A COMPANY that specialises in automatic doors is expecting an increase in demand for its services following the Disability Discrimination Act.

The act came into force on October 1 and means all businesses must provide suitable facilities for all customers and employees.

Northwich-based Gemini Automatic Doors is hoping this will mean more business will come its way.

Director Andy McKay said: "The main benefit of the act from our perspective is the increase in business we are already seeing.

"But we didn't set up this business on the back of disabled people. Our automatic doors help many people including mothers with prams and shoppers carrying bags.

"We set up the business 15 years ago so we aren't just trying to capitalise on the act. We feel it is important that access is available to everyone."

Mr McKay believes the UK can learn a lot from European business, which see automatic doors as an essential design feature.

He said: "We are definitely playing catch up with the continent."