Award-winning commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét is proudly celebrating 20 years in business this month, marking two decades of growth, innovation and exceptional service.
Founded in 2005 by Rachael Flanagan when she was just 18 years old, Mrs Buckét has evolved from a one-woman operation into one of the UK’s leading cleaning companies.
With its headquarters in Swansea, the business is now on track to achieve a projected £11.5 million turnover in 2026, employing almost 500 staff and serving 185 commercial clients across Wales and Bristol.
Rachael launched the business with £20, which she used to print 5,000 black and white leaflets, and a single mop and some cleaning products.
The idea came to her while studying for her A Levels. Her mum was paying a cleaner £40 a week for four hours of work but was unhappy with the standard. Rachael believed she could do better – and she did.
With a clear vision to deliver cleaning services with professionalism, consistency and care, Rachael grew her venture from domestic cleaning into a multi-million-pound commercial success story.
In 2018, she sold the domestic arm of the business to focus entirely on commercial clients. Today, Mrs Buckét provides professional cleaning services to a diverse portfolio that includes manufacturing sites, chemical plants, schools, offices and warehouses.
Rachael’s entrepreneurial spirit, hands-on leadership, and passion for people have been instrumental in shaping the company’s journey. Her focus on innovation, sustainability, and creating clean, healthy environments where people can thrive has established Mrs Buckét as a leader in its field.
A recipient of the UK Young Entrepreneur Award at just 21, Rachael remains committed to empowering others. Alongside leading her business, she is an influential voice in the business community and a champion for women in leadership. She dedicates time to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them build confidence and clarity in their own ventures.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rachael Flanagan, Founder and CEO of Mrs Buckét, said:
“It’s incredible to be celebrating 20 years of Mrs Buckét. What started as a simple idea and a £20 investment has grown into something truly special. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved – and none of it would have been possible without our wonderful team, supportive family and friends, and loyal clients who trust us every day.
“We’ve come so far, but this is just the beginning. There are some really exciting new contract partnerships in the pipeline, which we’ll be announcing soon. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring.”
