Who clears properties when someone dies? Macabre as that sounds, someone has to do it, yet increasingly, there are fewer people to pick up the pieces.

The reason is that more people are living and dying alone without next of kin or partners, who would be legally responsible to sort out their homes and living spaces after they’ve gone.

The need for such a service has created opportunities for companies like Just Clear, and by placing recycling at the heart of its business operation, the growing business has even attracted the attention of Sir David Attenborough for its commitment to the planet.

Founded in 2007 by Irishman Brendan O’Shea, with just a small old van and his wife by his side, it has evolved from a household clearance small business to a hugely valuable asset management partner to the world of probate, spotting value among junk.