Dry cleaner to the Queen puts Newark business up for sale

Dry Clean Plus in Newark

A dry cleaning compamny which can count the likes of Richard Branson, Margaret Thatcher, pop Take That and even the Queen herself, has put his Newark-on-Trent business up for sale.

Antony Pollard, who wants to relocate to Devon with his young family, has appointed Blacks Business Brokers to find a buyer for Dryclean Plus with a guide price of £68,000.

Pollard acquired Dryclean Plus, 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.

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 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.

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.”

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