LFH Regulatory is excited to be celebrating our fifth anniversary this month! As we prepare to commemorate this milestone, we sat down with our Managing Director, Laura Friedl-Hirst, to reflect on our journey, our unique approach, and our exciting plans for the future.
Can you tell us a bit about LFH Regulatory and what the company specialises in?
We specialise in regulatory affairs and clinical consulting, guiding clients from feasibility through product launch and lifecycle management. Whether it’s remediation, recalls, or compliance issues, our team works closely with clients to streamline regulatory processes. Our goal is to make regulation simple and as stress-free as possible, saving our clients time and effort.
What motivated you to start your own business?
Before founding LFH, I had worked in several manufacturing companies of various different sizes, and later moved into a corporate role. I knew that I always wanted to go into contracting, but I think that’s what helped give me the big push. With a young daughter at home, the role was really demanding as I was travelling extensively throughout the week, so I really wasn’t getting to see her much. So, it was the desire to have a better work-life balance. Starting LFH Regulatory allowed me to build a consultancy that not only delivers top-notch service but also prioritises flexibility and a supportive environment for everyone on our team
What it is that makes LFH different from other consultancies?
Quite a difficult question, certainly we might be very biased here! But we pride ourselves on being agile and practical. Every client is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit their specific needs and budget. Our team isn’t just about expertise; it’s about personality and passion. We bring a personal touch to every interaction, build on open communication and genuine collaboration. It’s this combination of professionalism and warmth that sets us apart. I like to think that our personality shines through.
What have been some of LFH Regulatory’s biggest milestones?
For us, it’s been bringing on the first member of the team in February 2021. We’ve now grown to a team of 6, and we have two new starters joining us in the next few months. Going from independent contractor to a fully-fledged consultancy has certainly been incredibly rewarding. There are also a lot of exciting things on the horizon, and we’ve got in the pipeline as a business. In just five years of trading, it’s been amazing to see the company grow so much.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
We’re immensely proud of all we’ve achieved in the past 5 years and the amazing progress we’ve made. But for me personally, the biggest achievement is the direction that we’re taking at the minute. It’s very exciting and innovative what we’re looking at – there are many different things that our exceptional team brings, with so many ideas for how we can improve as a business. Given our size and the passion our team brings to the table, there’s so much more opportunity for where we can get to and an exciting journey ahead, and we’re very eager to see where it takes us.
What have been the biggest challenge has been so far, and how have you overcome it?
We’ve definitely faced our fair share of challenges, as I’m sure many business owners can relate to. One of the biggest hurdles came at the end of last year and the beginning of this year when we noticed a slight decline in interest. It was a bit of a tough patch, but we found creative ways to adapt and navigate through it. We think the bounce-back is due in part to manufacturers gearing up for the transition to the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and also because of the investments we’ve made to strengthen our business. It’s been a learning experience, but seeing things turn around has been incredibly rewarding.
What have you learnt in those first 5 years, and if you were to give advice to another business setting up now, what would that be?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust your gut instincts – they’re usually right. Confidence in yourself is crucial. Imposter syndrome can creep in, but it’s important to recognise and celebrate your achievements. Everyone’s journey is unique, so focus on your own path and don’t get distracted by where others are. Embrace your journey and be proud of how far you’ve come.
What are the plans for the next five years?
Our plans for the next five years are full of exciting possibilities. We’re eager to see where we can go and how much we can grow. Ideally, we’d love to double the size of our team and expand our client base significantly. We’re also aiming to boost our revenue as we take on new and exciting projects so we can continue to build on the strong foundation we’ve built.
You recently won your first award as a business. What was that like?
We were absolutely ecstatic to win our first award! To be honoured with the prestigious Gender Inclusive Employer award by Femtech World was an amazing achievement for us a business. As a woman-led business, we firmly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels supported and has space to thrive, regardless of their gender. A lot of us have different backgrounds in the business, and we’re very proud of that. The award is very much a testament to the culture we’ve built, which celebrates the unique strengths and diversity that our amazing team brings.
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, LFH Regulatory remains committed to our values of excellence, innovation and inclusivity. We’re grateful for the support of our incredible team, clients, and partners who have been instrumental in our success. Here’s to many more years of growth, collaboration, and making a positive impact together!
