My Window Cleaner franchisees recognised with national business award after overcoming extraordinary challenges

Chris and Diane Eales have found success in the UK following an incredible journey as their family emigrated from South Africa.

Family franchise owners, Chris and Diane Eales, are celebrating after their north London based business, My Window Cleaner, was awarded the prestigious national title of Best Local Trade 2023. The couple, who emigrated to the UK from South Africa over the pandemic with their two sons, have been recognised for showcasing excellence, innovation, and dedication in serving the communities of Barnet, Potters Bar, South Mimms, Cuffley, Brookmans Park, Welham Green & Essendon.

Chris and Diane, who forged successful careers in architecture and cosmetic pharmaceuticals in South Africa, had been thinking about moving to the UK for years before they finally found the golden opportunity to become owners of My Window Cleaner Barnet & South Herts in 2021. And just two years on since launching their local home services business, they have become trusted, reputable members of their community.

“It’s an absolute honour to have been handed this prestigious accolade and we’re so grateful to everyone in the community who has helped us reach this point,” said Diane. “It wasn’t a simple process to get up and running two years ago, but we’re so proud to have been recognised for our efforts in making our communities feel truly at home and well looked after. When we decided to take the leap and finally move to the UK, we naturally didn’t understand the culture, the people or even the currency! It’s a huge testament to how incredible the local area has been helping us settle in our new home as well as entrusting us with delivering an exceptional level of service.

“Winning this award couldn’t have been achieved without our two sons, Quinton and Kegan, who have supported Chris and I every step of the way even in the face of adversity.”

This award comes following displays of true strength and resilience from the Eales family throughout the transition into life in the UK. Chris and Diane’s youngest son, Kegan, underwent unexpected brain surgery in South Africa at the time of their move – the same time as their business launch. And with Chris and Quinton ensuring My Window Cleaner hit the ground running in the UK while Diane and Kegan stayed in South Africa following his procedure, the pandemic was a truly defining period for the Eales. Now, having collectively overcome these hurdles to ensure their new lives in the UK would be the start of a gleaming new chapter, it has been the icing on the cake for the whole family to have been lauded with this award.

My Window Cleaner is fast becoming the cornerstone of home services franchises. The Best Local Trade Award highlights the Eales’ dedication to addressing the UK’s fast-growing demand for home maintenance services which have seen a 15% rise in the last year alone1. Bringing a one-stop-shop to the Barnet and South Herts communities by also offering gutter clearance, patio jet washing and much more, the Eales’ business successes are made all the more rewarding with the four now fully settled and healthy in the UK.

“This award has affirmed the strength of our family operation and we’re proud to be entering this new chapter healthy and driven to reach more of our neighbours throughout the community. It’s been a real honour for Chris and me to grow our business while seeing our sons settle into our new lives. We can’t wait to push ourselves further than ever before with this success and are honoured to have the chance to serve the community as a real family business,” added Diane.

The Eales family’s journey has been fraught with obstacles, but their determination and the ties that bind them have seen them rise to a life of hope, promise, and well-earned recognition in the community. For more information about My Window Cleaner’s franchise opportunity, visit https://www.mywindowcleanerfranchise.co.uk/