With semi-retirement found wanting, former air-con engineer Nick Salter of Redhill, Surrey invested in becoming a cleaning professional. His route took him via Prochem Europe and on more than one occasion!
“Training is where I started and Prochem’s courses came out top, plus they are fairly local to me,” says Nick. He has completed all the Prochem training courses – carpets, hard floor, stain removal and upholstery – and having joined the NCCA is now waiting on completing a WoolSafe Approved Carpet Care Specialist training course in October with the company, too.
“The training sold me the Prochem solutions and machines, too, because you see them at work and they are just fantastic,” explains Nick.
His brand new business, Artemist Ltd, has bought a Galaxy and Steempro machine, and a broad selection of Prochem chemicals.
For Nick, favourites include Multi Pro, Stain Pro, Citrus Gel, Trafficlean and Fibre & Fabric Rinse.
Before and after – Nick gets results
“They’re my standouts because they’re my standbys,” he emphasises. “I believe those solutions are fundamental to an effective clean, so I always have them to hand.”
Nick has invested substantially in his new business. “My total budget was £35,000 and that’s gone on the van, machines and solutions. But it’s gone wisely, because I am completely set-up to go to work.”
And that work is coming in: Nick has sorted out a good web site and is picking up local business via social media, friends and family to start with. “Lots of referrals coming, which is always nice” – and he’s not concerned about travelling. “I have just picked up a substantial contract in Gloucester,” he says.
Nick is no stranger to work, starting his career with an apprenticeship at Citroen Cars, before joining a cleaning business, part owned by an air conditioning company, where he learned about window, carpet and hard floor cleaning, specifically in fire stations, commercial buildings, hotels, retail outlets and residential premises.
“It was here I had the dream to one day start my own carpet cleaning business,” he says. But that was not to be, at least not until he had served his term in industrial cleaning and the sanitation of air conditioning systems and cooling towers.
“And then the day came when I decided I’d had enough and it was time to do my own thing, and I always loved cleaning.”
His meticulous planning bearing fruit, Nick is now planning a Christmas advertising campaign. “Reigate is a good catchment area – the festive season is likely to be a very busy one for this particular Nick,” he laughs.