National Business Award Winner 2009

Former factory worker Mark Thompson wins the National Business Award – turning his redundancy into a success story.

Thompson bought a Chemex International franchise, Europe’s leading supplier of cleaning and hygiene products, and now four years on he has been voted Franchisee of the Year in recognition of his business skills and determination to succeed.

Thompson’s York-based franchise, more than doubled its turnover since 2005. Thompson states: “I was absolutely stunned when they read my name out. It is such an honour to win this in the face of stiff competition from my colleagues across the UK and Europe.”

Skill and determination

The cleaning franchise owner beat off competition from 70 other franchisees to win the Franchisee of the Year award, and in March 2009 he also won the company’s Franchisee of the Quarter award.

Chemex managing director, Melvin Lusty says: “Mark has showed great skill and determination to build up a successful business, in a relatively short period of time. Even in such difficult economic times, he is still increasing his business by 10% a year.

Thompson continues to supply a wide array of businesses across the county including local authorities, care homes, hotels and restaurants and schools and colleges.

Paul Ushers, of York residential care home Hart Rigg Oaks, comments on Mark Thompson’s service: “Mark does everything that we need as a supplier; he visits on a regular basis at a pre-determined time, and is very professional and methodical. Mark is easy to approach and always ready to help resolve any issues.”

When Terry’s confectionary factory closed, Thompson was among the hundreds that were made redundant. However, he turned his disappointment into triumph, using his redundancy payment to buy a business.

Thompson says: “Being made redundant was a terrible blow at the time, but since setting up in business I have never looked back and now I’m just concentrating on building the business, and keeping all my customers satisfied.”