Keeping it clean

Every home in Britain has at least one bin. And if you don't clean those bins for a while, they quickly begin to smell and harbour bacteria and maggots.

VIP Bin Cleaning uses an onboard water recycling plant to keep contaminated water from ending up in the ground water supply, and in the same way that garbage collection services pick up rubbish each week or fortnight, VIP Bin Cleaning franchisees drive around to subscribing customers on a regular basis to give their bins a thorough cleanse.

It's a straightforward business model for a modest investment. A major plus point is that VIP Bin Cleaning provides franchisees with a year-round business that has no seasonal lows, which will suit potential franchisees looking for a stable and steady income.

Founded 10 years ago, VIP Bin Cleaning has grown to become one of the leading names in this niche sector. Already, it is established in eight countries, and in July 2007, it successfully cracked the US market, selling its first master licence in California.

New recruits get full training in the business, a fixed and exclusive territory and the licence to operate a mobile cleaning unit under the VIP Bin Cleaning brand. In addition, full training in health and safety procedures, canvassing techniques and marketing support is given.

• Min total investment: £26,000
• Website: www.vipbincleaning.co.uk
• Phone: 01953 857830

Hydro-Dynamix

Using a variety of job-specific, truck-mounted tools, Hydro-Dynamix is able to clean any surface - from carpets and hard floors, patios and driveways to vehicles, boats and planes. By combining the abilities of the unit, with an in-depth knowledge of various cleaning applications, and using specific cleaning tools, Hydro-Dynamix has forged a unique position for itself in both the franchising and cleaning sectors.

Since the company was founded in 1999, it has expanded across the UK and is now able to cover most of the country.

Included in the franchise package is the latest truck mount unit, which gives franchisees the ability to clean objects of almost any shape, size and material. Various accessories and special cleaning solutions are also included, along with the operating manual, software and marketing materials.

A bonus is that franchisees don't pay a monthly royalty, but a fixed monthly fee for ongoing head office support. The main focus for head office is to provide work for its franchisees through the national account contracts.

One of the best things about Hydro-Dynamix is the training it gives all new franchisees: a full-time immersion in the business that lasts 16 days. This is followed by a six-month sales/marketing programme that ensures all franchisees get the best out of their territories.

• Min total investment: £40,000
• Website: www.hydro-dynamix.co.uk
• Phone: 01622 664993

Living Clean

Living Clean is a cleaning management operation with health and the environment at the heart of its agenda. Started by Julie Bishop, her aim was to form a cleaning management franchise where the cleaners used products free from petrochemicals, ammonia, chlorine, bleach and corrosive surfactants. With the help of industrial chemists, Julie was able to develop a range of cleaning products consisting only of benign components.

Today Blitz, Budge, Ping, Shine and Zing are all used by franchisees as part of Living Clean's unique business model. Branded with Living Clean's Dolly the Dolphin Logo, the products provide the business with a key selling point, and have helped attract many customers looking for a hazard-free cleaning service.

As a Living Clean franchisee, you will be responsible for building and managing a team of local cleaners in you own fixed territory. Included in your business package are operational equipment, business equipment, stock, vehicle deposit, distinctive vehicle livery, stationery and marketing materials. Training includes a week at Living Clean's head office in Norwich, plus a further week of 'on the job' training.

Soft benefits include being part of a franchise network with genuine business ethics and a better environment as its core values.

• Min total investment: £27,450 (including working capital)
• Website: www.livingclean.co.uk
• Phone: 01603 219966

Ovenu

Rik Hellewell set up his professional oven valeting business in 1994. Thirteen years down the line, the business is a well-established franchise operation.

Ovenu uses caustic-free cleaning products along with design-registered equipment, ensuring customers' ovens receive the best clean without damage to their products or health.

Franchisees run a home-based business that keeps overheads to a minimum, and provides real autonomy, flexibility and repeat business.

Sitting snugly in the sub-£10,000 bracket, Ovenu is an excellent choice for people looking for a proven business model with a modest initial outlay. Ovenu also suits those who want a business with real expansion possibilities, allowing individuals to be owner-operators, or to grow their enterprise by taking on extra staff and managing a team.

Franchisees gain from training at Ovenu's purpose-built centre, a liveried Ovenu vehicle, all necessary equipment and products required for the job, plus comprehensive support from head office.

Candidates need no experience in cleaning or in business. Personal qualities including drive, willingness to succeed, and the ability to drum up a local client base are considered important. Once up and running, franchisees should comfortably be able to net £30,000 a year from a single van operation.

• Min total investment: £8750
• Website: www.ovenu.co.uk
• Phone: 01325 251455

Myhome

As a Myhome franchisee there's no need to worry about getting your hands dirty. Following the franchisor's business format, you'll work in a management capacity, with domestic cleaning chores carried out by the staff you employ.

Using a bespoke, patented template: the Tricolour system: cleaning is streamlined to maximise efficiency and increase profits. The best performing franchisees, who have a number of vans and staff out on the roads each day, turn over six-figure sums each year.

Myhome International, the holding company for a number of franchised brands including Myhome, recently floated on AIM, raising capital to help expand its clutch of operations.

With services dedicated to the cash-rich, time-poor, Myhome has carved a chunk out of a sector estimated to be worth around £2 billion each year.

And it has done this with a specially devised operational system that ensures predictable and profitable results.

All franchisees benefit from solid business backing, training, support from head offices, plus an average 80 per cent repeat business and a high referral rate. All new franchisees get a clearly defined territory identified as having in the region of 25,000 market customers, which should be enough for any new franchisee to be getting on with.

• Min total investment: £24,995
• Website: www.myhomeplc.com
• Phone: 08450 668866

Minster Cleaning Services

Based in Birmingham, Minster was set up in 1982 by Alan Haigh who saw a gap in the market for a professional office cleaning service. He franchised the business in 1992. Over the last 25 years, Minster has grown and moved into other areas of office cleaning, which today includes: window cleaning, carpet upholstery cleaning, blind cleaning, computer cleaning, light cleaning and tube replacement. In addition Minster offers janitorial supplies, washroom services and rentals.

Today, Minster has 39 established offices around the UK with a number of key areas still available, including Aberdeen, Durham, Doncaster, Peterborough, Swansea, Guildford and London.

Candidates must have a proven track record in business management, along with the required amount of capital. Franchisees act as general managers working normal business hours, with area managers responsible for day-to-day operations.

Each franchisee is guaranteed an exclusive territory, and pays a royalty of seven per cent to the franchisor. Today, the combined network turnover is in excess of £30 million, with top franchisees pulling in over £1 million each year.

• Min total investment: £88,000, including £60,000 working capital
• Website: www.minstergroup.co.uk
• Phone: 0121 386 1722

Stainbusters

Using specialised ionisation technology that pulls dirt from carpet pile, upholstery and fabrics, Stainbusters offers a quick, effective solution. The equipment Stainbuster franchisees use also preserves treated material long after a stain has been removed.

Initially an Australian company set up in 1972, Stainbusters came to the UK in 1994, and has grown to become one of the leading names in the carpet and soft furnishings cleaning sector.

Franchisees get a one-week induction, which includes all necessary training to get their business up and running. This is backed up by extensive marketing support that ensures all franchisees get the most out of their territory.

Franchisees are also supported by a business development manager, who is on hand to help and assist throughout the initial stages of setup and beyond.

Importantly, every franchisee gets a completely exclusive territory and also benefits from a variety of support services taken care of by Stainbusters' head office. These include national marketing of the trade name, a national booking office and customer service centre, national advertising, plus freephone, freefax and freepost facilities. In addition, franchisees get to use Stainbusters own exclusive cleaning products, giving them a unique selling point.

• Min total investment: £28,500
• Website: www.stainbusters.co.uk
• Phone: 0800 137772