With over 32,000 cleaning businesses in the UK all vying for a slice of the market, this forward-thinking business owner decided to take action, and has now reached over double the industry-standard profit margin and a 650% increase in turnover.

Action Coach Mitali Chopra has worked with Luke Murfitt, Managing Director of Integrity Cleaning, since October 2018. As a natural entrepreneur, he wanted to grow the business quickly and become the biggest and best in the Greater London area. For the first nine months, growth was impressive – but, not one to rest on his laurels, Luke simply wanted more.  

“The first client I secured was a hotel, which gave us a contract of over 120 hours a week. With that, I gave five mothers and a father employment and that was just the beginning. As things started to build momentum and an increasing number of clients came on board, I realised I required some refinement to my business operations. I’d established my foundations and I had big dreams – I just needed someone to point me in the right direction. 

“I went to an ActionCOACH seminar with Mitali Chopra, where she opened up my eyes to business coaching. I think a lot of people would be apprehensive to have someone come into their business and make suggestions for change, but I knew this was the way for me to take things to the next level. I arranged a one-to-one meeting with Mitali to discuss the work that we would do together.”

Opening up my eyes 

“Mitali understood everything I wanted to achieve from our sessions – I required a more robust structure, stability, a sense of order and to be held accountable for my actions. She spoke clearly and concisely which I appreciated. The first things we focused on were the goals of the business – where did I envisage it would be in five and 10 years’ time? I put these all in a plan and laid them out clearly so I could see exactly what I was aiming for.

“We also worked on setting out significant targets and KPIs. I’d always had it in my head where I wanted to be, but having things written down and documented so I could refer back to them was extremely useful, as well as Mitali holding me to account to reach my targets. I could see where some months I might have needed to do an extra push with increasing our cleaning hours or recruiting people to the team. I’m results-driven and having this process in place helped me stay on track.” 

With Mitali’s help, Integrity Cleaning started to generate a lot more interest. And, with that, Luke felt confident he was achieving his goals.

Keeping the momentum going

“Not only did I have more self-confidence, but the team started to feel it too. They began taking responsibility for their actions and delivering a much better service. It just goes to show how getting the foundations right will impact the day-to-day operations of the business. I was filtering down all of the wisdom and knowledge that Mitali was sharing with me to everyone else. 

“We pride ourselves on the great work ethic and the environment we operate in. As a result, we’ve all drawn closer together and the way we communicate has only got better. 

“Mitali calls me her ‘champion’, so I call her the ‘champion of champions’. She’s not only helped me to achieve my goals but has also allowed me to focus on the future and strive for further growth. Mitali isn’t just a coach to me anymore, she’s become my friend – she celebrates my little victories and, in any business, that’s so important.” 

Seeing the effects

“Almost immediately after beginning my coaching sessions with Mitali, Integrity Cleaning secured a six-figure contract with the largest construction project in London. Alongside that, we had multiple housing developments, a London university, House of Fraser on Oxford Street and The Shard signing up as clients. New business was coming in faster than ever before.  

“To manage the influx of new clients, I’ve supported over 200 mothers back into work. The results have been astounding as we’ve seen a 650% turnover increase in 12 months and a 114% increase in gross profit. This places our profit margin at around 43%, which is over double the cleaning industry standard of 20%. 

“Perhaps the greatest thing that’s come out of my coaching is being crowned the ‘UK Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2019. I had always dreamt of entering the UK Business Awards, but it was Mitali who gave me the confidence to apply. I’ve got Parkinson’s but I don’t suffer with it, I excel with it. In fact, I use it as my inspiration every single day and it’s actually one of the main things that drives me forward. 

“Off the back of the award, my confidence has sky-rocketed and I’ve now become a passionate public speaker. In my first year, I booked 18 international gigs where I would share my story and offer advice regarding business ownership. I have a lot to thank Mitali for in that sense as I wouldn’t have been able to do this without her. She’s certainly helped open a lot of doors for both myself and the business and, for that, I’m grateful.” 

Star of the show

Released on Amazon’s Prime Video at the end of 2022, all five episodes of Business As Unusual star two of Mitali’s clients including Integrity Cleaning. The series follows eight companies on a journey through pandemic lockdowns, re-openings and the every-day challenges faced by businesses across the UK.

The series starts at the onset of the pandemic and grips viewers wondering if the business owner heroes will survive the toughest business conditions in living memory. But Luke Murfitt not only had the pandemic to contend with but also his personal battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His positive mindset and ability to pivot effectively leaves audiences astounded by Luke’s tenacity and touching relationship with his business coach.

Mitali adds, “He’s really taken ownership of his business and the pay-off is very impressive. It’s been an absolute privilege helping him to realise his potential.” 

If you want to change lives like Mitali and you’re the kind of person who: 

A) loves learning and helping people; 

B) has enjoyed success in your career, business or a sport; and 

C) is willing to invest if you see substantial returns can be made… 

Then find out more by getting in touch today.