Posted:04-September-2025
Clean start, bright future
Will and Kerry Hayton were first-time parents to their one-year-old son when their life did a complete 180°. Will’s priorities shifted after becoming a dad – he wanted more time at home to care for their newest addition, something his demanding marketing job couldn’t offer. Determined to take control of his future, he decided to build something of his own. With a vision for a better work-life balance and a spark of entrepreneurial spirit, Will launched his own My Property Pros franchise in Buckingham. Kerry jumped on board soon after, and together, they dived headfirst into business ownership. Fast-forward four years, and both their family and their franchise have grown in leaps and bounds – with plenty more to come!
In 2021, Will and Kerry decided to change their lives – and they’ve done just that. Today, they’re the proud owners of a thriving multi-van, multi-territory franchise in Buckingham, serving over 700 customers and employing two team members. And their business isn’t the only thing that’s grown! They also welcomed a second son two years ago, adding the finishing touch to their picture-perfect family – and the success doesn’t stop there!
“We saw great success in our first year, and since then, we've consistently grown by about 20% each year, so we’re almost always at full capacity. Once we realised this was the opportunity for us, we reviewed some of our key costings and saw real opportunity to save some money. Over the past couple of years, we've invested a lot into upgrading our equipment, processes, and systems – and it’s been 100% worth it. We even set up our own clean water supply in our workshop, which gives us 1,500 litres on demand each day. This has dramatically improved our efficiency, letting us set up for the day ahead each evening. In total, it saves us around 90 minutes per day – amounting to almost 23 days a year! – giving us more precious time to spend together as a family,” said Will.
At the time Willl launched the franchise, Kerry still ran her own business but the opportunity was undeniable and she soon joined Will in what was to become a true family business: “I ran alongside the franchise for a while, but in the end, the potential return of being involved with MPP was bigger and gave me more flexibility to be a mum as well. It’s been a journey but has definitely exceeded our expectations!”
Of course, diving headfirst into a totally new venture wasn’t all smooth sailing – there were a few raised eyebrows (and a few nervous gulps) along the way.
“Our parents are very supportive of us in general, but they definitely weren’t 100% on board with this at first! Will’s dad is an accountant, so for him, the main concerns were around income and the financial risk. It gave us a bit of a wobble about whether or not we were making the right decision!” explained Kerry. “I think it’s safe to say that we have blown their expectations out of the water! My dad’s main concern now is whether we’ll be able to reach his mossy roof with our roof wand over their new extension!” added Will.
In 2024, three years into their franchise journey, Will and Kerry were excited to learn from founders Karen and Dave Prewer that the business was about to undergo an exciting rebrand. This rebrand was set to boost the company's market presence and introduce several new, high-revenue opportunities — with roof cleaning being a standout addition.
“The rebrand has been a game changer for our business and has made a huge difference in the type of enquiries we get. Many of our existing customers didn’t realise we offered more than just window cleaning, but now it's so much easier to upsell and position the brand as the go-to for all things exterior cleaning,” said Kerry.
“Since the rebrand, we’ve really shifted focus to bigger projects like jet washing, soft washing, and roof cleaning. It’s been a real turning point for our business, with some days bringing in up to £1,200, which is super motivating. Our existing customers are also jumping on board, especially with the roof cleaning service. It’s been great seeing how the new services are picking up and giving our business even more potential,” added Will.
Founded in 1996, My Property Pros is the UK’s first and only national exterior property cleaning franchise. Having identified and leveraged a gap in the market close to three decades ago, the brand is now firmly established as a highly profitable, award-winning, multi-van franchise opportunity. Franchisees benefit from cutting-edge technology, proprietary software systems and a team that’s absolutely dedicated to their success.
MPP franchisees operate from fully equipped, eye-catching vans – the ultimate advert on wheels! A range of complementary, in-demand services ensures strong year-round sales and plenty of opportunities to cross-sell to existing customers – from roof and render cleaning to gutter clearing and maintenance, jet washing and window cleaning. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, almost all cleaning is completed with both feet firmly on the ground! As for your dreams... the sky’s the limit!
For Kerry, the next big step came when she took on a role at My Property Pros head office, supporting the franchisor with marketing. While she still dedicates around 10 hours a week to helping Will with the business, she’s also found a new creative outlet. Kerry now channels her creativity into the brand’s national marketing, updating the website, creating leaflets, and capturing photos and videos to showcase everything the industry-leading brand offers. It’s the perfect mix of her passion for design and her dedication to the business, allowing her to contribute in new and exciting ways.
“The support from the other franchisees in the network has been incredible and really motivating – and a crucial component of our success. When I decided to step back from MPP Buckingham and take on the role at head office, I never had any doubts because I knew Will had the full support of the network. Plus, with Karen and Dave always there to back us up, it felt like the right move. It truly feels like one big family where everyone is there for each other, and that sense of community makes all the difference,” explained Kerry.
Looking forward, slowing down isn’t even on the radar for Will and Kerry.
“At the moment, we’re focused on growing more locally and getting involved in the community by sponsoring local teams and events. Looking ahead, we plan to invest in a unit for our equipment, expand our team and add more vans as we scale up. One of the things I love most about being a franchisee is being able to employ local people and watch them grow — helping them build their own lives and success. That’s always been our vision for the business: a place where people can make something for themselves and have fun doing it. Down the line, I might even explore the idea of bringing someone on to take a directorial role as the business continues to grow,” said Will.
For those thinking about becoming a franchisee, Will has some valuable advice to offer.
“Self-motivation is key, but if you’re looking for flexibility, this is one of the best opportunities out there. The freedom to set your own schedule is priceless. When I think back to the gruelling hours I used to do in marketing, and how much time that would have taken me away from my boys – well, it doesn’t bear thinking about. And especially in the summer, with the longer days and the ability to get outside, this job really is the best in the world. It’s hard to beat the feeling of being your own boss and having time to enjoy what really matters.”
Interested and want to know more about My Property Pros?
The My Property Pros profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
