Case Study : Scrubbas - Adele & Brenda Whitfield

The mother and daughter team who live in Consett, set up Scrubbas with the support of Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), Be Enterprising which aims to inspire and support enterprise among people in some of the most deprived communities in County Durham.

Based upon good old fashioned values Scrubbas offer full cleaning services from commercial cleaning for businesses to domestic cleaning in the home – including the ironing.

Adele said: “We have been trading for just over a year now and due to more work coming in, we have just taken on our first member of staff.”

Adele said “We offer both commercial and domestic cleaning, but at the minute we mostly do domestic cleaning for private residents. We do general house work, ironing and when we’re done everything is spotless – including the lampshades.”

Brenda and Adele received funding from Be Enterprising to help cover start up costs like buying cleaning products and equipment. £350 went towards helping Adele to learn to drive - so that the team can work more efficiently and get to and from clients as quick as possible.

Brenda said: “Following the receipt of our grant we were able to produce and circulate some leaflets to businesses and residents in the local area, and by doing this we secured a large number of clients.”

Michelle Rose, Brenda’s Be Enterprising coach said: “Be Enterprising is committed to helping people in the most deprived communities of County Durham.

“Brenda and Adele both have a great work ethic and their enthusiasm and drive is an inspiration to anyone looking to change their life. They came to us with a business idea and we were happy to help put them on the right track.”

Brenda, who was previously unemployed and Adele who has previously worked as a cleaner saw an opportunity to set up a thriving business and made the decision to take the plunge and go into business together.

Brenda said: “It was Adele’s business idea, and she came up with the name Scrubbas, she said ‘come on lets do it’ – so we did, and have never looked back.”

Adele said: “Be Enterprising have been really supportive throughout our business set up. Michelle gave us invaluable advice and support, they even designed a business plan for us.”

For more information about Scubbas cleaning services please contact Adele or Brenda on 07892 399 615.