This week's company profile is Intertek plc, a company that provides auditing and measurement services to companies that trade globally. In this respect the company advises, checks, audits, monitors and measures the sustainable practices of companies in the supply chain. Not surprisingly it is developing a large practice around the environment sector. Its services take it into almost every field imaginable, such as textiles, toys, electronics, building, heating, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, food and cargo scanning. It operates a global network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 21,000 people in 110 countries around the world.

In May 2002, Intertek floated on the London Stock Exchange and is now a FTSE 250 company in the Support Services sector. The market capitalisation of the Group was £1.6 billion at the end of December 2007.

The testing, inspection and certification industry is a developing sector. Intertek focuses on fast-growing, high margin markets, in providing quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. In May 2002, Intertek floated on the London Stock Exchange and is now a FTSE 250 company in the Support Services sector. The market capitalisation of the Group was £1.6 billion at the end of December 2007. Through its testing, inspection and certification services Intertek helps customers to assess the products and commodities that they buy and sell against a wide range of safety, regulatory, quality and performance standards. The markets that Intertek operates in continues to grow strongly, driven by the following trends: Increasing levels of standards, regulations and safety requirements globally A greater emphasis on the quality and performance of goods and commodities generally by consumers and governments Increasing product variety by retailers and manufacturers to meet consumer appetite and gain market share Decreasing product life cycles, leading to an increase in the number of new products developed, each requiring testing Continuing migration of manufacturing operations from developed countries to less developed countries The constant increase in global trade flows, and new and increasing inter-regional trade flows Increasing numbers of consumers globally, particularly in emerging economies A growing trend towards outsourcing of testing laboratories and quality and safety services Intertek is well placed to take advantage of these growth areas due to its strong competitive market position. The company operates in a large number of market segments, the group services more than 20 different industries and from 1 January 2008 is organised into seven main divisions: Consumer Goods, Commercial & Electrical, Oil Chemical & Agri, Minerals, Analytical Services, Industrial Services and Government Services. For more information, go to the web site www.intertek.com .