Founded in 2000, Stroud-based ICNet International provides software which helps combat infections in hospitals, by combining information about patient movements with data held by the laboratory and theatre systems.

The innovative software alerts staff when patients are either infected, or at risk of an infection, by dangerous viruses such as MRSA, Clostridium Difficile, and most recently, e-coli.

Michael Houghton, chairman of ICNet, said: “Within a very short time we dominated the UK market for infection control software. We supply direct to over 60 per cent of hospitals in the UK, including all bar two here in the South West. Therefore the only way for us to go was up. And for us, that meant export.

ICNet will be one of three case study companies from the South West speaking at this year’s ExploreExport event.

Organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), ExploreExport is the region’s largest ever event aimed at helping firms in the South West to export. Taking place on Tuesday 28th June 2011 at UWE Conference and Exhibition Centre, in Bristol, it offers businesses the chance to meet international representatives from over 60 countries.

Key note speakers include Lord Green, the Minister for Trade and Investment and businessman and star of the BBC’s The Apprentice, Nick Hewer.

You can hear more from ICNet at ExploreExport later this month. Tickets cost £100 (+ VAT) per delegate and includes lunch. To find out more, visit http://bristol.ukti-exploretour.com. To find out more about ICNet visit www.icnetplc.com