A former army machine gunner now heading up a Bournemouth-based water treatment business is targeting a doubling in turnover over the next two years.

Mark Green, General Manager of AquaCare Water Management Solutions, joined the company four months ago.

Mark Green, AquaCare’s General Manager.

The business, which employs 40 people and has a £2m annual turnover, specialises in water hygiene services, water treatment, water monitoring, commercial heating and is an expert in legionella risk assessments and any subsequent treatment.

It is part of Pennon Group, the FTSE 250 company which also owns Bournemouth Water and South West Water.

Legionella bacteria grows in warm water typically between 20 and 50 degrees celsius, but proliferates fastest in stagnant water at 35 to 46 degrees celsius.

At the heart of the Health and Safety Executive’s Approval Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 for control of legionella, is to undertake a risk assessment of the entire water system and implement a scheme of control.

Mr Green, who started as a water technician after leaving the army 17 years ago, said: “There’s no wriggle room when it comes to legionella.

“It’s one of the top three priorities for clients along with fire and asbestos.

“Those deemed responsible in the event of a legionella outbreak, or worse, could face a corporate manslaughter charge. No ifs, no buts.”

The water treatment industry is now one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK economy.

AquaCare’s key sectors are care homes and hospitals, education, leisure and tourism and manufacturing.

Under Mr Green’s leadership, the company is planning to introduce new services and also expand its geographical reach, currently focused on Dorset and surrounding counties.

It is also introducing innovative software.

One of the projects is a remote temperature and flushing device, working in conjunction with Ringwood-based New Forest Communications.

“This is real 21st century technology and means that the weekly flush, a key way of ensuring stagnant water is fully discharged, can be done remotely.

“It will have a big impact for our clients, and for us,” said Mr Green.

He added: “Without question our biggest asset is our team.

“We have some great people and while we face challenges, like any business, we have a great future ahead of us.”