You left a successful banking career to start Just Clear. What was the spark behind that decision?
I wanted to build something tangible, with sustainability and transparency at the core, a business that had a visible, positive impact. The clearance and waste industry felt outdated and overly focused on disposal rather than sustainable solutions. There was a clear gap for a professional, transparent service that prioritised reuse, recycling, and low-carbon operations. That gap became Just Clear.
Sustainability sits at the heart of the business. How does that translate into real-world delivery?
Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on for us, it’s the lens through which every decision is made. We’ve built an ecosystem of partners that includes closed- and open-loop recyclers, charities, auction houses, and local end users in the communities we serve. This allows us to ensure that almost everything we collect is reused or responsibly recycled.
That’s how we consistently achieve landfill diversion rates of up to 99 percent, whether we’re clearing a hotel, a flytip, or a single-bedroom flat.
Just Clear has been commended by Sir David Attenborough. What did that recognition mean for the business?
That moment was hugely significant for us. Sir David Attenborough has shaped the global conversation around environmental responsibility more than almost anyone, so to be recognised for the work we’re doing was both humbling and validating.
From a business perspective, it was a real turning point. It reinforced that our sustainability-led approach wasn’t just well-intentioned, but genuinely effective. It gave clients and partners confidence that what we were building was credible and aligned with the broader environmental mission.
Internally, it raised the bar. That level of recognition creates a responsibility to continually improve. It pushed us to invest further in reuse partnerships, innovation, and reporting, and it opened conversations with larger organisations, global brands, and public-sector bodies seeking partners who truly live their sustainability values.
Can you share an example of how this works on a large commercial clearance?
A good example would be large office or distribution centre projects. Furniture, IT equipment, fixtures, and fittings are assessed on site. Reusable items are redirected to charities or resale partners, WEEE is processed compliantly, and materials such as metal, wood, and cardboard are segregated for recycling. Clients then receive detailed reporting that directly supports their ESG objectives.
The same approach applies to the accommodation sector and retail store closures, where items can often be reused or at the very least recycled properly.
How have you managed to scale nationally without compromising quality?
That’s been one of our biggest challenges. Scaling a service business is only successful if standards are protected locally. We’ve focused heavily on customer service in training, systems and culture continue to evolve, so our franchise owners and their teams across the UK operate consistently. Whether a job is delivered in a city centre or a rural location, the client experience should feel the same.
What role does technology play in delivering that consistency and transparency?
Technology and in the past few years, Ai touches everything we do. From route optimisation and job tracking to digital carbon and waste reporting, it allows us to reduce carbon impact while increasing transparency. Clients can see exactly what’s been collected, where it’s gone and how it’s been treated in terms of being reused, incinerated or recycled.
Just Clear also operates extensively in the domestic sector. How do you balance scale with personal service?
Clearing someone’s home can be just as sensitive as a corporate clearance, if not more as we are dealing with family members of deceased estates who are grieving. Respect, empathy and professionalism don’t change with job size. Our teams are trained to work discreetly with compassion, and sustainability remains just as important.
Our franchise partners need to have a high level of integrity to progress to become part of our company, so it then guarantee’s that level of local service every time. Our domestic clearances often create significant opportunities for recovery of assets for reuse through auction houses, local charities and community partners.
Just Clear is now 15 years old and widely recognised as a pioneer in sustainable clearance. What is your vision for the next five years?
Reaching 15 years is a huge milestone, but for us it’s really a springboard for growth. Over the next five years, our ambition is to continue expanding nationally while raising the standard for what clients expect from clearance services, professional, transparent, and genuinely sustainable.
For our clients, this means working with a partner who prioritises ESG outcomes. Every item we collect is tracked, responsibly recycled, incinerated or given a second life through reuse partners, charities, and local initiatives. Clients benefit from clear reporting, reduced environmental impact, and the confidence that their clearance projects align with sustainability goals and corporate responsibility commitments.
For prospective franchise partners, this is an exciting opportunity. We offer a proven business model, national brand recognition, established client pipelines, and robust operational systems. Franchisees can grow a profitable, local business while contributing to a bigger purpose, helping communities, businesses, and organisations reduce waste and achieve measurable ESG outcomes.
Ultimately, our mission is simple: ensure every load we collect is put to good use, eliminate waste wherever possible, and deliver real value to both clients and franchise partners. By combining commercial opportunity with environmental and social impact, we’re creating a model where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.