New era for Chipping Norton cleaning firm after sale deal

The boss of a Chipping Norton-based cleaning company has sold the business 30 years after setting it up.
By Paul Grinnell
Published 15th Jan 2021, 08:10 BST
Richard Thomas and Darren Taylor.Richard Thomas and Darren Taylor.
Richard Thomas and Darren Taylor.

Owner Richard Thomas has sold Thomas Cleaning, on the Cromwell Business Park, to the franchise specialists Taylor Made Franchising.

The domestic and commercial cleaning company, which has 16 staff and celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, will continue to trade as normal with no change to existing staff or clients.

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The firm cleans homes, schools, health spas, pubs, AirBnB’s, Glamping pods and offer end of tenancy and carpet cleaning.

Simon Warren.Simon Warren.
Simon Warren.

Nine years ago, Mr Thomas expanded the business by opening it up as a franchise. There are currently nine Thomas Cleaning franchises operating across the country.

The franchised section was bought by Darren Taylor owner of Taylor Made Franchising, last summer.

He said: “It made sense to buy the operational business when Richard offered it to me for sale a few months later.

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“We will be running the business as a franchise going forwards, with Simon Warren at the helm.

“Having run the franchise operation for five years he is highly experienced and perfectly placed for a smooth transition.

Mr Taylor added: “We are very pleased to welcome Thomas Cleaning to the Taylor Made Franchising group. It will sit well amongst our existing brands, many of whom also came to us with long trading histories; Wilkins Chimney Sweep was founded in 1895.

“We know that Thomas Cleaning is a well-known and well-loved brand across the Cotswolds and we are looking forward to meeting staff over the coming months.

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Mr Taylor said: “When buying a business, it is important to be respectful of the legacy each one brings.

“My experienced staff will be working closely with existing staff to shape and grow the business over the coming months.

He added: “We will use the Chipping Norton office as a Centre of Excellence when training new franchisees, drawing on their wealth of experience in the domestic and commercial cleaning markets.”

Taylor Made Franchising is owned by Darren Taylor. The group also owns franchise operations, Stumpbusters, PVC Vendo, Wilkins Chimney Sweep among others.

Related topics:Richard ThomasDarren TaylorAirbnb