A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
The Hartley Family and International Pheromone Systems
In 1985, David Hartley set out to change the world of pest management, established
International Pheromone Systems (IPS) on the Wirral with little more than £72 in the bank,a two-person team, and a dream. His passion for science, sparked in his early years growing up in Liverpool, led him into the niche world of pheromones, a world he believed had the potential to revolutionise pest management in agriculture and beyond.
Those early days were challenging in ways younger generations may never fully grasp.
David’s journey was one of resilience.
After acquiring the struggling pheromone division from Borregard in the mid-1980s, he began building IPS from the ground up. As a developer first and businessman second, David focused on creating innovative, nature-friendly solutions.
The company was small, the orders modest, but the
vision was grand. Over the years, David’s work took him across the globe, from Greece to America, to learn more about pheromones and their use in agriculture.
He faced countless challenges, from rebuilding relationships with suppliers post-liquidation to navigating the tricky waters of exporting to international markets. Yet through hard work and unwavering belief in his mission, International Pheromone Systems grew.
Without Internet or modern communication tools, David had to rely on traditional methods to promote unknown pheromone solutions. Spreading the word about new products involved attending trade shows, making phone calls, and securing coverage in local and industry newspapers. One example is a newspaper article from that time showing a young Dave
Hartley proudly presenting a pine weevil trap as part of an engagement exercise by the magazine.
Guess what he was holding? Fortunately, the embarrassment was balanced by a free advert for ‘the original Unitrap,’ which after 40 years remains the recognised pheromone trap in the market. It was a painstaking process of educating potential customers, proving the benefits of this emerging technology, and making business connections, often one handshake at a
time.
In 2008, as David neared 65 years of age, a plan for succession began to take shape.
His son, Graeme, took an active interest in the business, ensuring that the company’s legacy would continue. “I had no intention of retiring fully until I was about 70,” David says, “but I’m glad that Graeme took over. He’s built on what we started, moving the company forward at a pace I could never have imagined.”
A New Era with Graeme Hartley
One of the key factors behind this growth is International Pheromone System’s reputation as a high-quality white label manufacturer. IPS has become the preferred manufacturing partner for many of the major players in the pest management industry, offering clients the ability to market exceptional products under their own names. “We believe in white label manufacturing,” Graeme explains, “and we take great pride in protecting our customers’ reputations. By providing top-quality products, we help them expand their businesses.”
In stark contrast to the early days, IPS now operates in a digital world where reaching customers is easier and faster. A screenshot of IPS’s sleek, modern website tells the story of how much has changed. Today, with the click of a button, new products can be showcased, information can reach customers globally, and IPS’s cutting-edge solutions can be offered to clients worldwide. “It’s a world apart from the days when my father had to rely on newspaper articles and phone calls,” Graeme reflects. “Now, we can target specific regions and audiences instantly.”
This commitment to quality and innovation is driving the company forward, and for Graeme, the growth will never stop. “We’re always looking at improvements and further expansions,” he says.
Looking Ahead: A Family Legacy
As IPS celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, it’s clear that the company’s success is built on more than just products and business strategies. It’s a story of family, of a vision passed down from father to son, and of a shared passion for creating something meaningful.
For David, who now enjoys a well-earned retirement filled with golf and painting, seeing Graeme lead the company into the future is one of his proudest achievements.”
It was very important for me to hand the company over to my son, knowing it was in a good position to create a new legacy,” he reflects.
Graeme is honouring that legacy while building his own. IPS is now a recognized leader in pheromone-based pest monitoring and management, and under Graeme’s leadership, it is continuing to innovate, collaborate, and grow. With new premises, a dedicated team, and a focus on sustainable, eco-friendly solutions, IPS is ready for the next 40 years, and beyond.
A Future Rooted in Innovation
Today, International Pheromone Systems is not just a company; it’s a driving force in the move toward a greener, more sustainable future for pest management. The world of pheromones, once a niche industry, is now gaining momentum as environmental concerns and regulations push industries away from harmful pesticides.
Through partnerships with other industry pioneers, whether in remote electronic monitoring or bio-control companies, IPS is positioning itself as an expert in the field, not only in monitoring pest activity but also in developing management products for the future.
As Graeme looks ahead, he envisions International Pheromone Systems becoming a global leader in the sustainable pest management industry.
“We are committed to continuous growth, to improving our processes, and to expanding our reach. Our aim is to lead the way in providing solutions that are not only effective but also safe for the environment.”
The Next Chapter
The Hartley family’s journey, from David’s early days in
Liverpool to the cutting-edge research facility IPS operates
today, is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of innovation.
As International Pheromone Systems enters its fifth
decade, it’s not just a celebration of past achievements – it
is also an exciting outlook at what’s to come.
David Hartley may have laid the foundations, however
Graeme is building the future, a future that holds the
promise of sustainable pest management, strong industry
partnerships, and a lasting legacy for generations to come.
