Swisher, a hygiene service brand, has expanded its franchise into the Sheffield area. Geoff Hunt has purchased the Swisher Sheffield franchise and will provide a cleaning service in his territory.

An experienced businessman Geoff spent 20 years building up a retail business that included grocery, off-licence, household and take-away food operations. Although his turnover had reached £1 million Geoff felt he wanted to progress in a different direction, he says: 'The administration requirements got heavier as the business grew and I was getting further back from the customers, which is where I excel.

'I enjoy meeting people, helping them make choices and selling to them. While I am able to grip regulations quickly, I could see that the ever-increasing burdens to meet hygiene standards, staff management and property requirements would escalate if I kept to the same path. I decided what I needed was a new challenge where all my experience and attributes could be employed.'

Franchising was suggested to Geoff by his bank manage and, as he knew about hygiene regulations and cleaning products, he was soon in discussion with Swisher. Geoff signed a deal that covered the Sheffield and Chesterfield area and is now driving his business with contracts, which include Sheffield City Council and the Salvation Army. Geoff adds: 'I have two technicians and a business development rep about to start as I can see that there is a strong market need for our services in this area.

'We have three vans and another ordered for May when I will need another technician if we hit the business plan sales targets. Health sanitising and hygiene protection is the last thing anyone is going to reduce even in these tight times. I can offer a full HACCP hygiene advisory service from my catering background so anyone with a restaurant or take-away can get the fullest service from Swisher Sheffield.'

Published: 24 March 2009

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