Future looking healthy for Hart
Dec 2 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette
ALBY PATTISON is thanking his lucky stars that he’s in the recession-proof environment of healthcare.
The founder and managing director of Hartlepool-based Hart Biologicals has seen exports of its medical technology grow from just 1% of revenues five years ago to 55% today, which has more than offset soaring raw material costs and an unfavourable exchange rate for shipping in goods.
Alby says: “It could have been a pretty bad news story but for the growth in exports. The current economic slump hasn’t affected us greatly because Governments will still fund healthcare. You won’t see us ‘do a Woolworths - at least, I hope not!”
Established in 2002, the company manufactures and supplies biological re-agents for the monitoring of blood coagulation disorders, oral anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs in laboratories and hospitals.
Employing eight staff, Alby is currently seeking bigger premises. He’s not too concerned about the fluctuating exchange rate, even though it meant he had to back out of a deal with a US supplier to buy a piece of kit worth almost £100,000.
He keeps a judicious eye on global economic factors which may influence the pound and reviews pricing structure on a regular basis accordingly.
“We price our goods in such a way that we allow for these fluctuations,” he says. “It does have some effect but we are confident about the future.”
