Stockton waste disposal firm is planning to grow

Oct 29 2009 By The Journal

A FIRM which uses science to dispose of waste in an eco-friendly way is on the acquisition trail after a £50,000 re-brand.

Stockton-based CBIO – formerly Cleveland Biotech – is reportedly in early stage discussions with two UK companies over possible takeovers.

The move is part of the company’s plans to grow seven-figure revenues, maintain pre-tax profits of more than 20% and expand its team of 14 staff.

But CBIO, which produces bacteria that breaks down industrial fat and grease, said it had no plans to float on the Alternative Investment Market.

Managing director Ben Hoskyns said there was still capacity to grow market share in the UK.

He said: "We have a tender in with a supermarket and enquiries with two of the largest pub chains in the country. We have some excellent, innovative products. We have cash in the bank and we don’t owe the bank anything."

He also said the company’s knowledge-led skills base was helping it to win new business.

CBIO works with businesses including supermarkets, commercial kitchens, large schools and colleges, pub chains and oil refinery companies.

The company ferments bacteria for use in biological products which naturally degrade organic pollutants including grease, fat, compost, oil, diesel, uric acid and limescale. It has also developed application systems – such as The GreaseBeta, the Bactaerator, the Baccelerator, FridgeFree and Clearinate – to treat polluted areas.

It sells its products in more than 10 countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United States, although exports currently account for only 5-10% of its business.

As part of its recent re-branding exercise, the company has launched a new website and kept the Cleveland reference in the corporate logo to stress its links with Teesside.

Mr Hoskyns said: "This industry’s environment is constantly changing with legislation, technology and scientific research."