In April 1972 a group of Laboratory Managers from several universities (Leicester, Aston, Sussex, Nottingham, Warwick, Bristol, and Bitmingham) met at the University of Birmingham. The object of the meeting, (chaired by Syd Williams), was to discuss the formation of an association of University Laboratory Managers who were working in departments where Biochemistry teaching and research was carried out. The association would be a forum where managers could meet on a regular basis to discuss common problems and to exchange information and ideas.

The unanimous view was that such an association would be of great benefit to laboratory managers. Thus, the National Association of Biochemistry & Biological Superintendents* (NABBS) was founded. The inaugural meeting also set some guidelines for future meetings, these were later expanded to become what is now the constitution of the Association. Syd Williams became the Secretary.

Two-day meetings in Warwick (1972) and Sussex (1973) followed. This pattern, of holding two-day meetings twice per year (Spring and Autumn), carried on until 1981 when it changed to holding only one meeting per year (in the Autumn) of three days duration. In recent years some one-day Spring meetings have also been held, at which topics of special interest have usually been discussed. Limited Guest Membership, was introduced in 1975, with the aim of broadening the base of the association and to introduce views from a different aspect to Laboratory Management (eg. industrial managers, or University non-biological departments).