Since the pandemic, Poppies’ cleaning services, to many, have become the ‘fourth emergency service’, and as such, the franchise is experiencing all-time highs in enquiries. With some branches having a waiting list for customers to start their Poppies service, franchisees have been able to significantly step-up their operations.

One such franchisee to have demonstrated the proof of concept in the Poppies franchise is Emma Ryan, franchisee of Poppies Stockport. In the last 12 months alone, Emma’s business has seen a staggering 64% growth across business operations. Meanwhile, in the six periods leading up to the pandemic compared to the last six periods, Poppies Stockport has increased its turnover by 63%.

“It’s fantastic to be a part of a franchise that’s solely driven by helping franchisees build a successful and in-demand service to our communities,” explained Emma. “My franchise is now serving over 120 clients, which equates to over 1,000 cleaning hours and a turnover of £22,000 every 20 days! My sights are firmly set on further growth and exceeding 1,200 cleaning hours, which my team and I should smash by the new year. I feel the franchise has never been in a stronger position.

“It delights me to have seen the best annual growth across the whole network, especially as I only work part time hours, but none of that could’ve been achieved without the dedication of my team. Not only that, but as franchisees, we can see a real clear direction for the future of the franchise with a brilliant new CRM system – our jobs are only going to be made easier to be even more successful!”.

Since its inception over 40 years ago, Poppies has been setting the standards within the cleaning industry. Through seeking more high-quality cleaners to join the network, innovation and career progression remain top priorities for employees looking to leave their mark on an industry that is primed to continue to boom in 2023 and beyond. This approach has enabled most Poppies outlets to recently see growth of at least 25%, helping give the network an unmatched work-life balance as management franchisees.

Reaping the rewards of a healthy work-life balance as a result of strong financial growth is Nigel Bayliss, franchisee of Poppies Sheffield. Poppies Sheffield has celebrated being the highest performing franchise over the six periods either side of the pandemic, with a staggering 74% growth on revenue. In the last year alone, the franchise has increased its overall pre-covid figures by 160%.

“It’s great to know that the pandemic and subsequent economic issues haven’t hurt us as franchisees,” said Nigel. “We’ve spent so much time learning how we can level up our operations and the efforts don’t stop. This year alone, we’ve seen a 29% increase in cleaning hours and a 30% increase in income. We have six new members of staff and ensured internal promotions have been fundamental to our operations. Our achievements have been very visible and we’ve levelled up our internal structure massively.

“With the help of the franchisor, we’re now able to practice what we preach to ensure we become as successful as possible! Thanks to the success my team has contributed so heavily to, I’ve even been able to take semi-retirement to enjoy my downtime without impacting negatively on the operations of the business.”

Poppies’ national network of 23 franchisees have built their own local business and have created over 500 jobs, delivering high-quality cleaning to over 6,000 homes on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis in line with clients’ individual needs. As franchisees step up their operations and become successful, well-established service providers, many seize opportunity to step away from the ‘hands-on’ approach and benefit from the healthy work-life balance that so many seek in the franchise industry.