Betterclean Franchise

  Betterclean Services Exeter & Taunton has just won a prestigious 3 year contract with the Royal College of Nursing in Exeter, following a tender process.  Franchise owner Caroline Spiller said “We’re delighted to be partnering with this important organisation, and to support the RCN staff through the delivery of a clean, hygienic work environment.”  As a “not for profit” organisation, the RCN was keen to obtain maximum value for money through an optimal combination of cost, service and quality, as well as finding a service provider aligned to its business objectives.  The RCN recognised in Betterclean a company that embodies these attributes, and approaches its work with professionalism and integrity.  The contract commences on 1 st  March.

  I’m sometimes asked why I took on Betterclean, or, more specifically, a cleaning business.  After all, this is not a glamorous industry!  However, the services we provide are essential to the smooth running of our client workplaces.  I knew I could add value to the client relationships, and differentiate from other cleaning companies, many of whom are seemingly only interested in profits.  As small business owners, Betterclean franchisees have a genuine care for their customers.  We work hard to provide excellent and reliable service, doing so with integrity.  Trust with my clients is built through friendliness, responsiveness, and professionalism.  When issues arise, as inevitably they do, I accept responsibility, communicate a solution, and act promptly to rectify the concern.  I look to see things from a client perspective, and deliver our service accordingly, always aiming to exceed expectations.  Of course, each client is differen...

  This has been a testing year for staff, with so much uncertainty.  Throughout, I’ve been impressed by our team’s loyalty and stoicism, as they’ve accepted changes to income, work patterns, self-isolation and the financial implications.  Despite having to furlough half of our employees, all have now returned and continued to provide excellence of service, maintaining client satisfaction.  So, what is a “typical cleaner”?  Fundamentally, we look for a strong work ethic, decency and good values.  Our team is currently 75% female, 75% British plus other nationalities.  Over half have been with us for 2+ years.  Ages range from 33 to 80.  Some are “professional” cleaners, and others work around family commitments.   Betterclean’s approach is to offer fair, accurate pay, full training, ongoing feedback, holiday cover, and support.  Above all, we treat our team with respect, something ignored by many other companies who take advanta...

 "Our first few months with Betterclean has gone better than expected given the current circumstances we find ourselves in.  We have managed to secure several contracts during the past few months. We were delighted with our first contract which was a Primary school which provides us with 60 hours per week! Followed by 3 x offices, a Warehouse and retail store! We have also started to expand our team and have employed 5 members of staff which are all hard working and reliable. From when we started in late August/beginning of September the growth of the business has been very pleasing to see.  I can see a bright future with Betterclean once the pandemic finishes which will enable us to push our business more once we get more established within Birmingham."  - Liam Godwin, Betterclean Services Birmingham 

 It’s a truism that this has been a challenging year for everyone.  By April, the national lockdown had caused a 50% drop in my income, and half of my 40 employees were furloughed.  Now, at end October, all my employees are back at work, we lost 4 clients but have gained 11, and our income is 19% higher than it was pre-lockdown!  Whilst I realise this may not last, it’s given me faith in the robustness of the Betterclean business model, and the industry’s sustainability.  Key to our recovery has been flexibility and a nimble approach to change, as we’ve partnered with clients to adapt to their fluctuating needs.  This, and the continuing provision of excellence of service, has strengthened relationships.  Staff loyalty has been both essential and inspiring, while maintaining low overheads has kept finances strong.  A varied mix of client sectors has also provided a strong defence to the impacts of Covid-19.   There will certainly be toug...

  What was your previous line of work before moving into the Cleaning Industry?   “I have a background in technology and change programmes, most recently in the NHS but previously in banking. I led things like the national NHS website and delivering how we integrate services across hospitals and GP’s." What attracted you to the franchise?  "I was attracted to the franchise because I had previously supported my wife in taking up a franchise in a childcare recruitment and service provision sector in 2017. This made me realise that there was a great opportunity to accelerate the growth of the business by being able to call on expertise from the franchisor and across the franchisee network. This was further emphasised when looking to buy and existing business and one of those I considered was a Betterclean franchise and the vendor was very happy to recommend the franchisor." Was the process of buying your resale smooth?  "Yes, the process of buying the resale ...