Update on starting my own Cleaning Business (not)

What about doing a bit of 'dog minding''? It pays well and people with animals love to know that there's someone's there to look after their dogs while they're out at work all day!. You could also offer to do a bit of ironing. Just a thought!.

So sorry to hear your cleaning business has not taken off, Bikergran.

We had a card popped through a few months back and basically it was a lady and her husband who offered themselves to do almost anything. Cleaning, basic decorating, gardening, pet sitting, house sitting, running errands, hospital visits etc.

I gave the card to the son of my dads elderly neighbour (96) who said this was just what he was looking for. Someone to run errands for his mum, do a bit of cleaning and sit with her a few hours a week. Since then there are a few of my dads neighbours who have "signed up" for the service.

Sorry that you did not succeed in your venture, but at least you tried, and you now have that experience to fall back on. Let's hope something else turns up for you, best of luck.

biker So sorry that all your efforts seem to be in vain. I'm sure something will turn up for you, it took phoenix ages but she got there in the end.
Wishing you all the luck in the world

Bikergran...a bit of an aside, but have you thought about doing the Formal Complaint letter to DWP as per the WASPI women (we did a mass mailing stating our case regarding the lack of adequate notice raising the SP age, meaning some women had little opportunity to plan fully for their retirement). There is lots of info on the WASPI web site, we are just hoping that there may be help with transitional arrangements if enough people keep 'banging' on about it!
In any case, good luck with your employment search, I really do hope you get something suitable soon.

biker

Sorry to read your update.

At least you gave it a shot, well done you for that.

Hi all I will take on board all ideas and thoughts thanks again to everyone..

Care work is something the jobcenter keeps wanting to push me into...but after careing for my DH for many years It is too raw still to deal with people, even the sound of the metal walking sticks sets me off blubbering as it reminds me of DH when he was walking with his stick.. (they have a distinctive click about them)

I'm sure a little job of some description will be waiitng for me around the corner...so far I have applied Tescos,Wilkos,Pet warehouse,Pharmacy delivery driver.
Although businesses say! they don't look at the age of an applicant..I'm really sure they do! and once they see that "60" and nearly 61..they turn the other way.Its all good n well saying on their job description that they look at everyone from all walks of life/age/gender/disability etc but lets face it..it is just words on paper which they have to adhere to other wise they would be in big trouble.

Thanks again for every ones support and ideas n all round (the is coming later)

Hi Bikergran,so sorry that your enterprise didn't work out,you gave it your best efforts and that's all anyone can do.Hopefully something will come up for you soon.Shame there isn't something available at the shop you volunteer in. X

Sorry it did not work out. Would it be possible to do the odd cleaning job "on the side"?

I have a cleaner and I supply everything so I do not understand why you are having problems taking items on your bike. I know that some people do not supply sufficient cleaning cloths but that would be easy to pop in a carrier bag and on your bike. I do hope that something works out, you have worked hard enough for it.

What about house sitting for people with pets?

Hi bikergran sorry things are difficult at present, I have one idea which may help.
My daughter has a cleaning business and among her customers is a an elderly couple and the lady has Alzheimer's. Though my daughter's main role is cleaning she also provides support for them and helps by just being another person to keep an eye on things. There is no actual caring involved. My daughter also helps a family who have a son with learning disabilities and other people do not accept his odd behaviour. This is maybe an avenue to explore with your local authority or Age UK.
Good luck

Sorry it hasn't worked out, but all praise to you, you deserve something to come right for you.

As you may know, I spent a fair bit of time in and out of various jobs after redundancy, fingers crossed that things will come good for you.

What a shame biker, life just isn't fair sometimes. You did all that was possible, no one could do more. Something will come. Keep positive and believe. .

I was just wondering how you were getting on Biker. Sorry it hasnt worked out, it sounds as if you did everything you could. If only you lived near me, I would give you a job!

x

I have thought about you a lot while you haven't been posting and am so sorry that things didn't work out. Just keep the faith and keep trying. Will be willing you on

Hi again all

Liz46 yes it has crossed my mind that a vacancy may come up in the charity shop, but at the mo they already have a manager and assistant manager, plus I don't have the knowledge as the training seem to be nil! Iv'e just about learned the till since being there since September..the manageress doesn't seem very forthcoming in training up volunteers..more like making use of them! but I still enjoy it.

Riverwalk I live not far from the affluent Ribble Valley area (around 5 miles away) but with not having my own transport other than my scooter it proves difficult to expand.I only choose Cleaning as it required minimal qualifications and low costs to start up. I do prefer retail since working in the charity shop.

I did target "certain areas" with my postcard drop, but not one response.

jeevive73 I am in the Oswaldtwistle area (Oswaldtwistle shopping village as it is known) Lancashire.

cherrytree yes my one and only customer would be happy to provide me with a reference (I don't work for her any longer as I had to decide if to keep going or give up the E.A.S I decided I couldn't take the risk of hanging on any longer for any new customers as I would be left with only £61-50 per wk instead of the Jobseekers at £73 per week).

Although I work for the R.S.P.C.A I don't have any animals any more, I had to have my 2 cats p2s last year and don't really want to look after others at the mo.But thanks for the idea.

As others have said I remain positive and I'm sure something will pop out the woodwork I have great faith as in one door closes another one opens....

Just a thought as you have been checked and have your certificates also experience (no need to say how much)
Ask for a reference from 'your one and only customer'.
Then see if you can join an 'up and running' cleaning business in your area.
If that not possible try your local council, as they have offices, nursing homes etc.

Fingers crossed for you

Where are you based??

Bikergran I was only thinking of you yesterday as your name makes me smile (we have a motor bike).
I'm sorry that this venture didn't get off the ground. (I know where your coming from re pension I have 9 yrs to wait)
Would it be possible as you love animals so much to look after some small pets (at yours or at owners home).
Cats and dogs can be sorted with kennels and cattery, other small pets are more difficult to find temporary accommodation for.
It could be for holidays or if owner in hospital.

Good luck for the future.

Feel for you Biker my OH tried the SE route to work and what he was offering was fine when free...different story for paid work,he is now working for an employer ,doing what he was trying to set up himself

How disappointing biker As others have said, perhaps you need to target the 'posh' end of town!

I am sorry that it has not worked out.....so far.

I agree that it is about finding your target market and advertising in shops and mags that relate to people who can afford a cleaner. And once you have a few, then word of mouth begets more work. It really does take time to build these things up and the EAS does not seem to take that into account. How very frustrating for you after all your efforts.

Forgive me Biker but I can't remember where you live. If it's a particularly poor area then you're going to have to cast your net further afield.

I personally know of someone who lives on a council estate in the north of England which is not too far from a very exclusive 'enclave' .... there are numerous such areas in the UK. She put an advert in the local paper and has been inundated with work ever since; not just cleaning but house clearing, spring cleaning and catering, and now has a team working for her.

You've put a lot of effort in so far, don't give up!

Bikergran, I volunteer in a charity shop and one of the volunteers got a paid job as a shop manager. It may be worth asking.