Guides / Starting out
How to start a cleaning business in the UK
Choose your model, set up legally, work out a profitable rate, then win your first clients locally. Most people start as a sole trader doing domestic work.
- Choose your model: domestic, end-of-tenancy, commercial or specialist. See which to choose.
- Budget: equipment, insurance and a cash buffer. See start-up costs.
- Set up legally: HMRC, COSHH, data, cancellation rights. See legal requirements.
- Price for profit: use the price calculator.
- Win clients: start local. See finding clients.
The full detail, worked examples and templates are in The Clean Start. Or work out your rate with the free price calculator.
The methods on this page are the book's own, not legal rules.
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Get the free legal set-up checklist
Everything a UK cleaning business needs in place before the first paid job, and before the first employee. One page, each item linked to its official source.
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