Portobello Dry Cleaners
Abdussalam Shalluf, originally from Tripoli in Libya, has been running Portobello Dry Cleaners for the last four years. During that time, he’s built an enviable reputation for a quality and friendly service. He’s been in London for the last seven years. He is single but hopes to start a family when he meets the right person.‘I studied petroleum engineering,’ says Abdussalam. ‘That might not seem connected to dry cleaning but, in fact, the knowledge that my studies gave me has been very helpful in the dry cleaning business which uses a variety of chemicals. If I’d gone into the restaurant business that would have been very difficult since I don’t know anything about cooking!
‘This business became available and I decided to go for it. It’s hard work, but I enjoy it. You need to really know about fabrics and now, when someone brings in a garment, I have an immediate idea about how it will have to be handled by the feel of it.
‘Customer relations are very important in this business. Your customers have to have confidence that you’re not going to ruin what might be their favourite article of clothing.
‘The biggest worry about operating in this area is the threat that increasing rents pose. Small businesses like mine don’t really get any help from the government and when a landlord decides to put up the rent, you can’t just pass it on to the customer – you have to find the extra money yourself.
‘I really enjoy having a business in Golborne – I also live nearby. You’ve got all the different types of restaurants like Spanish and Portuguese and people round here look out for each other.’
Portobello Dry Cleaners
343 Portobello Road
020 8969 9735
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