Bonnymans chemicals for automotive and industrial markets celebrates its 25th anniversary

Leading UK-wide chemicals supplier, Bonnymans, is celebrating its 25th anniversary under the ownership of managing director Stephen Allam with a campaign to raise its annual Internet-based sales to £1 million.


"I bought the business, which dates back to 1912, from two elderly brothers, the Bonnymans, in 1985 when I was 22 years old. Its annual turnover was £30,000 and I paid £37,000 for it which included £7,000 worth of stock", he said.


Today, group turnover in the business, which supplies car washes, car valeting operators and others with cleaning materials, DEFRA-approved disinfectants, sanitisers and general chemicals for a variety of purposes, is £5.2 million and Mr Allam is determined that by next year £1 million-worth of Bonnyman's enhanced turnover will come from Internet sales.


"The Internet has led us into areas of consumer demand which we never realised existed", said Hugh Rogers, Sales Director of the Ayrshire-headquartered company. "We have achieved around £350,000 of Internet-based sales since last year and we see no limit to that expansion. Our target for the current year is £1 million and we are confident that this is achievable."


The company, which employs over 50 people, also recently opened an on-site shop which has attracted visitors from all over Scotland and beyond.


"Because we have a highly innovative approach to developing and distributing products which consumers might not find elsewhere, those in search of a solution to a cleaning problem track us down here to deepest Ayrshire", said Mr. Allam.


"It's highly flattering but a bit unnecessary because our range is available on the Internet and we can fulfil most orders within 48 hours. The shop is a useful showcase for our range and caters also for the high demand we get locally".