For nearly 40 years Sidney Friend's father owned and operated a ServiceMaster Clean franchise. When he retired in 1993, Sidney succeeded him and is now benig heralded as the franchise's Franchise Owner of the Year.
'It felt very humbling to win the award and I think one of the reasons that helped us win is that we are constantly prepared to go beyond the call of duty with our business and helping the franchise network,' says Sidney, who operates the Lanarkshire franchise with his wife Jennifer.
'My dad originally bought the franchise after his house flooded and a restoration company came and cleaned it. He saw the need for this service and, having worked with my dad on the business, it seemed a natural step to takeover when he retired.
'Over the years our business has provided us with a good lifestyle. The variety of the work is really enjoyable - every single person we go to has a different problem that we need to resolve. Being part of a franchise network is great as we all pull together to get the job done. Having franchise owners across the country is a real benefit because in the past when I've been presented with a large job I've been able to call on four or five other franchise owners to come and assist.
'Despite the recession we're on target to reach our turnover and optimistic for the future. We aim to continue growing the business so that we can eventually pass it down to our sons who are currently aged 14 and 10.'