ServiceMaster Clean AAA are a three-time finalist in the Customer Centricity World Series 2024

ServiceMaster Clean AAA is a finalist in accredited global awards for customer service, employee experience and business transformation.

Hot on the heels of their double award win at the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards, ServiceMaster Clean AAA have achieved finalist status in the prestigious Customer Centricity World Series.

The awards are run by Arcet Global, a hybrid consultancy that helps organisations adopt global best practices, influencing change through communication services and worldwide partnerships to evolve business practices to enable sustainable success.

The awards recognise the world’s leading customer-centric organisations for transforming customer and employee experience.


Awards Categories

ServiceMaster Clean AAA have been carefully chosen by the awards judges as finalists in three categories:

  1. Customer-Centric Culture
  2. Business Change or Transformation
  3. Employee Experience Strategy

ServiceMaster Clean AAA’s Initiatives

Since launching in 2017, ServiceMaster Clean AAA has constantly innovated its support for its staff and clients, transforming from a single-territory franchise in Guildford to a 14-territory empire covering much of the UK.

Through key initiatives, the business has evolved significantly through a focus on customer experience and supported the personal and professional development of employees, which helped grow to a staff of over 900.

Business owner Siva Kugathas says he is delighted to have his innovation through his commitment to the people in his business and the people it serves recognised by the awards.

“I’m thrilled to be named a finalist in the Customer Centricity World Series for Customer-Centric Culture, Business Change or Transformation and Employee Experience Strategy,” he says.

“My goal has always been to provide my customers with an exceptional cleaning service, going above and beyond to exceed what they expect from our employees. In doing so, I have endeavoured to create an environment where my staff can grow and thrive. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. So, thank you to my team – this is for you!”

The results of the awards will be announced at a black-tie event in Dubai in May 2024.


Want to start a successful cleaning franchise?

If, like Siva, you would like to own a successful contract cleaning business as a part of an award-winning franchise network, contact the ServiceMaster franchise sales team today.

Take the first step towards a cleaner, brighter future by calling 0116 275 9000 today to see if a ServiceMaster Clean business could be your perfect fit.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP: Bettering the environment with Grow My Tree Initiatives

How ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP are working with Impact Hero to support the environment with Grow My Tree initiatives.

In today’s world, climate change is an ever-growing factor in our lives and social and moral consciousness.

This naturally affects the way we, as a society, are doing business.

Particularly as more businesses recognise the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as over 52% of business owners believe that a successful CSR strategy can add value to a business.

However, when it comes to sustainability and green initiatives – according to Forbes – although 90% of companies think sustainability is essential, only 60% have implemented a sustainability strategy.

The team at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP are amongst the minority of business in the UK, including other ServiceMaster Clean businesses, who are affecting positive change with tree planting initiatives.


Grow My Tree Initiatives

This year, the team at LNP teamed up with Impact Hero, a platform that empowers companies like ServiceMaster Clean to embody a Net Positive approach to business.

Together, they are working to plant a tree in honour of every new client that achieves a specific spend as part of the team’s ongoing commitment to fight climate change and as an effective and sustainable way forward.

This naturally combats climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, outputting oxygen, and ensuring healthy soil.

One new tree neutralises approximately 22kg of carbon dioxide, and since August, the team have planted 16 trees, the offsetting outcome of which is approximate to the carbon dioxide output of:

  • Consuming 9,600g of beef
  • Consuming 2544kg of vegetables
  • 16 train journeys between Cologne – Munich
  • 3,68% of one person’s annual CO2 emissions

Denise Ces Agraso, Head of Payroll, Pensions, and HR at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP, says:

“We are delighted to report that since teaming up with Impact Hero, we have planted 16 trees!”

“We believe that taking action against climate change is crucial, and we are proud to offer this unique opportunity to new clients.”

“Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment.”


The value of a cleaner who cares

The work of the LNP team epitomises the ServiceMaster commitment to caring about our customers and environment and going above and beyond the call of duty.

We know that the value of a good service goes beyond just cost, which is why we pride ourselves on building long-lasting and trusted relationships with our clients.

This helps us to know, meet, and exceed their expectations and deliver the service they deserve every time.


Want to operate your own successful business?

If you would like to develop a professional contract cleaning company backed by 60 years of experience as an industry leader, contact the ServiceMaster franchise sales team on 0116 275 9000 to find opportunities near you.

ServiceMaster AAA cleans up at BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards

Double Award Winner Siva Kugathas Wins Prestigious BFA Trailblazer & People’s Choice Award.

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA received the coveted Franchisee Trailblazer Award and the People’s Choice Award during the prestigious BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards.

Siva received the Franchisee Trailblazer Award as a recognition of his work within our brand model and for showing what is truly possible with the collaboration of a franchise business.

But there was one more surprise award on the night, the People’s Choice award, where the attendees voted from the list of winners for who they thought was deserving of this new award for 2023.

Therefore, this award truly placed Siva as the best of the best!

This unexpected award added extra excitement to an already remarkable evening, making it an event to be remembered for outstanding achievements and the collaborative spirit of those who make the industry thrive.


Siva collecting the People’s Choice Award from judges and hosts Pip Wilkins and Gillian Morris

Judge’s Comments

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA, said:

“Our huge congratulations to all the winners tonight. We had some fantastic entries this year and these winners really stood out from the crowd. We would like to thank them for being such great ambassadors of the BFA and for representing the very best in UK franchising.”

Judge, awards host and UK Head of Franchise, Commercial Banking at sponsors HSBC Bank Gillian Morris said:

“The diversity of franchising on display at tonight’s awards ceremony – across so many brands and sectors – demonstrates the strength and reach of the industry. Choosing a winner is never easy and I’d like to join Pip in thanking everyone who entered and sending our warm congratulations to all the winners on these very well-deserved awards.”


Siva’s Accomplishments

Siva is the definition of a trailblazing franchisee.

His performance, growth, and transformation in 6 years have been awe-inspiring.

Turning a business with a £50,000 turnover into an empire of 14 successful territories, he has demonstrated success under the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services model and in an industry with no ceiling.

Upon receiving his award, Siva said:

“I am delighted to win the HSBC BFA British Franchise Trailblazer award. I want to thank BFA for the award, and most importantly my team. I would like to dedicate this award to my management staff and the rest of my team.”

With the right attitude, ambition, and team spirit to move his focused staff behind his goal, he is on track to hit his goal of £10 million turnover by 2027.

We do not doubt that he will achieve this by following his unstoppable trajectory and utilising his close connection to the network, trust in the brand and passion for delivering a quality service.


Want to start a successful cleaning franchise?

If, like Siva, you would like to own a successful contract cleaning business as a part of an award-winning franchise network, contact the ServiceMaster franchise sales team today.

Take the first step towards a cleaner, brighter future by calling 0116 275 9000 and see if a ServiceMaster Clean business could be your perfect fit.

How to write an effective and reliable business plan

The essentials of writing a great business plan.

So, you’re ready to write your business plan.

First of all, congratulations on deciding to go into business!

The business plan is one of the first (and most important) documents to complete when starting a business.

Making it a good one is vital for many reasons.

Whether it is to apply for finance, attract a business partner or give you a clear path to achieving your business dreams, ensure that your plan achieves what you set out for it to do.

What needs to be covered in a business plan?

Executive Summary

The purpose of your Executive Summary is to make your business proposition understood by others.

Think of it as a short paragraph outlining what your business is and what it sets out to achieve.

Business Description

In addition to your summary, the business description should further detail your business’s purpose.

Here are some key questions to consider when writing this section.

  • What are the products/services it will provide?
  • What is its overall structure?
  • How will it achieve the business goals?

Market Analysis

This section is dedicated to the research underpinning your decision to go into business.

It includes market, competitor, and customer research.

It may be helpful to use SWOT analysis here.

People & Processes

Outline the people and processes that will be used to run the business effectively.

Organisational charts and process maps are your friends when constructing this section.

Marketing Plan & Sales Strategy

How will you attract customers/clients?

In this section, describe the activities that will take place to attract customers to enquire and buy from you.

Financials

Reveal the financial goals and expectations of the business in this section.

This proves the financial viability of the business.

Profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheets are good models here.

How a franchise model helps your business plan

With a franchise business like ServiceMaster Clean, you have the support of a world-renowned franchisor and nationwide brand.

As a result, the stress of writing a business plan is massively alleviated as much of the content is pre-established.

Can’t think of a sales pitch? We already have.

With over 60 years of experience in what we do, our proposition (delivering professional commercial and residential cleaning services to residents and commercial properties across the UK) is already set out.

As are our core services, the market, competitor and customer research.

ServiceMaster Clean’s systems for success have been tried, tested and proven to provide excellent results.

Our franchise models give you the support, tools, technology, and expertise in operations, sales, marketing, and recruitment to set up a thriving business.

Commercial Cleaning Opportunity:

The value of the commercial cleaning market in the UK was estimated to be around £5.6 billion in 2022.

So, you can expect an average gross profit percentage of 31%* and an average turnover of £1.1 million!

*These are projected averages based on franchisee turnover YTD 2021-2022, not financial certainties or expectations.

Residential Cleaning Opportunity:

There are approximately 27 million dwellings across the UK.

This multi-million-pound residential market consists of homeowners, tenants and landlords looking for a solution to maintain the appearance of their carpets, floorings and furnishings.

This means that by completing 423* cleans a year at a national job average of £133, you can earn £56,206 p.a.

*Based upon nine jobs per week, 48 weeks a year, five working days a week.

Working with our dedicated team, you’ll have support in your operational, sales and marketing activities to ensure you hit the ground running and are on the path to continued growth and success.

This includes a comprehensive starter pack that contains all the marketing and branding materials you need to make a great first impression.

Including:

  • Marketing and promotional materials
  • Vehicle branding package
  • Fully bespoke and maintained website
  • Pre-launch support from over 40 head office staff
  • Products, equipment, uniforms, stationery
  • Pre-planned Marketing Launch: local PR, Google Ads and a leaflet drop, targeted directly at your key customer base

As part of a franchise business, you’ll still be writing a business plan, but with the content and support behind you.

Don’t know where to start? We do.

There’s so much to get from a world-renowned franchisor.

Everything that we offer is to help you on your way to business success.

Whether that’s providing support with finances or giving you the tools for an excellent business plan.

Contact our head of franchise sales by calling 0116 275 9000 or emailing franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk to find opportunities near you.

How to get the most from your franchisor with ServiceMaster Clean

Getting the most from a franchise.

Being part of a franchise is a choice, so every individual has their reasons for joining.

There are costs to joining a franchise, but the benefits far outweigh these.

Therefore, we recommend getting as much out of your franchise journey as possible.

At ServiceMaster Clean, we offer a plethora of support, so you can make the most of your franchisor relationship.

Support

The support you can receive as a franchisee in all stages of your journey is invaluable.

Initially, you may require hand-holding time whilst you find your feet.

In the middle, you could feel a little lost and need guidance to get back on track to move the needle forward.

Towards the end of your journey, you’ll likely seek to realise your investment and need assistance preparing your business for sale.

We’re here for all parts of your journey in whatever line of support that you need.

Our marketing professionals are on hand to help you sell the sizzle of your services; our operations team to get or keep your business in tip-top shape; and our IT, HR, and admin teams support the whole operation to function.

Training 

All of our new franchisees secure a place in our training academy.

You also benefit from ongoing training opportunities in marketing, sales, operations, and more.

It’s not compulsory, but much of our training is complimentary and designed for you to use.

Starter Pack and Return on Investment

At ServiceMaster Clean, you’ll make an initial investment depending on the opportunity, then we’ll give you the tools to make the most of the market.

Contract Services: £22,000 + VAT

Residential Services: £19,995 + VAT

Commercial Services: £23,000  + VAT

This cost covers your Starter Pack, which includes equipment, supplies, exclusive ServiceMaster Clean products, marketing launch activities and materials.

Your investment gets you:

  • Two-week training Academy and Operations Manual
  • Equipment and products
  • Uniforms
  • Stationary
  • Marketing and promotional materials
  • Vehicle branding package

And the opportunity to make some serious money.

Commercial Cleaning Opportunity:

The value of the commercial cleaning market in the UK was estimated to be around £5.6 billion in 2022.

So, you can expect an average gross profit percentage of 31%* and an average turnover of £1.1 million!

*These are projected averages based on franchisee turnover YTD 2021-2022, not financial certainties or expectations.

Residential Cleaning Opportunity:

There are approximately 27 million dwellings across the UK.

This multi-million-pound residential market consists of homeowners, tenants and landlords looking for a solution to maintain the appearance of their carpets, floorings and furnishings.

This means that by completing 423* cleans a year at a national job average of £133, you can earn £56,206 p.a.

*Based upon 9 jobs per week, 48 weeks a year, 5 working days a week.

Buy small and save big

As a small business, you may encounter poor economies of scale. Not as a franchisee!

We buy big so that you don’t have to.

Furthermore, we encourage our networks to tell us what they’d like to see in the warehouse so that we can buy it in bulk and pass the savings of doing so back to you.

Network Meetings 

You are never alone in a franchise.

Not only do you receive the support that you need from a world-renowned franchisor, but you also receive support from fellow like-minded business owners who have likely ‘been there and done that’.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet with them regularly, and upon onboarding, you will be encouraged to contact your peers to establish relationships immediately.

Ideas Review Council 

We are passionate about ensuring our franchisees have a voice.

As such, we have a panel of franchisees who have been voted a seat by the franchise network to share feedback, issues, guidance, recommendations and praise back to us for action or notation.

Learn More

There’s so much to get from a world-renowned franchisor. Everything that we offer is to help you on your way to business success.

See what we can do for you today by booking an intro call with our head of franchise sales, call 0116 275 9000 or email franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk to find opportunities near you.

Meet Stuart McCaig, the new owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services in Bradford

We sat down with Stuart McCaig, the new owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services in Bradford is now under new management, having been sold by the previous owner, Clive Jones, to former data analyst Stuart McCaig.

We sat down with Stuart to see how he’s been getting on with his new business and discuss his aspirations for the future.

Get to know the owner

Before joining ServiceMaster, Stuart worked as a contractor and a permanent data analyst for Lloyds Bank.

“I did a multitude of tasks, but towards the end, it was data analytics, and for my final project, I was involved with a large-scale legal tendering process,” he says.

This background has informed his approach to decision-making and his direction.

After many years at Lloyds, he says he “wanted to be the master” of his “own path.”

So, he decided to step into something new.

After speaking with Clive and spending time in the business, Stuart’s long due diligence deliberation period gave him the answer: ServiceMaster Clean was the perfect choice.

Long-term goals and model projections

He is now ready to bring his committed, methodical and driven approach to contract cleaning and is focused on his long-term goals.

“I very much went in, eyes open,” he says.

“I knew it was going to be challenging, and I just try not to focus too much on or sweat that stuff too much and focus on the longer term, bigger picture.”

Stuart’s data-driven background and pragmatic approach mean he is confident of long-term success by following the ServiceMaster model.

A model that has seen members in the franchise network achieve great results and puts him on track to do the same, with the ability to reach a turnover of £1,600,000 in 9 years when onboarding just two new customers every month.

“I want to be able, in ten years, assured that the business is at a place I’m happy with, and then I can, I don’t want to say put my feet up a bit, but let the business organically grow, and put somebody in situ who’s going to help that business do that.”

“Then I can be involved with it, but not as heavily as I will be for the next five or ten years. That’s my long-term goal.”

ServiceMaster Support System

Stuart is helped on his journey by a nationwide network of franchisees and an expert support team at ServiceMaster HQ.

Including brand leader Guy Strang and our franchise sales team, who worked hard to bring him into the fold.

“Guy is great. He is always on the end of the phone if I need him.”

Could you be the next Stuart?

Don’t wait. See how we can help you join business owners taking their future into their own hands with ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services.

Call 0116 275 9000 or email franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk to find opportunities near you.

The first steps to buying a franchise

Turn the corner using a proven franchise business model. 

A franchise is the perfect route if you want to be in business for yourself but not by yourself.

They offer the benefit of an established brand, a proven business model and support in the areas where you need it.

There are almost 48,000 franchise businesses in the UK, and many brands to choose from.

But this much choice can be a little daunting. Analysis paralysis is real. It’s so easy to get caught in its safety net.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a few pointers to help set you on your way to breaking free from the 9-5.

Why are you looking at a franchise?

It’s important to know what your ‘why’ is. Why do you want to go into business?

Here are some common whys:

  • “I want to be my own boss.”
  • “I’ve noticed a gap in the market.”
  • “I can do it better than they do it.”
  • “I want a better lifestyle for my family.”
  • “I want to invest my redundancy/inheritance.”

Once you know why, it’s easier to find something suitable.

What are your options?

Your options are likely narrowed down by the available territory, cost, commitment, and credentials required to join.

Taking all of those into account, you’ll still find yourself with a lot of options. Choose the one most suited to your ‘why’.

Then, do your research.

Research  

Simply for ease, online research is the best place to start.

Methods of online franchise research:

  • Take a look at franchise directories
  • Read published franchise articles
  • Check associations like the BFA (British Franchise Association)
  • Visit franchisor websites
  • Follow social media channels for a broad and varied spectrum of opportunities.

For offline research, speak to franchisees and ask for advice from respected sources.

Where possible, utilise the franchise opportunities’ services for insight into the business.

Enquire & Engage

Once you have narrowed your search, enquire with the franchise brands that most suit your ‘why’.

Now is your opportunity to conduct more in-depth research and to form a relationship with the franchisor.

In franchising, relationships are the bread and butter. They make the world go around.

So, make sure it clicks. The business and the brand feel right for you to take advantage of the opportunity.

ServiceMaster Ltd. is committed to aiding your research, ensuring your decision to join us is right for you.

Contact Us

If running your own professional cleaning company, backed by 60 years of experience as an industry leader sounds like the opportunity for you, contact our friendly franchise sales team on 0116 275 9000 or email franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk to find opportunities near you.

Unveiling the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland

Guildford-based entrepreneur Siva Kugathas celebrates the unveiling of his new initiative to offset his carbon emissions, the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we are committed to providing cleaning services that go above and beyond the call of duty.

Though we are an international brand, we work closely within our local communities to provide a positive impact on the people we serve.

With climate change being a huge talking point and concern for many, we know the social responsibility that organisations and businesses have to affect positive change.

Back in April of 2023, we discussed the responsibility of businesses to help work against the looming threat of the climate crisis as we shared the excellent environmental initiatives from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia.

In that post, we shared an interesting statistic from Forbes. Although 90% of companies think sustainability is essential, only 60% have implemented a sustainability strategy.

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA is part of the 10% walking the walk.

Carbon emissions and businesses

According to the United Nations, fossil fuels and their carbon emissions are the main contributors to climate change.

With most of the carbon produced in the UK coming from our businesses, industries, and production habits, everything we, as businesses, do matters.

Especially fuel and product efficiency.

For example, according to the Harvard Business Review, by improving fuel efficiency by roughly 87% between 2005 and 2014, Walmart avoided 15,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and saved nearly $11 million in one year.

Though this is one of the largest companies in the world, this example illustrates the scale that simple fuel efficiency can have on costs and the environment.

The ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland

Siva and the team at AAA strongly believe that, as a business, reducing their carbon footprint to help combat climate change is part of their social responsibility.

As such, they have undertaken several initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Chiefly, the opening of the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland.

But what is this, and why has Siva chosen to do it?

In the cleaning industry, travel by car/van is essential to ensure our cleaning equipment is transported safely to where it needs to be.

As driving is a massive contributor to carbon output, Siva’s targets for carbon offsetting are to offset the carbon his teams put out.

To do this, he has recently purchased a plot of land in Devonshire named ‘The ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland”.

Siva planned to plant trees for each new client his team provides services for to help put more oxygen into the atmosphere and offset carbon emissions.

However, having consulted with a local ecologist and discussed the condition of the biome, he now plans to incorporate complementary trees and plant life into the existing land and turn the area into a conservation site to preserve and nurture the woodland.

So, while he will still be planting new greenery to offset carbon emissions, he will also be working carefully to care for this patch of nature and ensure it becomes a haven for local plants and wildlife.

The Grand Opening

Last week, members from Siva’s team from across his 14 territories and members of ServiceMaster Brands UK’s head office team gathered at the woodland to officially open the land and mark the occasion with a team BBQ.

As he popped the champagne and cut the ribbon alongside ServiceMaster Brands UK Managing Director Alan Lewin, Siva detailed his plans for the land,

“The initial plan was that we were going to plant lots of Conifer trees and offset our Co2 mileage, but there is a slight change in the plan now. We will nurture and bring in the broad-leaf, add more trees and look after this land.”

He then thanked his team for all their hard work and support with his initiatives:

“Thank you all for making it here and supporting opening this land.”

“To the ServiceMaster HQ team, thank you very much for being here, and most importantly, thank you to our staff who work day in and day out to enable us to make this happen and do something good to give back to the community.”

Siva, Alan and Guy Strang, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Brand Leader, then did the honours of planting the first trees, laying down roots for what the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland promises to become.

Want to operate your own successful business?

If, like Siva, you would also like to develop your own professional contract cleaning company, backed by 60 years of experience as an industry leader, contact the ServiceMaster franchise sales team on 0116 275 9000 to find opportunities near you.

ServiceMaster Clean in Newbury pick up multiple awards for business growth

ServiceMaster Clean Newbury had a very successful evening recently at the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit, receiving two awards for growth.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we always strive to go above and beyond in all we do, whether it’s exceeding our client’s expectations, nurturing relationships with our staff and customers or developing a thriving franchise network.

Earlier this month, we celebrated many of our franchise business owners who go above and beyond as part of our annual conference, the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit.

This fantastic day allowed our franchisees from across the UK to come together with staff from our head office and event sponsors from different companies to network, develop, and celebrate their businesses.

Awards for ServiceMaster Clean Newbury

To close the day, a black-tie awards evening saw various franchisees awarded for their recent achievements and contributions to our network and the cleaning industry.

Amongst the winners was ServiceMaster Clean Newbury, who last year won the coveted North Star Invest Award, and this year won multiple awards for growth in the business.

The Awards Won

These included two awards for achieving exceptional business growth milestones. The first was for growth of over £500,000 in one year, and the second was for over £1 million growth over five years.

Since becoming an EOT in 2021 and making the staff the owners, ServiceMaster Newbury has focused on growth by working hard to retain its existing clients and secure new ones whilst continuing to deliver the same high standards their clients expect and deserve.

With the employees owning the majority of shares in the company, they are incredibly motivated to go above and beyond in the services they provide for their customers.

This desire to grow and develop the business has included an emphasis on sales and a particular effort to nurture and develop staff talent in sales-oriented roles.

The business has also started to access new, high-value markets and made a particular effort to listen to customer needs. This strategy’s benefits are now paying off, as demonstrated by these two awards for growth.

Business Services Director Jane Paisley said

“If everyone is committed to delivering the best service, maintaining professional standards, and working together to achieve this, a business can develop and grow.”

“Our continued growth will provide opportunities for investment in our people, equipment, green initiatives and the wider community.”

“Winning these awards is the culmination of everyone’s hard work over the past five years. It Is wonderful to have this hard work recognised by the presentation of these two awards at the CS Summer Summit 2023.”

“We were very proud to win both these awards and share this experience with our fellow franchisees.”

Want to operate your own successful business?

If you would also like to develop your own professional contract cleaning company, backed by 60 years of experience as an industry leader, contact the ServiceMaster franchise sales team on 0116 275 9000 to find opportunities near you.