A NORTH-EAST life sciences firm is increasing its global presence, despite seeing revenues fall.

Immunodiagnostic Systems, in Boldon, near Sunderland, said it expects revenues for the six months to September 30 to be about £22m.

The figure stood at £27m in the same period last year, with bosses blaming a tough trading environment.

However, the company, which employs about 100 North-East workers and develops vitamin D test kits and specialist instruments for clinical research, says it is making good progress in Brazil and China.

Bosses revealed it will send two instruments to Brazil, with a further 25 being delivered to China.

Patrik Dahlen, chief executive, added: “The near-term trading environment remains challenging.

“However, the path to sustainable growth will be partly based on the expansion of our new automated instrument and we continue to work hard on that.”