At the leading edge of a global market

Jul 24 2007 by Steve Race, Evening Gazette

AN unsecured loan from UK Steel Enterprise helped biochemist Albert Pattison to set up his own business in Hartlepool.

Today, Hart Biologicals is operating at the leading edge of medical diagnostics in a global market and continues to grow.

A team of nine now operates from Newburn Bridge Industrial Estate. The company recently took over two extra units to provide much-needed space for expansion and the development of new products.

Hart Biologicals develops and supplies clinical diagnostic kits, including those used in the blood coagulation market, to laboratories around the world and has won awards for export, manufacturing, technology and innovation.

“In 2002, the UKSE investment was vital in enabling us to start up, purchase equipment and acquire the assets of another company which included the intellectual property of selected products,” says Albert Pattison. “We have also benefited a great deal from UKSE’s enthusiasm, support and advice - running my own company was new to me and it was big step.”

UKSE regional executive Nick Johnson said: “It is often difficult for start-up and smaller companies to find the right amount of investment at the right time. As a Corus-subsidiary our bottom line is regeneration so we can often make an investment when others are taking a more cautious approach. It is very gratifying to watch a company like Hart Biologicals develop and prove that we were right about its potential.”

UK Steel Enterprise supports new and growing businesses in steel areas with tailored finance packages and by providing high quality managed business premises, including the two successful Innovation Centres at Redcar and Hartlepool.

For further information contact UK Steel Enterprise at The Innovation Centre, Redcar Tel: 01642 777777 or The Innovation Centre, Hartlepool Tel: 01429 239500 or visit www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk

LEADING EDGE: UK Steel Enterprise’s Nick Johnson (left) with Albert Pattison of Hart Biologicals.