Wheelie good business idea inspired by News Shopper letter (From News Shopper)

Biggin Hill entrepreneur starts wheelie bin cleaning service after reading letter in News Shopper

9:41am Thursday 7th July 2011 in News By Michael Purton and Connor Findlay

AN ENTREPRENEUR had a wheelie good idea for a business after reading a letter in the News Shopper.

When Michael Barrett, aged 69, read a letter from reader Maggy Bater suggesting someone start a wheelie bin cleaning service in Bromley, he decided to do just that.

Mr Barrett and his two business partners launched the company Green and Pleasant in September, which uses a truck with a built-in washing system to tour the borough cleaning wheelie bins.

They have more than 500 customers they visit once every four weeks, and charge £3.60 per bin when booked in advance, or £3.77 on the spot.

Mr Barrett, of Bridlington Crescent, Biggin Hill, said: “The letter in the News Shopper gave me food for thought, and after further investigation I decided it would be a good business idea.

“We have hundreds of satisfied customers who really appreciate the service, especially as their wheelie bins are now only emptied every fortnight.”

The grandfather, who previously worked as a chauffeur, added: “We have only been going nine months so we are still building our round, but we are planning to get another vehicle and expand.”

To thank Mrs Bater for her inspiring letter, Mr Barrett has offered to clean the 73-year-old’s wheelie bin for free for the rest of the year.

Mrs Bater, of Spur Road, Orpington, said: “I’m delighted to know my letter has inspired a successful business, and am obviously very pleased to have my bin cleaned for free.”

To have your wheelie bin cleaned by Mr Barrett’s company, call free on 0800 612 7535 or email green.pleasant@yahoo.co.uk