Chem-Dry - A Rich Heritage

With over 2 decades experience and knowledge of fabric care and recently passing our 20th anniversary, Chem-Dry in the UK has a terrific heritage and our franchise business has significantly evolved from the early days back in the 1980's.

Mark Hutchinson, one of the founding directors of Chem-Dry UK, started out in October 1987 cleaning carpets. He decided to put everything on the line and with his shareholding business partners, Philip Smith, Robin Grey and 3i plc. Collectively they all worked extremely hard with their teams to develop the UK business.

In 1993 an opportunity arose for a national UK contract to serve household insurance policies through a large insurance company based in the south, cleaning up after accidental spills etc in the home. This resulted in a completely separate subsidiary company of Chem-Dry being set up to handle and administer insurance claims on behalf of insurance companies, by passing work out to franchisees on a regional basis. As new contracts were gained this side of the business grew rapidly and the nature of the work expanded from dealing with accidental spills, to cleaning up after floods and fires. 

As both sides of the business grew Chem-Dry UK and the then Northern and Southern Master Franchise company relocated to larger purpose built premises based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, where both businesses still operate from today.   

Chem-Dry Franchising Ltd is now responsible for over 800 UK franchise licenses owned by over 130 franchisees.

A Trusted Franchise Turnkey Solution

Over the past 20 years Chem-Dry has delivered trusted and bespoke carpet and upholstery cleaning and fire & flood restoration franchise solutions to individuals who are looking for a career with a difference. Chem-Dry carpet cleaning franchise opportunities provide a totally bespoke franchise operation, coupled with all the knowledge, tools, materials and marketing support to help your new franchise business work.

Franchising with Chem-Dry & Independent Inspections

In October 2010, a management buyout supported by the LDC Group has allowed Chem-Dry Franchising and Chem-Dry UK to work more closely with Independent Inspections.

The close alignment with Independent Inspections will help to provide unique opportunities for the Chem-Dry business.

The success of Chem-Dry in the UK is largely down to three enterprising individuals who had a vision, Phil Smith (Chem-Dry Chairman for over 15 years), Mark Hutchinson and Robin Grey. These three individuals knew how to turn a vision into a national business success story and realised the opportunity for potential growth for the Chem-Dry UK brand. Mark, Phil and Robin's drive and enthusiasm helped develop the business into the market leader it is today.

The Chem-Dry business is steeped in a rich history, strong values and the desire to delight our customers at every opportunity.