A family-run business based in Rushden is celebrating more than four decades of success as it prepares to pass the baton on to the next generation.
Established in 1978 by Keith Nicholson as an office cleaning business, Inter County Service Group has grown into a group that offers commercial cleaning contracts, waste management, washroom hygiene services and janitorial cleaning supplies.
As well as experiencing growth in terms of its service offering, Inter County has also grown with Keith’s family.
The business now employs more 200 people, with 12 of these being part of the Nicholson family.
Keith’s wife, Lorna, was the first family member to join the company back in 1985. Since then, their six children – Gary, Emma, Yvonne, Mark, Martine and Callum – have all gone on to work for the family business. In fact, the siblings have collectively clocked up 123 years of service between them at the company! Five of the siblings still work for Inter County today and five of their children have also joined the company, making Inter County a three-generation family business.
As the company moves into 2026, it has unveiled a bold succession plan to ensure its long-term future.
Finance Director, Callum Nicholson, is poised to take over the day-to-day running of the business from his parents. His siblings, Gary, Emma, Yvonne and Mark, will all be part of the management team.
Callum said: “We are immensely proud of our history and the fantastic client base we have built up, which includes schools, housing associations, local authorities and big names such as Mercedes and Scott Bader.
“The growth we have experienced has largely been via word of mouth and recommendations, which speaks volumes, but also gives us an opportunity for further growth.
“As we move forward, as a business and a family, we want to work with more local businesses and help them to shine.”
To find out more, visit the Inter County Service Group website.
