Are Cleaning Businesses Profitable?

Cleaning businesses are in high demand among many sectors from residential to commercial cleaning services as well as industrial cleaning services. In fact, commercial cleaning businesses were one of the few businesses that weren't severely negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, due to the increasing awareness of hygiene and cleanliness, the demand for professional cleaning services grew. This shake-up highlighted the importance of the cleaning industry for every business sector and highlighted it as a piece of the backbone of the global economy.

In this blog, we examine how the cleaning industry fares within the UK financial market and advise you on the best routes available for those wanting to take advantage of this ever-growing, profitable industry,

How the cleaning business fares in the UK market

Currently, the market size, measured by revenue of the General Cleaning industry is £6.5 billion and is predicted to grow by at least 5.7% by the end of 2023. If you have been thinking about becoming a small business owner within the cleaning business, then now is the best time to take your dream seriously.

How to start a cleaning business

Before starting your cleaning business, you must decide which part of the cleaning industry you want to venture into. Currently, there are three cleaning niches available.

Commercial cleaning business

Commercial cleaning involves working in large spaces, including offices and hospitals. Unlike residential cleaning where you primarily work alone, with commercial cleaning you will be working with a team due to the large scale of the work.

Working within the commercial cleaning business brings a lot of variety due to the vast amount of industries you could be working in.

Commercial cleaning businesses tend to come up with more upfront costs due to the more specialised cleaning products and equipment needed. However, they can also be the most sustainable as the business is based upon pre-determined fees and contracts with your clients.

Residential cleaning business

Residential or domestic cleaning services involve attending people's homes and cleaning from room to room. Residential cleaning can sometimes be the most low-cost business idea as you can use the homeowner's cleaning products.

Specialised cleaning business

Specialised cleaning businesses focus on specific areas of expertise, including carpet cleaning, roof cleaning, and hazardous waste spills.

Although a specialised cleaning business can also bring you variety, it is the most complicated to set up due to the extra training, specialised equipment and accreditation for you and your staff.

Once you've decided which cleaning niche you would like to venture into, it's time to decide if you want to go it alone or join a franchise.

Starting a cleaning business alone can be a confusing and scary time, especially if you are unsure about the dynamics of setting up a business, including how to acquire a business license or trade as a limited liability company. Whereas becoming a small business owner with a franchise cleaning company minimises the risks involved in starting a cleaning business from scratch, especially when 9/10 start-ups fail within the first year.

What is a franchise

A franchise is a joint venture between a franchisor and a franchisee. The franchisor who owns the original business is the sole proprietor. The franchisee buys the rights to sell the franchisor's services under the existing business model.

Franchises are a popular way for entrepreneurs to start a cleaning business without the initial business expenses, especially within a competitive field like commercial cleaning businesses.

Most popular franchises in the UK

Below are some of the most popular franchises growing in the UK, did you know some of these were franchises?

• Subway - One of the most popular fast food chains in the world, Subway currently have over 2,500 locations in the UK.
• Costa Coffee - The largest coffee chain in the UK with over 2,000 locations in the UK.
• Jani-King - After being ranked as the 1 cleaning franchise company in the world since 1992, they have over 9,000 franchises around the world.
• McDonalds - Found on nearly every high street, McDonald's has more than 1,300 locations in the UK.
• Anytime Fitness - One of the fastest growing franchises in the UK it currently has over 160 locations in the UK.

As you can see there are many people in the UK enjoying being a successful business owner by joining with a franchise.

Why start a cleaning business franchise

Becoming involved as a franchisee in the cleaning services industry comes with many advantages from already available cleaning supplies to already in place commercial clients. We have added in some other benefits of joining a cleaning company.

Flexibility

With a cleaning business franchise, you can start to enjoy a better work-life balance that works for you. Being your own boss for a cleaning company enables you to decide your hours, meaning you can be available for important family events and other commitments.

Financial benefits and stability

Generally, franchises tend to see higher profits than independent contractors, this tends to be because the franchisor has already built a working and reputable business structure and model. Most figures also tend to show that even franchises which require a high initial investment, franchises see a higher return than when investing in a new cleaning business.

Cost-effective and brand recognition

When you start your cleaning business with a franchise, you won't have to worry about all the startup costs that come with starting a cleaning business, including business registration, business license or even deciding on a business model.

The franchise would have already undergone extensive market research to build an existing client base, organised specialized equipment and a successful cleaning business model ready to hand over to you. You won't need to spend money and resources getting your cleaning company's name and product out to prospective clients.

Therefore you can have all the perks of being a successful business owner without the initial investment and time.

No experience needed

Starting a cleaning business requires no specific qualifications, all you need is determination and the desire to do well. You don't even need to be a good cleaner, you can vet and employ cleaners to work for your new cleaning business franchise.

Are you ready to start your cleaning business franchise?

If you are ready to start your new cleaning business, then do it with a brand that is already known and trusted worldwide.

Jani-king is the world's largest commercial cleaning business franchise, boasting a unique and proven business model. Our franchise business has been running for over 47 years and gives you a comprehensive training programme, ongoing support, a guaranteed client base and everything you need to succeed within the cleaning industry.

Get in touch today to find out which of our successful and profitable cleaning business plans is right for you and start your new career today.