We first started trading on the 1st January 2018 as a one man band. This was after 6 months of researching to write out a business plan to gain a business loan. Once this was achieved i also spent a month putting togther a van and all the kit and equipment installed, ready to start window cleaning. We started from scratch so had no customers and have built up the business.
The first year was a steep learning curve and one we appreciated. I learned so much from taking on as many different types of work as i could. We also had to overcome many problems such as the engine in my van having to get fixed. The first year was a tough one that tested us, but somehow we pulled through it. I had to work for a month from the family car whie the van engine was getting fixed!
As a one man band things started to become to much, so my wife Theresa joined the business. A big step to rely on window cleaning as our sole income. Absoloutly great to be able to work togther, but when Covid hit this caused us problems. Younger children had to be home scholled so Theresa had to stay back at home. This meant i was flat out working long days. This is where my eldest son Matthew helped me out as he had left school. After a couple of months he to joined the business.
With The help of Matthew and Theresa we managed to keep building up the business and increasing our customer base. As always everyday is a school day and i have been on a steep learning curve. Slowly upgarded some of the equipment to help improve our workflow.
Again another hard year as i needed a new engine for my van. By far the biggest hurdle to overcome. Again somehow managed against all odds to pull through it. Had to hire a van for a month to keep working while the van was getting a new engine fitted. The risk paid off and we managed to keep going and stay in business. A true test for the family business and great support from our friends and customers, really kept us going. Also during this particular year i also had Covid brought to the house which cost us more days lost work and again more van trouble. In December i needed the help of my Daughter Sophie wit the lack of daylight in order to get the jobs completed.