Unleashing Your Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting Your Own Cleaning Business in the UK

Recent market research by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) report in April 2022 shows that the cleaning, hygiene, and waste sector is one of the top ten industries in the UK, contributing significantly to the economy. The number of people employed in the industry in 2021 was approximately 5% of the UK workforce.

Domestic cleaning franchises

As a franchisee with a domestic cleaning franchise, you’ll be cleaning houses, homes, and domestic spaces, usually regularly.

• Bright & Beautiful - Established in 2009, the network has doubled in size between now and 2016. The domestic cleaning franchise proudly provides its UK customers with experienced, dedicated cleaning services.
• Nationwide Cleaners was founded in 2008 by Peter Munro, and the franchise now offers quality and affordable domestic cleaning services to thousands of households across Great Britain.
• Be the property maintenance king in your area with Fantastic Services.
• Change your life and partner with JAN-PRO, the World’s #1 commercial cleaning franchise.
• Town & Country Cleaning is an exciting opportunity to be your own boss while benefiting from an existing business framework. We are different from your typical cleaning company.
• Since joining the ServiceMaster group of home service companies in 1988, Merry Maids has been dedicated to keeping homeowners’ houses clean and safe.

Commercial cleaning franchises

As a franchisee with a commercial cleaning franchise, you’ll be cleaning business premises like offices and shops (usually out-of-hours, when these locations are closed to the public).

• Green Machine is an environmentally friendly commercial cleaning franchise that started in 2012.
• Dublcheck, founded in 1993, is one of the UK’s largest commercial cleaning franchise networks, including over 100 franchisees.
• Betterclean Services is one of the lowest cost Management Franchises on the market, with a hugely successful business system built around providing commercial cleaning services to local businesses.
• Minster Cleaning knows that commercial cleaning is now more critical than ever.
• Techclean started trading in 1983 and has become the UK’s leading specialist in system hygiene.
• Dyno-Rod provides a professional service for cleaning, inspecting, and refurbishing drainage, sewer, and pipework systems.
• Jani-King is the biggest commercial cleaning franchise in the world, providing 5-star cleaning services to many customer locations, including office buildings, hospitals, hotels, sporting venues, universities, restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and more.

Specialist cleaning franchises

As a franchisee with a specialist cleaning franchise, you’ll focus on a niche type of cleaning, such as an oven or window cleaning. Again, depending on the kind of investment you choose to make, you’ll either work alone or hire a team of cleaners to manage.

• HOODZ is a specialist company that provides commercial clients with kitchen exhaust system cleaning services.
• Zero Dry Time is a floor and carpet cleaning franchise founded in 2006 by David Muirhead.
• Ovenu is professional domestic oven-cleaning specialists based in the UK and are proud to be the country’s most experienced oven-cleaning franchise.
• Daily Poppins offer extensive and premier home, carpet, upholstery, and commercial cleaning at an affordable price. Wilkins Chimney Sweep is one of the leading and oldest providers of chimney sweeping services in the UK. Ovenclean, part of Franchise Brands plc, is the UK’s original oven cleaning specialist with an extensive network of established franchisees and the only oven cleaning brand currently advertising on TV.
• The Fine Cleaning Company has quickly established itself as a provider of high-quality cleaning services to both domestic and commercial customers.

Guide to Achieving Success in the Booming Cleaning Industry

Starting your own cleaning business UK with this step-by-step guide will provide the necessary insights and tools to kick-start your venture confidently and successfully.

1. Market Research and Identifying Opportunities

Before diving into the world of cleaning businesses, conduct thorough market research. It will enable you to identify current trends, lucrative niches, and potential competitors. Keep an eye out for untapped markets and seek to understand customer preferences. Ensure your services cater to your target audience.

2. Selecting the Right Franchise

Choose a reputable cleaning franchise that aligns with your values, goals, and market niche. Key factors to consider when selecting a franchise include brand recognition, track record of success, comprehensive training and support, and a robust franchise system. Look for a franchise that offers room for growth and innovation—allowing you to adapt and evolve with the ever-changing market demands.

3. Crafting a Business Plan

A well-structured business plan is the foundation of any successful enterprise. Outline your objectives, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and growth plan. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business. It will guide you toward your goals while providing a clear vision for potential investors and stakeholders.

4. Securing Financing

Determine the total investment required to start your cleaning franchise, including initial fees, equipment costs, and working capital. Explore financing options like bank loans, government grants, and private investors. A solid business plan will be crucial in convincing lenders and investors of your venture’s viability and profitability.

5. Legalities and Compliance

Ensure you obtain all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance to operate your UK cleaning franchise. Seek professional advice from a solicitor or accountant to ensure compliance with local regulations, tax obligations, and employment laws.

6. Recruitment and Training

If you plan to hire employees, develop a recruitment strategy and establish a training program to ensure they provide high-quality service and represent your brand well.

Recruit a team of skilled and motivated employees who share your vision for success. Develop an effective training program that equips your staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional cleaning services. Foster a positive work environment encouraging continuous learning, development, and employee satisfaction.

7. Marketing and Branding

Develop a strong marketing strategy to promote your cleaning franchise and attract potential customers. Build a strong brand identity that distinguishes your business from competitors and resonates with your target audience. Leverage online and offline channels, such as social media, search engine optimization, local advertising, and referrals.

8. Customer Service and Retention

Deliver outstanding customer service by exceeding expectations, promptly addressing concerns, and fostering long-term client relationships. Implement customer feedback mechanisms to identify areas for improvement and adapt your services accordingly. Strive for excellence and commit to providing a consistently high level of service, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Start a cleaning franchise today and enjoy a polished professional future

Embarking on a journey to start your own UK cleaning business is an exciting and rewarding venture. These key points can increase your chances of success in this competitive industry.

• Market research: Conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience, understand the demand for cleaning services, and evaluate the competition in your area.
• Business plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategy, operational plan, and financial projections.
• Legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for starting a cleaning business in the UK, including registering your business, obtaining relevant licenses and insurance, and following health and safety regulations.
• Equipment and supplies: Invest in high-quality cleaning equipment to ensure efficient and effective cleaning. This will also help you provide consistent service to your clients.
• Marketing: Develop a solid strategy to reach your target audience and attract new clients. This can include advertising, networking, and building a professional website.
• Hiring: Consider hiring a team of reliable cleaners to help you grow your business. Conduct thorough background checks and provide training to ensure your team provides high-quality services.
• Customer service: Provide excellent customer service to build a strong reputation and retain clients. Respond promptly to customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback to maintain a positive client relationship.

By following these key points, you can increase your chances of success in the competitive cleaning industry in the UK.