Pride in carrying out a good job is something Hayley Dear regards as paramount.

Before setting up House Proud Cleaning and Maintenance in Greenhithe more than two years ago, Hayley was shocked at the low standard of some cleaning companies and decided to set up to improve standards.

The family-run firm, which now has 10 employees, has a portfolio comprising a large number of estate agents and is not only expanding further afield, but taking on more demanding workloads.

Hayley said: “We give our staff one-to-one training and also give young people a chance to see a different view of the business world.

"I am keen they are given an opportunity to move on to the next step of life and am aware of the need to help those needing to get back for work.

“Adding a level of cleanliness, dedication and self-discipline is important.

“We as a business want to walk away and feel proud of what we have accomplished and achieve a high standard of workmanship.”

Her aim is for the company to become the one everyone knows, where both she and her crew put their hearts and souls into it.

House Proud Cleaning and Maintenance has entered this year’s Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are supported by the Messenger.

Each entrant gets a free profile in the Messenger newspaper and online. This year’s award sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House and the University of Greenwich.

The deadline is today (Friday). Visit www.dgbawards.co.uk to enter online.