Biochemical firm forecasts rise in profits.

A BIOCHEMICAL engineering company is predicting a 50% increase to profits after a rise in demand for the company's products.

Stockton-based Cleveland Biotech says its business will be boosted by stricter environmental legislation guidelines, which have forced companies to take out "insurance" policies against potential health and safety incidents.

The 17-year-old manufacturer of bacterial-based products that break down fat and grease has also increased earnings by expanding and streamlining many of its manufacturing processes.

Ben Hoskyns, managing director, said: "The success we have had is down to two key drivers; firstly changes made to the way we work have made us more efficient, secondly legislative requirements.

"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. "

The company works with a wide range of businesses, such as supermarkets, commercial kitchens, large schools and colleges, pub chains and oil refinery companies.

Mr Hoskyns added: "We are adamant about remaining ahead of the game and at the forefront of changes in the industry. 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."

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SUCCESS Ben Hoskyns puts the company's success down to changes made to the way of working and new legislative requirements.