Many of us are trying to do our bit for the environment, and that includes making greener choices with our cleaning products.

So I’ve been looking into eco friendly laundry options, and testing out some of the popular choices on the market. Are they really as green as they claim to be, and do they actually get our laundry clean?

Dr Beckmann Magic Leaves

These lightweight laundry sheets use 80% less plastic, and as they are compact and concentrated, they use less packaging and less space. This means less environmental impact from transportation – indeed, the product claims to be carbon-neutral.

Magic Leaves are also effective at lower temperatures so you will use less energy for your load of laundry. And at around £4 for 25 sheets, they are good value for money with each full wash costing 16 pence.

However, eco friendly laundry is not just about the packaging. When I took a closer look at the label, I saw that it includes warnings about ingredients “harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects”. This didn’t feel quite as planet-friendly as I had hoped.

The Eco Egg

This eco friendly laundry option is an innovative solution which I was keen to test out. The reusable plastic egg is filled with two types of pellet to get your laundry clean. The white washing pellets break up and remove stains. And the black tourmaline pellets break up the water’s surface tension, to help it to penetrate fibres more effectively.

The pellets last for around 50 loads of laundry, depending on the temperature of your wash. Then it’s easy to refill your egg with new pellets, ready for more laundry.

As well as reducing plastic waste, the Eco Egg scores well on eco friendly laundry ingredients. There are no chlorine bleaches, phosphates, parabens or palm oil – better for the environment, and for your skin. The Eco Egg is allergy approved, and is even kinder to your washing machine as it leaves less pipe-blocking residue than traditional detergent.

I tested the Eco Egg at 40 degrees and my laundry was clean, stain free and smelled fresh. It’s also great value at around £7.00 for a starter kit which includes the Eco Egg and pellets for 50 washes. This works out at £0.14 per wash.

Ocean Saver Laundry Sheets

These laundry sheets are completely plastic free. Even better, their “ocean friendly formula” does not contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. For every purchase, Ocean Saver donates to the Blue Marine Foundation which helps to restore ocean habitats.

But, do they work? When I tested these eco friendly laundry sheets I found they cleaned my laundry very effectively. They have a very soapy scent which I found a little over-powering, but my washing was fresh and any stains lifted.

At around £6 for 30 full loads of washing, (20 pence per load) Ocean Saver Sheets are a little more expensive, but still a great eco friendly laundry choice in my opinion.

DIY Eco Friendly Laundry Options

As well as off-the-shelf solutions like these, you might want to think about making your own laundry detergent. That way, you will know exactly what ingredients it contains. And you can even choose your own scent by adding essential oils.

Katie Chappell shares a simple recipe for a homemade laundry powder in her blog, using soap, bicarbonate of soda, chlorine free oxygenated bleach, soda crystals and natural Borax substitute, with essential oils to add fragrance.

Another even more natural option is this laundry liquid made from conkers (also known as horse chestnuts). I can’t claim to have tested this one myself but I am definitely intrigued. And of course, this solution is practically free.

Maybe I’ll be collecting conkers in the autumn to give it a go. Would you try it? I would love to know!

Hiring a cleaner for your home is a great way to free up valuable time.

But how can you be sure your cleaner is working here legally? 

People coming to the UK who may have low levels of English or few recognised qualifications often find themselves working in the cleaning sector. While working as a cleaner can be a good source of regular employment, sadly illegal working and exploitation is common.

So if you are hiring a cleaner, it’s vital that you carry out basic checks for your own peace of mind.

The documents

Ask to see your cleaner’s passport. This is a good first step to make sure your cleaner is working here legally. Whatever nationality you believe they have, ask for their passport. That way you avoid getting caught out by incorrect assumptions.

If they have a British or Irish passport, they have the right to work in the UK. If their passport was issued in another country, it should have a stamp from the UK Home Office showing their right to work. Find more information about using passports and immigration documents to check your cleaner is working here legally here.

Your cleaner may be able to provide you with a ‘share code’ to prove their right to work. You can find more information about this here. 

Hiring a cleaner through an agency

If you use an agency to arrange your cleaning, they should carry out the appropriate checks. This includes ensuring cleaners on their books have the right to work in the UK. However, it is always a good idea to ask how the agency vet their cleaners, so you can be sure your cleaner is working here legally. 

When you are looking for a cleaning agency, ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Is the agency transparent about the fees they charge, and how much of this they pay to their cleaners? Do their cleaners receive the Real Living Wage? What about sick pay and holiday pay? These are all good indicators that a cleaning agency is reputable, and that they will have ensured that your cleaner is working here legally. 

Exploitation: Spotting the signs

Slavery is not confined to the history books. In fact, modern slavery and exploitation is all around us in our towns and cities. So when you are checking that your cleaner is working here legally, look out for signs of exploitation. People who do not have a legal right to work in the UK are at particular risk of exploitation. They may be in fear of deportation, and this can also make them reluctant to report their situation. 

Here are some common signs which should alert you that something isn’t right. 

• Someone else has possession of their passport
• Someone asks you to pay your cleaner’s earnings into a bank account under a different name
• Someone drops off your cleaner and picks them up from their workplace 
• Your cleaner is accompanied by someone else when they meet you, and are reluctant to speak for themselves. 
• They wear clothes that aren’t suitable for the work they are doing. 
• They are living in overcrowded accommodation and are unable to move. 
• They seem frightened, or confused.

If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery or exploitation, you can report it to Unseen. Unseen is a charity which supports victims and campaigns to end modern slavery. Find out more about how to contact Unseen here.

Peace of mind that your cleaner is working here legally

Employing a cleaner who does not have a legal right to work here can have serious consequences. It could result in you being prosecuted, fined or even jailed. So if you are unsure, it’s important to get expert advice. By carrying out some simple checks, and asking some key questions, you can protect yourself, and also help end modern slavery and exploitation in our communities.

So you’ve found a cleaner – now how do you bring them on board so that you get the clean you want for your home? Here are my top tips.

Time onboarding your cleaner is time well spent.

Your cleaner is going to be part of your essential team, and so it’s really important that you set expectations and agree a way of working, right from the start. That way, you will avoid problems and misunderstandings later.

Be comfortable about expressing what you need when you are onboarding your cleaner. After all, this is your home, and your clean. 

The grand tour

The best way to introduce your cleaner to your home is to walk them through it. It’s a great opportunity to point out any areas that you would like them to focus on, or areas you want them to avoid. If your teen’s bedroom is off-limits, let them know. If you work from home and your desk is in a state of “organised chaos” and best avoided, explain that too.  This is also a good moment to explain about any delicate surfaces.

Have you agreed how long your cleaner will spend on each visit? A walk through your home gives you an opportunity to discuss how long a full clean might take. 

Your Dream Clean

What are your “must haves” for a great clean? Imagine walking into your newly cleaned home – what do you want to see? That might be sparkling clean bathrooms, or a spotless kitchen. You might prioritise mopping hard floors, or changing bed linen. Make sure you set these priorities with your cleaner. That way, if there isn’t time available to do every cleaning task in your home, your cleaner can ensure these essentials are done. 

It’s a great idea to to create a checklist of tasks and discuss this when you are onboarding your cleaner. Set realistic expectations about which tasks can be completed during each visit. For example, cleaning windows might be a once-a-month task, whilst vacuuming might be a task for every visit. If your dream clean includes vacuuming under all the beds, make sure you show that on the checklist.

Key ingredients

Will you be providing a cleaning kit for your cleaner, or will they be bringing cleaning products with them? You might have particular requirements, or products you want to avoid in your home, so share this when you are onboarding your cleaner. If you have pets, you will want to make sure any products are pet friendly in areas they use. Is there is a fragrance you really don’t like? Tell your cleaner so they can avoid using products with this fragrance in your home. 

If you prefer to provide a cleaning kit, consider the health and safety of your cleaner. Some harsh cleaning products can be harmful so think about eco-friendly, gentler choices. These products are better for your cleaner and for your family. 

Don’t forget to show your cleaner where you keep essential supplies such as toilet rolls, bin liners and the vacuum cleaner. 

Sensitive surfaces

You are the expert on your home, so if there are things your cleaner needs to know to give you a great clean, then share this with them. Using the wrong cleaning product on a sensitive surface can cause damage, so it’s very important that you share this information with your cleaner. How should your wooden kitchen worktops be cleaned? If kitchen cleaner is too harsh, suggest white vinegar as an alternative. Are your bathroom floor tiles made from natural stone? Make sure you explain how to clean it safely, when you are onboarding your cleaner. 

Safety first

What else will your cleaner need to work in your home? If they will be cleaning the tops of cupboards, or removing cobwebs from high ceilings, provide a safe stepladder for them to use. Check that any extension cables are safe too, with no bare wires or visible damage. Don ’t forget to include rubber gloves in your cleaning kit to protect your cleaner’s hands while they work. 

Access granted

If you won’t be at home when your cleaner visits, you will need to discuss access arrangements. If you have a key safe, show your cleaner how to use it and give them the code. Of course, if you have a security alarm, your cleaner will need to know how to turn it off, and how to reset it when they leave. 

Will your cleaner be travelling by car? Make sure you share any parking restrictions so they don’t land a parking ticket, or annoy your neighbours by blocking driveways. 

The basics 

Of course, it’s essential that you agree a rate of pay as part of onboarding your cleaner. Even if you feel awkward talking about money, this conversation is one you really can’t avoid. Do your research on typical rates of pay for cleaning in your area, in advance. The Real Living Wage is a great guide to how much you should pay per hour. And remember, if you pay your cleaner fairly, they are more likely to stick with you for longer. Consider paying sick pay and holiday pay too. Agree how you will pay for your clean (monthly or weekly, cash or direct into their bank) and stick to it.

A perfect team

When you are onboarding your cleaner, make sure you ask for their feedback. Your cleaner is a professional and may have some great suggestions that will help them work more efficiently, and provide you with an even better clean. 

By getting your onboarding meeting right, you can set the foundations for a great working relationship with your cleaner, so you can look forward to the clean you deserve at every visit. 

Life as a mum is all about the juggle. And there’s often a good dose of guilt thrown in there too.

But why do we feel guilty about getting help with cleaning at home?

The parent juggle

Whatever age your kids are, the cycle of family, work and the household chores can feel never-ending. We’ve all got to Sunday night and realised there’s nothing to put in the packed lunches. Or the PE kit is still in the bottom of the laundry basket (complete with mud), and there are no clean shirts in the wardrobe.

After a full day of work, school run, negotiating with tantruming toddlers or grumpy teens, and trying to cook up a balanced meal that everyone will eat, no-one wants to start on the cleaning. Throw in an unexpected visit from the in-laws or the neighbour with the pristine home, and you’ve got a recipe for a big portion of guilt (not to mention exhaustion).

Domestic Goddess?

With social media feeding us images of the domestic goddess, making beautiful memories with her beautiful children, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle it all. But the truth is, many parents are struggling under this daily juggle. So don’t you deserve to get some help with the cleaning?

Daily delegating

We might feel we should be able to do all of these tasks ourselves. But actually we delegate all the time. When is the last time you did your own oil change? And many of us are still having nightmares about trying to teach our children. That’s a task that’s definitely best left to the professionals. Hiring a cleaner is just another form of delegating.

Getting help with cleaning

And getting help with cleaning can transform your life.

• Reduced stress: Imagine coming home to a clean and tidy space. No more last-minute cleaning sprees before guests arrive, or feeling overwhelmed by piles of laundry.
• More quality time: Instead of spending precious hours scrubbing floors, you can spend more quality time with your family. Settle down to watch a movie. Go for a walk in the park, or just sit and chat – without feeling guilty about the cleaning.
• Increased productivity: A clean and organised home will actually save you time. It’s easier to focus, and you will waste less time looking for things lost in the chaos. You might even feel more productive at work, knowing you can come home to peace.
• Teaching valuable lessons: By getting help with cleaning, you can teach your children valuable life lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and appreciating the work of others. And you can still give the kids a few chores of their own, – safe in the knowledge that the professionals are on their way.

Final thoughts

On this Mother’s Day, why not ditch the guilt and be a little kind to yourself. And if that means getting help with cleaning, then you deserve it!

It’s no surprise that woman are over-represented in the cleaning industry. After all, cleaning was traditionally viewed as “women’s work”.

And predictably, it’s often the women who actually have the mops in their hands.  A BICS report found that 63% of “elementary positions” in the cleaning industry are filled by women. At the other end of the cleaning business hierarchy,  56% of managerial and senior positions, and 83% of professional roles are filled by men. 

Why women clean

Research has documented the reasons for the high number of women in the cleaning industry. Cleaning is often flexible and part-time, so fits around family and caring responsibilities. In addition, the low pay and insecure working conditions can make cleaning less attractive to male workers if other choices are available to them. 

Migrant workers also make up a larger share of the cleaning workforce, especially in our cities. Around 55% of people working in cleaning in London were born overseas. The barriers which can trap migrant workers in low-paid work are even more acute for women – barriers such as low language skills or a lack of UK recognised qualifications. 

A chance for change

However, as we approach International Women’s Day, it’s possible to take a different view of this otherwise bleak picture. The cleaning industry does not have to be the means for trapping women in the dirty jobs. Our industry could be a vehicle for change, by leaning into our female focus.

Feminine principles in business

Given the opportunity, women out-perform men in business. A recent Forbes report stated  “Women founders tend to build businesses that generate more revenues, create higher job growth, dream bigger, and execute better”. This is despite the disadvantages female entrepreneurs can face. Gender bias from funders often hinders women’s ability to attract investment for business growth.

The same report cited research which identifies the traits at the heart of female success in business. Female founders are less likely to be over-confident in their own abilities. While they are willing to take risks, they feel losses more acutely. Women operate with greater openness and are more likely foster collaboration. All of these are characteristics more common in successful businesses. 

A female force for good

In addition, female-founded businesses are more likely to look outside of their profit margins when it comes to measuring success. Female founders want to make a difference and contribute to society, as well as make a profit. Businesses founded on feminine principles can be a force for good in their own industry, and in the world. 

There is an adage in development circles that if you change a woman, you change a community. And that can be true in business too. As the late Anita Roddick said “I think all business practices would improve immeasurably if they were guided by ‘feminine’ principles”.

Cleaning industry leading the way

In our own industry, there are so many opportunities to apply these principles. By ensuring our cleaners receive the Living Wage, with decent and fair working conditions, we can make a real difference to the quality of life of our people. Through training and mentoring, we can create opportunities for women in lower paid roles to reach their full potential. And by collaborating and sharing good practice, we can lift up every business in our industry to the standards of the best.

So my hope for International Women’s Day is that women in the cleaning industry lead the way in creating kinder, more collaborative, and more successful businesses. And that other sectors sit up and take notice.

When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to bag the cheapest deal for your workplace cleaning service. But is cheap cleaning really cost effective for your business?

That initial price tag might look appealing, but there are hidden costs and consequences to opting for cheap, lower quality cleaning services.

Productivity and employee wellbeing

Evidence shows that your workforce is more productive in a clean, ordered and pleasant working environment. If your workplace is a nice place to be, employees feel happier and more valued. That’s going to increase productivity and reduce stress levels. It can also contribute to staff retention and reduced turnover too.

Sick days are a big cost to any business. And one study showed that over half of employees survey believed their workplace was making them ill. Dirty kitchens, bathrooms and workstations were all held to blame for spreading germs and causing sickness. So what you’re saving on cheap, poor quality cleaning, you may well be spending on sick pay.

Cutting corners

Is your cheap cleaning service cutting corners on essentials such as training? If the cleaners working in your workplace have not had the right training, it could result in damage to your property or equipment. It is vitally important to use the correct cleaning methods, especially on delicate surfaces. A cheap cleaning service could land you an expensive bill for repairs.

And it’s not just damage to your property that’s at stake. Professional cleaners understand safety protocols and use proper cleaning methods, minimizing the risk of accidents and legal action. Cheap cleaning often overlooks these crucial aspects, putting your business at risk.

First impressions count

In a competitive market, first impressions matter. A clean, well-maintained office speaks volumes about your professionalism and commitment to quality. Bring clients, customers and visitors into a grimy, poorly cleaned environment, and you are risking damage to your brand image and reputation.

Getting to know you

A great cleaning service will intimately understand the needs of your business. And they will make sure their operatives understand that too. But a low quality cleaning service will often experience high turnover of staff, so that relationship doesn’t have time to build. That can mean you are spending time explaining your needs, only to have to repeat yourself just a couple of weeks later, when the new cleaner arrives.

Is cheap cleaning your dirty secret?

Cheap cleaning services, engaged in a never-ending race to the bottom, often means low pay, poor working conditions for their cleaners. Ask yourself – does it align with the values of your business, if you are saving on your cleaning budget at the cost of the person doing the cleaning?

The cost of cheap cleaning

Opting for the cheapest cleaning service might seem like a quick win, but it often leads to hidden costs and negative consequences down the line.

A reputable cleaning company prioritises quality, safety, and professionalism – and that reflects well on your business too. It’s an investment that will pay off in employee well-being, productivity, protected assets, and a positive reputation – all crucial for success for today’s businesses.

Is living with a messy partner starting to feel like a strain?

Let’s face it, even the rosiest relationships can hit a snag when your partner’s definition of “tidy” looks more like the aftermath of a particularly wild party.

But living with a messy partner doesn’t have to mean a daily battle over the breakfast dishes. With a little understanding and communication, you can build a happy, harmonious love-nest that suits you both.

The strain of living with a messy partner

According to a recent survey, 47% of adults in the UK argue with their messy partner every week about untidiness. Some even consider ending their relationship because they can’t cope with the clutter. So what’s the solution?

Ditch the blame game

We all come with our own baggage, and cleaning habits are no different. So before you take your messy partner to task, have an honest, gentle conversation. Try explaining how untidy spaces make you feel, and why cleanliness is important to you. Listen to to your partner’s perspective, too. You might be surprised to learn that they find it hard to get organised, or get feel overwhelmed by cleaning tasks. Maybe they grew up in a happily chaotic home and don’t see the mess as a problem. Either way, it’s important to understand each other’s point of view.

Set your boundaries

We all have our tolerance levels. Maybe you can agree that your messy partner can keep their side of the bedroom “artistically cluttered,” while you need the kitchen clinically clean. Negotiate these personal spaces then try to stick to it. Remember, compromise is key, and a little flexibility can go a long way.

Team up and clean up

Cleaning can be fun – honest! It’s all about how you approach it. So stick on your favourite playlist and tackle the mess together. You’ll have your home sparkling in no time – and working together is great for bonding and communication.

Celebrate small wins

Did your partner finally wash those coffee mugs? Say thank you. Did you clear the ironing basket? Give yourself a pat on the back (and maybe get a cup of tea from your partner). Celebrating successes helps you both stay motivated and keeps your home harmonious.

Progress not perfection

Life is messy, and your home will sometimes be messy too. Don’t get bogged down in unrealistic expectations of your messy partner. Focus on small, sustainable changes, and don’t let a bit of untidyness clutter up a romantic evening.

Get creative

Channel your inner interior designer. Use decorative baskets for quick tidy-ups, and essential oil diffusers to create a calming atmosphere – even if there’s a sock or two hiding under the sofa.

Bring in the professionals

If the cleaning is getting in the way of an otherwise perfect relationship with your messy partner, maybe it’s time to get professional help. An expert cleaning service can restore order, cleanliness and calm to your space – and leave you more room for the romance.

Love your messy partner

Ultimately, remember that a loving relationship is about more than spotless counters and folded laundry. It’s about understanding, compromise, and finding a balance that works for both of you. So, put down the broom (for a moment!), grab your lovebug, and focus on creating a home filled with love, laughter, and maybe just a sprinkling of dust bunnies – because hey, even Cupid can’t conquer them all!

Like many people, I have watched the story of the Post Office scandal unfold over the last couple of weeks with growing horror and dismay.

But as a business owner, I am asking myself, what went wrong at the Post Office? And what could businesses be doing to avoid making the same mistakes?

What went wrong at the Post Office

Over the last few weeks, the brilliant ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office has brought the spotlight back to this scandal. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted over 700 subpostmasters, based on the evidence of a faulty software system. This is now widely accepted to be the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history.

The current Public Inquiry into what went wrong at the Post Office will no doubt bring to light many lessons. And organisations will take time to digest and learn from its findings. However, what is apparent already, is that there was a catastrophic disconnection between those in the boardroom and the C-Suite, and those on the frontline delivering services to customers.

Individual subpostmasters felt sure something was badly wrong with the Horizon computer system. But they were ignored and blamed for the discrepancies. In a nightmarish form of corporate gaslighting, they were told that they were alone in the problems they were experiencing. They were told it was their fault, and therefore their responsibility.

Lost Reputations

Those responsible for commissioning and managing the system, failed to listen to the complaints and requests for help from the subpostmasters on the ground.

As a result, subpostmasters lost their businesses, their savings and their reputations. Communities lost their post offices. People felt the trust they had placed in their local post office had been betrayed.

Now the Post Office, as a business, will need to work hard to regain the confidence of the wider community and rebuild its own reputation.

If there had been honest, open and equitable communication across the business, could the Post Office have avoided this scandal?

The Toyota Way

When you are on the ground in a business, you have a real understanding of what is working and what isn’t. But when the business grows, as business owners we often move away from the frontline, and lose this valuable perspective. Involving and really listening to everyone in the business, and valuing their ideas and suggestions, brings back this viewpoint.

And even huge multinational businesses can do this effectively.

Global automotive manufacturer Toyota have a reputation for high standards of quality and customer service. Central to this is the philosophy of kaizen. This approach empowers everyone in their workforce, at every level, to suggest improvements and innovations. Regular clinics take place with representation from all areas of the organisation. Every voice is heard and every idea considered equally. And this contributes to Toyota’s efficient and wonderful client focused machine.

A powerful conversation

I have seen the power of this type of approach in my own business. In the early days, my two admin staff and I would meet at the end of the week. We would chat over a coffee about things that had happened during the week, both at work and at home. Loads of great new ideas came from these conversations. Eleven years on, some of our most robust processes originated with the ideas from these two women.

People centred

So, I strongly believe that if we keep people at the heart of what we do, we will stay on the right track. That includes our customers, our suppliers, and of course our workforce at all levels. By listening, valuing contributions and being open to new ideas, we can build businesses which are efficient, customer focussed and responsible.

When you bring a cleaner into your home, trust is a big issue. So what do you do if that trust is broken?

If you think your cleaner is stealing from you, it can be a really difficult situation to handle. 

Sarah’s Story

Sarah* noticed first that a bottle of perfume was missing. She thought maybe she had misplaced it.

Then, she couldn’t find a bag containing a new top and some receipts. She was sure she had left it on her bed.

She asked her cleaner if she had seen the bag. The cleaner said the bag only had receipts in it, so she thought it was rubbish and threw it away.

Sarah found the bag in the bin – but the top was missing. 

When Sarah started to look, she realised quite a lot of her clothes were missing – around £500 worth.

Then, she saw a picture of her cleaner on Facebook – wearing her dress. 

Friends said she should go to the Police. But Sarah didn’t know her cleaner’s address, and didn’t think the Police would take any action. She didn’t feel comfortable confronting her cleaner. So she stopped the cleans, and changed the locks. 

But it left Sarah feeling upset and let down. 

If you suspect your cleaner is stealing from you, what should you do?

You suspect your cleaner is stealing

When something seems to have gone missing in your home, it’s easy jump to the conclusion that your cleaner is stealing from you.  But it’s worth taking a minute to consider the alternatives:

• Is the the item definitely missing?
• Could it be simply misplaced? Search thoroughly and check with other family members to see if the item can be found
• Who else has been in your home? Could other contractors or visitors have picked up the item, accidentally or deliberately?

Make extra sure of your facts before concluding that your cleaner is stealing. 

Agency Cleaners

If you have arranged your cleaning through an agency, you should let them know straight away that you think your cleaner is stealing from you.

You can expect the agency to respond with sympathy and understanding, and they should remove the cleaner from your home. 

When you are looking for a cleaning agency it’s essential to make sure they have robust insurance to cover losses in this type of situation. 

Individual cleaners

If you have a direct arrangement with your cleaner, and you think they are stealing, you should go to the Police straight away. Contact your household insurer to make a claim. 

It’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered for theft by someone who you have allowed into your home. We recommend policies underwritten by Hiscox.

Don’t be afraid to terminate your cleaning if you are in any doubt. It is so important that you trust people who are coming into your home – especially if you are not always present when they clean.

A note of reassurance

When you invite a cleaner into your home, trust is at the forefront of your mind. And the vast majority of cleaners are trustworthy. As a cleaner, it is simply not worth breaking that trust and risking your whole livelihood. 

In eleven years working in the cleaning industry, over 99% of the people I have worked with, have proved to be honest and trustworthy.

So with some sensible precautions, you can have confidence in your cleaner, peace of mind, and a clean home. 

*true story of a client before they came to us. Names have been changed

I’ve run my own business for 11 years so far and it’s been a rollercoaster of experiences and emotions.

When the cost of living crisis loomed, I wondered if it was time to hang up my entrepreneurial hat and become employed. After about a week of considering this prospect, I realised I am now unemployable. The desire to work for anyone else is permanently in the past.

The rewards

Running a business must be like raising a child or being in a long term romantic relationship. There are good days and challenging days. But for so much of the time the rewards of seeing people’s lives transformed through interacting with my businesses spurs me on to continue.

Just Helpers: The ethical cleaning agency

I started Just Helpers accidentally. In 2013 I left my job as a secondary school teacher, because I wanted to focus on campaigning against the exploitation of migrant workers. I needed to support myself while I did this, and as I’ve always enjoyed cleaning, it was a natural choice.

Then, I realised there was an opportunity here to combine the two. By creating a cleaning business with fair pay and decent working conditions at its heart, I could help migrant and other low-paid workers. So Just Helpers was born.

Now, we work across London, matching clients with Helpers (they are more than cleaners!) and we are proud to be affiliated to the Living Wage Foundation.

Justly: The tech solution

A few years in to running Just Helpers, I realised that the tech available for the cleaning industry was not adequate. It wasn’t solving the problems we were encountering as a business. And this is still a common lament in the cleaning industry.

So we set out to create our own solution. Right now, we are in the middle of birthing Justly working to create a system that works for cleaning businesses. We are at the scary stage of looking for investors, but we are excited about the future.

EntrePLANeurs: The support tribe for female business owners

My latest passion project is EntrePLANeurs which I have set up with my great friend Lynsey Harrison. We wanted to create a safe space for women in business, following the emotional strain of juggling a business and family responsibilities during COVID. We have a Facebook Group and we offer regular retreat days for female business owners to meet together, support one another and focus on growing their business.

My Why

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching as I look forward to turning 50 in 2024. I’m asking existential questions like why am I here on the planet?

The common thread in my life is a drive to empower people to find their joy. I want to enable them to work from a place of strength, and to positively impact the world around them. The freedom to call the shots, set the culture, and work with the people that share your vision and passion is an amazing thing to be able to do. And I get all of this running my own business.

Through a combination of the businesses, we have impacted thousands of lives. We have spread the message about the need to treat people with dignity, and to pay them a wage that enables them to thrive. We have shown people in low paid work that they have the right to thrive in their work and their lives – through fair pay and decent conditions.

I am conscious that I have less birthdays ahead than I have behind me. I no longer have a desire to save the entire world. But I am very clear that I am a a changemaker, through the way I run my business, spend my money, interact with strangers and impact a few individuals. This is how we change the world – one person at a time – and this has meaning and worth.