Jack Perry, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise (SE), visited Scotmas at its Spylaw Road site in Kelso on Monday to hear about its business expansion.

Traditionally focused on manufacturing water treatment and environmental care products for public buildings, hospitals and light industry, the company has been looking for opportunities to target new markets with the help of one of SE’s innovation advisers.

The firm also benefited from financial support through SE’s research and development programme and the South of Scotland Loan fund, which helped it identify new opportunities to target the offshore oil sector and more consumer markets.

This assisted the development in Kelso of a long-lasting sunscreen and insect repellent, suitable for adventure travel and military personnel serving overseas, as well as a chlorine dioxide “wipe” for the removal of tobacco odours, mould and fungus.

During his visit, Mr Perry said: “I have been extremely impressed with the management team here at Scotmas and its commitment to developing new ideas and looking at ways to improve its business.

“In the current climate, companies which can demonstrate flexibility and continue to create, evaluate and exploit new ideas are the most likely to come out of the current recession more efficient, more profitable and more successful.

“Scotmas is exactly the kind of company we want to work with and we want more Scottish firms to look at ways to improve their business, whether that’s developing new products, improving processes or transforming business models to improve competitiveness.”

Scotmas was founded in 1999 by managing director Derek Cameron. His sons, Alistair and Ewan, are both directors of the company. Since its launch the firm has grown to employ more than 20 people and generate sales worth in excess of £1million a year.

Derek Cameron told us: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Perry and introduce him to the team here at this really exciting stage of our development.

“Scottish Enterprise has provided us with some invaluable support, particularly over the past year in helping us to look at how we can expand and target new areas for the business.”