Tristel is cleaning up thanks to infections campaign

CONTINUING efforts by hospitals to fight infections such as C difficile helped disinfectant supplier Tristel report sharp rises in full-year profits and revenues.

Pre-tax profits in the 12 months to 30 June rose to £1.2 million from £787,000 over the previous year as revenue climbed to £5.96m from £5.12m.

The rise in profits was largely a result of an exceptional item in the previous year related to the ending of an agreement with another company. The company's gross profit margin increased to 67.3 per cent as it took on manufacturing its own products.

Turnover was boosted by increasing demand for newer products developed by Tristel. It added that exports had increased by 73 per cent.

"As we expand the applications of our chlorine dioxide technology, thereby creating new products for new uses and in new areas in hospitals, we increase our potential for revenue growth," chief executive Paul Swinney said. "In 2008 the surfaces and ultrasound products began to make their mark within UK hospitals."

Tristel will pay a dividend of 1.55p for the full year, up 15 per cent on the previous year.