A Bath entrepreneur is raising a toast to his new business after signing a deal with one of Europe’s leading cleaning and hygiene supplies companies.

Graeme Stephenson has swapped a career in the drinks trade for a new role as franchisee for Chemex, covering Bath and East Bristol.

A Bath entrepreneur is raising a toast to his new business after signing a deal with one of Europe’s leading cleaning and hygiene supplies companies.

Graeme Stephenson has swapped a career in the drinks trade for a new role as franchisee for Chemex, covering Bath and East Bristol.

And Graeme, who was made redundant recently , is looking forward to the chance to be his own boss.

“I’ve spent the last thirty years working for other people and when my last role came to an end it seemed a perfect opportunity to make a fresh start,” he said.

“I wanted a business which offered me flexibility and the chance to work from home as well as the ongoing support and training a franchise offers.

“When I found out about Chemex it seemed like a perfect mix of a great product range combined with a strong advisory element, working with customers to make sure they are using the right products to meet the needs of their business.”

And Graeme, who most recently worked with drinks distributor  Matthew Clark, is looking forward to using his licensed trade knowledge to help pubs,  hotels and restaurants in his region.

“One of the biggest challenges facing all small businesses, but particularly the hospitality trade, is keeping up to date with the constantly changing legislation, especially regarding health and safety,” he said.

“Because I know the licensed trade sector well through my work at Courage and Matthew Clark I know the issues business operators face and feel I’m uniquely positioned to help them tackle them.

“And with the ongoing training and new business support on offer from Chemex I’m confident that I’ll make a success of the franchise.”

Graeme, 51, lives in Wotton-under-Edge with his wife and has two grown up children.