A new business support programme aimed at cleaners and home help workers in Preston is set to begin next week, offering practical guidance to those looking to start or develop a small cleaning business.
The Clean Collective aims to support sole traders and small local enterprises operating in the cleaning sector. The programme is being delivered through a partnership between Preston City Council, Preston Cooperative Development Network (PCDN) and Kind Communities.
Despite its scale and importance, wages in the cleaning sector are often close to the minimum wage, according to the Living Wage Foundation. The sector is also characterised by low visibility and limited access to business support. Its workforce is predominantly female, with many workers aged over 45 and from minoritised backgrounds.
Read more: Cooking up confidence: How women in Preston are turning skill into sustainability
The Clean Collective aims to address some of these challenges by helping cleaners navigate the practical and regulatory requirements of running a sustainable business. Participants will receive a mix of one-to-one mentoring and small group sessions covering areas such as business registration, insurance, DBS checks, tax responsibilities and relevant certifications, issues that can act as barriers to progression for people working independently.
The programme builds on previous community-based business support initiatives and is designed for people who are already working as cleaners or considering moving into self-employment within the sector.
Workshops will take place at Preston Town Hall and are free of charge for Preston residents who meet the application criteria. Sessions are scheduled for:
- Wednesday 14 January, 9.30am–12.30pm
- Wednesday 21 January, 9.30am–12.30pm
- Wednesday 28 January, 9.30am–12.30pm
- Wednesday 4 February, 9.30am–12.30pm
Anyone interested in taking part can apply via an online registration form. For further information, contact Kind Communities at hello@kind-communities.org.
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