Company builds overseas market

A ROYTON-BASED building preservation company is creating a new market for its services in France.

The move by Professional Remedial Services comes after it landed a contract at St Germain, near Paris,to solve a severe basement damp problem using specialist injection technology licensed for use by only a few contractors in the UK.

PRS, of Edge Lane Street, is now working on a second contract at St Germain and expanding operations beyond its traditional UK client base by forming partnerships with French companies and adding a French language section to its web site.

Managing director Robert Newman said that there were currently no companies in northern France accredited to use the waterproofing technology from German market leader, MC Building Chemicals.

He added: “We became convinced that there was a niche market for us to exploit and despite the volatile currency situation we are sure we can compete in the eurozone.

“Our French client had contacted numerous local contractors, all of who were unable to suggest a satisfactory solution to his problem, before discovering our specialist skills on the Internet.”

PRS made a significant investment to achieve accreditation from MC Building Chemicals, which included staff training at the company’s German headquarters as well as the purchase of specialist equipment.

The technology has domestic applications, typically in basement conversions, but it is being used in large-scale projects for waterproofing structures such as dams.

Mr Newman added: “Our UK operation continues to grow, particularly with the current trend in people improving their houses instead of moving.

“In these fragile economic times, and due to the ease of marketing via the Internet, it makes sense to look at overseas opportunities.”

Established in 1981, PRS employs 10 staff and numerous sub-contractors, carrying out remedial work to old and new buildings.

The company is a founding member of the Basement Living Group , a network of small-to-medium size contractors who combine their resources to market their skills to clients throughout the UK.