Here at VODEX, we’ve specialised in fume and dust extraction and Electrostatic protection for many years. We have provided solutions to international brands and manufacturers like Mercedes AMG and Sony, as well as a wide range of smaller businesses in various industries.
But the way VODEX came to be isn’t as straightforward as you might think, so we thought we’d share our story of a close-knit, family-run business to show what sets us apart.
How it began
For Paola, co-owner of VODEX, starting her own business had always been a pipe dream. She’d worked in financial services throughout her adult life before leaving that role for a position in an animal sanctuary in the New Forest for some much-needed headspace.
It was during this period that the concept of VODEX first began to emerge. While getting her nails done at a salon, Paola was struck by the lack of ventilation and the poor air quality. As a result, she left feeling very unwell, with a runny nose and itchy eyes.
That same day she spoke to her husband, Paul, who worked as a fume and dust extraction specialist. In his advisory role, he’d travelled the world making sure products were safety-compliant, as well as having sat on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) board, helping to write guidelines for the electronics industry.
Together, she and Paul came up with the idea for white, clinical-looking units that differed from the industrial style that dominated the industry. They were designed to be mobile and, vitally, had extending arms to extract the dust and fumes at source, meaning airborne particles were removed before customers or staff could inhale them.
VODEX as we know it
Paola went on to dedicate over two years contacting hospitals, training colleges and other institutions to learn more about the harmful effects of fume and dust inhalation,specifically in nail salons. The medical repercussions shocked Paola, with potentially life-threatening health concerns resulting from poor ventilation.
These discoveries made Paola and Paul aware that they could offer not only a successful business prospect but also provide life-changing differences to not only people at work, but everyday people too.
With Paul now officially on board offering expert technical know-how and with a clear vision of changing lives for the better, VODEX was born. They now cater to a wide range of industries, including nail salons, military and aerospace, and an exciting new expansion into museum-based artefact restoration.
A family business
The evolution of VODEX into a family-run business happened almost by accident. From Paola working from her garage to bringing Paul in for technical expertise, VODEX has developed into a
tight-knit family business with a work-hard, play-hard atmosphere.
Natasia, Paola’s eldest daughter, studied marketing at university and, after leaving her position as a midwife, decided to join the family business. Her expertise isn’t limited to marketing, though; her imaginative flair and artistic mindset have helped develop a creative vision for the company.
Paola’s younger daughter, Parris, had always enjoyed helping at VODEX during the holidays while she studied as a vet. On deciding that the veterinarian industry wasn’t for her, Parris showed ambition and talent to help promote the beauty aspect of the business, allowing Paola and Paul to focus on other emerging opportunities.
One of the great opportunities that VODEX has been able to utilise is bringing in well-known experts with decades of experience whom Paola and Paul know and trust, and this reliable industry talent is a crucial aspect where VODEX excels.
Not everyone has the luxury of being able to work with the people they trust and care about the most, and it’s something we at VODEX are always grateful for.
The VODEX ethos
While any business has to pay the bills, the real VODEX ethos is about so much more than that. The feedback we receive from people saying VODEX products have changed their lives by making their workplaces safer an their health better is what makes our jobs worthwhile.
Coming into work every day knowing that we’re going to make a real difference in people’s lives is what motivates us, and being able to deliver those life-changing results from within a fun, supportive family business is what sets VODEX apart.
Find out more
If you’re interested in learning more about our ethos or how we operate, please feel free to get in touch or read the blogs below for more information.
We offer a wide range of extraction solutions designed for various industries, from beauty to dental, metalworking, schools and many more.
