Half-year revenues and adjusted operating profits were up 22 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, at Tristel (TSTL). The infection control specialist has benefited hugely from overseas growth, with revenue up 29 per cent at constant currency. Performance was particularly impressive in Australia where the group recently took its operations in-house after acquiring an Australian distribution business for £1.1m.
Even in the UK - where Tristel's products are considered the gold standard for infection control in hospitals - sales were up 9 per cent, thanks to a bulk purchase by the NHS.
But "the UK was the dress rehearsal for the US - which is the big show", according to chief executive Paul Swinney. Management is currently undergoing talks with the US Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency to gain approval for a wide range of products stateside. Talks are progressing as expected and, although management can't give a specific date regarding when the regulators will make a decision, approval would trigger a US products launch in the 2018-19 financial year.
