Bryan Clarke & Son - Marking the Retirement of a Well-Known Local Business

Bryan Clarke & Son have now retired after many years serving households with water softening solutions in East Kent.

Their retirement closes an important chapter for a business that became a familiar and trusted name to many local homeowners, and it opens the door to a new and exciting stage of life for Paul & Diane, as they embark on the next adventure

Over the years, they supported a great number of customers in improving their water quality, building their reputation through personal service and long-term relationships. We’d like to recognise that contribution and sincerely wish them all the very best for a happy retirement.

A Personal Reflection

My connection with Bryan, Diane and Paul goes back to the early 2000s, when I was responsible for the EcoWater dealer network.

I spent a lot of time with them at their office on several occasions, talking about what good local service really looks like — doing right by customers, taking pride in your work, and running a business with integrity. From those conversations grew a strong professional respect.

Many years later, after acquiring Jeremy’s business, I reconnected with Paul and we maintained a friendly and professional relationship. If I happened to be passing, I would call in to see Diane and Paul for a quick chat. There was always that shared appreciation for independent, service-driven local businesses.

For that reason, it is sad to see their retirement coincide with the business moving into national ownership. I had always imagined their name continuing locally for many years, as ER Longley has when we purchased Jeremy’s business. As someone who values heritage and long-standing community businesses, it’s sad to know that, over time, the Bryan Clarke & Son name will disappear from the Kent area.

A Change in the Landscape

Following their retirement, Bryan Clarke & Son’s customer base is now being supported by a national provider, with servicing delivered under the Kinetico Aquacare name.

When an independent local business becomes part of a national structure, it marks a real shift. For many people, it’s not just about equipment — it’s about familiarity, continuity, and knowing who to call when you need help.

It’s only natural to start wondering how things might feel different. How will servicing be arranged? Where will supplies come from? Will pricing stay the same? And will support still have that local understanding people value? These are thoughtful and entirely reasonable questions.

For Customers Previously Looked After by Bryan Clarke & Son

If your water softener was installed or maintained by Bryan Clarke & Son, rest assured there are still some wonderful local options you can refer to, least of all myself and my team at Hydroworks.

Some of these other excellent local businesses you can call on are Tristan & Danielle Coldbeck at AquaSof in Canterbury, and Paul Southby at SoftTouch in Faversham.