I didn’t want to be in the Mole Valley

John Barker, Managing Director at Humidity Solutions

Choosing to set up and run a business here wasn’t my decision. It was made with the help of a map and a pin, as the location was approximately halfway between my business partner and me. He lived in Kent, I lived in Oxfordshire, and Leatherhead became the compromise. If only I had known that he would leave the business after just a year.

By then, however, we already had local suppliers and staff, so relocating a young business that was only just finding its feet would have created unnecessary disruption. Eighteen years later, I’m very pleased that circumstance led us here. The Mole Valley has proved to be an excellent place to build and grow an SME.

Although I still live in Oxfordshire, for the past five years I have been fortunate enough to have a second residence in Surrey. It has significantly reduced my commute and given me more time and energy to focus on growing the business.

We all complain about the M25, but with my advancing years I also remember what life was like before the orbital motorway. Despite the occasional slow and painful journey, it provides excellent links to our national airports and to the commercial engine of the UK – London.

My business specialises in humidity control. Think air conditioning, but not temperature. Our work focuses on indoor air quality and how we can improve the air that people breathe and work in. We provide engineering services across the UK for a wide variety of organisations, from laboratories and environmental test chambers to manufacturing facilities, galleries and museums. Many of these organisations have their headquarters, consultants or key operations based in London, making our location particularly advantageous.

The large urban areas surrounding Leatherhead also give us access to a highly skilled and talented workforce. Over the years, we’ve recruited outstanding people who have helped create a fantastic team environment.

Of course, no business succeeds alone. We rely on the support of other local businesses, from recruitment agencies and delivery companies to hospitality venues, IT providers and printers. Throughout the Mole Valley, we have found trusted partners who help us deliver value to our customers. The Mole Valley Chamber of Commerce has also played an important role by providing opportunities to meet local businesses, build relationships and identify new suppliers.

Whilst many areas offer good business support, the Mole Valley combines that with excellent infrastructure. The range of business parks and commercial premises in and around Leatherhead provides options for businesses at every stage of growth, from start-ups to established organisations, alongside a number of well -known larger companies.

As a business, we are now in our third premises. We began on a farm in a small, low-cost unit with a short-term lease, which was ideal for getting started. After 18 months, we moved into a small commercial unit at the Axis Centre, which we quickly outgrew. Today, we occupy a 5,000 sq ft industrial building on the same estate, recently refurbished to support our continued expansion.

Having been able to grow within the same geographical area has been a real advantage. It has allowed us to retain our local suppliers, minimise disruption for our employees and continue building strong relationships within the community.

Support that helps reduce costs has never been more valuable. Since establishing the business on 1 October 2008 – the very day the banks collapsed – we have traded through the financial crisis, austerity, recession, Liz Truss’s Budget, a global pandemic, a fuel crisis, an unconventional US President and a European war. None of these are circumstances any SME would wish for, so every advantage matters. I have promised myself that I will keep going until we finally experience a proper boom period.

With the support of local businesses, an excellent geographical location and a great deal of hard work, Humidity Solutions has grown to employ more than 30 people and become a leader in its field. We are grateful for the support the local business community has given us, and we hope that, in return, we have contributed to the prosperity of other businesses across the Mole Valley.

Circumstance put me in the Mole Valley – but, looking back, I’m very pleased it did.

John Barker, Managing Director at Humidity Solutions

This article was produced by the Mole Valley Chamber of Commerce following our Business Breakfast event on 17 June 2026. To join the Chamber and access future events, networking opportunities, and business support, visit our website or contact us here.

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