Entrepreneur rolls out carpet cleaning business

A former test driver has launched a mobile carpet and upholstery cleaning business after completing industry-leading training.

Michael Potts, from Sunderland, founded Mr Bit Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Services after training under renowned expert Paul Pearce at the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA). 

He was one of only two candidates to pass the intensive course, making Michael the only NCCA-registered carpet cleaner in Sunderland and helping him to “stand out”.

He said: “I did lots of research prior to setting up the business and the NCCA stood out as the best place to start..

“There are a lot of people out there who offer it as a service, but very few are accredited by the NCCA, so I knew if I were to pass the course then it would really help me stand out.

“It was an intensive course but incredibly worthwhile. 

“It allowed me to learn from one of the most revered people in the industry and learn all about the different ways of cleaning.

“For example, most cleaners only scrape the top of the surface, whereas the NCCA teaches you how to pre-spray, agitate and how long your dwell time should be, which is key to performing a real deep clean.”

Michael, who has OCD, says his condition inspired him to pursue a career in deep cleaning.

Now fully certified, he aims to bring top-tier carpet and upholstery cleaning services to homes and businesses across the region.

Michael added: “Anyone who has visited my house will know how obsessive I am over keeping it clean and tidy. 

“I have OCD so as soon as I see something out of place or a speck of dirt, I have to immediately clean it up.

“This was what inspired me to set up. 

“I knew I wanted to be my own boss and do something which gave me more freedom to work around looking after my young son, so I thought, why not put it to good use and get into carpet cleaning?”

Michael received business support from the North East BIC through the Enterprising Sunderland project, backed by £1.27 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.

Hina Joshi, Michael’s business Adviser at North East BIC, added: “It has been fantastic working with Michael on his business journey and to see him finally get up and running.

“By studying in Kidderminster with the NCCA, he has given himself the best possible opportunity to stand out from the crowd, which is testament to just how dedicated he is to making a success of it. 

“We’d like to wish him all the best for the future.”

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “Enterprising Sunderland was set up to help the city’s more entrepreneurial residents realise their dreams of setting up their own business and Michael is a great example of that.

“By tapping into the support, he has been able to not only realise his dream of becoming his own boss, but also achieve a better work-life balance. 

“It’s a great success story for the project and hopefully we will see many more follow suit.”

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