"We offer three earning opportunities within one business model: Grounds Maintenance, Commercial and Domestic Cleaning, and Specialist Environmental Services," Karl Bennett begins. "No other cleaning franchise offers this level of flexibility for franchisees to tailor the make-up of their business to the needs of customers in their territory."

Established in 1991, RGM has honed a business model that taps into three substantial market opportunities and enables franchisees to target both domestic and commercial customers. Once franchisees have a step in the door they can become a one-stop-shop for customers and win repeat business. "From housing associations to parish, district and county councils, from private customers to local and national businesses, we've got all our clients' cleaning needs covered inside and out," Karl clarifies.

Karl points to a growth market for the range of services offered by RGM, which includes grass and hedge cutting; weed control; office, workplace and showroom cleaning; home cleaning; and specialist environmental services such as graffiti removal and spillage control. "The last couple of decades have seen a positive explosion in organisations looking to outsource the supply of certain types of service, allowing them to concentrate on their own core competencies," explains Karl. "Increasingly, we see landlords in particular contracting out services to specialist operators. Our market is enormous and is growing at a considerable pace."

The first pilot franchisee, launched in May 2004, reports a turnover of £745,000. The second, launched in May 2005, turned over £40,000 in year one. The third and fourth franchisees are already working flat out and the fifth franchisee will soon begin his training. "We're looking to recruit 10 more franchisees over the next 12 months," Karl relates. "We're looking for switched on and ambitious individuals. Certainly the franchisee will need to take a hands-on role, but there is also the potential to build a staffed business and take on a management role."

RGM is affiliated to industry associations including the British Institute of Cleaning Science, and franchisees are trained to industry standards in all three of the market sector services. In addition, the training package includes full sales and marketing tuition which gives franchisees the tools they need to source their own business - "and there's plenty out there", Karl assures.

"As people's lifestyles become more hectic, the domestic sector is showing continuous growth and the commercial and council work will always be strong," adds Karl. "This is a genuine opportunity with a growing business that's totally replicable."