“I’ve more freedom than I ever thought possible as a business owner”

Caroline Spiller took over Betterclean Services’ Exeter and Taunton territory in 2016 and is enjoying running her franchise more than ever

After 30 years working in various roles in the service industry, Caroline Spiller found herself wanting to spend more time with her family, but was also keen to get back to her passion of working in a business-to-business environment.

She found the perfect solution with a Betterclean Services commercial cleaning franchise.

Robust

Caroline says: “It’s true to say that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. By April, the national lockdown had caused a 50 per cent drop in my income and half of my 40 employees were furloughed.

“At the end of 2020, all my employees were back at work. We lost four clients but gained 11 and our income was 19 per cent higher than pre-lockdown. This has 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.”

Demand

Caroline knew that with a Betterclean franchise her business would be largely recession-proof, as she recognised cleaning was a service that was always going to be in demand.

Caroline came to Betterclean with no prior experience in the cleaning industry, but a strong skillset in customer service, admin and general management.

“The franchise package provided me with the robust framework and operating systems I needed to hit the ground running in the world of commercial cleaning,” she says.

All new franchise owners undertake thorough and wide-ranging training that ensures they’re well equipped with essential knowledge, facts and comprehension to maximise the opportunities for their businesses.

“The support and mentorship I’ve received from the Betterclean team have been invaluable, in terms of filling gaps in my knowledge, but also giving me the confidence to grow my business to a highly profitable £400,000-plus turnover in four years,” Caroline says.

“Moreover, the franchisees are a great bunch of like-minded individuals, from diverse business backgrounds, but with a common passion for service and business growth.”

Balance

The work-life balance enables Caroline and her husband to spend quality time together and enjoy taking their dog on long walks in the countryside on their doorstep.

“My advice to anyone thinking about joining the Betterclean Services franchise would be to go for it,” Caroline says.

“It’s a very strong business model and it gives you a really excellent framework for running a successful and profitable business.

“A Betterclean Services franchise has given me more freedom than I ever thought possible as a business owner.”

At a glance

Established:

business established in 1995. Franchise launched in 2011

Number of franchised outlets:

19

Location of units:

UK

Investment range:

£24,995-£60,000

Minimum required capital:

£15,000

Contact:

franchise@bettercleanservices.co.uk