The Project

Dan Lee is the owner of Somerset Window Cleaning Company, he initially started out his career as a Royal Marine Commando, where he served for eight years, including a tour of Afghanistan. Dan later decided he wanted to start his own business. After much research, he decided there was a gap in the market for a window cleaning and exterior cleaning business. One that would incorporate the latest equipment and technology available.

The demand and popularity of his new venture took off. In less than three years the company now employs a team of six, has relocated the business HQ from a kitchen table to a brand new office space at Wells Enterprise Centre, and has plans to recruit more staff to meet the growing customer demand.

From the early days of setting up the business, Dan was clear that he wanted to be able to offer an exceptional service. In a busy and competitive industry, he knew what would set him apart from his competition and that would be; reliability and continually high standards:

Investing in the right equipment to do the very best job was important for me. I purchased a state-of-the-art, Wash and Clean Pure Water System, incorporating the latest technology. An expensive investment but one I felt was required to provide the level of service I wanted to offer. Moving forward, I’ve invested in further technologically advanced vacuum/suction cleaning equipment for guttering; fitted with mobile cameras to illustrate to clients the gutter cleaning process and provide a filmed recording, should they require it. From starting out with zero clients and embarking on the daunting task of filling a single round, I’m incredibly proud of the company we’ve become.

Speaking about the reasons for taking workspace at the Somerset Enterprise Centre, Dan said:

The move to Wells Enterprise Centre came about as I outgrew working from home. Taking on a new team member to help with administration and requiring office space to really ‘operate and organise,’ what was fast becoming a growing business. We now have space for team and client meetings and make use of shared meeting rooms and office facilities. The benefit has been more than just space. Working alongside 12 other businesses on the Enterprise Park and being surrounding with likeminded companies and business owners has made a big difference. Regardless of the type of business they’re running I can come across somebody in a corridor with similar challenges, or similar experiences. Starting a business is actually a very lonely experience, having people to chat to, or discuss ideas with easily makes a real difference.

Somerset Enterprise Centres provide access to free, independent business advisors for tenants. Business advisors can provide one-to-one sessions virtually or in person, covering all aspects of starting a business, marketing, funding, grants or business diagnostics and growth. Referring to the support Dan said:

Meeting with Alan and getting independent business advice has been a huge benefit. There is only so much information you can get from searching Google on your own, whereas Alan, who really takes a genuine interest in the business, provides a new perspective and this type of support is invaluable.

Talking about his current role in the business Dan explained:

Although now based in the office and no longer working on sites day to day, I personally oversee my business, keeping a close eye on maintaining high standards. I still get out to meet clients, join the teams on larger jobs and make sure I’m available when the team needs me and I oversee the training process of anybody new joining the company. I take time to instil a team spirit within my staff, as we go forward as a business together.

Alan Smith, Somerset business advisor who regularly visits tenants and business owners across the South West said:

The story of Dan, how the business started, right to where it is now, is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Behind the scenes of any business is an incredible investment of time and hard work – Dan has a fantastic work ethic one that has helped him to grow a successful business in a short period of time. Dan’s commitment to fantastic customer service and his willingness to innovate in a traditional industry are two huge factors in his meteoric growth.

We’re incredibly proud to have Somerset Window Cleaning as a tenant at Wells and excited to be able to support Dan and his team as they look to the future of the business and its promising plans for 2022 and beyond.

To find out more information on Somerset Window Cleaning and their services available visit www.somersetwindowcleaning.co.uk or visit their social channels: Facebook or Instagram.

Wells Enterprise Centre is one of nine Somerset Enterprise Centres, owned by Somerset  Council and operated by Enterprise South West. The centres are a key part of Somerset Council’s Economic Development Strategy for supporting SMEs with workspace solutions.

Benefits of tenancy

Benefits of tenancy include:

• Flexible easy tenures
• Competitive rents
• Dedicated facilities management help desk
• Access to business support services with experienced and skilled advisors
• Start-up and growth planning support
• one to one business diagnostics and development workshops
• Business networking opportunities