It’s a family affair for the latest franchise owners to join the flourishing Betterclean Services network.

Dornford Roberts, a retired financial adviser and solicitor, and his wife Jane, a former barrister turned Pilates instructor, had been looking for a new business venture for a while. When their son Josh, 26, graduated and expressed an interest in joining a family business, they stepped up their search for a profitable, stable business opportunity.

Their search ended when they took on Betterclean Services Plymouth & Cornwall recently.

Dornford said: “We wanted a business that would prove a good investment for the future, with cash and property returns being so low at the moment. We’d seen that Betterclean had recently sold the Exeter territory, which we took as a good sign, and our investigations showed this was the business that could meet all our needs.

“It’s very much a family business. While it’s primarily myself and Josh running the business, my wife is a great sounding board for ideas and advice. The ultimate aim is for Josh to take over in the future and expand it by himself.”

With Dornford focused on business development, Josh looks after daily operations and technology. After initially being unsure of the advantages of a franchise, the family are already reaping the rewards as Dornford explained.

“We’re already seeing returns on our investment. In terms of direct support from the franchisor, we’ve really tapped into the expertise on the HR side, keeping up with employment law and how to manage staff issues. They’ve been very helpful.

“We’ve also seen introductions from other members of the network – the BDM at Betterclean’s Bristol franchise gave me a contact in Plymouth that has already resulted in us winning a contract. We’re very much seeing the franchising advantages in effect and boosting our business.

“We would have felt very much on our own if it wasn’t for the franchise. It’s comforting to have that feeling of support in the business.”

Betterclean Services managing director, Dan van Kuyk, said: “I’m delighted by the early results being achieved by the family as they take advantage of our close-knit network of like-minded business owners.

“The collaboration that underpins our business is already having a positive impact on ROI for Dornford and Josh, and I look forward to working closely with them for many years to come as they further realise the advantages of their Betterclean franchise.”