Anti-anthrax firms in spotlight

Demand for the special suits has soared

Fears about anthrax attacks around the world have fuelled demand at two companies in south Wales.

Bridgend firm Biotrace specialises in biological weapon detection systems, while Cardiff-based BCB International supplies armed forces and emergency services around the world with survival equipment.

The NBC suits take five minutes to put on

Both have recorded a rise in interest since the terrorist attacks on the US on 11 September.

Shares in Biotrace have almost doubled, and chief executive Ian Johnson has reported a "significant" rise in enquires about its systems.

And Mr Johnson is optimistic that the enquiries will turn into orders.

The firm has been selling its biological testing systems for several years while, according to Beeson Gregory business analyst Julie Simmonds, many of its rivals are still developing their products.

Embedded with charcoal

At BCB International, meanwhile, demand for Nuclear Biological and Chemical suits (NBC) suits has risen sharply.

The suits, which cost around £250 each and take five minutes to put on, are embedded with charcoal to absorb chemical agents.

Janey Howell: BCB International director

BCB International director Janey Howell said: "We are absolutely rushed off our feet. We are on a 24 hour clock working."

In the last few weeks, the company has delivered 70,000 suits, mainly to the armed forces and emergency services, although it has been surprised by interest from private companies and individuals.

The company now advises that the suit will only be effective if it is already being worn when chemical or biological agents are being released.

It is also a major supplier of relief rations to the major aid agencies, and plans to stock up on these.