WIRRAL-based water treatment specialists Feedwater Ltd has worked up a major head of steam in its latest business venture in which it has been joined by four renowned companies in related fields.

The five businesses have set up the Spirax Steam Alliance which have a combined turnover of £1.4bn a year and more than 300 years of experience. Its aim is to apply best practice to tackle every aspect governing the installation and applications of steam systems.

This will include the provision of hot water, space heating and sterilisation through to the control of water quality and clean steam generation.

Richard Cumber, managing director of Feedwater, said: "For Feedwater to be recognised in this way clearly demonstrates the major contribution we can make to this alliance.

"We have been identified as being able to provide a very different and much-needed approach to the actual management of steam systems which has set us apart from our competitors. Becoming part of this alliance is the culmination of a successful relationship we have built up with Spirax over the past four years. The potential of this team is huge."

The Spirax Steam Alliance members are Spirax Sarco, a world leader in the application of steam; Feedwater; Armstrong Integrated Systems, specialists in packaged plant rooms and off-site construction; CTH, approved control systems integrator and Alfa Laval, a world leader in heat transfer.

Murdo MacDonald from Spirax Sarco, said: " With Feedwater being part of the alliance water treatment will never be an after-thought, it will be carefully considered and planned for."