UK franchisor VIP Bin Cleaning has continued its international expansion programme by awarding a Master Franchise for the Belgian market to Edwin Van Der Hel. While the company already has international operations established in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California in the USA and Ontario in Canada, its Belgium launch will see the brand open its first office in mainland Europe.

"I decided 12 months ago that I wanted to launch a bin cleaning business into Belgium," said Edwin. "During this time I did an incredible amount of background work including setting up my own company, own website, produced my own business plans and cash flows, and even printed my own stationery! I then came into contact with VIP Bin Cleaning in the UK and after spending time with them I soon realised I had a much better chance of being successful if I joined them instead of trying to do it all myself.

"Since then I have spent a considerable amount of time with the VIP team in the UK and now have such a thorough understanding of the business and market that I have no doubt that I have made the right decision. I did not appreciate the wealth of experience and knowledge of franchising that VIP had which will be so useful to me in establishing and developing the company and brand in Belgium - I have thrown away all my original stationery, marketing materials and websites - my only regret is that I did not appreciate the VIP brand before I tried to do everything myself."

VIP Bin Cleaning Managing Director Mark Harvey (pictured above, R, with Edwin during the signing of the Master Franchise agreement) added: "It was obvious that Edwin had already identified the potential of setting up a bin cleaning business in Belgium which made our decision to award him the Master Franchise much easier. Edwin's business background and knowledge coupled with VIP's experience and strong franchising ethos and systems make the partnership a very powerful one.

"This is our first Master Franchise in a non-English speaking country which will give the company new and different challenges but as far as we are concerned we consider the challenge to be exciting and one that we will happily embrace."

Published: 12 October 2009

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