Jmr Cleaning, a commercial and domestic cleaning business based in North Wales, has secured a micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales to support the expansion of its commercial operations in Colwyn Bay.
The loan has been provided through the Wales Micro Loan Fund. It will be used to support marketing activity and eventually establish an office presence as the business targets a gap in the local market for commercial cleaning services. If successful, the expansion could lead to the creation of up to four new jobs.
The Wales Micro Loan Fund provides loans from £1,000 to £100,000 for Welsh start-ups and growing businesses, covering needs such as stock, equipment, premises and cash flow. The loan was secured using the Development Bank’s new digital application process, designed to make it faster and easier for businesses to access finance. From application to approval, the process took just a couple of weeks.
Originally founded jointly by Mark Roberts and his wife Joanne, Jmr Cleaning is now led by managing director Mark. It operates across Rhyl, St Asaph, Bodelwyddan, Abergele, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, providing professional, structured, contract-led cleaning services to commercial clients, alongside a smaller domestic service.
The business has identified Colwyn Bay as a strategic growth area, driven by increasing demand from offices, business premises and community facilities.
A former Royal Air Force serviceman with 12 years’ service and a NATO peacekeeping medal, Mark has built the business around the premise of disciplined working practices, attention to detail and consistently high standards. Jmr Cleaning is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and has been formally recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its support of the armed forces community.
Mark Roberts, Managing Director of Jmr Cleaning, said:
“The speed and simplicity of the process made a real difference. We identified an opportunity to expand into Colwyn Bay and the funding was in place quickly, allowing us to act straight away. The application was straightforward and having a relationship manager we could speak to made it feel like a genuine partnership.
“This loan gives us the confidence to invest in marketing and an office presence so we can grow the commercial side of the business. If the expansion goes to plan, it will allow us to create new jobs and build a stronger footprint in the area.”
Malcolm Green, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:
“Micro loans can have a big impact for small businesses when opportunities arise. Jmr Cleaning is a great example of how quick access to finance can help a business move fast, capitalise on a gap in the market and plan for growth.
“Our new customer portal is making the funding journey simpler and more efficient, particularly for smaller loans, and we’re pleased to support Mark as he takes the next step in growing his business in North Wales.”
The £32.5 million Wales Micro Loan Fund is financed entirely by the Welsh Government. It offers funding from £1,000 to £100,000, with fixed interest rates for the duration of a loan. Flexible terms and fast-track applications are available.
