Founded in 1980, by Sue Rorstad MBE, Poppies was the first business to professionalize domestic cleaning in the UK, setting the benchmark for quality and reliability in an industry that was, until then, largely unstructured. As an early adopter of franchising in the UK, we provided and continue to provide aspiring business owners with a stable and proven model for success. Under new ownership since 2018, we are expanding rapidly while staying true to our founding principles.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to improve the lifestyles of our clients, staff, and franchisees. We achieve this by delivering premium, bespoke cleaning services designed for clients who value exceptional service. Our unique approach ensures that every cleaner is employed, thoroughly trained, and individually selected—providing an unmatched level of consistency, professionalism, and trust.
For our staff, we offer rewarding and fulfilling jobs with flexible working hours, allowing them to balance work with other life responsibilities. For our franchisees, we provide a stable, proven business model that enables them to achieve their personal and financial goals while being part of a trusted, premium brand.
At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Proudly, Personally, and Properly. We take pride in our work, build personal connections with our clients and teams, and ensure every task is completed to the highest standard.
Inspiration Behind Our Franchise Journey
Poppies was founded by Sue Rorstad with a clear vision: to offer a reliable and professional domestic cleaning service that set new standards in the industry. She wanted to create a business that not only provided exceptional cleaning services but also gave franchisees the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance and take control of their futures. That vision is what first drew me to Poppies.
In the mid-90s, I was working in computing, helping a local Poppies franchise computerise their accounts and payroll. But I was looking for something more—something that felt meaningful and allowed me to build a future on my own terms. Seeing the strength of Poppies’ business model and the impact it had on both customers and franchisees, I knew this was the right opportunity for me.
So, in 1996, I took the leap and became a Poppies franchisee. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did it give me the work-life balance I craved, but it also allowed me to help others—both customers and my team—experience the same benefits. Over the years, I’ve watched Poppies transform lives, providing stability, independence, and success to so many.
Today, as the owner and managing director of Poppies, I’m proud to continue building on Sue’s legacy. What started as a desire for change has grown into a lifelong passion for helping others succeed, and I’m more committed than ever to ensuring that Poppies continues to make a difference in people’s lives.
Recent Success
In 2024, Poppies celebrated its 45th anniversary, marking significant milestones, including innovative initiatives and award recognitions. Notably, franchisee Soniya Fernandes of Poppies Hounslow was nominated for the prestigious EWIF Young Woman in Franchising 2024 Award, highlighting the brand’s commitment to empowering women in business.
Adding to our achievements, Poppies was honoured with the Clean & Tidy Home Awards 2024 in the Lifestyle Solutions category. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our franchisees and teams across the UK, who continue to provide outstanding service and improve the lives of our customers. Winning this award reaffirms our mission to deliver high-quality, professional, and reliable cleaning services that make a real difference in people’s homes and daily lives.
Transformative Impact
Our franchise model has empowered franchisees to reclaim their work-life balance and build thriving businesses. For example, Dan Reid, Managing Director of Poppies Leeds North West, made a successful transition from a demanding corporate role to owning a flourishing franchise. With a team of 25 staff, Dan now enjoys greater flexibility, allowing him to spend quality time with his family and work remotely as needed.
Similarly, Nigel Bayliss, a Poppies franchisee for over 30 years, began his journey as a stay-at-home husband, seamlessly integrating the business into his family life. Today, he works just three mornings a week, having built a capable management team that oversees the day-to-day operations, leaving him with plenty of time to pursue personal interests.
Poppies North owner Andrew Wishart has reached an impressive milestone, celebrating 25 years with two of his four territories in the northeast. The Wishart family’s involvement in Poppies spans an incredible 95 years, and the business continues to thrive. Andrew took over the family business in 2018 after joining in 1995, and together with his wife and a manager in the Northeast, they continue to run and grow a successful operation.
These inspiring stories showcase how Poppies’ franchise model provides individuals with the opportunity to build successful businesses while enjoying a balanced and fulfilling personal life.
Greatest Accomplishment
Our most significant achievement is the enduring success and expansion of the Poppies network. Celebrating over four decades of operation, we’ve maintained a reputation for excellence, with franchisees like Poppies Durham reaching their 40-year milestone in 2023. This longevity reflects our unwavering commitment to quality service and community engagement.
We are also proud of our recent growth and industry recognition. Being featured in the EF Top 100 Franchise Awards for six consecutive years highlights the strength and stability of our business model. However, perhaps our greatest achievement to date is winning the Clean & Tidy Show Lifestyle Solution of the Year Award. This accolade goes beyond business success—it recognises our mission and the exceptional service delivery and daily efforts of our franchisees, staff, and leadership team in truly improving the lives of our clients.
As we continue to grow and evolve, these achievements serve as a powerful reminder of our core values—Proudly, Personally, and Properly—and our dedication to setting the standard for premium home cleaning services.
