Cleaning company advice wanted please : )

[newstart2013]

Hi there

(I have also posted on business start ups but haven't had a reply yet) : )

I am currently on ML and would really like to start a domestic cleaning business with my two sisters, using only environmentally friendly cleaning products which we would bring. (although i would use clients own cleaning products if that was what they wanted).

My sister also had an idea of us using our own steam cleaners, some thing like this: www.thanedirect.co.uk/steam+cleaners for hard floors and kitchen/bathroom what do you think of this?

We would really want to emphasise on providing good customer service as well as excellent cleaning, being friendly as well as professional.

We would also have a CRB check done too.

I have no idea how to start it up, not sure how to register as a company or name or anything!

I Live in London and would want to work in South east and South West London areas although wouldnt mind travelling as all three of us drive and have our own cars.

possibly charge between £8 - £10 per hour or do you think one off charges like £35 for 2 -3 hours for the whole house? what do you think is reasonable for London?

Any advice welcome.

thanks

P.S would i be able to start this whilst i am on maternity leave, whilst receiving SMP?

Hello

No relevant experience (sorry) but some thoughts.

I think the eco element is a good USP, IF the products clean just as well as the less eco ones. Maybe you need to stress this in any marketing/advertising.

I think £8 - £10 an hour in London is about right. However, if you are providing products (most people I know who have a cleaner provide the products for them to use), driving between appointments and paying tax/NI it might be better to push towards £10 an hour? As £10 could end up as a lot less.

I personally like my cleaner to come when I am not there, so to be frank I don't really need to know how she cleans, just that she does. But other people might be more concerned/involved.

I would have thought if you and your sisters want to operate as a company you will need to set up a Company including a formal agreement to your partnership/the money etc.

SMP is paid to those on mat leave. As soon as you start earning elsewhere you aren't (I believe) entitled to SMP as you are no longer on mat leave. You could do all the setting up whilst on mat leave, but not the earning I think.

I'd start by talking to an accountant to understand the formalities.

Good luck.

here is op's other thread
Please post there.
Thanks MNHQ

Thanks for your advice MrsMargo

I thought as much with the SMP, I have a few months left of receiving it then im on my own!

I do see your point about the £10 not going too far after tax and NI would probably have to push for that price.