Addmaster CEO Paul Morris recently received royal recognition for his work in the UK coatings industry. Here he speaks to MPN about his company’s efforts to make the world a safer place.
Addmaster
Paul Morris
Tell us how Addmaster has helped take some of the strain away from medical and healthcare professionals over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic?
It would be unfair to say we have taken the strain, as medical professionals are physically on the frontline risking their lives every day. What we have done is remained operational throughout the pandemic, supporting our clients to offer products and surfaces that boast improved hygiene and, through Biomaster, prevent bacteria and viruses from growing on them.
Much of this has been a fast-track process and this has been a complex challenge, with Addmaster staff socially distancing or working from home. We have overcome it, but it has required an enormous amount of hard work and dedication to the cause.
Which markets are the company’s products best suited to serve and why?
With regards to Addmaster, I would have to say every market as we can be found in everything from a Dyson Airblade (antibacterial) to expensive sports equipment (anticounterfeit) to eco-friendly ground membranes (oil digestion).
Our most well-known technology is Biomaster and this antimicrobial/antiviral technology can be found across all product areas and in all corners of the globe
Which materials are they best suited to treat?
If we are focussing on Biomaster then the technology can be applied on porous surfaces (textiles and paper) and polymers, coatings and paints. The range has been developed over the last 20 years to be market-leading technology and has led the way with SARS-CoV-2 testing (the virus that causes Covid-19).
This means that Biomaster can give up to 99 per cent protection just four hours after it has been added to products, preventing any bacteria or virus growing on everyday items.
How can UK-based expertise such as yours help remind your European clients and counterparts that Britain remains at the forefront of industry, as well as innovation?
Brexit has not helped at all with any EU relationships, which is why most businesses were firmly on the ‘Remain’ side of the debate. Even in its most basic repercussion, we know European clients tried to find alternatives to our technology to avoid tariffs (and why wouldn’t they?) and we all know the danger of our customers talking to competitors.
However, the strength of the product offering and our close relationship with EU partners has enabled us to ride the rough seas the Brexit negotiations brought. This has been further reinforced with Addmaster becoming part of the Sweden-owned Polygiene group as part of a multi-million pound deal. The acquisition brings together our expertise in antimicrobial technologies on hard surfaces with the parent group’s long-standing reputation in odour control and antiviral solutions for textiles.
On a wider note, the UK will continue to be seen as a centre of excellence for innovations and entrepreneurialism, and now we at least know the way forward with the Brexit deal finally passing. It’s time to focus on those qualities again.
Finally, what does royal recognition of your services mean to you personally, as well as professionally?
Personally, I never believed that I would get recognised in such a way, so it’s a huge honour for me. It’s a bit of a cliché, but the Addmaster team are the ones that have earned it though, as what they have done in the last 20 years is phenomenal and no person can do it on their own. In short, I owe this award to them and my amazing family for supporting me on the journey.
Professionally, I know many people thought I was crazy when I had the idea to create Addmaster on a platform of licensed toll manufacturing, so I could spend more time on R&D with clients. So for me, it is tremendously rewarding to get this honour on top of all the success that Addmaster has enjoyed – and to confirm that, in this short life we have, you have to follow your dreams, not the flock.