West Yorkshire entrepreneur cleans up with new Poppies franchise

Launched in June, Dan Reid has taken over the reins of Poppies with premises based in the heart of Leeds and an existing team of 21

With over 16 years of experience in the beverage industry, West Yorkshire born and bred Dan Reid has swapped his corporate life for a cleaning franchise covering Leeds and its surrounding areas.

Launched in June, Dan has taken over the reins of Poppies with premises based in the heart of Leeds and an existing team of 21. Carefully selected and referenced, the team will continue to deliver a premium cleaning service to the highest standards with enhanced COVID-safe procedures in place to keep the team and clients safe.

Prior to becoming a new business owner, Dan enjoyed a successful career in the beverage industry, where he worked in sales and operational roles for breweries and wholesalers in both the UK and Dubai. On his return from Dubai, Dan set up a coffee shop with his wife in Pontefract, which gave him a good insight into running his own business. His most recent position was working for a national drinks wholesaler, which resulted in being furloughed on and off throughout the past year.

With time to reflect on his future during furlough, Dan wanted a new challenge and business opportunity in a growing sector where he could add value and apply his extensive knowledge and skill set gained from the drinks industry. When he found existing cleaning franchise business Poppies looking for a new owner, he jumped at the chance to take over a business with a good reputation locally - delivering home and office cleaning and help with laundry and ironing to over 115 clients in and around Leeds.

Dan is determined to make an impact in the area and will be looking to recruit more locals over the coming months, as well as expand his services into Leeds city centre. First and foremost, Dan will be continuing to restore customer confidence following COVID-19 and aims to double his client base within the next year.

Dan said: “I was looking for a new business venture and came across Poppies. With its ethical ethos and standards, coupled with being an established and professional brand, I knew it was right for me and I could tap into the franchise network for advice, guidance and support. I also felt that my skills would be invaluable to the day-to-day management of my new business, from organisational through to managing a workforce, dealing with customers and financials.

“I’m really excited to be the new owner of Poppies and am very fortunate to have such a great team already in place. I would like to say a big thank you to Wendy James for leaving a lasting legacy in her place and I’m looking forward to taking the business to even greater heights. Having run my own business with my wife, I realise the importance of excellent customer care and providing a high-quality service for every customer – my aim is to help people who are struggling to juggle work and home life by delivering a first-class service at the heart of the community.”

Chris Wootton, managing director of Poppies, added: “We’re proud to welcome Dan to our close network and to help support and guide him throughout his exciting journey with us. He brings great team-building experience and management skills and is determined to provide our invaluable services to busy clients who are looking to regain some free time. With Dan’s proven success in the food and drinks sector, he exemplifies the kind of franchise owner that we look for across our industry and shows others the fantastic opportunities that exist in our growing network.”

Based in West Park, Poppies Leeds cover the North West area and centre of the city. It is part of a national network of 22 franchisees building their own local business, creating over 500 jobs and delivering high-quality cleaning to over 6,000 homes on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis in line with clients’ individual needs.