Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned entrepreneur, owning a commercial cleaning franchise lets you tap into a thriving industry that offers repeat business, strong profit margins and essential services in every sector.
From choosing the right franchise to hearing from successful franchisees and exploring expert insights, here’s everything you need to know before investing in a commercial cleaning franchise.
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There’s no doubt as to the importance of the commercial cleaning sector to the UK economy. Let’s have a look at some cleaning statistics:
Commercial cleaning services form a significant portion of the industry. They’re essential for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of commercial spaces like offices, schools, hospitals,and retail outlets.
The demand for these services directly correlates with the health and safety standards required in public spaces. To take advantage of this booming industry, more and more people are investing in commercial cleaning franchises.
A commercial cleaning franchise is a business opportunity where you pay to operate a cleaning business under an established brand's name and system. You'll receive support and training to provide cleaning services to businesses. You essentially buy into a pre-existing business model and brand, rather than starting from scratch.
Commercial cleaning franchises can include services like janitorial, office cleaning and specialised cleaning services such as beer line cleaning, for example.
Jani-King is a leading commercial cleaning franchise business. The company prides itself in supporting new franchisees in setting up and growing their commercial cleaning franchises to reach the size that suits them best.
We interviewed the company’s senior VP (global development), Mike Biggs. Explaining the attraction of commercial cleaning franchise opportunities, Mike explains: “One of the best things about the commercial cleaning market is that it’s always a service need with demand regardless of the economy.
"This is because cleaning is paramount to any business to ensure they're following correct safety and hygiene practices. Following the COVID pandemic in 2020, the demand for cleaning quality and disinfection has grown further. This enhances the value of the business opportunity.
“Almost all commercial properties and businesses have janitorial services in place to keep their premises clean," he goes on. "Not only does it keep them clean, but it reduces absenteeism in the workplace, which in turn positively impacts revenue. With this is mind, the sector is hugely profitable and will remain in demand for ever.
Unlike construction work, for example, a commercial cleaning franchise will typically have several repeat customers whom they clean for on a daily or weekly business, explains Mike. "This provides consistent income that makes it easier to grow and scale your business as you have the resources to do so.
“Regular customers relieve market and financial pressure from running a business. It's one less thing to worry about as it saves you from having to spend time finding new customers.
“Once you’ve set up a comfortable number of clients, you can then focus on providing excellent service so they come back and are more likely to spread positive word of mouth. Reputation is key when it comes to succeeding in business. For this reason, ensuring you deliver the best service possible every single time is essential.”
Mike adds: “I don’t see a lot of cons in this business unless you’re seeking something more “glamorous” or with more out-in-front marketing power behind it like mainstream food franchises or retail brands. But you pay a lot more and often earn a lot less for the trade-off to get that “perceived” prestige.
"Cleaning is certainly not an industry that can rival the “look” and outward appearance of a well-known F&B or retail brand, but as our owner and founder has often said – “There’s money in dirt!”
When researching commercial cleaning franchise opportunities, Mike advises: “Most certainly do your research and check references from current franchisees and customers of the brand. A key factor in commercial cleaning franchise evaluation is the company’s retention percentage of customers and turnover of franchisees. Again, ask the questions!
“Another thing to be very aware of is how certain top franchise rating systems work in various industry publications or other resources viewed as credible sources.
"Many are “pay to play”, where if you buy ads, you get ranked higher. Or, they have qualifications that don’t accurately portray the true success and value of a franchise. Thus, they aren’t truly reflective of which brands are the most successful overall.”
He adds: “You can be taught the business of commercial cleaning. However, it’s very important to be embedded in your local market and know how to build and maintain relationships.
"This is whether you're purchasing a unit franchise or a master franchise. Communication is a huge part of that and the ability to properly and regularly engage with a client or a franchisee (if you're a master franchisor) is a paramount ability required for long-term success.”
Actual costs vary among franchise brands and depend on whether you're purchasing a unit franchise or master franchise. It’s best to discuss those individually with brands.
Make sure to get as much detail as possible on how the finances work between franchisor and franchisee. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Mike’s views are endorsed by Jani-King franchisees Desmond Osei-Akoto and Jason Harrison. Desmond comments: “I was acutely aware of the huge capacity for demand that commercial cleaning franchise opportunities offer. Combining my passion and knowledge of the industry, and my personal ambitions to run my own business, I set about researching commercial cleaning franchises for sale to financially secure my future.
“With no previous experience of running my own business, I was drawn to the proven structure of the commercial cleaning franchise model over the unstable nature of starting my own independent venture. Jani-King immediately felt like the clear choice to provide me with a sound starting block and continued support as my business grew.”
Jason adds: “My advice is do your research. I looked at plenty of franchise businesses. However, I’m so glad I joined the cleaning industry and not a food or coffee franchise.
"Jani-King has been around for 50 years and operates globally so that gave me the confidence to join. The team really makes the difference, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Dublcheck has provided premier cleaning services for offices, showrooms and retail outlets throughout the UK for over 25 years.
The company started cleaning one estate agency in Chester in 1993, and is now recognised as one of the leading commercial cleaning organisations, with over a hundred highly successful branches operating across the UK.
Head of commercial operations, Paul Benjamin, looks ahead to the future of commercial cleaning franchise opportunities, saying, “The future of commercial cleaning franchise opportunities is poised for transformation as technology and innovation take centre stage.
"Evolving cleaning techniques, driven by advancements in equipment and methodologies, promise higher efficiency and effectiveness in maintaining cleanliness.
“Moreover, integrating artificial intelligence and automation is set to revolutionise the industry. Robotic cleaners and data-driven insights will optimise operations, streamline scheduling and enhance customer experiences.
"Embracing eco-friendly practices will align with the growing emphasis on sustainability and attract environmentally conscious clients.
“As commercial cleaning franchise opportunities adapt to these changes, they’re poised to offer a higher level of service, operate with greater precision and cater to an increasingly tech-savvy clientele.
"This evolution ensures that commercial cleaning franchise opportunities remain not only relevant but also at the forefront of meeting the dynamic needs of modern businesses and industries.”
Dublcheck franchisee Andrejs Lavrenova explains: “My wife and I started the business with Dublcheck six years ago and have enjoyed every minute.
"We didn’t have any experience in running a commercial cleaning franchise, but with head office help and support we’ve become a confident and successful commercial cleaning franchisee.
“What we love most is that we can work around our family life and spend more time with our two small children. We can’t imagine being employed. This just gives us so much freedom.”
Meanwhile, franchisee Mandesh Johal adds: “I’ve always wanted to run my own business but was too nervous to take the gamble. Buying a Dublcheck franchise was a perfect fit for me as I can be my own boss, yet still have a support network behind me.”
If you feel like you're ready to take the plunge into the world of commercial cleaning franchises, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities. You can also browse cleaning franchises, pest control franchises and property management franchises.
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