 Minster Cleaning rewards its top achievers
One of the franchisees of Minster Cleaning Services, the office cleaning management franchise, with a turnover in his Kent territory of more than £1m, Esmond White has won the system’s Franchisee of the Year title. The award is based on performance criteria including sales, new business acquisitions and customer retention.
With network sales running at £30m the average turnover of Minster franchisees is nearly £800,000 making it one of the UK’s most successful franchise systems.
White, who started his franchise in 1996, is convinced that the strength of the Minster brand has been one of the main factors in his continued success, even during challenging trading conditions.
“The Minster name and reputation give our customers confidence, and the disciplines of such an established franchise keep us focused on the needs of our clients,” he says.
“High standards and flexibility have helped us to build long-term client relationships and by offering a comprehensive range of complementary work, such as washroom and sanitary services, we can provide all their cleaning needs from one reliable and trusted source.”
The runner-up for the title, David Charlton, a former finance manager with Marks & Spencer, bought the franchise in 1999 when he found himself facing redundancy.
He says that redundancy turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “It gave me the push that I needed and Minster offered me the opportunity to build a substantial business. Having such large territories gives you virtually unlimited scope for growth.”
His annual turnover at his Liverpool branch is now over £1m.
An increase of more than six per cent, during the past 12 months helped Glasgow North franchisee, Jim Wotherspoon, win an award. He has more than doubled turnover since he took over in September 2004 and his branch now also has annual sales of well over £1m.
Sales growth of 11 per cent, high levels of client retention, new business gains and a very healthy 50 per cent quote-to-contract conversion rate were amongst the factors leading to an award for Mark Combes, the Hertfordshire franchisee. Since buying the branch as a going-concern in 2007, he has been determined not to let the recession get in the way of his plans for growth and is confident that turnover will top the £1m mark in the next three or four years.
Also with sales growth of 11 per cent Sheffield South franchisees, Ceris Headford and James Lofthouse, won an award for their achievements. They chose Minster in 2005 because of its large, exclusive territories and have thrived by offering a high quality, cost-effective service.
Essential service
“This is one of the best types of businesses to be in, especially when the going gets tough,” he says. “Office cleaning is an essential service based on repeat custom which many companies prefer to outsource. With over 200 contracts, we certainly don't have all our eggs in one basket.”
Minster managing director, Mike Parker is proud of the achievements of all his franchisees.
“The award winners have done outstandingly well in a difficult year and every one of our franchisees has weathered the storm and is well placed to take full advantage of the growth predicted for the next few years,” he says. “They have shown that resilience and man-management skills, together our proven business model add up to a winning formula that will stand the test of time.”
With the UK market for office cleaning valued at £7 billion, there is plenty of scope for Minster franchisees and future newcomers who join the network.
There are currently franchise opportunities available in Aberdeen, Doncaster, Durham, Guildford, Leicester, London, Middlesex, Peterborough and Swansea. The initial start-up cost is £28,000 plus VAT, which covers the franchise licence, training, computer software and hardware, stationery, machinery, equipment and materials. In addition applicants will need working capital of £40,000 - £60,000.
Also a number of franchisees across the country are planning their retirement and offering their franchises for sale.The awards were presented at the annual conference at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club at Meriden, Coventry.
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