Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1465088
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM APRIL 20-26, 2022 UCW 19 Americans started 2021 by cleaning house — literally. e COVID-19 pan- demic kick-started worldwide hygiene awareness and boosted demand for cleaning businesses. It wasn't just about safety — it was about peace of mind. Residential cleaners, maids, janitors and other sanitation professionals suddenly found themselves booked solid. Today, in 2022, cleaning services continue to do brisk business, a trend that has many entrepreneurs considering their options. Selling a cleaning business in 2022 is strategic and timely. ere's never been a better time for owners to find suitable buyers, get the best possible prices and explore other avenues (if they so choose). Why Are Cleaners in Demand? During the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials advised citizens to sani- tize their hands and homes frequently to reduce the chances of contracting the virus. Government officials were quick to codify these recommendations, and pro- fessional cleaning became a requirement for some organizations and entities. For example, before the pandemic, hospitals were obligated to contract janitorial services for every day (and spe- cialty) sanitation and safety reasons. Dur- ing the pandemic, hospital administra- tors saw the need for increased vigilance and ramped up cleaning practices. Other fields quickly followed suit, including restaurants, movie theaters, public trans- portation, etc. Commercial entities weren't the only people motivated to retain professional cleaning companies. Families, too, be- gan to schedule maid services for their homes. Deep cleaning became a weekly, if not a daily, practice, especially for households with high-exposure workers and young children. Cleaning Industry Projections e pandemic considerably raised consumer awareness of hygiene. Cleanli- ness is now a significant factor for large portions of the American populace, and businesses that want to capture those consumers have made cleaning a prior- ity. Long-term growth is projected for the professional cleaning industry. Even with the most turbulent parts of the pandemic behind us, businesses have not dispensed with their new-and-im- proved approach to sanitation. Hospitals and medical organizations continue to require rigorous cleaning. Other busi- nesses prioritize their employees' and customers' safety and therefore continue to retain professional cleaners due to new attitudes about due diligence. e cleaning industry is also poised for significant advancements in technology and efficiency. As with many indus- tries, automation is looming large, with promises of AI window cleaners on the horizon. Green (eco-friendly and sustain- able) products, services and equipment are also popular due to increased climate change awareness. inking of selling your business? You're not alone. Many entrepreneurs have read the market trends and sold their operations, making tidy profits dur- ing critical growth and demand. Selling Your Cleaning Service Now that you've learned that business- es like yours are selling fast, you may be interested in exploring your options. · Strike while the iron is hot! Demand for cleaning companies will continue for a while, but no one can be sure how long it will last. Selling now is timely. · Review your business policies. Look carefully at your approach to employ- ment versus independent contractors, es- pecially the pros and cons, before selling. · Retain a business brokerage you trust. Selling can be a complicated process with many roadblocks and open-ended ques- tions. Experienced advisors are an asset. What to know when selling a cleaning business in 2022 by THOMAS KELSEY BUSINESS & FINANCE THOMAS KELSEY, Transworld Business Advisors of Fayetteville. Comments? tkelsey@tworld.com Photo courtesy of Thomas Kelsey. 22nd Annual Tasting & Silent Auction C APE FEAR BOTANIC AL GARDEN PURCHASE TICKETS AT WWW.TOASTOFTHETOWNFAY.COM OR AT THE CARE CLINIC For M ore I nformation 910.485.0555 w w w.TheCareClinic.org The Care Clinic is a 501(c)(3) O rganization 536 N. Easter n Blvd. Fayetteville, NC 28301 $100 Per Person I n Advance $125 Per Person At The D oor PURCHASE TICKETS NOW Thursday, May 5, 2022 6pm-10pm