Trevor cleaning up thanks to job loss push

A former maintenance engineer made redundant this year has launched an outdoor cleaning business and filled its order book within months.

Trevor Francis, 58, from Washington, launched Annual Cleaning Solutions in April after he lost his role at a large pharmaceutical company.

He had longed to set up his own business for years and being made redundant, he says, finally gave him “the push he needed.”

Four months later, and Annual Cleaning Solutions’ order book is full for the next two months, with projects pencilled in across the North East and as far afield as London.

Trevor said: “I worked in my previous role for ten years but had toyed with the idea of setting up my own business.

“I’d read up on it quite a bit and knew it was something I would love to do, but it was being made redundant which proved the kick I needed.

"I put part of my redundancy package into starting up and haven’t looked back.”

Annual Cleaning Solutions provides gutter clearing, pressure jet washing, roof moss removal, soffit cleaning and tarmacadum restoration for commercial and domestic clients.

Trevor sought advice and support from the North East BIC to found his endeavour.

The BIC provided him with a dedicated business adviser - Helen Wardropper - as well as a grant for new equipment and places on workshops covering a range of topics from marketing to book-keeping.

Trevor added: “The BIC supported with additional training on finance and marketing, and helped me get a grant for a scaffold tower.

“Helen has been fantastic; I just have to text or ring and she is always at the other side of the phone.

“You think starting from scratch is going to be incredibly difficult - but they just made it all so easy.”

The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project, which has received £1,271,885 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.

Helen, North East BIC business adviser, added: “It has been a real pleasure working with Trevor on his business plan and seeing Annual Cleaning Solutions come to life.

“He has a real passion for his work and is incredibly driven.

"I’m sure he’ll continue in that vein as it continues to grow.”

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