Train 2000 - The Centre for Women's Enterprise and Employment

A Warrington woman who set up in business cleaning carpets and upholstery never imagined that being female would be the key to her success. 57-year-old Sandra Gee says that because of the heavy equipment required for such cleaning work it is usually carried out by men.

"I drive round in a huge van and have to carry large pieces of equipment in and out of peoples' homes to clean their carpets and upholstery. But, the fact that I am a woman doing this work is really proving to work in my favour as I have had an excellent response from women and elderly people who feel less vulnerable to have a woman in their home.

"I drive round wearing pink and all my leaflets are pink, I want to make it visible and obvious that this is a woman-run business."

Sandra, who is a mum of three, started up in business just a couple of months ago after the pressure of being a retail manager forced her to re-think her career. "There was so much stress and pressure involved with my job" she said, "that I just wanted to do something different and becoming self-employed seemed like the perfect option. I love getting up for work now and I don't have that Sunday night feeling anymore."

Although Sandra admits that cleaning for a living is quite different to being a retail manager, she is happier than ever before, "A lot of people don't like cleaning I know, but I find it really therapeutic and I so far I have met some lovely people who want to welcome me into their home whilst I clean it," added Sandra.

As well as carpet and upholstery cleaning Sandra also undertakes domestic cleaning. She said:

"This side of the business has taken off really well and I have already got a number of regular customers. I am never still now - so not only am I enjoying myself, but, because I am so active, I am burning off the calories at the same time."

Prior to working as a retail manager Sandra had been a stay-at-home mum for 13 years whilst she brought up her children. "It was a huge decision to become self employed" she said, "but my family were extremely supportive. I gave up a very good salary to become my own boss, but it has been worth it and I have never looked back since."

Sandra came to Train 2000 after seeing an advert in her local newspaper. She received one-to-one business advice and support with putting her business plan together.

If you would like to find out more about Delamere or would like to take up any of Sandra's cleaning services, please call her on 01925 711295.