A forward-thinking infection control business has moved to new premises as part of its expansion plans.
IC Solutions 24/7 Limited supplies environmental infection control products and services to the NHS including University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Warwick Hospital and Stratford Hospital and other health authorities around the world as well as businesses including hotels.
The “Whole Room” Disinfection Service provider supplies decontamination products and services to keep hospitals, patients, staff and visitors safe by disinfecting wards and rooms by using environmentally-friendly Hydrogen Peroxide and UV Light methods.
The business was launched in 2010 by former Nuneaton resident Oliver Canty at the Centenary Business Centre on the Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, which is run by Warwickshire County Council.
But with a rapid rise in orders – including securing a year’s worth of business in a four-week spell between March and April – IC Solutions 24/7 has moved from 1,500 sq ft premises to a 5,100 sq ft unit at the Henley Industrial Estate in Henley Road, Coventry.
And with help from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, the company has secured a £7,772 Investment Fund grant for IT equipment, a racking system, office furniture, partitioning and building works. This project forms part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Oliver, who is a former nurse, said his plans to semi-retire in Ireland where he originates from had been put on hold since news broke about Coronavirus.
“I realised in December this epidemic, which became a pandemic, was heading our way and I increased our orders of fogging equipment from China and the USA plus our stock of Hydrogen Peroxide from Switzerland,” he said.
“Since February, we have been inundated with orders from cleaning companies, hotels and B&Bs that would never have considered this kind of deep cleaning technology before which gives very high levels of cleanliness. It’s common sense really where you have groups of people congregating.
“We had added a mezzanine to our last unit at the Centenary Business Centre where we had been for four years but we needed more space and as we were already renting the largest space in CBC, we had to look elsewhere.
“We have seven full-time staff and 14 technicians because we also have a Rapid Response Decontamination Service when we often work at nights, over weekends and Bank Holidays to minimise disruption to the client.
“I forecast the Coronavirus will be around another 12 months easily before we settle to a new normal.
“Studies show that 30 per cent of surfaces are cleaned properly by a good traditional cleaner but with Hydrogen Peroxide fogging it reaches 99.9999 per cent of germs. If you have a clean building, there’s less likelihood of an outbreak.”
Oliver added: “The Growth Hub has been fantastic and I couldn’t have got this grant without their assistance.
“I see the Growth Hub as an essential part of any small business these days and, as we go forward, even more so in these times as we all try to get through this pandemic.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m really pleased that we could support IC Solutions expansion plans. It’s great to see a local company doing well in what are certainly very challenging times.
“Support like this to small and medium sized businesses has never been more important and I wish the company every success in their new location.”
Gary Thyeson, Account Manager at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said: “IC Solutions 24/7 has seen a sharp rise in business following the outbreak of Covid-19 with businesses, the NHS and those responsible for public health keen to eliminate the virus on all surfaces including hard-to-reach areas.
“Oliver was looking to grow his business and invest in equipment, furniture and building works and we were able to offer advice and guidance as we are with all businesses whatever their size or sector.”