Latest Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisee smashes start-up records

“It’s an unbelievable start - more than I could have hoped for,” Keiron Harding says

Keiron Harding, Wilkins Chimney Sweep’s latest franchisee, has got off to a flying start - banking an impressive £6,000 in his first month of trading.

The former school worker took advantage of Wilkins’ ‘No Money Down’ offer launched during the pandemic, which was designed to help those who had been made unemployed, redundant or were seeking a career change. 

As part of the initiative, all Keiron’s set-up costs are covered, minus his van, while the franchise fee can be repaid with interest over four years, with monthly repayments starting in September 2021.

Keiron says “It’s an unbelievable start - more than I could have hoped for.

“Following my training, my family and I began leaflet dropping in areas close to my house and after that it’s just gone mad. I’ve now got 180 customers on my books, who will hopefully all rebook for next year, and some great Trustpilot reviews too.

“The phone and emails just never stop. I’m working six days a week, sweeping up to seven chimneys a day, so yes I’m busy, but it’s great not to have to worry about where the next booking is coming from.”

Asked if he had come across any interesting chimney cleaning scenarios, Keiron explained: “Recently I was booked to sweep a chimney, but failed to get the rods through to the top, so I came back the next day with my camera to discover a thick coating of creosote running up the inside of the chimney, which could have been potentially fatal.

“People still need a lot of education about the dangers of an unswept chimney, but I’m glad I was there to help.”

Like all Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisees, Keiron completed an intensive training course, which consists of one week of office-based training, learning how to use the franchise’s bespoke digital app and general business administration, followed by three weeks of real-time chimney sweeping with current franchisees.

Darren Taylor, managing director of Taylor Made Franchising, which owns Wilkins Chimney Sweep, says: “Keiron has been the most fantastic success story and we couldn’t be more delighted for him.

“Having left his job in a specialist school during lockdown, he decided to make a big career change and run his own franchise instead.

“Obviously, we’ve supported him every step of the way, but he has worked so hard and really put his shoulder to the wheel, demonstrating exactly the kind of work ethic and determination that makes a great franchisee.

“It’s still early days and our head office team at Wilkins are in touch with him almost daily, but we couldn’t be happier for him and look forward to helping him build a hugely successful business over the coming years.

“The No Money Down offer is still available. However, we can’t train any more sweeps until early 2021 as our franchisees are too busy sweeping chimneys themselves - from now until December is their busiest period of the year.”