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.
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.
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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 you’ll say after meeting Kieran:
“So that’s how a leader can be business savvy and fun.”– Connect with Kieran on LinkedIn
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Jenni Byrne
Jenni is living proof that the Rakem Group likes to promote from within. Having started with the business as Financial Controller, after a few years Jenni was promoted to Finance Director. She’s really enjoyed the step change in responsibility and loves to look forward, think strategically and make the big decisions that help drive the group’s growth.
What you’ll say after meeting Jenni:
“I’ve never met such a future-focused Finance Director.”– Connect with Jenni on LinkedIn
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Steve Bunker
Steve has been involved with the Rakem Group since 2016, first as a non-executive director, then chair and now as Operations Director. Covering production, manufacturing, logistics, health and safety and procurement. Passionate about developing people, Steve has shaken Kieran’s hand with a promise to help him hit the group’s growth goals.
What you’ll say after meeting Steve:
“Here’s someone who understands the power of people.”– Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
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1996
Frank Rafferty launches Rakem as a chemical distribution company focused on serving smaller companies
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1997
Frank’s sons, Kieran and Kevin Rafferty, join the business
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1999
The business outgrows its original base and moves to Bury opening a new warehouse
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2001
The third Rafferty brother, Eugene, joins the business
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2001
Innovative new products are created for the construction, coatings and plastic industries
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2001
Rakem Group secures lorries and warehousing to bring logistics in-house
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2001
Turnover doubles versus 1997
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2001
Rapid growth driven by a growing product portfolio, reputation and workforce
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2005
Frank Rafferty retires
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2008
The start of slurry operations
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2010
Ferrous sulphate imports begin
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2010
Turnover increases by 150% versus 2001
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2012
Line marking paint production begins
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2015
The business diversifies into manufacturing with the launch of Maker
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2016
Maker expands rapidly with a £1m investment in new warehouse, offices and R&D facility
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2017
Cemkem and Envirokem launch marking the start of the Rakem Group
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2017
Rakem Group moves into its new purpose-built offices with cutting-edge R&D labs
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2017
Turnover increases by 150% versus 2010 and employee headcount continues to grow
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2018
The new sales and innovation centre opens
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2020
Kieran Rafferty becomes the sole MD
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2022
Turnover increases by 175% versus 2017
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2022
Rakem Group celebrates 25 years in business
