New centre completes Serchem turnaround

Serchem, which is based in Arleston in Telford, was on the brink of going out of business when its founder Clive Arnold died just after the turn of the millennium.

Since then Mr Arnold's sons Paul and Andrew have turned the business around, diversified into new product areas, and begun to export into overseas markets.

Distribution

Now the company has moved into a new distribution centre on the Hortonwood Industrial Estate to support its growth.

Paul Arnold said: "We were on our knees back in 2000 – the bank told us we had six months – so we just needed something to keep the business going.

"I started offering a deep cleaning service just to generate income and for the first time in a long time we generated a profit.

"But that was just a 'lifeboat' for the company, we couldn't build a future on that. Our cleaning products were being used in the hospitality sector but we discovered that they could also be utilised in healthcare.

"The chemicals do no damage to aluminium so that meant they could be used on surgical equipment, which opened up a new market for us. It means we now sell to everyone from Virgin to the NHS."

Serchem's turnover has passed £2 million, it employs 18 people, and is exporting to the likes of Thailand and Egypt, with overseas sales accounting for around 10 per cent of its income.

The growth, Mr Arnold added, was achieved with support from the firm's accountants Baldwins Accountants, which has recently expanded its presence in the county, having arrived with the takeover of Turner Peachey in late 2014.

"I don't believe we could have done it without the support of Dawn Owen at Baldwins," Paul Arnold added.

"It's not just about finances, to me, it's about people. Dawn has got to know the business over many years and, as well as helping us in various aspects of accounting, she's been there for me to talk to and to offer an honest viewpoint."

Ms Owen, who has been working with Serchem for more than 20 years and is a director at Baldwins Accountants at its London Road branch in Shrewsbury, added: "It's a testament to Paul, Andrew and the team that they are in such a strong position after falling on such difficult times.

"We always look to offer much more than just financial advice, we are here to be a supportive but also, at times, a critical friend in order to make sure the business is operating to its maximum.

"There is the potential for further growth at Serchem and that's not only great news for the company but also the local economy too."