41% growth in 2 years for Dublcheck franchisee

Two years after taking over the established Shropshire franchise for Dublcheck, Len Donnelly is reporting an increased annual turnover of £380,000, representing a 41 per cent increase since he took over the business.

Providing commercial cleaning services across a territory which includes Wolverhampton, Telford and Shrewsbury, Len reveals that much of his success has been through generating word of mouth business. 'The clients have seen a big improvement in the levels of service since I've taken over, which is building my reputation,' he reflects. 'I'm picking up a variety of work, from a small hairdresser's to large factories and office blocks, an recently picked up a big contract servicing a health centre.'

Len came to Dublcheck after a 30 year career in food retail management ended in redundancy, causing him to look at a number of other avenues. 'I could see other retailers restructuring as well and realised that I needed to get into another sector,' he explains. 'I looked at a few franchises and when I came across the Dublcheck franchise up for re-sale I felt it was the most realistic financial proposition.'

Len attributes his success to his commitment to customer service. 'I spend the first week of any new contract working onsite and getting to know the client's requirements,' he reveals. 'All my clients have my personal phone number so they know they can contact me over any issue. I want to keep building the business, but not get so big that I don't have this contact with my clients - I enjoy that element too much!'

With the change in sector Len has seen a change in lifestyle. 'In retail it is all long hours and working weekends,' Len explains. 'Since I became a Dublcheck franchisee the work/home life balance has improved a great deal - I can spend more time with my wife Sue and see more of my three grandsons.'