'Step Back To Move Forward'

RACHAEL FLANAGAN, 31, built Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services into a multimillion-pound business. Here’s how…

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You can’t just dip a toe in

In 2005, when I was doing my A levels, my mum was always complaining about our cleaner. I offered to take over for some extra cash and enjoyed it. I began cleaning for my extended family, too, which inspired me to create a plan for my own company during business classes at college – only I failed the exams. But instead of letting it get me down, it spurred me on; I threw my all into creating a cleaning company. I spent £20 on 5,000 flyers advertising my services as “Mrs Buckét” (pronounced “bouquet”, as in TV’s