Family Ties: How One Father and His Sons Are Finding Success with Minster Cleaning Franchises
For James Lofthouse, running Minster Cleaning franchises has become a family affair. All three of his sons are now involved in making the Sheffield and Derby businesses a success. This family-owned business has not only brought them closer together but has also demonstrated the potential for long-term success in the commercial cleaning industry.
Two of James’ sons, Charlie and Edward, bought the Sheffield franchise in June of this year, having spent several years taking care of day-to-day operations. They’ve been key to its growth, taking revenues towards £4million. With Sheffield in safe hands, James was able to purchase the Derby franchise in 2022. The brothers’ involvement has been instrumental in the franchise’s success, and their complementary skills have proven to be a formidable combination.
A Recipe for Success
According to James, the key to their success lies in setting clear boundaries between family mode and office mode. This approach has allowed them to maintain a healthy work-life balance and has been instrumental in their ability to work effectively together. James has complete trust in Charlie, who joined straight after school, and Edward, who studied accountancy and came on board full-time in 2021. “I have been able to rely on them completely, allowing us to focus on growing and improving the business,” James explains.
The fundamental strengths of the Minster Cleaning business model have also given them confidence. The recession-resistant nature of commercial cleaning, combined with the large and exclusive territories on offer, has provided a solid foundation for growth. James originally bought the Sheffield franchise before the financial crisis of 2007 and was cushioned from its impact due to the franchise’s diversified customer base and recurring revenue streams.
A Business Model with Certainty
As Edward explains, the Minster Cleaning franchise delivers a reliable and consistent income that provides a good profit. This sets a strong foundation for growth for franchisees keen to expand their customer base. The brothers are targeting turnover of £5 million per year, and with the support of Minster Cleaning’s comprehensive resources, they are well on their way to achieving this goal.
James is looking forward to watching his sons take Sheffield to even greater heights, leaving him to fully focus on the Derby franchise, which currently has a turnover heading towards £2 million. Alongside him is his eldest son, Henry, who recently joined to help run the franchise having sold his own business. “The opportunity to build a thriving business while strengthening our family bonds is an invaluable experience and has given me an immense sense of pride,” says James.
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