Cleaning company plans to go nationwide

Sep 17 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

TWO years after its launch a cleaning company is aiming to roll out its franchise across the region – with a view to eventually going nationwide.

Launched in North Shields, Mel’s Cleaning now has an outpost in Hexham and employs over 20 people in the North East.

But not content with this rapid growth its founders David Pickering and Paul Hollier have ambitious plans.

“We are looking to spread our wings right across the North East. People are cash rich and time poor and are prepared to pay for domestic cleaning and maid services.

“Many people do not have the time to do the housework,” said Mr Pickering.

Prospective franchisees will pay £9,500 for a Mel’s Cleaning licence and a further 10% to the company.

“In return they will get the full support of our sales team, which will leaflet the patch and do the marketing that is needed to help the franchisee prosper,” added Mr Pickering, a former Bentley car salesman. Mel’s Cleaning has franchise-holders in London and Ipswich and says there are potentially 20-plus patches in the region.

“We are very ambitious and believe we can roll the brand out across the country in due course,” added Mr Pickering.