Well-polished business
Molly Maid is the leading international brand in the £3bn domestic cleaning market. Since it was founded in Canada in 1979 its franchise owners have cleaned hundreds of thousands of homes in the UK, Canada, the U.S., Portugal and Japan. In this year alone its 450 franchise owners will perform in excess of two million home cleans worldwide.
The franchise owners manage their businesses, employing teams of cleaners who operate out of liveried cars in smart Molly Maid uniforms.
Andrew Parsons, manager for franchise development, says that although some sales and management experience is an advantage, franchise owners come from all walks of life.
“The qualities we look for are attributes, such as common sense, the ability to get on with people, and a willingness to work hard. What our franchise owners have in common is the desire to follow our system and succeed in their business.
“We focus purely on providing a professional domestic cleaning service and as we are a household name there is no hard sell involved,” says Parsons.
Pam Bader, the UK chief executive, has led Molly Maid in Britain since bringing the franchise over from Canada in 1984. She is a director of the BFA and the only woman to have been chairman in its 33 years, having held the post in 1996-97.
She comments: “Our commitment to our franchise owners and their future is to help them build a successful business through training, support and marketing on the back of the best known brand in the market. We have been operating in Britain for over 25 years so our training and launch programme has been proven time and time again.
“One of the most important benefits of the franchise is the level of support our franchise owners get from our experienced team. They help and guide them to build and run their business successfully. It's the perfect balance - they are part of a supportive and growing network, but enjoy the freedom to run a business that is all their own.
“We provide expert help with marketing campaigns, and the recruitment, retention and training of staff. We also train franchise owners in every aspect of the business from bookkeeping to customer care, route planning and administration to make sure they have the foundations for success,” says Bader.
What you get for your investment
- The most recognisable brand in domestic cleaning.
- A strong and supportive network.
- Sole rights to an exclusive area.
- A tried and proven business system to enable you to successfully operate from day one.
- Comprehensive training on how to run your business using the Molly Maid business system.
- Tailored staff recruitment and marketing programmes to help build your business and pinpoint potential customers.
- A full start-up package including cleaning equipment, supplies, uniforms, stationery and literature.
- Industry leading software to help you run your business and manage a growing customer base.
- More than 300 Molly Maid cars on the road providing year-round national publicity.
- Advice and on-going support with a dedicated business adviser throughout the life of the franchise.
- Rewards for success, including reducing royalty fees.
“We do everything possible to give franchise owners the reassurance and comfort they need and make sure they are supported every step of the way for the simple reason that their success is our success,” continues Bader.
“Testament to the fact that the system works is that we have 71 franchise owners operating throughout the UK, all building their businesses on our established reputation and our unique way of working and our proven cleaning methods.”
As the UK's leading brand in the professional domestic cleaning sector Molly Maid has won a number of accolades over the years. The most recent has been the award of the BFA/HSBC Franchisee of the Year title to Sandra Redmond, the franchise owner in South-West London for the past 14 years.
Commenting on her success, Redmond says: “Gaining the title in such a challenging and highly competitive market is an enormous accolade. It provides tremendous recognition for all the hard work my staff have put into the business and I thank all those who have supported me. The award has certainly spurred me on to achieve even greater success next year.”
Investment level
- The minimum investment for the franchise is £16,975 plus VAT. This is made up of the following elements.
- Franchise fee, £3,000.
- Exclusive area, £6,000 (minimum 12,000 target customers).
- Marketing and staff recruitment launch, £5,175.
- Equipment and supply package, £2,300.
- Proprietary software, £500.
Franchise owners also need a minimum of £12,000 working capital in their first 12 months.
“Thanks to our proven, tried and tested business system, we offer our franchisee partners a great opportunity to build a successful, profitable business,” stresses Bader. “Individually success depends on the commitment and work that each business owner puts in, but it is possible to achieve five cars on the road within a 12 to 18-month period.
“It is, therefore, possible to generate sales in excess of £100,000, and when the business has been fully established - some are generating sales revenue in excess of £450,000 - net earnings can be as high as 15 to 20 per cent of revenues.
“What is more, running a Molly Maid business also gives franchise owners the flexibility to enjoy a happy lifestyle that provides them with a work/life balance of their choice.”
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