cost-effective while optimizing performance.
What specific steps are you taking to mitigate risks associated with
currency fluctuations and import duties in your day-to-day operations?
We are actively exploring currency hedging options like forward contracts and options to manage currency fluctuations. We’re also negotiating with suppliers to diversify our payment terms, considering alternative payment methods for flexibility. Ensuring compliance with custom regulations is a priority to avoid penalties or delays. We regularly review import duty rates to identify potential savings opportunities. Additionally, we’re working to diversify our supplier base, reducing reliance on any single supplier and mitigating the risk of supply chain disruptions, always ensuring smooth operations.
How does Verity Labs manage GRC to ensure its testing processes align with international standards and comply with regulatory requirements in Ghana's oil and gas sector?
Complying with Ghana’s regulatory and statutory sector requirements keeps us afloat. Our GRC advisor TOPCertifier has been immensely helpful in organizing yearly QMS audits. TOPCertifier ensures that our policies and procedures are updated, relevant and maintained. Their support has been fantastic.
Given the rising importance of environmental testing, how do you see the industry evolving in Africa, and how is Verity Labs preparing for these changes?
We are broadening our range of testing services to include emerging contaminants and adopting cutting-edge technologies, like advanced chromatography and spectroscopy, to enhance our analytical capabilities. Our team will be training in areas like renewable energy, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation.
How do you manage the impact of currency risks and import duties on your operational costs?
We are actively exploring currency hedging options like forward contracts and options to minimize the impact of currency fluctuations on our operations. We’re also in negotiations with suppliers to diversify our payment terms, including considering alternative payment methods for more flexibility. Compliance with customs regulations is a top priority to avoid potential penalties or delays. We regularly review import duty rates to identify savings opportunities and ensure cost- effectiveness. Additionally, we’re working to diversify our supplier base, reducing reliance on any single supplier, which helps mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and ensures consistent service delivery.
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding aspect of building Verity Labs from the ground up?
Building Verity Labs from the ground up has been an incredibly rewarding journey. One of the highlights has been creating a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology. Designing and implementing innovative testing protocols has allowed us to offer unique services to our clients. Developing strong relationships and providing exceptional service has led to a loyal customer base. Growing our capabilities to meet diverse client needs has been a fulfilling experience, also building a skilled and dedicated team. Overcoming the challenges of building a business from scratch has shown our resilience and knowing we’re contributing to fuel safety and quality fills me with pride.
As a leader in a highly technical field, how do you balance the demands of managing a small team while pushing for innovation and growth?
It involves careful planning, clear communication, and a passion for the vision we have. I make sure to foster open and transparent communication within the team, so everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Delegating tasks effectively is key, providing autonomy and ownership, and encouraging team members to take risks and learn from failures. I focus on offering constructive feedback and mentorship to help everyone grow professionally. Acknowledging and rewarding outstanding performance is important to me, as is prioritizing high-impact tasks. I view setbacks as opportunities for growth, and I aim to lead by example, embracing challenges with a growth mindset and willingness to adapt.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to enter the testing or oil and gas sector?
I started by acquiring a relevant degree in chemistry and finance to blend technical expertise with business acumen. Gaining hands-on experience through internships helped me understand the practical aspects of laboratory work. I carefully assessed the demand for testing services in our area, analyzed competitors, and outlined clear goals, target market, and pricing strategies. Financing options like loans and investors were explored, and I made sure to familiarize myself with relevant laws and standards for accreditation. Developing safety protocols and ensuring accuracy were key priorities. I also attended industry events to connect with clients and stay adaptable in this ever-evolving field.
Verity Labs’ journey is defined by a commitment to precision, local expertise, and continuous innovation. By providing reliable, cost-effective testing services and investing in local talent, the company is poised for growth, ensuring safety and quality in Ghana’s fuel, lubricants, and water industries.
If you’re looking for inspiration and practical strategies to stay ahead in the dynamic world of business, The Bizleader is your go-to resource. Explore insights that empower leaders to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and drive long-term success.
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