Cleaning Doctor - Liam Hennessy, Oldcastle,

A Cleaning Doctor franchise is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to start a business. It's not too expensive and you have the backup of a whole network. With Cleaning Doctor you don't start at the bottom, you start halfway up.

Willie Little, the franchisor, spoke very well and was really enthusiastic. I could see the potential of the business and could see the opportunities where I live. The training was very interesting and explained everything in detail. It was a lot to take in but once I started doing the job it all made perfect sense. In preparation for the launch of the business I placed adverts in local pages and in the telephone directory, and distributed 20,000 brochures. I had the option of using the Cleaning Doctor Roadshow, but I was busy from the start and didn't need it.

I was nervous when I did my first job but with the top of the range equipment it is very easy. Plus you have the ongoing support of Cleaning Doctor. The training is also ongoing, last year I attended four courses, which I found very useful and which gave me the opportunity to meet the other franchisees. There is also an expert on hand to explain new developments in the industry.

Within a year and a half the business had turned over €92,000. This year I'm aiming to get even more domestic customers and to secure more maintenance contracts with hotels. I'm also hoping to employ a member of staff before the end of the year.

Cleaning Doctor have been exceptional and are totally committed to their franchisees. I can pick up the phone at any time to Willie and he's there.