16 years of Business Improvement and Transformation
After 16 years of delivering cleaning services across multiple regions and to clients across domestic, commercial and industrial spaces, we have made a biggest leap yet. Business transformation from cleaning service delivery to Professional Recruitment & Consulting for Cleaning Businesses. Here is our story.
I’m the founder of CleanBow, and my journey in the cleaning sector spans nearly 20 years. It all began in the automotive sector, cleaning cars, and after a few months, I transitioned into carpet cleaning. This shift opened my eyes to the world of domestic cleaning, and I gradually started offering services to landlords. I worked with a local estate agent in Peterborough, UK, and over time, expanded into office cleaning, which eventually led me into the commercial sector.
As I built the business over the years, I completed my university degree and then a master’s, all while continuing to run the cleaning business. Between 2013 and 2019, I explored various types of cleaning, including outdoor, industrial, construction, and window cleaning. Construction cleaning, in particular, was one of the most profitable ventures. Eventually, I established a strong focus on office cleaning due to its consistent and scalable nature, allowing me to offer stable, recurring hours to my employees.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we lost 90% of our clients. The business took a significant downturn, and for about four years, I found myself re-evaluating my direction. I realized that I was no longer passionate about cleaning, largely due to the challenges of recruitment and training in the industry. Even though we implemented a training process that improved our staff retention from 35% to over 85%, I knew it was time for a change.
That clarity led me to discover my true passion: the recruitment sector. Now, CleanBow is transforming into a recruitment and consulting service, leveraging my years of experience to help other cleaning businesses improve their operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall employee satisfaction. Cleaners deserve a positive work experience, and happy cleaners lead to happy customers, which naturally helps a business grow.
In essence, clarity and focus are crucial for any entrepreneur. When you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work and attracts clients who believe in your dedication. As we embark on this new chapter, I’m excited to help other cleaning entrepreneurs find their focus and grow their businesses through effective recruitment and consulting services.