Hi Caz,
So you're looking at starting a new cleaning business. Well, all I can say is good luck and go for it!
There are plenty of good businesses operating throughout the region, but there are many others that are not well managed and have no business plan. You can certainly succeed as long as you plan what it is you want to do and how much it will cost you. Always operate within your budget!
I would recommend attending any courses that you can get on to broaden both your practical cleaning knowledge and your business acumen. For instance, Prochem run one and two day carpet and upholstery cleaning courses at their place in Chessington and these tend to cost around £95 per day.
Also, Business Link offers a wide range of business related courses including how to write a business plan, marketing, web design, basic accounting etc and these are generally free.
When you get up and running you will need to sell and market effectively so use whatever "networks" you can, e.g. BNI business networks, local Chambers of Commerce etc and get out there meeting and selling YOU and the business.
Anyway, I hope it all goes well for you and feel free to get in touch at any time.
Kind regards,
Simon