Adam and Andrea Explain Why They Chose Cleanhome, and How Their Decision Has Changed Their Lives.

Through its network of 30+ entrepreneurial  franchisees, Cleanhome supplies households across the UK with professional cleaners.

Read the success story from Adam & Andrea, (Cleanhome St Albans) who share what they enjoy most about running a Cleanhome business.

Adam & Andrea Marshall – Cleanhome St Albans

Did you have any experience of running your own business before joining Cleanhome?

Adam – “I have always been employed in the corporate world, but have been interested in starting my own business for a number of years.”

Andrea – “Yes, I run a very successful business within the wedding sector.”

Why did you choose domestic cleaning as a business?

We visited a number of franchise exhibitions and looked at many different franchise sectors.  We narrowed our search down to 3 sectors; cleaning, care and education.

We finally chose a business management franchise in domestic cleaning for a number of reasons: –

1. Adam – “I spent a number of years working for a cleaning and catering company and felt confident and familiar with the market.”
2. We noticed that one of the most frequently asked questions on social media, is “I need a cleaner.” There appeared to be a considerable demand for cleaners in our area.
3. The model is recession proof and this was a big factor for us. We considered that people will always need and want cleaners.

What made you choose Cleanhome over other franchise opportunities?

We didn’t have thousands of pounds to invest and we could see that Cleanhome was offering a huge earning potential from a small, low risk investment.

We also required a business model that would be easy and quick to set-up.  Providing us with an excellent work/life balance whilst being financially rewarded by the effort we would put in.  We needed to ensure that we would secure a good profit quickly.

We built the business from £0 to £73k in only 12 months, of which over £65k was profit, a growth that even we didn’t expect.

We felt that the software management system (GENESYS) would make the daily running of the business stress free, it would allow us to scale the business quickly without getting pulled into time draining administration.

How did you find the setting up process?

Extremely straightforward, Karen was hugely responsive and for that reason we were set-up and ready to go within 1 month.  However it is important to note that we were keen to start trading ASAP, there is absolutely no pressure from head office, and you can set-up at your own pace.

What kind of support should potential business partners expect from the head office?

The management team supports us on the phone by giving advice, empathy, understanding and congratulations.  The team has so much experience to draw from and is happy to help us succeed, which is appreciated.

What’s a typical day like?

8am – We drop our son at school

8:30am – We start work on things left over from the previous day, and pick up any new messages.

9:30am – 1st appointment of the day

Adam then meets with clients and cleaners throughout the day.

Andrea is in our home office running social media marketing campaigns, calling cleaners, advertising for cleaners.

3pm We finish the day together, reviewing what we’ve both worked on individually and what actions are outstanding and need to be completed the following day.

4pm Finish with the school run and family time.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?

The change to our life has been massively positive.  Adam is now his own boss and doesn’t answer to anyone.  We both enjoy being the ultimate decision makers in our own life.  We cannot stress how absolutely brilliant the decision to sign with Cleanhome was.  Time is now our time, we choose when and how often we want to work.

It was a scary decision for us both to be self-employed but we were determined.  We have grown the business quicker than even we anticipated.  Although we have put in the hours and we’re working hard, we understand that putting in the effort now will reap the rewards later.

We absolutely love it and wouldn’t change it for the world!

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2017 Year in Review: a Journey through the Cleanhome Family

It’s been another great year at Cleanhome and we’re pleased to announce that in 2017 we increased our turnover by 50%. As part of our plans for growth we’ve also been busy implementing changes to benefit our franchisees and their clients, from switching to the paperless office to launching our online client signup. Here are just some of our favourite moments from 2017.

Meetings with our franchisees

Ongoing support and training are just two of the reasons that people choose to invest into a franchise operation which we why we started our year with a UK wide franchisee meeting to share network developments with our franchisees.

These meetings allow us to interact with allow our franchisees on a personal level and drive collaboration within the network, both of which are a vital part of running a successful operation.

Paperless office

At the beginning of the year we began the process of going paper free so we can enable our franchisees to be more efficient when it comes to business agreements and payment systems with clients. Our paperless office system is now fully implemented and it’s been transforming the back-end administration of the franchised outlets.

Going paperless has enhanced the flexibility of the business and has made it fully mobile.

That, combined with our cloud-based system Genesys, means our franchisees are able to keep track of their business from wherever they are.

Online client sign up

With technology advancing at a rate of knots, we’re always looking to stay ahead of the competition which is why at the start of the year we launched our online booking engine which allows our franchisees’ clients to find and book a cleaner online within minutes and be assured that they will still receive the highest level of service.

This helps our franchisees to enhance their offering and target consumers who are time pressured and expect to be able to buy goods and book services online.

Our first Scottish franchise

This year we welcomed Mark Bishop to the Cleanhome family, who’s set up the first Cleanhome franchise outlet in Scotland.

Mark set up his Cleanhome franchise in the Autumn after he decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and we’ve been pleased to have the opportunity to support him on his journey to running a successful business.

Thames Valley winning that award

Our clients’ satisfaction is our top priority so we were delighted that our Cleanhome Thames Valley branch won ‘Best Domestic Cleaning Service’ at the Local Trade Awards.

This award is a testament to our ethos as a company striving to find the right cleaner for our clients and their needs. We go above and beyond to ensure we find the right person and we only operate locally with vetted cleaners to ensure our clients receive top notch service every single time.

New Year, New You!

A new year is a fresh start, a new beginning and the perfect opportunity to take stock and make changes. These can be simple resolutions such as eating more healthily, exercising more or de-cluttering. Other resolutions are bigger with the decision to make a career change being one of the most popular. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, more than one in five workers (22 percent) were planning to change jobs in 2017.

There are many different reasons you could be looking to make a career change in 2018. Maybe you prefer being outdoors but you’re office-based or maybe you’re after more flexibility. Perhaps you’re looking to future-proof your career or want to have more control over your day-to-day routine. No matter what your reason for moving on perhaps it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone and considering starting your own business.

Taking the step to launch your own business may seem daunting, however franchising can offer you the opportunity to become your own boss without many of the risks often associated with entrepreneurship.

We have previously talked about the benefits of franchising and this month seems like the perfect time to revisit them.

Job satisfaction

If starting your own business has been one of your dreams but you feel that you don’t have an original idea to contribute to the market, joining an established brand can allow you to fulfil your ambition and create your own job satisfaction. And to paraphrase a famous quote, if you enjoy what you do then you never have to work a day in your life.

Be part of a family

Running your own independent business can be lonely and sometimes you may need some feedback or someone to brainstorm with. Joining a franchise operation will provide you with head office support and give you access to a network of like-minded people from different backgrounds. Any franchisor worth their salt will provide their franchisees with communication platforms which will allow them to connect and discuss any day to day issues they may face.

Join a growing industry

The franchise industry currently contributes £15.1 billion to the UK economy and many customers choose to purchase from franchised outlets as they believe they are more likely to receive quality services or products. This increases the business’s likelihood of success and subsequently reduces the risk factor.

Rapid Return on investment

Investing into a franchise means that you’re buying into a tried and tested business model which has been streamlined by the franchisor in order to give you the opportunity to see a return on your investment much more quickly than is you were to start your own business from scratch and have to learn from your own mistakes.

Also, the advantage of franchising is that when you advertise a known brand name in your market, customers are more likely to recognise the brand name which can get the cash flowing faster.

Have more ‘me’ time

Aside from running a profitable business, as a business owner of franchise, you have the opportunity to achieve the work/life balance you want. You’ll still need to put in the hard work to build your client base and get your business off the ground and offer quality services or products on an ongoing basis, however being your own boss means you can be flexible about some of the hours you choose to work, which could allow you to have more ‘me’ time or to arrange your work around your family.

Whatever career route you decide to take next year, we want to wish you the best of luck with your New Year’s resolutions. Make 2018 one to remember!

Have you got your New Year’s resolutions in place?

Christmas will soon be upon us and before we know it, we’ll be at the start of a new year, which for many, means making New Year’s resolutions. The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on the year past and make plans for the year ahead and January is one of the key points of the year where people think about what they really want to do with their lives.  If you have been thinking about starting your own business then it’s a great time to look at the opportunities open to you and where you want to be in a year’s time.

Whether you’re currently working full-time, taking a career break or are retired, the New Year is a chance for a fresh start. Consider the following steps to help you decide what would work best for you to help you fulfil your entrepreneurial ambitions.

Self-reflection

Do you want more time with your family? Do you want to work from an office or from home? These are all questions you need to ask yourself in order to decide what type of business you should to invest in. If you’re looking for a better work-life balance and would prefer working from home then running a shop isn’t going to be the best option for you. Be honest with yourself about the things you want and the things you don’t.

Research the market

Before you dive into starting a business, you need to make sure there is a real market for what it is that you’re selling. It sounds obvious, but for long-term success, you need to identify a product or service for which there is an ongoing and growing need. You don’t want to invest into a business, only to realise that there’s a lot of competition or that it has limited demand.

This was one of the deciding factors when I chose to go into domestic cleaning management. With busy jobs and hectic social lives, people are finding it increasingly difficult to keep on top of the day to day chores so the domestic cleaning market is constantly growing. In addition, cleaning is a regular requirement so our clients require an ongoing service which means there will always be a need for good value, high quality cleaning services.

Choose a business structure

Choosing a business structure is one of the main things you need to consider when starting a company. You might want to start as a ‘sole trader’ which is perfect for freelancers and consultants. The other options are registering as a limited company or a partnership. A franchise is also an attractive option because you can try something totally new, get a proven model for your investment and you will have a team of support behind you to help you succeed. There are several free resources available online outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each structure. Have a chat with an accountant to decide which one would work best for you.

Calculate start-up costs and funding

Regardless of your business structure, many businesses require an injection of funds to get started. You may need to invest into a franchise, buy equipment or develop your own website. This all adds up and costs money so have a look at the different funding options for your business. This could range from personal savings to bank loans to your pension pot. You should also check whether you’re eligible for any business start-up grants.

Making your dream of becoming your own boss come true may seem daunting but spending some time now to put your business goals into place for the New Year can go a long way. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day! If you’re interested in joining our leading domestic cleaning franchise network contact us today!

Franchise Fame: Philippa James of Cleanhome Sevenoaks

What did you do before joining Cleanhome?

I ran another franchise as a sole trader – it was great work but it was 24/7 365 days of the year!

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Control! As a working parent I can’t imagine how I would fit in a 9-5 job in an office and juggle family life. Being self-employed gives me complete control over my diary, workload and who I work with 🙂

How do you manage your work/life balance?

I prioritise – Most of the time Cleanhome is a perfect fit – very rarely do they clash. I don’t work after 5 pm unless I have to as that is family time and weekends again are ringfenced!

Has working for yourself improved your quality of life?

Yes, I haven’t worked full time for an employer for over 20 years and I would never go back to that. I enjoy running my own business, being my own boss and making my own commercial decisions.

Where do you hope to be in five years’ time? 

Personally I want to be travelling more – that’s my passion and by that time I will have Cleanhome to a point where I have a manager as there is sufficient turnover to allow me to do  this – and then I can go off and travel and just check in on the business via the internet!

What advice would you give to anyone looking at starting their own franchise?

Be flexible, be a jack of all trades but most of all believe in what you are selling/providing to your clients – If you don’t believe in yourself then neither will other people.

 

Investing Into a Franchise vs Setting Out On Your Own

Starting your own business is a major life decision and even though passion and enthusiasm are essential to your business success, there are several other things you will need to consider.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make relates to the type of business you will start. There are a number of different business models to consider but one of the first things you will need to decide is whether you go it alone and start up from scratch yourself or you consider franchising, which is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

Whatever business model you choose, there are going to be key differences that need to be considered when determining which type of business is the best fit for you.

Autonomy and Culture

When you set out on your own, every business decision rests on you, while in a franchise business there is a proven business model and systems and processes which have been put in place by the franchisor. You’re in control of your own business when it comes to day-to-day operations and recruitment, however, bear in mind you need to choose a franchise which aligns with your own values as you will need to adhere to the culture and values set by the franchisor which are there to help and support you and to ensure that the franchise as a whole runs efficiently. You’ll also need to keep in mind that franchise owners are not able to change their offering to reflect their personal preferences or changes in the market – although you can talk to your franchisor about your suggestions and a good franchisor will always listen to their franchisees’ views. On the other hand, independent business owners don’t benefit from the security of knowing that their products or services have already been tested and optimised for the current market by the franchisor. You may be sacrificing some of your independence to a certain extent but at the same time you can enjoy the security that comes from belonging to a network with a proven track record.

Financing 

The investment required in a franchise varies hugely but it is usually far cheaper than setting up your own business from scratch. New businesses can require some start-up capital and the good news about franchising is that because it is recognised as a safer route into entrepreneurship than simply setting out on your own, many high street banks will be happy to lend you a substantial percentage of the initial investment if you have been accepted by a reputable franchisor.

Brand Awareness

Brand awareness is where the success of franchising lies. Consumers recognise the brand and buy into the reliability and familiarity it offers. When it comes to brand recognition franchise owners definitely have an advantage over independent business owners who have to gradually build their brand and build trust and goodwill, however, you need to keep in mind that brand awareness can also have an adverse effect on your business. If the franchisor or another franchisee does something which results in negative publicity then your business can suffer as well.

Training and ongoing support

When you start your own business from scratch you will need to learn how to run the front and back-end of the business on your own while developing new skills along the way. When you invest into a franchise, you also invest into training. Franchisors provide franchisees with training on every aspect of the business and make sure they feel confident in running the business before launching it. Franchisors can also offer ongoing training as part of their role to ensure franchisees are staying on top of their expanding business operations.

Return on Investment

Whether you decide to start your own business or opt for the stability a franchise operation offers, you’ll still need to put in hard work to build your client base and get your business off the ground and offer quality services or products on an ongoing basis. The advantage of franchising is that when you advertise a known brand name in your market, customers are more likely to recognise the brand name which can get the cash flowing faster.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a franchise or start your own business from scratch boils down to your personality. If you can’t really see yourself not having total control of the operational decision making, then a franchising might not be the right business route for you, however if you prefer the security, the ongoing support and the benefits of being part of a bigger network, then investing into a franchise can help you achieve your business aspirations.

Whichever you choose you can look forward to the excitement of owning your own business as well as the hard work, but huge satisfaction, of being your own boss and the knowledge that it’s your drive that is making your business grow and become successful.

Awards Win in Recognition of Our Training and Development Programme

Here at Cleanhome we pride ourselves on providing our franchisees with a high level of training, both at the beginning of their business journey and throughout and our commitment to our franchisees has been recognised.

We are delighted to announce that we are the winners of the East of England Small Business 2015 – in recognition of the Training and Development of our Cleanhome Franchisees. We are thrilled that the judges named us as the winner against stiff competition.

Many of our franchisees have never run a business before so we believe it’s important that they understand the ‘back end’ of the business including legal and finance but also feel confident in their dealings with both clients and cleaners. Winning this award is a fantastic endorsement of Cleanhome’s training programme and GENESYS™ our bespoke internet based operational system.

Ongoing training and support is an integral part of franchising. At Cleanhome we offer an initial two-day training programme, which includes information from how to interview cleaners to how to do your own accounts. We also offer participative development including role-playing exercises which aim to help franchisees with their confidence and we ensure that new franchisees shadow an experienced franchisee so that they can see how to deal with potential clients.

Our training programme is tailored to you so that we can help you make the most of your strengths and identify areas where you might need more support. Franchisees also benefit from two additional training days every six months and all of our franchisees know that they can get in touch at any time if they need advice or have a problem.

Time Management Tips for a Better Work Life Balance

If you’re running your own business, you may find that you’re struggling to tick everything off your to-do list or working late into the night.

Here at Cleanhome, we’re all about work-life balance so this month our franchisees share their tips on maintaining a productive work life and a happy home life.

Time management tools are useless

Some people swear by time management gadgets and systems but the reason most of them don’t work is because they are designed to measure clock time without taking into account external distractions or the nature of the task you’re trying to complete. Have you ever felt that time is dragging when you are filling in your tax forms or equally flying by when you’re doing something fun? Then you’ll know what we’re talking about. It’s up to you to remove any distractions and stop procrastinating. You are the only person who can create and manage time when it comes to your to-do list. Focus on what really matters and what works for your business.

Set your own working hours and stick to them

If you are your own boss you might find your working days are less structured as you don’t have a contract dictating what time you have to start or stop working. If you’re working from home, it’s just as important to have set working time as it is in an office. Make sure that you have a set start time and as set finish time just as you would in an office and make time for an hours lunch break. By putting a routine in place you’ll have a clearly defined work time and home time, so you’re not distracted by putting the washing on in working hours or working when you’re enjoying ‘home’ time.

Ask for help!

If you’re building a business, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s with chores or tasks you need to complete to keep your personal life organised or work issues, ask for help. It might be a work issue you’re struggling with, in which case, speak to people who have been there before and find out what they did to overcome the problem. Sometimes, talking a situation through with someone can be a more effective and less time consuming way to resolve it than struggling with it alone. Don’t forget, most business owners would have been in a similar position to you at some point and are happy to help advise you on how to deal with it.

And if you’ve got a spouse or children, enlist their help in washing the car, doing the washing up or taking the dog for a work. After all, achieving good work/life balance benefits all of you!

Get moving

You might find it hard to make time for exercise when you have a busy schedule but it can help you feel more energetic and alert. Find something you enjoy doing and do it as often as you can. Apart from the obvious health benefits, having some time to yourself will help clear your head and will give you the boost you need to get through a busy day.

Find your off button

As you‘re in charge of your own work schedule you have the flexibility to arrange your workload around your personal life, so you might think that having a longer period of time away from work might not be necessary. To have a long, healthy, productive and happy life and career you need to take breaks away from work, whether that’s a weekend or a week. Regular breaks help you relax and ensure that when you’re back at work you’re enthusiastic and energised.

Make the most of the quiet summer time

The ‘summer slump’ has officially set in and your inbox is probably already full of ‘out of office’ emails and nobody returns your calls. Fear not! A quiet summer can actually benefit you and your business. All businesses have busy and quiet periods which tend to reoccur each year depending on the industry you’re in but these quiet times can be a great opportunity for you to take a step back and plan ahead while you are still managing the day to day running of your business, so you’re ready to hit the ground running when everyone has returned to their routine.

So what are you supposed to do to stay motivated and make the most of your time while everyone is away?

Enjoy the free time!

This might sound counterproductive but if you are running your own business then it’s crucial to take a break in order to rest and relax before the busy season. Our franchisees are able organise their workload around their personal life throughout the year, however as clients are often away in August and September it’s a great time to spend more time with friends and family. If you became your own boss to achieve a better work/life balance allow yourself to have a proper break.

Check up on your business goals

What were your plans for 2015? Use the free time to reflect on your business plan and to find out if you achieved what you wanted this year and what can you do to meet your target before the end of the year. Break down the steps you need to take to achieve your goals in monthly actions and create a plan which will help you stay on track.

Get organised

An organised business is a productive business. Doing admin work and streamlining processes may sound laborious but it’s essential if you want to run a successful business. Luckily our franchisees already benefit from our Cloud-based system, GENESYS™, which operates as a personal assistant organising the administration and finance for the business, however a lot of them use this quiet time to organise their day-to-day operations. It’s not just your inbox and computer desktop that fall prey to clutter, your social media, voicemail inbox and personal email accounts can get clogged. Take a look at your social media presence and find out what’s working and what isn’t.

Expand your network

Networking is something that many business owners neglect, however in order to meet the clients and contacts necessary to grow your business it is essential. Take this time to think about where can you find people who might need your services? Consider which networking groups might be best for you and make an effort to get out there and spread the word about your business. Listen to what people have to say and think about the ways you can help them.

Spring-clean your workplace

I bet you saw this one coming from us! Even if you think a bit of mess in a workspace is unavoidable, physical clutter can cause stress in the long run. A lot of people hold on to a lot of stuff because they feel they need it, however keeping only what is essential for the day-to-day running of your business will ensure you enjoy spending time at your desk. Recycle broken electronics you have stashed in cupboards and donate everything you no longer need or you have multiples of. Sort your loose papers and get rid of anything unnecessary. And if you have been thinking about rearranging or decorating your office, now is a great time to do it!

Franchise Fame

Are you thinking of buying into a franchise but not quite sure about the reality of it? Starting a business is not for everyone, however doing it through a franchise is a secure way to start up and will allow you to build a successful and profitable business with the backing from a bigger business network.

Richard Mathers from Cleanhome Gatwick saw franchising as the best path to success. We asked Richard a few questions and found out about his franchise journey and how owning a business has improved his work life balance.

Why did you choose to buy a Cleanhome Franchise?

‘I had previously worked with Karen Kelly and when I found out about her franchise business, I wanted to know more. I saw potential in franchising and owning a franchise is a great way to minimise risk when starting up a new business. Cleanhome is about building relationships between cleaners and customers, and I believed that I could bring my people skills to my business to make it successful.’

What’s your favourite thing about running your own business?

‘The best thing about running my own business is having the responsibility for everyday decisions and that everything comes down to me. I love that I am in a role where I am able to build relationships with people; having great people skills has really helped me to grow my Cleanhome Franchise.’

How do you fit in work with the family?

‘I am enjoying being able to fit my work around my family. Like any other job, sometimes there may be busy periods where you have to put in the extra hours, but I feel that by being your own boss you can tailor the hours around your family life and achieve the perfect work life balance.’

If you could give one tip to a potential franchisee, what would it be?

‘I believe that the most important part of running a business is having a good relationship with your colleagues and employees. Communication is key, and a company is only as good as its people. Happy people means happy customers.’

Owning a franchise offers you the independence of business ownership supported by the benefits of a bigger business network. If you are keen to branch out on your own, franchising can be the perfect solution. If you would like to find out more about Cleanhome’s franchise opportunities, give us a call on 07791 044434 or email headoffice@cleanhomeuk.com.