Nick Brown, a Kentish lad, was dissatisfied with the products available for waterproofing his hiking boots, and so he invented his own non-softening wax to do the job - Nick's wax! In 1977 he opened shop and was soon selling his wax to half of Europe. Thus was born the world's first water-based home-reproofing system, which now encompasses eco-friendly products for all outdoor gear from breathable clothing to ropes to tents to maps etc etc. If it needs proofing, trust Nikwax.