Poppies franchisee describes resale success

A Poppies franchisee has revealed how she took on a thriving cleaning business back in 2017.

Nicola Marinan had spent almost two decades working in Durham Constabulary when a friend announced she was selling her Poppies business. As a joke, she said she’d buy it, but soon began to seriously consider the opportunity. After careful consideration and conversations with her husband, Jonathan, Nicola decided to take over Elizabeth Richardson’s cleaning franchise branch.

The new business owner said,

“I have to admit that I wasn’t initially looking for a new challenge but after several discussions about what Poppies involved, I was hooked! I didn’t really know anything about franchising but the more I found out from Elizabeth, the more I liked the idea of having the back-up and support behind you.

“It meant a big change for me, which was scary, but it made sense both financially and personally. I felt sure that with the support of my husband, Jonathan, the business could work well around our family too.”

With the support of Elizabeth, the franchisor, Chris, and the office manager, Margaret, Nicola was able to slot into life at the Poppies franchise unit.

In January 2018, the new owner began restructuring her new business, promoting employees into supervisory roles to allow her time to focus on developing the branch. Chris also made changes across the franchise as a whole, introducing a customised CRM system and a bespoke app for staff and customers.

Now, Nicola has 33 employees and 250 clients, and delivers 1,600 hours of cleaning every month, but plans to grow her business to provide 2,000 monthly cleaning hours.

Nicola added,

“It’s hard work, but so worth it. When we’re not being a taxi service to our four children, [my husband and I] get to spend quality time together, and that’s precious. Despite being busy, we like to meet up with friends and go for walks with the dogs. Weekends are predominantly my time and that’s something new that Poppies has given to me.”