FAQs

These are some of the questions that frequently crop up. If you don't see yours here - please ask!

How much does it cost?
How long is a piece of string? ChemQuests charges are based on a sliding daily rate which varies dependent upon whether the job is for one day or 44+ days. Please contact us to discuss.

Our company has its own in-house computer aided design department, why should I employ an external consultancy?
For a variety of reasons. It sometimes helps to have a fresh eye look over a problem - an external opinion can sometimes help to "see the wood for the trees". Computer aided design (CAD) is a complicated business and nobody knows all of the techniques - we may be able to apply some methods that are unfamiliar to your in-house group. Experience counts for a good deal in the successful application of computer aided design - we have very wide experience of the use of these methods in a number of applications. Dave Livingstone is recognised internationally as an expert in a number of areas of CAD and can call on other specialists as required from his wide network of contacts.

We're in the food industry, are these methods suitable?
Yes, they certainly are. CAD techniques can be applied to the design and optimisation of any "performance" chemical or formulation. Custard powder, paint, adhesives, shampoo, etc all have to "perform" to meet their customer's expectations.

What software do I need?
ChemQuest is independent of any software houses and is therefore able to offer an unbiased view as to which software packages are best suited to meet your needs.

What size group can you train?
This depends on the resources available and how "practical" the training needs to be. Workshops work best if people "work" but this does need supervision and, obviously, computers. Please call to discuss your needs.

We are looking to recruit a computational chemist but a good one is hard to find. Can you help?
As I am active in the field with good contacts through societies, collaborations and conferences, I can sometimes help with recruitment. As a visiting professor at the Centre for Molecular Design, I tend to know what former students and post-docs are doing. While you are searching, of course, why not let us help with the job?

Can training be done on a one-to-one basis?
Highly intensive training is probably best done in small groups on a one-to-one basis. If you need to separate yourself from your normal working environment in order to concentrate on learning a course can be arranged at ChemQuest Towers. This option is often popular with managers who want to familiarise themselves with the capabilities of CAD.

What about confidentiality, how can we be sure that our data is safe and will not be discussed with our competitors?
All discussions with customers, from potential to long-standing, are treated as confidential. As a matter of course ChemQuest signs binding confidentiality agreements, this seems to satisfy the legal departments of all of our customers, both large and small. Irrespective of any such legally binding agreements it would not be in ChemQuest's interests to upset its customer base.