When Bournemouth-based yacht electrician Stuart Smart realised his job no longer aligned with his values or family life, he knew it was time for a change. After 25 years working along the south coast, he wanted a business that was hands-on, scalable and gave him control over his time.
Six months after launching My Property Pros Bournemouth, Stuart is already making a visible impact – with multiple homes on the same street using his services, and major commercial contracts secured through head office leads.
Stuart enjoyed the technical side of his role, but company culture and long hours left little room for family life.
“I wanted something practical that I could grow, but also a business that worked around my son – not the other way around.”
Initially considering a small side hustle, Stuart began researching franchising over the 2024 Christmas period. That’s when he discovered professional exterior property cleaning – and My Property Pros.
Why My Property Pros
Founded in 1996, My Property Pros is the UK’s first and only national exterior property cleaning franchise, offering a proven, multi-service business model with year-round demand.
After requesting more information, Stuart met founders Karen and Dave Prewer to explore the opportunity in depth.
“From the first conversation, everything just clicked. The support, the structure and the opportunity felt right straight away.”
Before committing, Stuart spoke with existing franchisees and spent a day on the job with David Roberts, owner of My Property Pros Swindon.
“Seeing the business in action sealed it. It was exactly what I was looking for – real work, real customers and a proven system.”
Stuart launched My Property Pros Bournemouth in July 2025.
Fully trained, fully supported
My Property Pros franchisees operate from fully equipped, highly visible vans and offer a range of complementary services, including:
- Roof and render cleaning
- Gutter clearing and maintenance
- Jet washing
- Window cleaning
Thanks to modern systems and specialist equipment, most services are completed safely from the ground.
Stuart completed comprehensive hands-on training with established franchisees, learning everything from machinery and products to service delivery and marketing.
“There’s far more to exterior cleaning than people realise. The training gave me the confidence to deliver every service to a high standard from day one.”
Ongoing support from the network means help is always close at hand.
“If you’ve got a question, someone is always there. There’s no competition – everyone wants each other to succeed.”
Rapid results in Bournemouth
Since launching, Stuart has built a strong mix of residential and commercial work, with around 70% of his jobs focused on roof cleaning.
“Roof cleaning sells itself. Once neighbours see the difference, the phone starts ringing.”
On a single road, Stuart completed seven properties back-to-back, driven entirely by visible results and word-of-mouth.
Through My Property Pros’ automated lead generation system, Stuart was also introduced to a property management firm – a single enquiry that has opened the door to ongoing work across over 150 homes and 400 buildings in the Bournemouth area.
A business that fits around family life
For Stuart, success isn’t just about growth – it’s about flexibility.
“My goal was simple: more time with my son. This business gives me that.”
Now training his brother-in-law to join the business, Stuart is building a team and freeing up even more time.
“As a franchisee, I decide when I work. I can be there for school plays, sports days and the moments that really matter. Starting My Property Pros Bournemouth was the best decision I could have made.”