Breaking the Myth: Family Businesses in Commercial Cleaning
When you think of commercial cleaning, you don’t immediately think of a family business. However, the trend that Minster Cleaning is seeing in their franchises dispels this myth. With a history spanning over 40 years, Minster Cleaning has grown into a network of 36 branches, with nearly half of them having family members working together.
A Family Affair: The Story of Minster Cleaning
Minster Cleaning was started in 1982 by current Chairman, Alan Haigh, and his wife Glynis. In 1992, Alan franchised Minster Cleaning, and the network grew from there. Today, Alan’s sons are company directors, making it a true family affair. This family involvement has set the tone for the rest of the franchise, with many other families joining the business over the years.
Families come in many shapes and sizes, and the same is true of the families working together at Minster Cleaning. Some franchisees have brought their children into their businesses, some bought businesses with their spouses, and some work with their parents. This diverse range of family dynamics has created a unique and supportive network of franchisees.
Real-Life Examples of Family Success
James Lofthouse, owner of Minster Cleaning Sheffield, brought his two sons Ed and Charlie into the business when they were 20 and 18 respectively. James says, “Running a successful cleaning franchise with my two sons has been a rewarding experience. Trust is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, and I have been able to rely on them completely. Another great advantage has been the shared commitment to our business goals. Knowing one day they would have the opportunity to take over the business has given them a strong sense of purpose.” In June 2024, Ed and Charlie bought Minster Cleaning Sheffield from James, a first for the network and something that fills James with an immense sense of pride.
Minster Cleaning also has many couples working alongside each other day to day. Neil and Janet Campbell, owners of Minster Cleaning Staffordshire, say, “We have a fairly good work-life balance, but the business does at times dominate the conversations at home. We try hard to ensure that any work challenges do not spill into our personal life.” Paul Dunn and his wife Kirsten, owners of Minster Cleaning Edinburgh, take this a step further, saying, “One thing we are very strict on is not to talk about our relationship at the office or our work at home. That is not negotiable. 8 years later, and I wouldn’t change things for the world”.
A Culture of Trust and Confidence
Mike Parker, Managing Director of Minster Cleaning, says, “We are very fortunate that many of our franchisees take such pride in their business with us that they feel confident in bringing family members into the network. For me, this proves their confidence in our brand and our business model.” This culture of trust and confidence is at the heart of Minster Cleaning’s success, and it’s clear that the family element plays a big role in this.
With a strong foundation of family values and a proven business model, Minster Cleaning is an attractive option for those looking to start their own business. Whether you’re a couple looking to work together or a family looking to build a legacy, Minster Cleaning has the support and expertise to help you succeed. To learn more about the Minster Cleaning franchise opportunity, visit their website Here
