An in-depth guide to starting a cleaning business
If you take pride in your work and have a keen eye for detail, starting your own cleaning business could be a fantastic way to make a living. Not only is it a flexible profession, it also has minimal overheads; making it a potentially profitable career path.
The downloadable guide below will guide you through some of the essentials needed to start trading. Learn how to register your business with HMRC, market your company, carry out a DBS check and much more. You will also find some useful tips regarding bookkeeping, sourcing stock and building a company website.
We understand that setting up your own business can be a daunting prospect. That's why we've broken up the guide into manageable chunks, allowing you to tick off each step as you go. For extra guidance, we have also included a few invaluable tips and tricks from people who have succeeded in setting up their own cleaning business - so you can learn from the best!
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The business guide covers:
Business type
Before you start your own cleaning business you will need to choose your business specialism:
- Domestic cleaning
- Commercial cleaning
- Specialised cleaning
Business status
Something you’ll need to decide relatively early on is your legal trading status such as:
- Sole trader
- Limited company
Qualifications & training
Training which may come in handy:
- Apprenticeships
- Online courses
Licences
You do not need a licence to start a cleaning business. However, having some licenses may prove a valuable asset when reassuring potential clients.
Buying stock
Some cleaning clients will provide their own cleaning equipment, but in some environments you will be required to use your own cleaning products.
- Recommended stock
- Specialist wholesalers
Uniform
Having a uniform not only portrays a professional image but can help to protect you when using harsh chemicals.
Marketing
Cleaning companies rely heavily on word-of-mouth, as well as the repeat business they naturally gain over time.
- Print marketing
- Social media marketing
- Cleaning agencies and contractors
Insurance
Taking out the right insurance for your cleaning business is crucial.