Cleaning up in the computer world
HAnDS off that keyboard! Pcs can harbour up to 14 times more germs than a lavatory seat.
But rescue is at hand from Susan Davies, who runs a hygiene service for office equipment such as laptops, Pcs, printers, photocopiers and telephones.
Former teacher Susan, 57, who started her business as a franchisee with techclean three years ago, says: ‘I was looking for a new challenge and wanted a business I could run from home, but still interact with others. It helped that the start-up cost was affordable, at £19,500.
‘ My clients include the national library of Wales, EDF Energy, HPc Swansea [which controls the computer functions for universities in South Wales], the Public Services Ombudsman Wales and several call centres.
‘no two days are alike. I work with a variety of people in different environments. It’s very satisfying to go into an office and in just a few hours improve the workplace.’
nigel toplis, managing director of techclean, says: ‘A techclean franchise could be a stand-alone business or an add- on for business services companies.
‘ We look for franchisees who are good communicators with an aptitude for sales and marketing.’
carly Sterne runs a Stagecoach Performing Arts franchise in Birmingham on a parttime basis around her day job teaching English and Drama at a local secondary school.
carly, 43, says: ‘ My love of performing arts led me to start my Stagecoach franchise. now parents are starting to see drama as a transferable skill, not just a hobby.
‘My Stagecoach classes run on Saturdays and I do the business admin on my weekly day off from school.’
‘ Being invested in both endeavours is important to me. I work hard because I know that, down the line, Stagecoach will provide me with a comfortable lifestyle, so I can afford to take a step back and enjoy family life.’
Stagecoach franchisees build up a team of teachers, and the fee is £14,995.