A FIRM working to end the plight of endangered species says its success could lead to new jobs.

Britannia Monitoring Systems, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, supports London Zoo to help increase numbers of under threat animals.

The company supplies and installs early warning systems, which are used in laboratories handling tissue samples, including embryos, to control conditions.

Its equipment is also used by fertility clinics to keep IVF babies safe, as well as Oxford and Cambridge research departments, bloods banks and food microbiology plants.

Mark Hastings-Long, who runs the firm with Scott Dixon, said its reputation was growing, with plans to recruit an apprentice and add more jobs in the coming months.

It is also looking to push into Switzerland.

Mr Hastings-Long said: “We stop problem occurring in situations where even the most microscopic of changes can be catastrophic.

“More than 50 per cent of our business is with fertility clinics; our systems are helping keeping future IVF babies safe while they are being created.

“Who would have thought a small team of ordinary people from Teesside would have access to some of the most high-security laboratories in the UK?

“It started four years ago when we were introduced to Statebourne Cryogenics, a company producing temperature-controlled equipment for universities, hospitals and medical research facilities.

“Within six weeks we had a product ready for use and we’re still working with them.”

The business is supported by Redcar Enterprise Team, which provides free support to more than 200 companies across Redcar and Cleveland.

Councillor Mark Hannon, cabinet member for economic development, added: “It’s fantastic to see Britannia succeeding in their sector.

“Knowing the Enterprise Team played a part in that success is validation that the free help and support on offer to companies across the borough is making a tangible difference.”