If you’re ready to start a cleaning business, you’ve probably started networking and maybe you even have a few clients on your books. While this is an exciting time, it’s important not to forget that there are some legal requirements you need to tick off before you can get started.
While many of these requirements aren’t unique to cleaning businesses, there are some considerations which are a direct result of the type of work you’ll be conducting.
This post contains practical advice for budding cleaning business owners, focusing on the set up process and whether or not any cleaning licenses are needed before operations can start.
What does it take to start your own cleaning business?
Oftentimes, people get the impression that it’s a long or very difficult process to start a cleaning business. The best way to get started is to create a thorough business plan as this will help you focus on key objectives and identify potential issues early on. A business plan for a cleaning operation should include:
- Geographical operating areas
- Core values
- Objectives
- Marketing and sales plans
- Financial forecasting
- How to measure progress
When you’re starting out running a cleaning business, you will most likely be the face of the company and the one completing the work. This means you need to be comfortable selling and promoting your services. Any past experience in sales will therefore go a long way.
Having a friendly and professional attitude is also recommended, as people ultimately need to trust you enough to let you into their home. Finally, establishing yourself as a provider of reliable cleaning services is essential to build a customer base who generate repeat business.
Find more details on our oven cleaning business plan.
Legal requirements when starting a business
When it comes time to set up your UK cleaning business, there are a number of things to consider regarding the process.
Registering the business
First, you must register your cleaning business with the government, with the option to register your new business as either a sole trader, partnership, or limited company. If you’re choosing the former, you’ll also need to register for self assessment tax as you are required to submit your own tax return. It should be noted that you must be eligible to work in the UK before you can register the business.
Full government guidance for setting up a business can be found here.
Choosing your insurance
The next legal consideration for those planning on setting up a cleaning business is to get proper insurance. When cleaning other people’s homes and commercial spaces, the following are essential:
- Public Liability Insurance – This covers your business against third party claims brought forward due to loss or injury. For example, if you accidentally cause damage to interior spaces when providing cleaning services. It should cover the cost of any compensation as well as legal fees.
- Professional indemnity insurance – This protects you in the event that a client or employee claims that your actions, advice, or provision of services have resulted in loss or damage. For instance, professional indemnity insurance will cover you if a customer refuses to pay.
In addition to the two above, Employer’s Liability Insurance will also be necessary if/when you have employees. This cleaning business insurance will protect you from claims made by employees, typically due to injury or illness. Although let’s not forget that you have a duty of care to protect employees by establishing a safe workplace environment.
While insurance is an ongoing cost that might not seem important when you only have a few initial clients and customers, you absolutely need it from day one. The cost of cleaning business insurance pales in comparison to the expenses you’re likely to face if a claim gets made against you.
National minimum Wage requirements
Although this won’t be a consideration for sole traders, if your cleaning business employs other people then you must pay them the NMW rate. The NMW is set by the government and has gone through several changes over the years, so it’s important to check the current national minimum wage rates.
What license do I need to start a cleaning business?
None! You don’t need a specific cleaning license when setting up a cleaning business. However, UK law does require that business owners and employers take steps to control the use of hazardous substances. This is an expansion of the general requirements laid out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
For cleaning businesses, this means adhering to COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and you may be required to prove that you have completed all relevant COSHH training. This is a common requirement for cleaning businesses due to the use of chemicals and the risk of exposure to both workers and members of the public.
While it’s true that most commercial cleaning products are hazardous, this is not the case with Ovenu cleaning products. These use exclusive formulas that allow our range to be eco-friendly and improves safety of use by removing caustic soda. For instance, by using a water-based degreasing liquid on indoor jobs there are no unpleasant or potentially harmful fumes given off.
Do I need a driving license when running a cleaning business?
If you are going to be operating a mobile service then you will need a full UK driving license. Being able to travel as and when you need, as well as having access to a van to transport cleaning products and tools, enables cleaners to be highly flexible during the working week. This is one of the main perks, so another reason to have a driving license before starting the business.
Get off the ground with franchise support
Although a cleaning business is easy to set up, this doesn’t change the fact that you’ll be starting from scratch. By pursuing a franchise opportunity, you can benefit from job-specific training and business management guidance. You also get the franchisor as the clear example of the business model you should try to emulate. After all, they have a proven way of operating that has allowed them to reach their current size.
Many franchisors will offer ongoing support to franchisees in the form of marketing and business management services. You can effectively ‘piggyback’ on the brand reputation of the franchisor to help attract clients, with clear processes in place to provide cleaning services effectively.
The Ovenu franchise package
Our franchise package is designed to provide a strong starting point for anyone looking to build a successful cleaning business focusing on ovens and kitchen appliances. The Ovenu Foundation Franchise start-up package is available for just £12,400 plus VAT. This includes:
- Training that incorporates more than 25 years of cleaning business knowledge
- Signage on your supplied vehicle and specialised cleaning equipment
- Ongoing support and resources
- Marketing and promotional materials nationwide
In addition to our standard franchise package, we offer the Foundation Plus for those who have their sights set on a larger operation. This option is especially attractive if you plan to cover a larger geographical area using multiple vans. The package that works best for you will depend on the goals and strategic approaches laid out in your business plan.
Stephanie Cliff started her cleaning business by becoming an Ovenu franchisee, building her success with a proven system and strong support.
Learn more about our oven cleaning franchise opportunity
We love following Ovenu franchisees from the moment they take their first steps in establishing their own cleaning business, to their first £4K month and beyond. Scroll down to the bottom of our oven cleaning franchise page to hear from some of our veteran franchisees on their journeys.
Starting a cleaning business doesn’t require many legal steps at all. However, what it does require is some level of organisation, an interest in helping local people, and a head for business management.
If you’re interested in how to set up an oven cleaning business or any aspect of our franchise offerings, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Take control of your career by starting your very own business!
