As I reflect on the remarkable journey of APM Cleaning and Repair, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. On the 5th of February 2025, we celebrate 20 years in business, a milestone that marks not just the passage of time but a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Our journey from a small domestic cleaning franchise to a versatile and robust commercial cleaning and repair enterprise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Our Journey
2005: Humble Beginnings
We began our journey as Myhome Newcastle, a domestic cleaning franchise. The dream was simple: to provide impeccable cleaning services to our community. This phase taught us the importance of customer satisfaction and laid the foundation for our future.
2008: Rising from Adversity
When Myhome’s franchisor went into liquidation, we faced a crucial turning point. Rather than succumb to the uncertainty, we transformed into APM Cleaning Ltd. This pivotal moment underscored our resilience and determination to thrive despite challenges.
2009: Commitment to Quality
Our first major milestone came with the ISO 9001 Quality Accreditation. This marked our commitment to maintaining high standards in all our operations and services, setting the tone for future achievements.
2010-2011: Expanding Accreditations
With the Constructionline and CHAS Accreditations in 2010 and the ISO 14001 Environmental Accreditation in 2011, we fortified our reputation as a reliable and environmentally conscious company.
2015: Growth and New Beginnings
Purchasing our premises at Team Valley was a significant investment in our future. That same year, I got married, blending personal joy with professional growth.
2016: Diversification
We expanded our services to include window cleaning, demonstrating our ability to adapt to market demands and broaden our expertise.
2017: New Horizons
Securing the ISO 45001 Health & Safety Accreditation and acquiring a franchise in hard surface repair showcased our commitment to safety and diversification.
2019: Commercial Pivot and Success
Pivoting to commercial cleaning was a strategic move that proved immensely successful. Winning our first formal tenders and securing contracts with DCC Extra Care and Karbon Homes highlighted our growing influence in the commercial sector.
2020-2021: Strength in Service
Securing contracts with Castles & Coasts, Accent and Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue, reflected our continued excellence and dedication to service. Winning the Entrepreneur of the Year Award was a massive honour and proud moment this year and both a personal and professional milestone.
2022-2023: Expanding Reach
From contracts with Cumbria Police and Home Group to achieving the ISO 22301 Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Accreditation, we continued to cement our position as a trusted provider in the industry. The Housing 21, Bellway, and other significant contracts further demonstrated our expanding reach.
2024: Milestones Achieved
2024 was a landmark year as we paid off the mortgage for our business premises and achieved the ISO 27001 Cyber Security Accreditation, reinforcing our financial stability and commitment to digital security.
2025: Celebrating 20 Years
As we celebrate two decades of service, we look forward to moving house and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
The Foundations of Success
Growing up in a mixed-race family, I learned the values of cultural tolerance and diversity from my mother, who was raised by her white grandmother and Arab grandfather. Coming from a working-class background, I started earning early, working as a plumber’s mate for my dad, and later assisting in window fitting and cleaning. These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic and practical skills.
My journey through the ‘Women into Engineering’ scholarship and my subsequent career in quality engineering and production management taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. These lessons became invaluable when I ventured into entrepreneurship.
When I purchased the Myhome franchise, I was determined to succeed despite not being a natural entrepreneur. The collapse of the franchisor was a challenge that pushed me to rebrand and diversify, creating APM Cleaning Ltd. Each challenge reinforced my belief that I could achieve anything with determination and hard work.
Looking Ahead
The journey of APM Cleaning and Repair is far from over. We have ambitious plans to expand further, opening new sites and continuing to innovate in our service offerings. Our success over the past 20 years is a testament to our adaptability, our commitment to quality, and our passion for service. I am excited about the future and confident that, with the incredible team at APM, we will continue to reach new heights.
Thank you to all our clients, partners, and employees who have been part of this journey. Here’s to the next 20 years of excellence.
Sam Read
Managing Director
APM Cleaning and Repair