FOUNDER and owner of Maid in North Yorkshire Hayley Thompson remembers how busy her life was when she was working full time and trying to keep her home nice at the same time. "It can be a struggle and the last thing you want to do is cleaning when you get in from work as family time is so important," she says.

The 42-year-old from Northallerton took a huge leap of faith to set up her own business 15 months ago after leaving North Yorkshire Police, where she had worked for 14 years. “I knew the opportunity was there from listening to friends saying how busy their lives had become," she says. "I knew I could help and I also wanted to provide a business to hand over to my daughter one day. She has really motivated me to do this.”

Keeping it in the family, daughter Emily also works in the company. “We see ourselves as housekeepers, not just cleaners,” says Hayley “It’s the little touches that matter and that’s what we aim to offer. I always ask myself, what would I want from a housekeeper?”

Being a caring cleaning company is proving a recipe for success. Maid in North Yorkshire are continuing to expand and employing more staff. When she first started up, Hayley worked on her own, then enlisted the help of her daughter and her mum. Now she employs 20 staff.

“It’s incredible how the business has grown in such a short time," says Hayley. “It has swept me off my feet. But I really enjoy the challenges it brings with our many clients, and it’s great to get their feedback. If they are happy, I am happy. Running a business is a lot of responsibility, but I just love it.”

Maid in North Yorkshire has secured a contract with the Barkers department store on the high street in Northallerton – and the firm's furniture store.

Other clients include Sweet Moments cake factory, Northallerton Tile and Bathrooms, Saks Hairdressers, Paul Thompson Builders, and O&3 Oil company amongst others.

Hayley is now setting her sights on expanding her commercial work into hotels and nursing homes.

“Growing up with my mum and dad and their strong work ethic has taught me so much," she says. "They have always had such a high level of service in their own business, and my brother has too. They don’t know how much this has helped and influenced me."