Set up by Natasha Davies 15 years ago, Prima Master Dry Cleaners already has seven managed outlets in the North West, including two new shops in Liverpool city centre. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside eco-friendly dry cleaning chain Prima Master Dry Cleaners has opened its first franchised outlet in a £60,000 investment.

The firm, set up by Natasha Davies 15 years ago, already has seven managed outlets in the North West, including two new shops in Liverpool city centre.

Franchisee Alison Cannon from Lydiate, is now running the Prima Master outlet in Penwortham, just south of Preston in Lancashire.

The mum-of-three has been learning the secrets of Prima Master Dry Cleaners’ ‘wet-care’ cleaning methods from company owner Natasha Davies, at the company’s headquarters in Ainsdale.

The business specialises in cleaning delicate fabrics such as wool, leather and silk without the harsh chemicals normally used in dry cleaning.

It can breathe new life into designer label clothes, wedding dresses, soft furnishings such as curtains and even fabric shoes such as Ugg boots.

Prima Master Dry Cleaners was launched in 2002 by fashion fan Natasha, who moved to the UK from Greece where she ran a factory manufacturing clothes.

She said: “I’ve always been into fashion. I had a factory manufacturing clothes in Greece and I know how important it is for fabrics to be well cared for, so it was a natural fit to go into wet care cleaning.

“Because we don’t use chemicals, we’re not only promoting a healthy environment but also we make sure our clients’ fabrics are soft on sensitive skin.

“We’ve built up a lot of expertise over the years and we decided the best way to expand was to launch a series of franchises, with Penwortham as our first.”

The Penwortham franchise will a fresh start for Alison, who has spent the last two decades raising her children and caring for her elderly mother.

She added: “I already knew the Prima brand and I wanted to work with a reputable company, she said.

“They’ve had a long history and have built up a lot of experience over the years so it’s a proven model and I have confidence in the brand.

“As soon as I met Prima team I knew I wanted to work with them. They are really hands-on and I know they will give me a lot of support to make a success of the business.”