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.
In Memory of Kieran Rafferty
Owner and MD Kieran inherited the Rakem Group business from his father. Originally working alongside his two brothers, Kieran now leads the group. An approachable leader who motivates the team, he’s most excited by developing new products and setting and achieving ambitious growth goals.
What will you say after meeting Kieran Rafferty
So that’s how a leader can be business-savvy and fun.
Jenni Byrne
Jenni is living proof that the Rakem Group believes in nurturing talent and promoting from within. She began her journey here as Financial Controller and, through hard work and vision, rose to become our Finance Director. Jenni thrives on big-picture thinking and strategic planning, helping drive the group’s continued growth with clarity and confidence.
What will you say after meeting Jenni Byrne
I’ve never met such a future-focused Finance Director.
Our Team
Group Office Manager
Group Operations Manager
QHSE Manager
Group Technical Manager
Commercial Manager (Distribution)
Management Accountant
Group Marketing Manager
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
