Selby Times Friday November 16th 2007

By Peter Gregory

Seven years ago, John Heslop, who had a good position with British Coal as a mechanical engineer, decided that he would enjoy the challenge of building up his own business. After a great deal of careful research, he became a franchisee for Chemex International, a leading cleaning and hygiene specialist. And John has been so successful in his new role that he became a national finalist in the 2006 British Franchise Association/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award.

When he started, he was working a virgin area with products he knew little about, and in an unfamiliar industry doing something he had never done before – selling. Now he has built up a substantial customer base ranging from the very small to the large company and is thoroughly enjoying his new responsibility as a self-employed businessman.

“Building up your own business is certainly hard work,” he says, “but I’ve been used to working long hours as a mechanical engineer, and this is good rewarding work and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

John’s success six years on is the result of great teamwork. He uses programmes and systems developed by Chemex and perfected over some 20 years. He has been trained to understand both the products and the market, building sales by listening to customers needs and solving their problems. If he doesn’t have the answer, he has access via a technical helpline to a team of industrial chemists and the Research and Development department. He also benefits from the network’s stock control system, their impressive liveried vans and a wide range of support mechanisms including the help of a dedicated franchise support manager.

Two years ago one of John’s apprenticeship friends, Keith Nutton, joined him to help grow the business. Keith’s input has proved invaluable and the two now operate as a team. John holds an annual Chemex Invitation Golf Day for staff and customers and this year’s competition was held at Scalm Park Golf Club. John is a member of Selby Chamber and welcomes Discount Card users. For more information contact John on 01302 845102 or 07989 537817.

Also featured in the Doncaster Press