‘Pride’ as Princess Royal visits Mid Sussex

The Princess Royal was given a tour of pioneering green cleaning manufacturer Bio-Productions which has an award-winning record for producing environmentally responsible products across the globe.

The Princess was introduced to key staff members - including spaniel Miah who helped to keep staff spirits up during difficult circumstances over the past six months.

The Princess was shown how proprietary formulas, developed in Bio-Productions’ Burgess Hill laboratory, use naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes to help sectors - including healthcare and hospitality - meet the heightened challenge for cleanliness posed by the pandemic.

The Princess also heard how, as Covid-19 swept across Europe, the company met a surge in demand from customers looking to protect their workforce and clients with biocidal products shown to be more effective at combatting viruses. And at the same time, the company had to cope with changes to the way its own workforce operated while also facing supply chain challenges.

The Princess unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit after a comprehensive tour of the company, including production lines, lab, warehousing and administration departments.

Managing director Angela Gill, who helped lead a management buyout of the company in 2014 with co-directors Phil Karn and Avonia Bridge, said: “It was an incredible privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to Bio-Productions.

“It was an historic moment for our company and a day of huge pride for everyone who has been involved in its growth.

“Every single member of staff took pride in the moment – it was their moment. Without them, we wouldn’t be the company we are.”