One of the biggest barriers for people considering a cleaning franchise is impostor syndrome. Many think that because they haven’t had formal training in cleaning or business management, they can’t own a business.
Not so. The truth is that you can succeed with the right attitude, coupled with practical training that puts you on the right path.
Top franchises understand that even experienced new franchisees need proper onboarding and support. In this post, we explore what the ideal training package includes, other training options available to budding business owners, and how the Ovenu Franchise compares.
What training do I need when starting a cleaning business?
Many of our most successful franchisees came to us with no background in business or cleaning. Thinking about the realities of how to start a cleaning business with no experience can be daunting, but there are many ways to go about completing the training you need.
The beauty of franchise training is that it focuses on the key skills you need to get started as quickly as possible. Support is then available once you become established in your territory. For instance, there’s not much point in training to hire your first employee until you’re comfortably making enough profit to support a significant expansion. The best training will combine aspects of business management, organisation, and marketing, alongside any required cleaning training.
What the Best Cleaning Franchise Training Courses Should Include
Not all cleaning franchise training is comparable. At each price point, you should analyse what each training package offers. The best courses cover far more than just cleaning techniques and best practices. Here’s what a top-tier programme should offer:
1. Brand Standards & Business Guidelines
As a new franchisee, it’s important to bear in mind that every franchise has an established reputation to protect. Training will cover how franchisees should conduct themselves to uphold the values of the brand and deliver the expected standard of service. This typically includes:
- Brand values and tone of voice
- Uniform guidelines
- Quality standards that must be met consistently
By joining Ovenu, you’re representing one of the UK’s most trusted specialist cleaning brands. We show you exactly how to deliver that level of professionalism from day one, and equip you with specially formulated, eco-friendly cleaning products.
2. Hands-On Cleaning Skills
You don’t need to have a background in the franchise’s type of cleaning, or even general cleaning knowledge, to get started. A good course teaches:
- Step-by-step cleaning processes
- How to clean different surfaces
- Safe use of tools and chemicals
- Time management per job
With Ovenu, you’ll train using our customised dip tank system and branded eco-friendly products to deliver spotless results without damaging client appliances. You’ll also continue to learn technical skills while on the job.
3. Customer Service & Communication Skills
A major part of having your own franchise area is being the face of your local business. This means maintaining customer service that’s both professional and friendly. In many cases, you’ll be interacting with people in their homes, so this is essential to put them at ease and build lasting relationships. You’ll often need to be:
- Helpful and approachable
- Able to explain your process clearly
- Comfortable handling bookings, reviews, and aftercare
4. Business Operations & Day-to-Day Support
This final step includes all the essential skills needed to make the switch from employee to business owner, such as:
- Booking and scheduling
- Quoting and pricing
- Invoicing, tax, and record keeping
- Marketing and local lead generation
You might already have some of these skills, but franchise training should shore up any gaps in your knowledge or experience.
Other training options for new cleaning business owners
Whether you’re looking to get started independently as a new cleaning business owner or develop your cleaning skills, there are various practical and educational courses available.
- The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc)
The BICSc is a leading provider of training for the UK cleaning industry. There’s a huge range of free courses available through their website, along with workshops and more than 40 specific skills training courses. Even if you aren’t a member of the BICS, there are specialist resources available if you operate in the commercial cleaning sector.
- Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning Principles
This certification can be obtained from various institutions and provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to get started in the cleaning industry. It covers the basics of professional cleaning principles and best practices, including health and safety training. You will also learn basic waste handling principles, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training, and cleaning techniques for different surfaces.
- Centre of Excellence – Cleaning Business Diploma
This Level 3 course teaches you everything you need to set up a cleaning business, covering management and cleaning skills. As an accredited Continued Professional Development (CPD) course and one endorsed by the Quality License Scheme, the Cleaning Business Diploma can open lots of doors. You’re free to complete the course in your own time, although it’s estimated to take up to 150 hours.
- British Cleaning Certificate Award (BCCA)
This is a quick and straightforward way to gain a relevant qualification for running your own cleaning business that’s far more accessible than going to university. The BCCA can be completed entirely from home and consists of 22 modules covering working in different environments, using cleaning equipment, relevant insurance policies, and much more.
Finally, you can also browse the UK Cleaning course finder to find training from registered course providers. They’re sponsored by the British Cleaning Council.
What to Expect from Ovenu’s Induction Training
At Ovenu, we’ve refined our training over 25+ years to ensure new franchisees start strong, no matter their background.
Here’s what’s included in our comprehensive franchise training package:
In-Person Training
A hands-on, step-by-step guide to our exact cleaning process, covering:
- Appliance dismantling and reassembly
- Product use and safety
- Setting up and using the Ovenu dip tank system
- Job timing and client communication
Rob Cunningham – “The start-up process was seamless. The training week was an intensive learning experience that equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to hit the ground running. The support from the friendly family-run HQ continued beyond the initial training, creating a sense of community among franchisees”.
Operations Manual
Every franchisee receives a detailed guide that covers:
- Technical procedures
- Health & safety compliance
- Customer service principles
- Day-to-day troubleshooting
This sits side-by-side with your bespoke Ovenu business plan, which draws on knowledge and experience gained since the business was established in 1994.
Support Network
New franchisees get access to:
- Ongoing support from our head office
- A peer network of established franchisees
- Practical advice from experienced strategists within Ovenu
Your learning will then continue to evolve as you grow your business alongside the larger franchise brand. At Ovenu, the success of our franchisees is our success as well. That’s why we invest in quality, bespoke training for every person who comes on board with us.
Chris Gilmore – “The training was very thorough and the ongoing support has been first class. Establishing an online presence was a concern for me initially, there was no need to worry as Ovenu already had a massive online presence and they set up my own personal Ovenu website for my particular area”.
Start Learning Today
You could spend months or years gaining all the knowledge and training to provide exceptional cleaning, alongside savvy business management skills. Or, you get up and running in weeks by completing a franchise training induction that focuses on knowledge that can be applied practically.
When you join a cleaning franchise, your training is complemented by ongoing support provided by experts in a particular cleaning niche, who have been part of a successful brand. Fill out our website form to register your interest, or get in touch if you have any questions.