There are currently around 700,000 adults employed in the cleaning sector in the UK and a significant number of these work for a cleaning franchise.
Keeping our homes and workplaces clean has, of course, always been of vital importance but, never more so than in the past year or so. Nowadays, we’re very much aware of the harm that germs and dirt can do to our health and, as a result, more and more householders and business owners are hiring professional cleaners to make sure that premises are as clean and hygienic as possible.
A dirty business
The franchise business model differs slightly from a traditional, standalone small business in a few ways.
Franchising allows an individual, often with a minimum of experience and cash, to start their own business without the risk factor and high costs which are usually involved in creating a new business from the ground up.
The individual (known as the franchisee) connects with a large, established business (the franchisor) to create a new franchise outlet; in this case, a cleaning agency.
The franchisee will pay an initial lump sum to the franchisor which will give him or her the right to use the company branding, tap into the company’s nationwide advertising and, gain access to training and support.
The franchisee will then open a branch of the business in their local area and run it as they would any business, albeit with rules and guidelines from the franchisor. The franchisee will also be required to pay a monthly fee to the franchisor (usually a percentage of takings or profits).
There are a number of benefits to buying a cleaning franchise and, some of these are:
In great demand
While some types of business are subject to trends and fluctuations in the economy, cleaning is always in fashion. No matter what’s going on, people will always want clean homes, offices and venues, meaning that cleaning businesses are pretty much bullet-proof as an enduring business model. Wherever you may be in the country, there’s usually a significant client base to be had; even in areas where there is a lot of competition.
Cleaning up
Owning a cleaning franchise can be extremely lucrative if you’re prepared to put in the legwork. While there is a financial investment involved for the franchisee, this will usually be recouped very quickly once the business is up and running. Although the earnings for this tend to differ from business to business, a hard-working and successful franchisee can expect to earn up to £90,000 per year from their cleaning franchise.
Brand spanking new
When you buy a cleaning franchise, you gain access to the name, logo and other branding of an established business.
Being part of a recognisable brand name will help you to not only attract customers but, also to attract the best of the talent in your area. In addition, although you will be expected to conduct your own marketing efforts, you’ll also have the benefit of expensive advertising and promotion by the franchisor.
Wiping the floor with the competition
A large part of any cleaning business is, of course, the purchasing of good quality cleaning products and detergents; which can add up to a hefty bill for the small, independent business.
The beauty of a cleaning franchise is that, due to having multiple outlets, the franchisor will have deals in place with trusted suppliers, meaning that they are able to buy products at rock bottom prices; savings that are passed on to the franchisee. On the same note, an independent business owner will need to spend a lot of time sourcing suppliers and securing contracts whereas, with a franchise business, this is all done for you.
A valuable knock-on effect here is that these discounts usually mean that a cleaning franchise owner is able to outshine his or her competition in any given locale or area.
A net result
Starting your own company from nothing can be a lonely and frustrating business with little help or support as you make your way in a very competitive world.
Buying a cleaning franchise gives you access to a fantastic support network from the word go. Not only will you receive valuable training and support from the franchisor but, you’ll also be connected with existing franchisees who have been there, done that and bought the T-Shirt.
As a result, the new franchisee is given a very real head start when it comes to overcoming the initial obstacles and stumbling blocks in order to get their business off the ground and start making some proper cash.
Not so hard sell
When you own an independent business, your options are fairly limited; should you decide that you no longer have the time or inclination to continue. In this instance, you’ll either have to simply shut up shop or, spend time and money (including solicitor’s fees) in finding somebody to buy the business from you.
With the franchise model, selling or transferring your business is usually fairly straightforward – not least because you’ll generally have help from your franchisor.
Should you decide that the business is no longer for you, your franchisor will usually have a waiting list of people ready to take your place – making offloading your business reasonably quick and easy.
Conclusion
Within the franchise world, there is a huge range of businesses and sectors to choose from – but few are as lucrative or as easy to get started with as a franchise business. From as little as a couple of thousand pounds, individuals are able to shuck off the daily grind and forge their own future with their own business.