Member Article

Bio company bucks recession trend

A North East biochemical engineering company is predicting a 50% increase to profits after a rise in demand for the company’s products.

Cleveland Biotech believes the predicted growth in profits is due to stricter environmental legislation guidelines, which have forced companies to take out ‘insurance’ policies against potential health and safety incidents.

The company - which produces bacterial-based products that break down fat and grease - researches, tests and manufacturers its own products at its Stockton-on-Tees site where it has been based since 1992.

Ben Hoskyns, managing director, said: “More companies now have to sit up and be accountable and as a result need products such as the ones our company produces. By law certain businesses, such as commercial kitchens or catering companies, have to show the authorities they have a way of dealing with the fat they inadvertently produce.“Businesses which do not comply can face large fines and in some instances a jail sentence.”

The company works with a wide range of businesses, such as supermarkets, commercial kitchens, large schools and colleges, pub chains and oil refinery companies. Cleveland Biotech has recently added to its team with the appointment of two local graduates who will work within the sales departments.

“We are pleased with the progress the business has made recently, especially within the current climate. However we are adamant about remaining ahead of the game and at the forefront of changes in the industry,” said Mr Hoskyns. “As a result we aim to strengthen our products offering by utilising our on-site research and development teams so we remain responsive to customer’s needs and requirements. In addition to this, by expanding our team in core areas of the business we hope to create a solid foundation upon which to grow the business further within Teesside.”

For more information about Cleveland Biotech please visit www.clevebio.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .