SX Environmental Health is now one of the leading distributors of pest control products in the UK. However they are very much seen as the new kids on the block – having only started in 1995. Pest editor, Frances McKim, went to visit SX to find out how it all began.

Ask anyone their opinion of pest control and 'traditional' is a word which frequently emerges. Yet, visit SX Environmental Health at their base near Southend in Essex and you find a young, enthusiastic, professional and customer-orientated business. Heading-up the operation is owner-manager, Richard Lunn.

Richard's involvement with pest control came entirely by chance. Although born in Essex, Richard grew up in Hampshire, he left school at 16, but at 18 his family moved back to Essex. He then had several jobs but for five years he worked for a local property company, buying and selling residential and commercial units. However in 1994 this came to an end and Richard found himself in need of a job. At the Job Centre two possibilities were on offer – one with the courier firm, City Link and the other a six week training course with Rentokil Pest Control leading to the position of area manager. City Link turned him down, but Rentokil said yes and off he went on his six weeks training – little realising that both of these companies were owned by Rentokil Initial.

It was during this training, Richard decided the hands-on practical side of the business was not for him, but he identified the need for a mouse bait box and decided to design one himself. Having filed for a patent, and manufactured some samples he set out to sell these into the established distributor companies. Not only was his box novel, but he also produced them in five colours and developed the idea of personalising the boxes to the servicing company by printing their name to the top of the box. The response from the distributors was negative. How things have changed!

Not to be deterred Richard set-about selling his boxes direct, mainly via mail order and through trade shows. Sales were not sufficient to provide a living, so he worked during the day in the financial services sector, returning at night to print and despatch the mouse box orders from his conservatory at home. The concept of coloured and company branded boxes took off, sales grew, the design of the box was refined and a rat box was added to the range. At the same time, customers were asking him to supply other products so Birdex bird spikes were added. After four years he had outgrown his conservatory and the volume of business was such that he resigned from his 'day' job to concentrate on what was now becoming a full-line fledgling distribution company.

So in 2001, the business was relocated. The new premises were basically a hired garage unit. Problems with articulated lorries attempting to make deliveries meant the unit was inappropriate, so in 2002 the business moved to a 4,000sq ft industrial unit. At the same time Richard was being asked by customers to supply the various rodenticide and insecticide chemicals they required. By chance, Pelgar International had entered the market and was looking for UK distribution, whilst Hockley International also wanted to extend their insecticide sales into public health. Exclusive distribution agreements were struck. Both companies remain SX's main pesticide suppliers to this day. The range of products handled grew, SX produced its first annual product catalogue and began exporting overseas.

Disaster struck in 2007 when the battery to a fork-lift truck overheated, resulting in a major fire at the warehouse. Luckily, Richard in his retained fireman capacity (see below) was on hand to direct proceedings and, whilst his office records were salvaged, his entire stock was damaged by water and smoke. Yet again what could have been a tragedy turned into an opportunity. Within days the company was up and trading again having relocated to the current even larger premises (14,000sq ft). Today SX offers its customers a full-range of supplies and prides itself on its level of stock holding (meaning products are always available) and speed of turn-around from order to delivery.

Originally known as Essex Rodent Control, the transformation of the company into SX Environmental Supplies should be complete by the end of the year. Richard is still a very hands-on manager and is certainly not afraid to roll his sleeves up and pack a few boxes when required, so as to fulfil his objective of offering the best service in the industry. Whilst much involved with the hurly-burly of trading in the pest control market, he is not one to sit on committees nor involve himself backstage within the industry. From his modest beginnings, SX now employs 12 people including two in-field sales managers – Trevor Green and Richard Lamb.

For the future, Richard sees his business continuing to grow at the impressive rate of 20% per year, with an expected annual turnover this year approaching £5 million. Having now set his sights on further growing his export business, this is sure to rise. He sees the industry as a whole expanding, as awareness of environmental health issues – by restaurants, shops and commercial operations – continues to increase. Asked if he sees the DIY market from the likes of B&Q affecting the industry, the answer is no. He likens the pest control industry to the plumbing industry. Here there is always work for professionals, but some householders prefer to have a go themselves.