Exhibitor Interview: HFR on first-time success, strategic partnerships and complex chemistry

For organisations tackling technically demanding markets, having a reliable chemistry partner can make all the difference. HFR (formerly known as High Force Research) offers end-to-end services across custom synthesis, analytical science, contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), and contract research. Their focus is clear: chemistry that delivers.

Ahead of Chemspec Europe 2026, we spoke with Nathalie Huther, Chief Commercial Officer at HFR, about their debut at the show last year, how exhibiting in the New Exhibitor Zone helped accelerate their European strategy, and why they have increased their stand size for 2026.

How would you describe HFR’s core offering and who you serve?

Nathalie Huther: HFR is a chemistry-led development and manufacturing partner, specialising in complex synthetic chemistry, process optimisation, analytical science, and compliant manufacturing. We work with organisations where precision, scalability, and reliability are critical, such as across pharmaceuticals, biotech, advanced materials, and speciality chemicals.

We’re not just a service provider; we see ourselves as a strategic partner, helping clients de-risk development and turn complex chemistry into robust, scalable solutions.

How does your breadth of services differentiate you in today’s fine chemicals landscape?

Huther: Our real strength is in integration and accountability. We provide a seamless pathway from early-stage synthesis through process development, analytical characterisation, scale-up, and compliant manufacture. That continuity reduces technical transfer risks, improves efficiency, and creates a single point of responsibility.

In a market defined by regulatory scrutiny, supply chain sensitivity, and technical complexity, this integrated approach is a genuine advantage.

What made Chemspec Europe the right platform for you?

Huther: We were in the process of expanding our European strategy and needed a platform that could give us direct access to technically informed decision-makers. Chemspec Europe offered exactly that.

Our focus wasn’t on stand traffic, but on having quality, strategic conversations with organisations seeking long-term partnerships. We were especially interested in pharmaceutical innovators, speciality chemical manufacturers, and advanced materials companies tackling chemistry challenges that matched our capabilities.

How did exhibiting in the New Exhibitor Zone influence your experience?

Huther: Being in the New Exhibitor Zone was a huge advantage. It immediately put us in front of attendees actively seeking new partnerships and gave us a natural point of differentiation. Having that exposure was invaluable. It sparked conversations that might not have happened otherwise and helped us establish credibility from the moment we arrived.

What stood out most during your debut at Chemspec Europe?

Huther: The depth of technical engagement was impressive. Attendees came prepared to talk about specific challenges, regulatory considerations, and complex development pathways. These weren’t superficial discussions, but technical, thoughtful, and often moved directly into feasibility conversations. Compared to digital channels, the pace and quality of engagement were far higher than we expected.

Can you share any outcomes from your first exhibition?

Huther: Several discussions progressed into feasibility studies and ongoing commercial dialogue. More broadly, it strengthened our European pipeline and enhanced brand recognition. And crucially, it proved that Chemspec Europe is a place where technical conversations can translate into real opportunities.

What drove the decision to expand your stand for 2026?

Huther: Now operating as HFR, our presence at Chemspec Europe 2026 reflects the success of our first exhibition and our evolved brand positioning. Increasing our stand size ensures our physical presence matches our technical confidence and strategic intent: it signals our commitment to both the event and the European market.

What are your objectives for Chemspec Europe 2026?

Huther: We have three clear goals. The first is to strengthen recognition of HFR as a chemistry-led development and manufacturing partner. The second to deepen relationships initiated under High Force Research. The third is to engage at a more strategic level, particularly for complex, multi-stage development programmes.

We will showcase our strengths in complex multi-step synthesis, process optimisation, analytical expertise, and compliant manufacturing, reinforcing our position as a reliable, technically rigorous partner.

What trends are you seeing in the fine and speciality chemicals sector?

Huther: Customers are increasingly focused on supply chain resilience, regulatory robustness, supplier consolidation, and sustainability. They expect partners who can provide integrated solutions with transparency and accountability.

Expectations around speed, compliance, and operational efficiency are intensifying, and we’re responding through operational discipline, integrated project delivery, and strong quality governance.

What advice would you give to first-time exhibitors?

Huther: Approach Chemspec Europe strategically. Define clear objectives, ensure technical expertise is present on your stand, and treat every conversation as the start of a long-term partnership rather than a transactional exchange. Our first exhibition validated the platform’s commercial value, and now, as HFR, we see it as an ongoing strategic investment.

If you could describe the Chemspec Europe experience in three words, what would they be?

Huther: Targeted. Technical. Strategic.
Targeted for audience relevance, technical for the depth of engagement, and strategic for its ability to support sustained commercial growth.