According to managing director, Mike Parker, it is the high quality of their franchisees that has made Minster Cleaning Services the biggest franchisor in the UK commercial cleaning sector and a leading force in office cleaning: “Our franchisees have shown that resilience, determination and man-management skills together with Minster’s proven business model adds up to a formula that really does stand the test of time. The average annual turnover is now well over £700,000 for each of our 41 branches and turnover for the group has reached £30 million. Our franchisees are building large businesses which are genuinely valuable and saleable assets.

 

“The outstanding achievements made by our franchisees are recognised through a series of awards based on performance criteria including sales, new business acquisition and customer retention; this year, Liverpool and Wirral franchisee, David Charlton, was named Franchisee of the Year at our recent annual conference which was held at The Stratford Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.”

 

Ex-Marks & Spencer finance manager, David, says that it is the dedication and hard work of his team which has been the secret of the branch’s success: “We make sure that our clients have no reason to change. Well-trained, motivated personnel, high standards, flexibility and the ability to provide a range of cleaning services from one reliable and trusted source have helped us to build many long-term client relationships; over 200 clients place their daily commercial cleaning in our hands including Liverpool Football Club, Ronald McDonald House and the new King David Campus.”

 

Runner-up was Staffordshire franchisee, Kevin McLoughlin, who says that he intends to go one better next year; and third place went to North and East Yorkshire franchisees Tony and Richard Holdich. A new Innovation Award was given to Bernadette Hanley and Kevin Jones who run two branches – Birmingham and Black Country.

 

Mike Parker says that attracting franchisees of the right calibre has always been a priority for the group: “Some of our branches employ as many as 200 people so good management is essential. When franchisees join us, full training simplifies their transition from employment to self-employment; thereafter a comprehensive range of support services covers the main day-to-day activities – IT, accounts, marketing and training as well as professional advice on employment law, health and safety and environmental legislation – leaving them free to concentrate on establishing and developing their businesses.”

 

Prospective franchisees can look forward to a safe and secure future with Minster Cleaning Services, a recognisable and well-trusted brand which was established in 1982 and has been a bfa Full Member since 1992. Office cleaning is an essential commercial service based on repeat custom for which there is a demand whatever the economic climate; clients are attracted from a broad range of sectors which helps to protect franchisees during more difficult trading times; and, the unusually large size of Minster territories gives them virtually unlimited growth potential. Key Note estimated the annual UK contract cleaning market at £6.42bn in 2010 and predicts that it will reach £7.13bn by 2015.

 

New franchise opportunities include Cambridge, Durham, Leicester, London, Middlesex, Guildford, Peterborough and Swansea.

 

Initial start up cost is £28,225 + VAT which covers licence, training, computer software and hardware, stationery, machinery, equipment and materials. In addition, between £40,000 and £60,000 working capital will be needed – finance is available from leading banks subject to status. Also, there may be established franchises available for resale from time to time.