A Berkshire businessman has won a top award for his work in protecting people from potentially lethal superbugs.

Cleaning and hygiene specialist Paul Torrent has been working closely with residential care homes in the county to provide a defensive shield against hospital acquired infections such as MRSA, C difficile and Novovirus.

Paul who runs a franchise for Chemex International covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Middlesex has been working closely with local care homes since he launched his business four years ago.

Now Paul has beaten off competition from 90 other franchisees to be chosen as the company’s most outstanding franchisee. The award reflects Paul’s performance, innovation and excellence of service.

Paul whose businesss is based at Old Windsor said: “Unfortunately, hospital acquired infection can pose a major problem for residential care homes but we are able to provide them with specialist advice and products to prevent potential outbreaks.”

Only last month Paul was able to make available the only cleaning product in Europe that guarantees to kill C.difficile spores on contact – AntiBak. The product has attracted national media coverage and is being trialled by NHS hospitals.

Since his business launch in 2004 Paul’s success in the care home and catering sectors has seen turnover rise by 12 fold to £150,000 a year. He has plans to extend his area to cover Watford later this year and expects to be taking on more staff to help meet demand.

Previously, Paul – a former Reading FC youth footballer – worked in the sports retail sector but he says switching to his new role was the best move he has made.

Paul said: “I gain tremendous satisfaction from running a business which is helping the community while at the same time assisting my customers to make their businesses safer and more successful.”

More information on Chemex AntiBak can be found at www.chemex.org.uk.