If you are planning to start a commercial cleaning service in the UK, you are on the right track. The commercial cleaning industry is growing, and the demand for professional cleaning services is increasing. According to a report by IBISWorld, the commercial cleaning industry in the UK is worth £6.4 billion and has grown by 2.4% annually over the last five years. In this article, we will guide you through the process of offering commercial cleaning services in the UK, from setting up your business to attracting and retaining clients.
Commercial cleaning services typically include a wide range of cleaning tasks and services aimed at keeping commercial spaces clean, safe, and healthy for employees, clients, and visitors. Some of the specific services that are commonly included in commercial cleaning services are:
- General cleaning: This may include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down surfaces such as desks, tables, and countertops.
- Restroom cleaning: This involves cleaning and disinfecting the toilets, sinks, and other fixtures in the restroom, as well as restocking supplies such as toilet paper, soap, and paper towels.
- Floor cleaning: This may include cleaning carpets, polishing and waxing hard floors, and buffing or scrubbing tile floors.
- Window cleaning: This involves cleaning the interior and exterior of windows, including frames and sills.
- Trash removal: This includes emptying trash cans and recycling bins, and disposing of waste properly.
- Specialized cleaning services: Some commercial cleaning services may offer specialized services such as pressure washing, graffiti removal, or cleaning of high-tech equipment or machinery.
- COVID-19 disinfection: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many commercial cleaning services have added disinfection and sanitization services to their offerings to help keep workplaces safe and healthy.
The specific services included in commercial cleaning services can vary depending on the needs of the client and the size and type of the commercial space being cleaned.
Setting up Your Commercial Cleaning Business
The first step in offering commercial cleaning services in the UK is to set up your business. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Register Your Business: The first thing you need to do is to register your business with Companies House. You can register your business online or by post. You will need to choose a name for your business and provide details about the company’s directors and shareholders.
- Get Insurance: It is essential to get liability insurance for your commercial cleaning business. This type of insurance will cover any damages or injuries that may occur while you are providing your services.
- Purchase Equipment: You will need to purchase cleaning equipment and supplies to start your commercial cleaning business. You can buy or lease equipment, depending on your budget.
- Hire Staff: You will need to hire staff to help you provide your services. You can hire full-time or part-time employees, or you can work with independent contractors.
We cover more information about setting up a cleaning business in this article: How to start a cleaning business in the UK
Attracting and Retaining Clients
Once you have set up your commercial cleaning business, the next step is to attract and retain clients. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:
- Develop a Marketing Plan: You need to develop a marketing plan to promote your commercial cleaning services to local businesses. This can include creating a website, using social media, creating a Google Business Profile, flyer distribution and advertising in local newspapers.
- Offer Competitive Prices: You need to offer competitive prices for your commercial cleaning services to attract clients. Research your competitors’ prices and set your prices accordingly.
- Provide High-Quality Services: Providing high-quality services is essential to retaining clients. Make sure your staff is well-trained and uses high-quality cleaning equipment and supplies. Here we have two articles we wrote that can help: a) How to Train Staff for Your Cleaning Company b) How to Choose Supplies for Your Cleaning Company
- Offer Additional Services: You can offer additional services, such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, and floor maintenance, to increase your revenue and attract more clients.
- Develop Long-Term Relationships: Developing long-term relationships with clients is essential to the success of your commercial cleaning business. Provide excellent customer service, communicate regularly with clients, and offer discounts to loyal clients.
FAQs
- What types of businesses need commercial cleaning services? Answer: All types of businesses, including offices, retail stores, restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities, need commercial cleaning services.
- How much should I charge for my commercial cleaning services? Answer: The price for commercial cleaning services varies depending on the size of the space, the type of services required, and the location. Research your competitors’ prices and set your prices accordingly.
- Do I need any qualifications to offer commercial cleaning services in the UK? Answer: There are no specific qualifications required to offer commercial cleaning services in the UK. However, it is essential to have experience in the cleaning industry and to provide high-quality services.
Contact us if you are thinking of setting up a cleaning business. Our experts can help you do it the right way, offer you a strong looking brand and position you ahead of 70% of your local competition.
