A HOME cleaning company is on the verge of franchising after enlisting the help of a mentoring programme and MBA students.
Southbourne-based Domestic Angels has been taking advice from Martin Spooner of Dormen, the Dorset Mentoring Programme, since spring 2014.
The mentoring tested the strength, culture and finances of the business and found it to be poised for growth.
Samantha Acton, who founded the business, said: “I requested a Dormen mentor as I have been trading since 2002, doing well enough and exceptionally well during 2012 and 2013 and I needed to establish whether the business was really robust and had the potential I suspected.
“As my Dormen mentor, Martin has objectively examined the company and reviewed its potential. This has definitely been a great decision.”
“The questioning caused action. Action to address areas of weakness, to perfect established strengths and to introduce new methodology. It also resulted in a distinct growth in my confidence as a business person, the realisation that I do actually know what I’m doing and talking about.”
The business also collaborated with Bournemouth University MBA students, 15 of whom were briefed to help develop tools the company would need in the franchise market.
Teams of three students produced comprehensive reports including market information, analysis and recommendations.
The reports confirmed the strength of the brand and stressed the need for the highest calibre franchisees.
MBA director Dr Milena Bobeva said: “Domestic Angels has offered the MBA students a multi-dimensional experiential learning opportunity that highlighted the reality of running a small business.
“Samantha has been amazing to work with – her comprehensive timely responses, constructive feedback and business acumen have defined the success of this project. She has been a true example of entrepreneurial agility and effective communication.”
The three organisations are due to work together next year to help Domestic angels achieve success at franchising.Mentor Martin Spooner said: “The very professional, thought-provoking presentations made by the MBA students will stand the formidable Domestic Angels business in good stead and form a solid foundation for expansion.”
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