Pictured above: (l-r): BioCote's commercial director Graham Harvey and operations manager Paul Phillips with the ISO 9001 certification  

Wolverhampton-based BioCote has been praised for its investment in people and training after receiving the prestigious ISO 9001 certification.

The company, which employs 10 people at its headquarters on Wolverhampton Science Park, specialises in developing silver ion technology, which can be used to help reduce levels of bacteria by up to 99% in environments where hygiene is essential, such as hospitals and in the food industry.

The certification, which has only been achieved by about 5% of UK businesses and is supported by the Government and recognised worldwide, was awarded to BioCote by the international certification body Quality Management Services following an independent assessment.

Nathan Lloyd, marketing manager at BioCote, explains: "ISO 9001 certification demonstrates to all our of customers and potential customers that we are committed to ensuring our business and the people within it are managed to the highest standards to enable us to provide the top quality service they have come to expect."

"Whilst silver ion, or antimicrobial technology is relatively unheard of, the research we have carried out suggests that if it was incorporated into all hospital equipment and furniture for example, it could help reduce bacteria in that environment by up to 99%. Ultimately, this reduces the risk of cross contamination and consequently the risk of patients being infected with superbugs like MRSA or E.Coli."