About Us
Our brands solve a wide range of industrial chemical challenges. By combining our technical expertise and cutting-edge equipment with quality service we’re here to help your business deliver more than you thought possible.
Our vision
To create endless opportunities by empowering our people and investing in our industries to become the number one partner for innovative chemistry.
Our mission
We inspire quality and realise potential – socially, environmentally, and economically.
Meet the Rakem Group leadership team
Our leadership team focuses on our three priorities of people, planet and profit – in that order. Because profit looks after itself when we take care of our customers, employees, community, and the planet.
Philippa Glover
Managing Director
Jenni Byrne
Finance Director
Our Team
Group Office Manager
Group Operations Manager
Group Technical Manager
Commercial Manager (Distribution)
Management Accountant
Human Resources
Commercial Manager (Construction)
Group Logistics Manager
Commercial Manager (Manufacturing and Cement)
Our history
Frank Rafferty launches Rakem as a chemical distribution company focused on serving smaller companies
Frank’s sons, Kieran and Kevin Rafferty, join the business
The business outgrows its original base and moves to Bury opening a new warehouse
The third Rafferty brother, Eugene, joins the business
Innovative new products are created for the construction, coatings and plastic industries
Rakem Group secures lorries and warehousing to bring logistics in-house
Turnover doubles versus 1997
Rapid growth driven by a growing product portfolio, reputation and workforce
Frank Rafferty retires
The start of slurry operations
Ferrous sulphate imports begin
Turnover increases by 150% versus 2001
Line marking paint production begins
The business diversifies into manufacturing with the launch of Maker
Maker expands rapidly with a £1m investment in new warehouse, offices and R&D facility
Cemkem and Envirokem launch marking the start of the Rakem Group
Rakem Group moves into its new purpose-built offices with cutting-edge R&D labs
Turnover increases by 150% versus 2010 and employee headcount continues to grow
The new sales and innovation centre opens
Kieran Rafferty becomes the sole MD
Turnover increases by 175% versus 2017
Rakem Group celebrates 25 years in business
Our industries
- Inks
- Coatings
- Textiles & Fibres
- Plastics
- Papers
- Electronics
- Medical & Pharma
- Construction
- Cement
- Dry Mix Mortars
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Adhesives and sealants
- Coatings
- Paper
- Textiles and fibres
- DIY
- Construction
Our industry and business associations
