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A diver demonstrates Innotec's sealant at Seawork 2008.

A COMPANY from Salisbury is riding on the crest of a wave after taking part in Seawork 2008 - the commercial marine exhibition and conference.

Innotec Supplies, of Churchfields Industrial Estate, specialises in cleaners, polishes, lubricants, repair products, sealants, tools and accessories for the automotive and marine industries.

It demonstrated its underwater sealant at the Southampton event last month, which attracted 6,000 visitors from across Europe, and, says managing director Melanie Murrell, the phones have barely stopped ringing since.

"It was our first time at the show, but we had the best audience and the busiest stand," she said.

"We were demonstrating our underwater sealant and before we knew it we were asked to actually demonstrate it underwater.

"The show was all set up with a dive tank so we handed the gun to the diver and gave him some things to stick together.

"The results were fantastic and we've opened up a whole new sector of business. We are currently quoting for a naval refurbishment job which could change the whole face of our business."

Ms Murrell said it all started when the company attended a marine equipment exhibition last year and "people told us we had to be at the Seawork show".

"Following Seawork we did an e-mailshot to all the people who gave us their details and, among others, we have had our first order from Singapore," she said.

Innotec, whose products have been endorsed by marine explorer and Atlantic rower Dom Mee, has also had success in the Canadian market with its automotive products and is soon to appoint a distributor in the United States.

It is a Beacon Company, a group of companies that have been recognised by the government for making significant improvements in productivity and performance, profitability, work culture and innovation, and it is the holder of a Green Apple award for environmentally sound practices and products.

It employs 21 people and Ms Murrell says that number is bound to grow. She said businesses everywhere were experiencing hard times, particularly in terms of fuel costs.

But, she said, they could turn matters to their advantage by being prepared and not being scared to diversify.

Innotec intends to be at the September Boat Show in Southampton and Ms Murrell said it was beneficial to be near Southampton and the marine community. But, she said, Innotec was proud to be a Salisbury company.

"Salisbury is a great place to do business from," she said.

10:37am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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