October 9, 2024 – Poppies, the UK’s first domestic cleaning franchise, is gearing up for its 45th birthday with a year full of achievements, innovative developments, and exciting plans. As the company prepares to participate in the Clean and Tidy Home Show on the 18th and 19th of October at Excel London, Poppies celebrates its journey and looks forward to continued growth and community impact.
Founded in 1980, Poppies has grown into a network of 33 franchises across the UK, showcasing the durability and success of its business model. As part of its 45th-anniversary celebrations, Poppies has pledged to raise £45,000 for local charities throughout 2024 and 2025, with each franchise contributing to this network-wide initiative.
A standout development this year is the launch of the Poppies Well-being App, an innovative tool designed to support the health and well-being of Poppies employees and their families. The app provides immediate access to private GP consultations and 24/7 assistance from trained counsellors for early mental health issues. It also offers ongoing counselling, along with medical information and guidance on topics like menopause, cancer, and more. In addition, staff have access to a range of discount schemes for essentials such as fuel and groceries. This app reinforces Poppies’ commitment to the well-being and support of its staff.
Another major highlight of 2024 is the recognition of Soniya Fernandes, one of Poppies’ most dynamic franchisees, who has been named a finalist for the Young Woman in Franchising Award 2024. At just 29, Soniya launched her Poppies franchise in July 2023 and quickly built a thriving business with a team of 10 employees within her first six months. A key element of Soniya’s success is her ability to adapt and innovate in the specific London marketplace. Her success reflects her entrepreneurial leadership and ability to adapt to the demands of the competitive London market.
“Inclusivity and diversity have been integral to our business since its founding,” said Chris Wooton, Franchisor and Owner at Poppies. “We pioneered family-friendly, flexible employment when our founder, Sue Rorstad, chose to start Poppies in 1980 rather than return to full-time work after maternity leave. Sue’s focus on women’s empowerment in the workplace was recognized when she was awarded an MBE in 1994.”
Today, Poppies continues to embrace inclusivity, with franchise partners from diverse backgrounds including India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Ghana, and the UK. Poppies’ workforce includes over 475 people from all walks of life, including neuro-diverse and hearing-impaired individuals. The company actively collaborates with job agencies and charities to create a supportive and adaptive work environment, recruiting based on shared values and a passion for cleaning, rather than background.
Key Milestones Leading Up to Poppies’ 45th Birthday:
- 45th Anniversary: Celebrating four and a half decades of cleaning excellence on 1st April 2025.
- Poppies Well-being App: Launched to provide staff with access to private healthcare, mental health support, and discount schemes.
- Charity Pledge: A commitment to raise £45,000 for local charities, involving all franchise branches across the UK.
- Award-Winning Franchisee: Soniya Fernandes, a finalist for the Young Woman in Franchising Award 2024, showcases the incredible opportunities available within Poppies.
- 30-Year Celebrations: Two franchisees celebrate 30 years of business, highlighting the longevity of the Poppies franchise model.
- Industry Recognition: Finalist in the Clean and Tidy Awards and a place on the EF100 list for the fifth consecutive year.
The Clean and Tidy Home Show in October will offer Poppies the opportunity to showcase its business model and connect with both consumers and potential franchisees. Attendees will learn about Poppies’ history, its commitment to diversity, and the benefits of joining its thriving franchise network. Get tickets to the show here
About Poppies
Founded in 1980, Poppies is the UK’s first domestic cleaning franchise, known for its outstanding service and support for franchisees. With 33 locations nationwide, Poppies continues to lead the domestic cleaning industry while championing inclusivity, diversity, and employee well-being.
For more information about Poppies, their participation in the Clean and Tidy Home Show, or their charity pledge, visit www.poppies.co.uk or email [email protected]
