WHO says accountants are boring. Steve Smith is an accountant, a former semi-professional footballer and is in a tribute band to the Blues Brothers, performing in gigs around the country.

Now, at 52, he has launched his own business. Steve has invested in a franchise with Chemex International, supplying cleaning and hygiene products around North Leicestershire.

 Chemex is Europe’s leading supplier of cleaning and hygiene products and provides businesses with cleaning products and free advice and training on health & safety and hygiene matters.

He will be targeting businesses in healthcare and hospitality – nursing homes, hotels and pubs – all areas where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial.

But his patch, including Loughborough, Coalville and Melton Mowbray – is rich in food processing industries and he says Chemex products are necessities for them.

Father-of-three Steve, who lives in Wellow near Nottingham, started work as an office boy and worked his way up to finance director and company secretary level.

 But he recently felt the need for a new challenge and decided a Chemex franchise was ideal. “It won’t be just a man-with-a-van business. I am commercially aware and I intend it to grow and take on several staff,” he said.

“It’s a really exciting challenge at this point in my life. It’s hard work but there is a demand for this type of service orientated business combined with effective cleaning products. “

Not only will Steve be supplying businesses with cleaning and hygiene products but he will also offer free training and advice on the use of Chemex cleaning products, as well as on safety and hygiene control.
And when he has spare time he will be travelling round the country doing gigs with his tribute band, UK Chicago Blues. “I think the music and performances help me communicate better with all types of people,” he said.