ClearWater Hygiene was launched by entrepreneur Andrew Montague and his wife Rachel in March this year in response to the pandemic. The company produces hand sanitiser and tracing and monitoring devices aimed at protecting frontline workers and the public in the fight against Covid. The firm has seen rapid financial growth after securing UK contracts with companies like The Post Office, JD, O2 Retail, BP, and Aldi.
Name: Andrew Montague
Position: CEO
WHY DID YOU SET UP THE BUSINESS?
AS the first lockdown was being announced we saw an opportunity to produce a high quality and fairly priced UK manufactured hand sanitiser which was essential for health providers and private businesses in the battle against the pandemic.
Since leaving school I’ve always worked for myself and have devised lots of crazy ideas, some of which have worked! When I was 18, well before the internet age, I published a directory which promoted the independent pub and theatre network across London. In 2003, after selling my shares in an online content company I’d set up, I pursued a long held passion of property development.
Despite facing some real challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, I’ve completed a number of major projects including 300 affordable homes, a wind farm in Cornwall and a 130 bed Hotel in central Edinburgh. And then Covid hit us.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
CLEARWATER Hygiene’s core business is hand sanitiser which is made in a number of gin distilleries across Scotland and bottled in Preston, Lancashire. It contains 80% Ethanol liquid making it suitable for use in hospitals, care homes and other public health facilities.
We’ve expanded our offering with the launch of the SMART stand, a unit with an adjustable infrared temperature camera and integrated motion sensor dispenser. We’ve also rolled out a track and trace monitoring service to further help businesses in minimising the spread of the pandemic.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
ANY organisation or business that is concerned with promoting high standards in hygiene and safeguarding public health.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM COMPETING BUSINESSES?
ALONG with our fully British supply chain, we operate with an ethical pricing policy – our hand sanitiser product sells for as low as £3/litre for high volume containers.
We also work in partnership with our customers to help them manage the risks of Covid and we’re committed to providing free products through partnerships with NHS charities and other not for profit groups.
IS SCOTLAND A GOOD PLACE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?
SCOTLAND wins every time as the ideal place to do business – along with the high quality of life on offer here, there’s a lower cost base for Scottish businesses compared to many other parts of the UK. Technology advances now make it easier than ever to run a successful global business from Scotland.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
IN two words: being busy! I’m sure I have an undiagnosed form of Attention Deficit Disorder so I love being active, dealing with customers across the UK and focusing my energies on growing this business.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
TRYING to project demand over the next three, six and 12 months has been a major challenge but, as time goes by, it’s getting easier. One of the challenges I most enjoy as CEO is motivating the wider team which is behind the phenomenal growth of the business.
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THE BUSINESS WILL BE IN 10 YEARS’ TIME?
EVEN with the positive news about Coivi-19 vaccine developments, there is a bright long-term future for ClearWater Hygiene.
We’ve all been traumatised by the impact of the pandemic and we’ll see a much greater focus on public health amid concerns about new viruses going forward.
People will expect to see hygiene measures in place within businesses and public areas while businesses (especially in hospitality sectors) will want to do all they can to protect public health to avoid another pandemic.
For a company like ours which is focused on a high quality, ethically priced product, this makes the next five to 10 years an incredibly exciting time.
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