Confessions of a Cleaning Business Owner

Recruitment after the summer holiday

In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the recruitment process for cleaning businesses. They talk about the best time of year to recruit, where to advertise job openings, and the importance of building relationships with potential resources. They also share their recruitment processes and offer tips for training new hires. The conversation emphasizes the need to recruit the right candidates who align with the business's values and to provide thorough training to ensure success.

Domestic Cleaning Industry Awards

The conversation is about the Domestic Cleaning Industry Awards, which are held annually to recognize and celebrate the achievements of domestic cleaning businesses. The awards aim to give recognition to the industry and promote excellence in various categories. The conversation covers the different award categories, the judging process, and the importance of self-nomination. It also mentions the upcoming in-person awards ceremony and the opportunity for networking and celebration.

Which Vacuum is best??

In this conversation, Louise and Diane discuss the best vacuum cleaners for different cleaning needs. They explore the pros and cons of various types of vacuums, including canisters, uprights, corded, cordless, bagged, and bagless. They also touch on the importance of using the right attachments and the value of investing in higher-quality vacuums for professional cleaning services. The conversation highlights the need for a balance between performance, durability, and cost when choosing a vacuum cleaner.

Self employed or employed team growth??

***there is some slight sound issues in this podcast***
 
In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the differences between employing a team and using self-employed contractors in a cleaning business. They debunk myths and provide insights into the decision-making process. They emphasise the importance of considering the business model and the need for consistency in service. They also address topics such as training, uniform, client requirements, and the risk of contractors stealing clients. The conversation concludes with a discussion on sick pay and the financial considerations of employing a team.

How Andrew Knight quit his job just 6 weeks after starting a cleaning business.

Andrew Knight shares his journey of starting a cleaning business after facing personal challenges. He quit his job as a project manager and within six weeks, he had secured seven customers and hired staff. Now, a year later, his business has grown to include 10 staff members, subcontractors, and an office. Andrew discusses the importance of understanding customer needs and finding the right marketing channels, such as Facebook and neighborhood groups. He also emphasizes the need for clear communication with customers and the implementation of quality assurance programs. Andrew shares his experiences with recruitment challenges and the importance of pricing and customer selection. He plans to focus on expanding his commercial contracts and developing a reliable team to eventually have more flexibility in his business.

Caught on camera

In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss the implications of being recorded on camera while cleaning. They explore the laws surrounding recording in private properties, the use of cameras in public areas, and the potential invasion of privacy for cleaners. They also discuss the challenges of using recorded footage as evidence in disciplinary actions and the idea of using body cams for protection. The conversation raises questions about data protection, waste carrier licenses, and the benefits of networking with other cleaning professionals.

Cleaning Business exit strategy

Summary In this episode, Louise and Diane discuss exit strategies for cleaning business owners. They explore why business owners may want to exit, such as physical strain or a desire to pursue other passions. They discuss the option of selling the business and the importance of systemizing the business to make it attractive to potential buyers. They also touch on other exit strategies, including investing in property, starting a training or coaching business, and franchising. They emphasize the need for careful planning and consideration when choosing an exit strategy.
Keywords exit strategies, selling a business, systemising a business, investing in property, training business, coaching business, franchising

How to cope with the summer instability in your business

Summer brings a whole heap of challenges to cleaning businesses, including staff and customer holidays, childcare issues, and working in the heat. Planning ahead and communicating with both staff and customers is key to managing these challenges. It's important for business owners to take time off as well, even if it's a staycation. The demand for cleaning services remains high during the summer, with end of tenancies and holiday lets being particularly busy. It's also important to relax uniform policies and ensure staff stay hydrated and comfortable while working in the heat.
 
Enter the Domestic Cleaning industry awards here - https://dcbn.org.uk/awards

How much does it cost for a cleaner?

The conversation discusses the controversy surrounding the pricing of cleaning services and the need for fair and sustainable pricing. It highlights the discrepancy between the low prices advertised by some cleaning platforms and the actual costs of running a cleaning business. The hosts emphasize the importance of charging a fair price that covers expenses and allows for a profitable business. They also discuss the role of social media influencers in shaping public perception and the need for influencers to have a better understanding of the cleaning industry. The conversation concludes with a call to change the narrative around cleaning and educate the public about the true costs and challenges of the profession.

Maximizing Profits in Your Cleaning Business

Podcast Summary: Maximizing Profits in Your Cleaning Business
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, hosts Louise and Diane delve into the various expenses that can be claimed back in a cleaning business to help lower tax bills and maximize profits. They provide a detailed guide on what constitutes legitimate expenses and how they can impact your bottom line.
Key Topics Covered
Rent and Home Office: Claiming rent for an office or storage unit is allowed, but not for your personal home unless a room is exclusively used for business purposes.
Travel and Motor Expenses: Business-related travel expenses, motor expenses, and mileage are all claimable.
Telephone and Broadband: These can be partially claimed based on the percentage of usage for business.
Essential Supplies and Services: Costs for cleaning products, equipment, insurance, legal fees, bank charges, and software are all legitimate expenses.
Uniform and Cloth Washing: Expenses for washing uniforms and cloths used in the business can also be claimed.
Solo Cleaners Spreadsheet: A valuable resource available on the DCBN website, listing all the expenses that can be claimed back.
Key Takeaways
Claiming legitimate expenses effectively can significantly lower your tax bills and increase profits.
Detailed knowledge of claimable expenses, from rent to uniform washing, is crucial for financial efficiency.
Utilize the Solo Cleaners spreadsheet for a comprehensive guide to claimable expenses.
Episode Titles
Maximizing Profits: What Expenses Can Be Claimed Back in a Cleaning Business?
Rent, Travel, and Telephone: Understanding Claimable Expenses in a Cleaning Business
Memorable Sound Bites
"What can you claim back as expenses in a cleaning business?"
"The more expenses you claim, the lower your tax bill will be."
"You can claim your own home as an office if you have a dedicated room solely for business."
Conclusion
This episode is a must-listen for cleaning business owners looking to optimize their finances. By understanding and claiming the right expenses, you can ensure your business remains profitable and compliant with tax regulations. Don't forget to check out the Solo Cleaners spreadsheet on the DCBN website for an exhaustive list of claimable expenses.