Worried about starting a business in the recession?

I caught up with Christine Southgate, co-owner of Jim's Cleaning (King's Lynn) who set-up their business in October 2008 at the height of the recession to find out how their business has fared

Jim's Cleaning (Kings Lynn ) is owned by Christine Southgate and Lyndsay Johnson. The girls carry out commercial and domestic cleaning to customers in and around the King's Lynn and surrounding areas. I caught up with Kings Lynn Franchisee Christine on Friday afternoon in-between her cleaning work and an afternoon of paperwork.

How long have you had your Franchise?

Just over a year now we started in Oct 2008.

How many customers are you servicing every week on average?

About 10, we have weeklies, fortnight lies and monthlies, countless in total.

So, talk me through your start up?

Well, I started with my sister in law but she is now a silent partner. When you start you get all the equipment you need, Hoover, mops and your first set of chemicals, plus all the paperwork, accounting books and training.

We did have to work hard at first leafleting all the houses, but the business slowly built up and a year later we are flat out.

Have you had any problems along the way?

Well nothing major, the Franchise Business Support manager David has been amazing, I cannot fault the support we have had, he’s always there on the end of the phone or an email, nothing is too much trouble and every problem has been sorted. If I have a difficult job he will come and out and help me. They are brilliant.

You started your business in the recession, a very brave move are you glad you did it?

Oh yes definitely, there were moments when we thought ‘What have we done?’ but with the Jim's Cleaning Franchise Business Support – they have helped us through. They are always there on the end of the phone, with help, support and advertising, they couldn't do enough. I am so glad we did it now, I am totally confident we made the right decision. Now we get customer referrals all the time.

What are you plans for the business going forward?

I want to take on more commercial property and expand the domestic side, maybe take on another van and more employees.

Would you recommend a Jim’s Cleaning Franchise to others?

Yes definitely, it’s so fulfilling working for yourself, you choose your own hours, you’re not lining someone else’s pocket only your own.

What advice would you give for anyone thinking about starting their own franchise?

Definitely to go for it, it’s hard work , but if you do the legwork, you get out what you put in, and it’s well worth it. For me the freedom of being your own boss is the best bit.