Two old school friends who found an innovative solution to cleaning buildings have now launched their product to a new range of industries.

EcoLogic Specialist Cleaning Systems, based in Henley-in-Arden offers an ecofriendly industrial cleaner as an alternative to sandblasting.

The firm, founded by James Ackrill and Shane Bland, was set up after Mr Ackrill noticed the damage done to old buildings when they were cleaned.

"I had been working in property in Dudley and was surprised by the effect that sandblasting had.

"I started to search on the internet for a less abrasive way to clean buildings and, that's when I founded EcoLogic." Along with Mr Bland, Mr Ackrill sourced the EcoLogic machinery from the Netherlands and the cleaning product from Canada.

"The difference with this system is that the fluid contains water-soluble crystals, not sand," Mr Ackrill said. "When they hit the side of building they break up and this helps dislodge dirt in a much gentler way."

However, since the firm's launch in September, the company has found a much wider market for the product, including as a paint stripper for carbon fibre race cars.

"We are currently working with Hi-Tech Racing where, previously paintwork had to be laboriously stripped by hand," Mr Bland said.

The firm has also set up a southern division, specialising in cleaning yacht hulls and marine infrastructure and continues to branch out into new sectors, including manufacturing, where the system is ideally suited for work in hazardous areas because it doesn't cause sparks.

The company, which now operates in six locations throughout the UK, now hopes to secure contracts with every major marina.

Quick Questions:

1. If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would you change to help your business?

Simplifying the mountains of health and safety legislation or setting up a organisation that can help new businesses get to grips with it.

We have had some great advice on business plans from Business Link, but there is no equivalent for health and safety.

2. What is your biggest worry?

Cash flow. We've invested very heavily in the technology and we are now starting to see a return.

3. What is the best part of running your business?

Trying to make sure we offer a better customer service than everyone else.

4. What is the worst part of running your business?

Trying to find innovative ways to market the business on a small budget. Director Shane Bland demonstrates the cleaner on a boat hull