Poppies Story

Supporting franchisees for over 40 years

Why Poppies?

It’s simple: if our franchisees do well, we do well. That’s why we do all we can to help you develop your business and succeed – something we have been doing for over 45 years.

Poppies was one of the pioneers of cleaning franchising in the UK.

Susan Rorstad founded Poppies and her success in growing an elite franchise brand across the UK saw her awarded an MBE by Prime Minister John Major for Services to Domestic Care in the 1994 New Year’s Honours.

Today, Poppies continues to evolve. The experience, service standards and trusted name built over more than four decades are now combined with Itzhome – a modern booking and technology platform that provides a more streamlined, flexible and future-focused way to operate.

Poppies cleaning services are available through the Itzhome booking platform, giving customers a simple way to find and book trusted cleaning while giving franchisees access to a model designed around modern technology and scalable growth.

The Poppies Way remains at the heart of what we do: high-quality service, trusted local businesses and proven experience. It is how we deliver that experience that has evolved for the future.

We believe our people deserve the best in marketing, fast-growth opportunities, training, technology and infrastructure.

We have a selective recruitment process to ensure we’re partnering with the very best people in each area. Our territories are exclusive, so when they’re gone, they’re gone!

For over 45 years, premium, high-quality cleaning has made Poppies a trailblazer in the cleaning franchise sector. Now, with Itzhome supporting the next generation of the model, our USPs can help you stand out and win business in your local area.

– High Quality Service Guaranteed
– Professional Cleaning
– Tailored Service To Meet The Needs Of Your Clients
– Modern Booking Through Itzhome
– A Future-Focused, Technology-Led Operating Model

Ready to discover more:

90%

of franchisees are committed to growing their Poppies business

89%

of our franchisees being with us for more than 10 years

79%

of our network have grown beyond pre-covid figures

1980

Poppies is founded by Sue Rorstad on April Fools’ Day, with a mission to deliver premium home cleaning services customers can trust.

1983

The first Poppies franchise launches in Durham. It’s still successful today, with one original staff member still on the team!

Late 1980s

Growing demand and trust in the Poppies brand sees 85 franchises in operation, covering all corners of the country.

1994

Founder Sue Rorstad is awarded an MBE by Prime Minister John Major for Services to Domiciliary Care.

1996

Chris Wootton joins the Poppies family – also on April Fools’ Day – opening his franchise in Ormskirk, Lancashire. Chris works closely with Sue, following her original blueprint for success.

Late 1990s

Poppies continues to grow as the need for high quality domestic cleaning services continues to sore

Jump Forward to 2018

Chris Wootton takes over the business from Sue.

2020

Chris builds on Sues legacy by introducing his formula of success to new franchisees which includes, marketing growth plans, enhancements in technology and fast growth strategies.

2022

Poppies is committed to recruiting franchisees nationwide by offering exclusive territories to the very best people in each area.

2024

Poppies launches Itzhome - receive a Poppies cleaning service via Itzhome booking platform

2026

20 franchisees recruited promoting Poppies on Itzhome

Poppies is rated 4.6 / 5 with hundreds of customer reviews on Trustist

For over 40 years our premium and high quality cleaning services is why we are the trailblazers of the cleaning franchise sector. Our USP’s will help you stand out, compete with and most importantly win business from the other cleaning companies in your area.

– High Quality Service Guaranteed
– Professional Cleaning
– Tailored Service To Meet The Needs Of Your Clients

Ready to discover more:

Poppies Story

Why Poppies?

90%

89%