Local support for your new business

If you’re considering starting your own business, but have concerns around the wider support available outside of the franchise, this blog is for you.

Your local government can provide specialist help in many areas of business including finance, growth, recruitment, technology, tax and more.

By the government supporting you in your new venture with funding, guidance and advice; they are helping you to succeed in your business, contributing positively to the local economy.

Here are some areas where they can help: (do check your specific local government website)

Finance

You may be eligible for a start-up loan of up to £25,000. Click to view the Government’s start up loan scheme here

If you need to raise money for your business, you may wish to find out more about venture capital schemes here

Growth

Through funding and research, Innovate UK helps to support small businesses to grow. You can view their website here

For support in growing your business locally, you can contact your local growth hub here

The business support helpline is also a great resource if you have any queries and they can be reached here

There may be government contracts in your area that you could pick up. You can check to see if there is here

Technology

For support in technology and FREE online courses to improve digital skills click here

Tax

The making tax digital service has been introduced to make tax returns easier. For further information on this you can visit the website here

Recruitment

Government funding may be available if you were to take on an apprentice within your business. You can find out more here

For franchise support, we’re here! If you’d like to learn more about our franchise opportunity, contact us on 0116 275 9005.

Age is nothing but a number

According to the last undertaken British Franchise Association survey in 2018, almost 20% of franchise units are owned by individuals under the age of 30.

This statistic goes to show that that age doesn’t stop entrepreneurs from achieving their dreams. This can be put down to more individuals looking to business ownership rather than employment to achieve their career goals.

It’s refreshing to see younger individuals trusting the franchise model, particularly for their first step in to entrepreneurship.

Here are some reasons why under 30’s have chosen to join our franchise:

  • Support received by franchisor and franchise network
  • Quicker learning experience because it is all set out
  • Less mistakes to be made because it’s a proven model (lower risk)
  • Some of the hard work is removed (brand already established, systems in place)
  • Structure is in place (franchise terms), but the possibilities are endless

Age has no bearing on whether you are awarded a franchise or not. Suitability is assessed on your ability to operate the business effectively. We are looking for motivated, driven individuals who are keen to succeed in business, regardless of their age.

Experience is not necessary to join our franchise so it makes for a great entry level in to business for those with fewer years’ experience in business under their belt.

For an introductory chat, contact our franchise recruitment team today at franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk

Timescales to buy

Buying a franchise isn’t like buying a loaf of bread. It’s not just a decision for there and then, it is one for not only now, but also the future.

It will therefore be no surprise to you that we have had business owners join our franchise in a timescale as short as one month and as long as almost three years. Both of these are okay!

You need total ‘commitment to the cause’ to join a franchise. It’s a lifestyle choice and at times it can be difficult and you may indeed feel like giving up. The truth is, if you follow the model, put the work in to it and take the rough with the smooth, you can build a substantial investment for the future.

For 2020 we surveyed the timescale taken for each new franchise partner to come on board.

The longest period of time was 2 years and 4 months*

The shortest period of time was just 1 month*

The average period of time was 8 months* 

*it’s important to note that timescales do not include the due diligence taken and the onboarding process.

The fact is that there is no right or wrong amount of time to take in making this kind of decision. We’re here with you every step of the way and are guided by your timescales rather than our own.

We do however recommend that you begin the conversation as early as possible to make the most out of the journey.

To start yours today, contact our franchise recruitment team on 0116 275 9005.

2021 – What does it mean for ServiceMaster Clean?

If you are thinking about joining our brand this year, but have concerns over the current situation and the affect that it may have, this blog is for you.

In 2020, the ServiceMaster Clean franchise became stronger as it adapted to the ‘new normal’ and as such, pushed the business model to new heights. All businesses found their feet to open safely when they could, following government guidelines to provide both regular commercial cleaning, as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning in the home or business.

As we enter in to the third national lockdown, working in the home is permitted in most parts of the UK, and providing essential commercial cleaning services is allowed. As such, the ServiceMaster Clean brand enter in to 2021 with strong plans to deliver professional cleaning services, to help towards keeping the UK safe across the board.

At the very beginning of the pandemic, as the franchisor we were able to roll out and franchise owners were able to adapt to new working conditions to ensure the safe delivery of regular commercial cleaning services and carpet & upholstery cleaning services, to not only protect our customers and clients, but our valued employees too.

Cleaning is very much in the public eye at the moment and as such, cleaning services are in growing demand and are valued amongst all business sectors as it helps them to protect their own customers and employees by keeping their premises clean and hygienic. This would be hard for them to maintain if they were to undertake these services themselves. Outsourcing to a professional such as ServiceMaster Clean helps them to rubber stamp their cleaning practises and free up valuable time to spend on other areas of the business.  ServiceMaster use an exclusive cleaning product that is effective against enveloped viruses, (like that of Coronavirus) so our services have been sought by many.

Carpet and upholstery cleaning can be bought online by our residential customers meaning that they can make this purchase, safely in the comfort of their own home ahead of a technician undertaking the clean at a convenient time for the customer, at a social distance in their home, with specialist products.

This year, like any other year, our support as a franchisor continues. Business owners will receive unlimited support in not only all of the necessary business disciplines required to operate a first-rate ServiceMaster Clean business, but also updates and guidance on the current and ongoing situation with regards to the pandemic. A sympathetic ear is also always available from a peer network of existing ServiceMaster Clean business owners.

With the added learnings and experiences from 2020 across a wide franchise network, the momentum is already there to build on 2020 and to make 2021 a better year.

If you would like to find out more about our resilience as a brand and our plans for 2021, speak to a member of our franchise recruitment team today on 0116 275 9005.