Chemex family business expands under new leadership

Franchisee Dan Nutton has added two more franchises to his growing portfolio with Chemex Nottingham and Derby

Chemex International was acquired by Taylor Made Franchising in July 2022.

Dan Nutton recently bought his main Chemex business from his father Keith, who retired this summer. Dan explains: “My father bought his first Chemex territory in 2002. By the time he retired he owned Chemex Hull, Rotherham, Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds. I joined him in the business in 2014. He started me off in sales and I brought in £60,000 worth of business in my first three months, so he let me stay.”

Although now officially retired, Dan’s father still works with him for one day a week and his wife Heidi also works in the business, handling bookkeeping and accounts. Describing their service, Dan says: “At Chemex, we are hygiene specialists but we are very much service-based. We aren’t just a drop-off service. We fit chemical dilution systems, offer infection control training, work as consultants and offer COSHH training. We receive many referrals from satisfied customers, which is very gratifying.”

Dan’s business boomed during COVID when demand for hygiene products, particularly by local care homes, soared.  With his hands now firmly on the wheel of his new business, he has purchased the Nottingham and Derby territories from former franchisee Matt Proud.

Dan adds: “I’ve always known I wanted to expand the business, so Matt selling his territories came at just the right time. They are great businesses, doing really well. I’d like to think I can continue to bring on a couple of new territories every year.” 

Dan will run the business himself for the first year before bringing in a management team. He says: “Although I am one of the youngest franchisees in Chemex, I have ambitious plans for growth. We sell excellent products and I get great satisfaction from providing a valuable service to my clients. Covid brought home the need for premium hygiene products and my business benefited as a result. I’m excited about the future and building my business even further.”

David Callister, the new managing director of Chemex, is glad to see Dan doing so well. He says: “These acquisitions are great news for Dan. We look forward to supporting him as he expands his business further over the coming years. His father Keith should be very proud of him, seeing the business he worked so hard to build in such capable hands. Franchises are often handed down from father to son and it is great to see this tradition continuing in Chemex.”