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Cleaning business provides financial security during heightened Covid alert levels

Cleaners standing outside a school giving the thumbs-up.
Taranaki franchisees Makalita and Afelee Niumea outside one of the schools they clean.

When Covid alert levels went up, so did Makalita and Afelee Niumea’s income.

The New Plymouth couple are glad they invested in a CrestClean franchise three years ago, which has not only weathered the pandemic — it’s prospered.

With three essential services customers, it was business as usual during the heightened alert levels, with one of their customers also requesting an additional Sanitising Service.

“We are doing extra cleaning, once a week, so we’ve made more money,” says Makalita.

“It’s really good. We saw the wage subsidy updates for businesses, but we didn’t need to apply because we weren’t affected.”

Makalita and Afelee also retained contracts with the three schools that they cleaned, resuming regular cleaning services at Level 3.

“We are so glad we are with CrestClean. It’s a really secure job and the company is looking after us really well.”

CrestClean provides more than financial security, adds Makalita.

With professional, industry-leading training and regular communication from the company, she and Afelee feel safe and supported in both running their business and carrying out their cleaning duties.

“We have been well trained in pandemic cleaning, and we are using all the required PPE and processes, so we feel confident that we are safe,” she says.

“And CrestClean is always updating us on things, reminding us about how to keep ourselves and our customers safe. I am glad to have their support.”

Originally from the Pacific island of Tuvalu, Makalita and Afelee moved to New Zealand 20 years ago in search of a better life for their children.

They were inspired to buy a CrestClean business by family members who owned successful franchises.

You can read more of their story here.