A REVOLUTIONARY clean machine that could help hospitals fight superbugs has been developed with advice from Business Link.

Environmental Products, in Sunderland, has spent three years developing the machine, which uses ozone to wipe out bacteria and mould spores.

Technical manager Keith Anthony said: “Our cleaning machine could provide significant benefits – tackling superbugs and hospital infection is a major priority in the health and care industries.

“We’ve spent a lot of time and money developing the machine – but without the proper tests behind us, no one in the NHS or similar customers would give us the time of day.”

Keith contacted Business Link, looking for advice on how to help his business to grow.

One of Business Link’s specialist advisors, Jo-Ann Morrison worked with Keith, offering on-going advice.

Keith said: “Jo-Ann has been superb – without her tremendous efforts and practical advice we wouldn't have been able to get this far.”

Through Business Link’s help Environmental Products has identified ways to test its products and grow the business.

Keith said: “The lab will now set up a room just like a hospital ward, with a bed and equipment, and spend 5-10 days testing which bugs our ozone device eradicates.

“We’ll then be able to go to potential customers with the scientific proof of its efficiency.”

Jo-Ann congratulated the company on coming through a difficult time.

Jo-Ann said: “Environmental Products has faced a lot of challenges since its conception, all of which it has overcome.

“This is a great business with innovative products that stand to revolutionise the way the healthcare industry deals with a range of contagions.”