Life at the Sharp end of forensics

THE Sharp Project, Manchester’s digital-content production complex in east Manchester, has become the base for a growing number of companies specialising in forensics — including a business founded two years ago by a man from Middleton.

Former management accountant Glen Siddall, who used to work for a criminal law firm, established Aequitas Forensics in Oldham in 2011. His business partner, Adam McCarthy (41) from Sale, is a forensic biologist and firearms expert.

Glen said, “We were the first forensics company to locate here but now there’s a good little hub and we share resources. I discovered the Sharp Project by chance when driving by one day. Having 24-hour access and being next to the police HQ is perfect for us. We’re now a team of three and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back.”

Aequitas Forensics specialises in digital forensics — trawling computers and other devices for content, often long-deleted content; expertise services in trace evidence, arson and drugs forensics, and the nalysis of DNA, firearms and other materials.

Serving the legal industry and private sector, Aequitas Forensics’ case load ranges from murder and terrorism to fraud and drug-related incidents.