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Dry cleaner to the stars puts Newark business up for saleA dry cleaning specialist trusted by the likes of entrepreneur Richard Branson, the late former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, pop group Take That and even the Queen herself, has put his Newark-on-Trent business up for sale. Antony Pollard, who wishes to relocate to Devon with his young family, has appointed the national business transfer specialist Blacks Business Brokers to find a buyer for Dryclean Plus with a guide price of £68,000.
Mr Pollard acquired Dryclean Plus, located on Slaughterhouse Lane in Newark town centre, in 2010. He previously managed the celebrated London dry cleaner, Mr Steeds, where his services were regularly called upon by high-end outfitters including Max Mara, Hermes and Aquascutum, as well as a long list of celebrities, public figures and royalty.
Dryclean Plus has a reputation as one of the country's leading silk garment and stain removal specialists, and clients send items by courier from as far afield as London to take advantage of its services. It also has a very strong local client base, with 300 members of its loyalty card scheme.
Located on the perimeter of a town centre retail park, the business enjoys the benefit of a large, free customer car park. It is situated close to a number of high-footfall retailers, including the town's Morrisons supermarket.
Mr Pollard currently operates Dryclean Plus alongside his wife Emma. In the past he employed a manager and part-time assistants - an arrangement he said "worked really well" - but, since deciding to relocate, has not replaced departing staff.
He said, "I am still quite reluctant to sell because it's a great business and I love it. However, with my family the age they are it's now or never if we are going to fulfil our dream of living by the sea in Devon, and I have to put the whole family's lifestyle first."
Dryclean Plus, which is being sold on a leasehold basis, turned over £76,000 in its most recent financial year, generating a gross profit of approximately £62,000. According to Mr Pollard a new owner could build significantly upon this, including by introducing a more comprehensive website, building a social media presence and expanding the store's network of agents.
Mr Pollard has said he is willing to offer a handover period to provide training and guidance to a new owner and ensure continuity for customers and agents.
Courtney Cummings, marketing facilitator at Blacks Business Brokers, said, "This is an exceptional business with a superb reputation and a large, loyal customer base. It offers a fabulous opportunity for a new owner to build on the strength of the Dryclean Plus brand and continue to provide the people of Newark and beyond with the excellent garment care service they have come to expect."
All enquiries should be directed to Blacks Business Brokers on 0333 370 0000, quoting reference 6239.
Notes to editors
About Blacks Business Brokers
Blacks Business Brokers has successfully sold thousands of businesses since being founded in 2008 by owner and managing director Chris Rowlands. It operates nationwide, selling everything from high street coffee shops and hair salons to manufacturers and engineering companies.
Blacks is headquartered in Bury, Greater Manchester and has offices in London and Leeds. It employs in excess of 30 staff who are able to broker deals worth anything from the tens of thousands to several million pounds.
Blacks Business Brokers is a member of the Institution of Commercial and Business Agents and the National Association of Estate Agents.
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Chris Rowlands | Stuart Anderson |
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