If you’re looking to start your own cleaning business, or are struggling to expand your cleaning operation, you’ve probably already heard of franchises and the option to become a franchisee.
This has proven to be a very popular option in the UK. According to the British Franchise Journal 2024, the franchise sector contributed £19.1bn to the economy with around 48,000 franchise businesses.
But how does the franchise business model actually work in the UK?
In this piece, we cover everything you need to know about cleaning franchises; specifically, the pros and cons of cleaning franchises, what’s involved in becoming a franchisee, and what to know before getting started.
How does a franchise cleaning business work?
A cleaning business franchise is a well-established company providing cleaning services, that allows individuals to set up their cleaning operation using the business’ brand, marketing, equipment, and processes.
Each cleaning services franchise will have a franchise package, or packages, which they offer to prospective franchisees. This contains details of all the benefits provided by the franchise, which might include:
- Franchise-branded uniforms and equipment
- Cleaning supplies
- Specialist training
- Website and social media promotions
- Business management tools
Of course, each franchise package offer will have a price associated with it depending on the scope of provisions. There will also often be ongoing fees for using the franchise logo and brand. The price could also be weighted depending on the franchise’s reputation within its niche. For example, you would expect to pay more for a franchise package from a brand that has been at the top for decades because you’ll have an easier time marketing your services.
What to know before you start your own cleaning business
Starting your own business of any kind is a major step which requires proper planning and funding. However, it’s important to recognise that a cleaning business is built upon a reliable quality service rather than products or experiences (whilst it could be argued that the latter does play a more significant role). As such, you should take the time to consider whether you have the right skills for the job, namely business management, budgeting, and self-promotion.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if it’s the right time to start a cleaning franchise business. Alongside the initial investment, it’s important to consider if there is a market for your services. It may be worthwhile doing some competitor research to see which other companies are providing similar services in your local area. This is essential if you’re thinking of whether or not to niche down your cleaning business and focus on a very specific type of cleaning service.
These considerations are in addition to the usual preparations for starting a new business, such as registration, naming, and obtaining any necessary licenses. However, you can forgo all of this by joining an established franchise.
Benefits of a cleaning franchise
Even if you already have a functioning cleaning business, you might face a variety of challenges simply due to the fact you’re going it alone. Investing in a cleaning business franchise is an alternative that provides all the benefits of working for yourself, whilst giving you a much-needed support network.
Firstly, becoming a franchisee is the perfect way to help establish yourself quickly in a local area. Where independent cleaning businesses can struggle with this, joining a franchise gives you access to a wide-reaching marketing network and recognisable brand. This is particularly valuable for cleaning businesses operating consistently in a certain geographical area, such as with a window cleaning franchise or oven cleaning franchise.
Working as part of a franchise helps remove a large amount of the uncertainty that comes with starting your own business. By operating as an extension of the franchisor, you get access to an established business model that has proven successful in the market. The key benefits of joining a cleaning franchise can be summed up as:
- Training and support
- Promotes your business
- No experience required
- Brand recognition
- Greater earning potential
- Lower risk than going independent
- Be your own boss without going alone
Potential pitfalls of cleaning franchises
While most franchise opportunities will present a solely positive image, here at Ovenu we believe it’s our responsibility to provide an unbiased perspective to potential franchisees so they can make a fully informed investment decision. Whether you’re thinking about setting up your own franchise, or deciding between a franchise or independent business model, you could experience the following drawbacks with a franchise cleaning business.
- Cash investment and fees – franchises charge an initial amount for new franchisees when they join, with the cost varying between companies and often depending on the package option. There then can be additional fees as well. Although this can be seen as a steep investment, it is designed to be earned back relatively quickly.
- Maintaining brand reputation – many franchise businesses stipulate that their franchisees must operate in ways that are in keeping with their overall image. This means individual franchisees have less freedom, while also facing pressure to uphold high standards. Although the latter is required to attract new customers.
- Intellectual property (IP) rights – while it is a great benefit to use the logo, trademarks, and business methods of franchises, the scope of IP rights will be controlled by the franchise agreement. Franchisees must therefore check they aren’t in breach of this agreement when operating under the franchise name. There could also be changes to the law surrounding IP which could affect the relationship between franchisee and franchisor.
- Franchise policies and procedures – in the UK, there isn’t a single piece of legislation that governs the actions of franchise businesses. Instead, most of the working relationship between a franchisee and their franchisor is detailed in the franchise agreement. As such, you must read this contract carefully before signing and get legal advice if unsure.
How to become a franchisee
Becoming a registered franchisee is extremely straightforward, especially if you’re someone who’s already set up their own cleaning business. In fact, reinventing your business independently can be incredibly challenging and time-consuming as you’ll likely have to rebuild your customer base. Becoming a franchisee is very different to starting over again. The first step is to register your interest with your chosen franchisor.
From there, you will likely be asked to attend an introductory in-person meeting with a senior franchise team member. This is to discuss the various franchise options available to you, and any specific details such as location or individual accommodations. At this stage, the franchisor could ask to review your business plan to get a sense of how you will run your arm of the business and any projections you might have.
The franchise will then go away to consider your application and draw up an initial franchise agreement contract. When you meet again, they should provide a clear overview of how you’ll move forward including the responsibilities, costs, resources, training, and more.
Finally, you’ll have a chance to review the franchise agreement and negotiate any changes or additions. The agreement must work for both parties, so take your time. Once you’re finished, you’ll officially be a franchisee and you can start getting your business off the ground!
Your UK cleaning franchise partner
Franchises play a huge role in local communities, by providing useful services and allowing local people to establish themselves in their area quickly.
The team at Ovenu has proven that oven cleaning is a viable and rewarding route to establishing a successful business. Our franchisees have operated successful businesses in territories across the UK and beyond for decades.
People come to us from all backgrounds and for many different reasons. You can read about some of the Ovenu franchisee success stories on our testimonials page.
If you need more information about our franchise offering and how we work, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
