Funding boost for cleaning franchise
INDUSTRIAL cleaning products franchise Applegreen is pushing ahead with expansion plans after securing new funding.
Business partners Dene Bentley and Paul Snary have been handed a £50,000 loan from the Business Enterprise Fund and are looking to create 300 franchisees in the next ten years.
Applegreen supplies industrial cleaning products direct to commercial properties such as pubs and restaurants.
Mr Bentley said: “We simply could not have reached this level of success without the support of BEF. Not only did they help us access finance but they have guided, coached and encouraged us every step of the way.
“BEF’s support continues past the funding stage and we have monthly visits from our dedicated mentor who is determined to see the business flourish. She offers impartial advice and sees things with a new set of eyes, which is invaluable to any business.”
Applegreen, based in Bradford, has moved into bigger premises and is due to launch an apprenticeship scheme in January.
Stephen Waud, director of the Business Enterprise Fund, said: “Businesses need support and mentoring to create the sort of plans that keep their enterprise on track and able to pay back the money owed – which is exactly where alternative finance providers like us can help.
“Dene and Paul’s gem of a business idea is exactly what we want to hear about and we want to talk to similar SME’s to let us guide them through the process that will result in funding to help launch new enterprise. By supporting start-ups like Applegreen UK, we will see the region’s economy grow.”
