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Posted:13-January-2021

Exclusive Interview: "Franchising lets you hit the ground running!"

Name: Mark and Sarah Underhill
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Franchise: Cleanhome
Date launched the franchise: May 2015

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

Having owned our own business, which we have since sold, we were looking for another “challenge”. Franchising seemed like the best route into business-ownership.

Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose your industry? And why Cleanhome?

We like franchising as any good franchisor should have already made the mistakes and so you can get your business up and running quickly and with more support than “going it alone”.

There is so much choice out there, you need to spend time ensuring you are getting into something that fits with your skills, values and long term goals, also you need to like the people that you are going into business with. Cleaning seemed to be a booming market and one which we could see would have good long term growth.

How did you raise the finance?

We raised the money to invest in a Cleanhome franchise through savings. 

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

We had two days of initial training, there are meetings for all franchisees twice a year and constant telephone support from HO as well as the network of other franchisees who are always happy to give advice and support.

What is a typical day for you as a Cleanhome franchisee?

Every day is different for us and as we have employed a manager she now deals with the day to day running of the business we are able to concentrate on building the business and running it in the most efficient way possible.

What challenges have you faced?

Coming from a fairly laid back life style, when we first started Cleanhome it really was full on with phones ringing, going to see clients and cleaners, doing the back office work, etc, it was a bit of a shock to the system, but, when you see your T/O going up you know you are going in the right direction.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

Always make sure that you are choosing a franchise that fits with your values and skill set. Listen to your instincts.

In your opinion, what makes a successful Cleanhome franchisee?

Someone who is going to put in 100% effort and follow the system that you are buying into, it is there for a reason so do it! You need to be organised and learn from your franchisor and others in the network. Always continue to learn.

What are your plans for the future?

We will continue to grow the business, ensuring our employee is happy and fulfilled in her role by putting systems in place which will give us all the lifestyles that we want.

Would you do it again?

Yes, absolutely!

To find out more about Cleanhome's franchise opportunity, why not request our FREE and non-obligatory prospectus here. 

Interested and want to know more about Cleanhome?

The Cleanhome basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity

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