How to Start a Cleaning Business in UK (2024 Guide)

To start a cleaning business in the UK, you need to know about getting the right licenses, researching the market, choosing a business structure, getting insurance, creating a perfect website, understanding your tax responsibilities, and so on. From the blog, you’ll learn about all these facts that you have to maintain to start your cleaning business.

We’ll also discuss hiring and managing staff to ensure your business runs smoothly. Also, we’ll cover important topics like insurance and legal requirements to protect your business and clients.

By following this guide, you’ll be ready to start and grow a successful cleaning business in the UK. Let’s get started.

What are the Benefits of Starting a Cleaning Business in the UK?

The cleaning industry is essential, with consistent demand from both residential and commercial clients. If you want to start a cleaning business in the UK, you need to know the beneficial facts. Because it’ll help you to make decisions. Also, you have to follow some basic steps that we’ll discuss later.

Let’s have a look at the benefits first.

Compared to many other businesses, starting a cleaning business in the UK requires a relatively low initial investment.
Cleaning services can often be scheduled around your availability, providing a flexible work-life balance.
You can start small and expand your cleaning business over time, adding more clients and services as you grow.
Cleaning services are often considered essential, providing more stability during economic downturns.
Opportunities exist in various sectors, including residential, office, industrial, and specialty cleaning, offering a wide range of potential clients.
Cleaning services are typically required on a regular basis, ensuring a steady stream of repeat clients.
The established market in the UK offers numerous franchising opportunities, providing a proven business model and support.
Growing awareness and demand for green cleaning services can set your business apart and attract environmentally conscious clients.
Running a cleaning business allows you to see immediate results from your work and provides a sense of accomplishment from satisfied clients.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in the UK in 9 Steps

1. Market Research and Planning

To start a cleaning business in the UK begins with thorough research and perfect planning. The first step is proper market research. This research helps you to understand the local demand for cleaning services. This means identifying your target market, whether it be residential clients, commercial entities, or specialized sectors like medical or industrial cleaning.

You should know who your competitors are, what services they offer, and their pricing strategies to carve out a niche and position your business.

To create a detailed business plan, you need to have a clear understanding of the market. A business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial projections.

Define the range of services you will offer, and consider incorporating unique selling points such as eco-friendly cleaning options or specialized cleaning techniques to differentiate your business from competitors.

Your business plan should also address your pricing strategy. Determine how you will price your services competitively while ensuring profitability. This helps to calculate your costs, including labor, equipment, supplies, and overheads, and then set prices.

By investing time and effort into thorough research and a well-crafted business plan, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your cleaning business.

2. Choose Your Business Structure

You need to select the right business structure to start a cleaning business in the UK. The structure you choose will impact your legal responsibilities, tax obligations, and the way you manage your business. The most common structures are sole trader, partnership, and limited company, each with its own advantages and considerations.

As a sole trader, you operate the business on your own and have complete control over decision-making. This structure is easy to set up and involves less administrative work. This structure is often suitable for small-scale operations or individuals starting out.

A partnership is similar to a sole trader but involves two or more people sharing the responsibilities and profits of the business. Partnerships require a formal agreement to outline each partner’s roles, responsibilities, and share of profits. This structure can be beneficial if you have a business partner with complementary skills and resources.

A limited company, on the other hand, is a separate legal entity from its owners. This means that the company itself is responsible for any debts, and the personal assets of the owners (shareholders) are protected. Setting up a limited company involves more administrative work.

Choosing the right business structure involves considering the size and scope of your cleaning business, your risk tolerance, and your long-term goals. It’s often beneficial to seek advice from a business advisor or accountant to ensure you make the best choice for your specific situation.

3. Register for Taxes

Registering for taxes is a vital step when starting your cleaning business in the UK. Ensuring compliance with tax regulations is important to avoid legal issues. It helps to maintain the financial health of your business.

The specific tax obligations you have will depend on the structure of your business, whether you are a sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company.

As a sole trader or partnership, you must register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for self-assessment. This process involves submitting an annual tax return that details your income and expenses.

You will be taxed on your business profits, and you may also need to make National Insurance contributions. It’s important to keep accurate records of all your financial transactions to make this process easier.

If you choose to operate as a limited company, the tax obligations become more complex. You will need to register your company with HMRC for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business operations.

Limited companies are required to pay Corporation Tax on their profits, and directors must submit a self-assessment tax return for their personal income.

Proper tax registration and management will help you avoid penalties and ensure your business remains compliant with UK tax laws.

4. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Getting the right licenses and permits is important for starting your cleaning business in the UK. This ensures your business operates legally and builds trust with clients. The requirements can vary based on your location and the services you offer. So it’s important to know what applies to you.

First, check with your local council to see if you need a business license or any specific permits to operate. Some councils require you to register your business locally, which is essential for legal compliance and avoiding fines.

If your business uses hazardous cleaning chemicals, you may need additional permits or certifications under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. This includes training for you and your employees on handling these materials safely.

If you handle waste disposal, you might need a waste carrier’s license from the Environment Agency. This license allows you to transport and dispose of waste legally, showing your commitment to environmental responsibility.

While not always required, obtaining professional certifications from bodies like the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) can boost your credibility and attract clients by demonstrating high standards in your services.

5. Business Banking and Insurance

Setting up a business bank account and obtaining insurance are crucial steps in starting your cleaning business in the UK. These measures help you manage your finances effectively and protect your business from potential risks.

Opening a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate. This separation makes it easier to track your business expenses, manage cash flow, and prepare for taxes.

Most banks in the UK offer business accounts with various features such as online banking, business credit cards, and overdraft facilities.

Research different banks to find the account that best suits your needs. Having a dedicated business account also helps present a professional image to your clients and suppliers.

6. Get Insurance

Insurance is vital to protect your business from unforeseen events and liabilities. Here are some key types of insurance you should consider:

Public Liability Insurance: This covers you if a client or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, due to your business activities. It’s particularly important in the cleaning industry where accidents can happen.

Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you plan to hire staff, this insurance is legally required. It covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of working for you.

Business Insurance: This can cover your equipment, supplies, and other business assets against theft, damage, or loss. It’s essential to ensure that your business can continue to operate smoothly in case of unexpected incidents.

Professional Indemnity Insurance: If you offer specialized cleaning services or advice, this insurance protects you against claims of negligence or mistakes in your work.

Consult with an insurance broker to tailor an insurance package that fits your specific needs.

7. Market Your Business

Marketing your cleaning business effectively is key to attracting clients and building a strong reputation. Let’s explore how you can do it:

Create an Online Presence: Build a professional website that showcases your services, client testimonials, and contact information. Ensure it’s mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines (SEO).
Social Media: Set up profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Post updates, share before-and-after photos, and engage with your audience.
Local Media: Advertise in local newspapers or magazines.
Online Directories: List your business on Google My Business and Yelp to make it easier for local customers to find you.
Offer Promotions and Discounts: You can give special deals to first-time customers. Also provide rewards to existing clients who bring in new customers. Offer discounts for regular cleaning services.
Network and Build Relationships: Join and participate in local business groups and community events and attend events to connect with potential clients and other business owners.
Ask for Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your website, social media, and online directories. Display positive reviews prominently to build trust with potential clients.
Email Marketing: Gather email addresses from clients and prospects. Regularly send updates, special offers, and promotions to keep your business top of mind.

8. Create a Website with a Perfect Online Booking System

Creating a professional website with a seamless online booking plugin is essential for your cleaning business and attracting clients. Here’s how to do it:

Design a Professional Website: Your cleaning business website ensures potential clients can easily find information about your services. Essential pages like Home, About Us, Services, Testimonials, and Contact should be prominently featured to provide visitors with comprehensive details about your business.
Optimize for Search Engines (SEO): Enhance your website’s visibility by strategically incorporating relevant keywords throughout your content. Include meta titles and descriptions on each page to improve search engine rankings. Regularly updating your site with fresh content, such as blog posts on cleaning tips and industry news, not only attracts visitors but also boosts your SEO efforts.
Implement an Online Booking Plugin: Choose a reliable online booking plugin that integrates smoothly with your website platform. Ensure the plugin offers a user-friendly interface, allowing clients to book your cleaning services effortlessly. Look for customizable options such as service types, available time slots, and pricing to cater to different client needs. You can select Cleanly, Bookly, Booknetic, Amelia, etc.

Use a Cleaning Service Business-Focused Theme: You have to use a particular theme for your cleaning business website. It is best if the theme you choose comes with a website demo that gives your website the right look for a cleaning business. You can try the Cleanly theme, which leverages the power of the Cleanly plugin and focuses only on cleaning businesses.

Once you get the theme installed, you can use the pre-designed website demo created for cleaning service provider businesses with a configurable cleaning service booking interface. It’ll save you time and effort to create a cleaning service management website from scratch. Actually, the Cleanly plugin and Cleanly theme make a deadly combination to run your cleaning business online in full swing.

Test the Booking Process: Before launching, conduct usability testing of your online booking process from a client’s perspective. Ensure the process is intuitive with clear steps for selecting services. Address any issues or bugs promptly to provide a seamless experience and prevent client frustration.
Promote Your Online Booking System: Highlight your online booking feature prominently on your website’s homepage and services pages to encourage bookings. Utilize social media platforms to promote the convenience of booking your cleaning services online.

9. Hire and Train Staff

When expanding your cleaning business, hiring and training staff is essential to meet client needs. Start by defining the roles you need to fill and advertise job openings locally.

Look for candidates who show reliability, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic during interviews. It’s important to check references and conduct background checks to ensure they have the right qualifications and a good work history.

Once hired, provide thorough training on cleaning techniques, safety protocols, equipment usage, and customer service standards. Ongoing training helps keep your team up-to-date with industry practices and enhances their skills.

By hiring and training staff effectively, you can build a capable team that delivers excellent cleaning services and contributes to the growth of your business.

Final Words

Hope this blog will help you a lot to start your cleaning business in the UK. You need to have a clear understanding of every necessary step. You need to complete some tasks to make your cleaning business legal and authorized. Good luck with your new cleaning business in the UK. If you need any queries regarding the right theme or plugin for starting your cleaning business in the UK, feel free to let us know.

Mehrin Ferdous Meem

Mehrin is a content writer of ThemeDev who prefers to write about tech products, travelling, health, food, lifestyle, marketing, technology etc. She also works for creating video. She has completed her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Her hobbies include blogging, reading, cooking etc.

How to Start a Cleaning Business in UK (2024 Guide)

What are the Benefits of Starting a Cleaning Business in the UK?