Melvin Lusty is widely recognised within UK franchising for his role in building and scaling successful franchise systems. After beginning his career as a ServiceMaster franchisee, he acquired the UK Rainbow International business in 1990 at a time when the brand was struggling. Over the following years he rebuilt the network into a large and profitable national franchise operation and ultimately sold it in 2003. His success at Rainbow established his reputation as a franchise entrepreneur with a strong understanding of systems, support structures and long term value creation. Following this period he became closely involved with the British Franchise Association and worked with The Prince’s Trust, supporting enterprise and mentoring within the small business and franchising sector.
Chemex has its origins in Chemical Express, a business founded in 1985 to supply cleaning chemicals, hygiene products and dispensing systems to commercial customers. The company adopted a franchise model early in its development, selling its first franchise in 1986. Chemical Express grew steadily through the late 1980s and 1990s, building a nationwide presence and becoming well regarded within the franchising community for its structured approach, repeat business model and emphasis on business to business clients. Its standing within the sector was reflected in its recognition as Franchisor of the Year in 1996.
The business later traded as Chemex International, continuing the same core activity of supplying cleaning and hygiene solutions to commercial customers through a franchise network. Rather than being a departure from the original approach, Chemex represented the evolution and modernisation of the Chemical Express model. During this period the company operated from Hawthorns House on Halfords Lane in Smethwick, West Midlands, which served as its administrative and franchise support base. From this location the business coordinated franchise recruitment, training, systems development and central support functions.
Melvin Lusty became closely involved with Chemex during this later phase of the company’s development. Corporate records and industry accounts show that he played a significant role in shaping the leadership and strategic direction of the business and held a substantial ownership position for a period. His involvement followed a familiar pattern seen elsewhere in his career, working with established franchise brands to strengthen management structures, improve franchisee support and position the business for sustainable growth.
In July 2022 Chemex International was acquired by Taylor Made Franchising, bringing Chemex into a stable franchise group alongside other established UK franchise brands. This marked a key milestone in the company’s corporate history, transferring ownership from the previous management and ownership group to the Taylor Made franchise group.
Chemex therefore represents the continuation of a long running UK cleaning and hygiene franchise that began life as Chemical Express in the mid 1980s. Its history reflects broader developments within British franchising, moving from early entrepreneurial expansion through to more structured, professionally managed franchise systems. Melvin Lusty’s involvement sits firmly within that narrative, linking Chemex to a wider career spent building, supporting and enhancing franchise businesses across multiple decades.
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