Leeds hygiene product attracts six figure investment from Yorkshire entrepreneur

A Leeds product team has seen a six-figure investment in a new hygiene innovation to be used in hospitals.

Surfaceskins, the producers of self-disinfecting, alcohol gel push-pads which prevent people from touching dirty doors with their hands, have received a six-figure sum to help its expansion.

The Leeds manufacture of Surfaceskins, which has four patents covering UK, EU, USA and Japan, is being increased to meet vast sales potential, after Yorkshire accountants Garbutt + Elliott attracted “significant but undisclosed” private investment from a local entrepreneur.

NIRI managing director, Chris Fowler, commented: “Surfaceskins’ has huge market potential having been developed with efficacy, ease of use and low cost at the forefront of our strategy and our new investor joins when his experience will have the biggest impacts.

“Surfaceskins was initially designed for healthcare premises to protect high-risk patients against healthcare associated infections (HAIs), which cause thousands of UK deaths annually, and to help people with depressed immune systems.

“Key areas were intensive care units; special care baby units, neonates, elderly wards and isolation units.

“However, as more sectors have become aware of Surfaceskins, we are receiving interest from restaurants, fast-food outlets, cruise ships, hotels, schools and offices.

“Virtually any commercial, or public, door with a contamination risk is a market opportunity.

“Garbutt +Elliott quickly realised the scale of the Surfaceskins’ potential, enabling them to recommended the most suitable investment partner who was the first introduction and is a perfect fit in terms of experience, timing and Yorkshire roots!”