When Sandra Campbell, from Halkirk in Caithness, was looking for a business she could run from home, she spotted a gap in the market for a cleaning service so she launched Urfreetime – a domestic and business cleaning service.
The company, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in April this year and created five local jobs, initially cleaned domestic and business premises. The firm grew year on year and now provides a range of additional, flexible services carried out professionally by a team of uniformed staff. These services include home help, house clearances, spring cleaning and end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Sandra said: “Although cleaning business premises and homes is still at our core, our range of services has evolved because demand has dictated a need for them and we are always looking to progress the business to meet our clients’ needs. One of the most recent developments is an additional service to our home help offering, where the staff accompany clients on trips to do their shopping, go to appointments and on social visits.”
She credits her business’s success to its customer focus, great staff and help she has had from Business Gateway Highlands.
“Responding to what customers want and having a team who are hardworking, trustworthy, reliable, and who understand the need for confidentiality is key to our success and longevity,” she said.
“I have also attended a range of Business Gateway workshops which were all very informative and, over the years, we have benefited from the organisation’s free help with recruitment, business growth planning and employment grant applications. These have been incredibly helpful and something we will tap into again as the business continues to grow.”
Having had first-hand experience of the juggle many families face – raising a family and keeping a home while working nine to five, Sandra knew that a business which offered an “extra pair of hands” would be a success. Giving people their “free time back” has helped her business thrive over the past 10 years.
She said: “I knew how valuable a cleaning service would be and, as there was no company offering basic cleaning, ironing etc.”
Having tested the water, she got an immediate positive response.
Jennifer Irvine, area business manager, Business Gateway Highland, said: “Sandra’s story really highlights how a good business idea that addresses a gap in the market, a lot of determination, and relevant business support can make a successful venture that stands the test of time.
“We are very pleased to have been able to provide assistance that has helped Sandra to grow and diversify her business, and carefully recruit staff that uphold her business ethos.
“This has been testament to Sandra’s entrepreneurship and key to Urfreetime’s continued success. We look forward to helping her with future developments.”
Sandra is now looking forward to developing her business further, with plans to develop new offerings and continue recruiting in line with the company’s growth.
Contact: www.bgateway.com/highland or 01955 621855.