Bio-decontamination technologies and compliance services specialist Bioquell posted a 17% hike in half year pre-tax profit and says it looks forward to further good progress in the second half. The group who has enjoyed strong demand from hospitals for 'superbug' decontamination products, said profit before tax increased to £2.8m in the for the six months ended 30 June 2009 from £2.4m a year earlier. Group revenues rose 15% to £19.8m.Commenting on the results chairman Nigel Keen said, "It is extremely encouraging to see the group showing strong growth across its three core sectors - life sciences, healthcare and defence - despite the difficult global economic climate.""Against this backdrop, which is supported by the Group's substantial net cash position, we look forward to reporting further good progress in the second half of the year."