Inspirational Honiton businesswoman shares her story and offers advice

Inspirational Honiton businesswoman Valerie Sheen has some advice to share with local women looking to start their own business.

Valerie, 55, started out cleaning holiday lets on her own and now owns a cleaning business that employs 35 people, operates eight vans and has more than 300 clients.

She sat down with Honiton Nub News editor Joe Bulmer this week to discuss her success, the challenges, the business' future and her advice to other women looking to start a business.

Before starting her cleaning business, Top To Bottom Cleaning, in 2012, Valerie worked as a sole trader cleaning holiday lets for seven years.

As her services became more and more popular it became clear to keep up with demand Valerie would need to hire some staff and start her own business. Valerie still remembers the early days with fondness, she said: "In many ways I wish I had stayed small, I'm not disappointed by what we've got now but it is extremely hands-on.

"When you're a commercial cleaner it's easy, clients are flexible but with domestic cleaning it can be tougher as our little old ladies are not fond of change. That said, I wouldn't give up our domestic cleaning because we are proud of what we do in the community."

Being part of the Honiton community is incredibly important to Valerie.

Top To Bottom Cleaning, founded in 2012, works with Devon Carers to provide cleaning services for people recovering after hospital visits as well as working with the County Court cleaning for vulnerable people and people with special needs.

"It's lovely to work with them and give their clients the additional support they need," said Valerie.

"We've had some great feedback, for some of our clients we are a lifeline and often the only people they speak to each week. We've got a lovely family here, Honiton's a fantastic community and we love being based here."

As part of her work in the community Val cleans Honiton Rugby Club's kit free of charge and also launders the football club's kit.

Top To Bottom Cleaning also works with Hospiscare in East Devon. The relationship started after being approached for a donation by the organisation while it built its facility on King's Street.

At that time Val was not in a position to make a large donation so instead she offered her cleaning services free of charge while the facility was being built. It is a relationship Val cherishes to this day.

"In the early days we were working from home in the centre of Honiton. It eventually became a bit of a struggle so we found a place here on Heathpark Industrial Estate," said Val.

"It took a little while to move in but within roughly a month we had it all changed over. I still feel like we've got a long way to go. We are currently turning business away because we are already so busy. We'd like to hire more staff but it's a struggle to find the right people."

Val says the most satisfying part of her job is cleaning the holiday lets as she has received, 'some lovely comments and reviews' over the years.

Valerie has this to say to aspiring businesswomen in the town: "Follow your dream, I should have done this years ago. There's so much going on in Honiton at the moment. You do have to fully commit yourself to the business but the rewards are worth it."

The future is looking bright for Top To Bottom Cleaning, Val said: "In five or six years time myself and my husband Malcolm would like to take a step back from the business and let our fantastic staff take up the reins.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful staff, we have lovely family here and we feel lucky to work with such lovely people."