A shining example of local entrepreneurship, Blairgowrie-based family business GlenClean is setting its sights on further growth within Perthshire, with plans to launch a brand new self-service laundrette in Coupar Angus. This exciting expansion is scheduled to open its doors to the community this coming Sunday, promising modern amenities and a vibrant new local hub.
GlenClean, which has garnered accolades including being named ‘Best Cleaning Business in Perthshire’ at the 2024 Scotland’s Business Awards, has carved out a reputation for excellence since its inception in 2021. What began primarily as a laundry and cleaning service catering to commercial contracts in Blairgowrie has steadily grown, demonstrating a keen understanding of local needs and a commitment to quality service.
The decision to expand into Coupar Angus, specifically on George Street, comes directly in response to a clear and growing demand from existing clientele and the wider community. Many of GlenClean’s loyal customers already reside in the Coupar Angus area, making a local presence a logical and customer-centric next step. This new venture aims to provide a much-needed, convenient facility for residents, offering self-service washing, drying, and essential ironing facilities. A Community Hub on George Street
Crucially, the laundrette will not just be a place for chores; it is envisioned as a welcoming space designed to encourage community interaction. Owner Doreen Johnston, who co-manages the thriving enterprise with her daughter Mia, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s broader impact. ‘We wanted to create a space where people can comfortably take care of their laundry, but also somewhere that draws more footfall to the town centre and fosters a sense of togetherness,’ explains Ms. Johnston, highlighting the ambition to create more than just a functional service.
To further enhance this community-focused vision, GlenClean is embarking on a collaborative partnership with Oaklie’s, a popular local coffee shop situated nearby. This innovative collaboration will allow laundrette users to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or a snack while their laundry cycles through, transforming a routine errand into a more pleasant and social experience. Discussions are underway to introduce a loyalty-style service between the two businesses, aiming to create a symbiotic relationship that mutually benefits both enterprises and, more importantly, revitalises the Coupar Angus High Street by attracting more visitors and shoppers.
This initiative is particularly poignant given the challenges many local high streets face, and GlenClean’s commitment to contributing positively to the economic and social fabric of Coupar Angus is a testament to their community spirit. The presence of a dedicated staff member on hand at all times to offer assistance and support underscores a commitment to customer service that extends beyond mere self-service, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with modern laundry equipment. From Relocation Challenges to Continued Growth
The journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. GlenClean initially operated from premises on Keay Street in Blairgowrie, but a council order necessitated a relocation. This period of transition, though disruptive, ultimately proved to be a catalyst for growth. The business successfully reopened its doors in February 2024 at a new location on Welton Road. Since then, operations have flourished, exceeding expectations and solidifying GlenClean’s position as a vital service provider in Blairgowrie.
The Welton Road facility continues to serve its robust commercial client base, handling large-scale laundry and cleaning contracts with the efficiency and professionalism that customers have come to expect. However, it also caters to a significant number of walk-in customers from the public, demonstrating the enduring need for accessible, high-quality laundry services in the area. The current Blairgowrie site itself is undergoing further enhancements, with plans including the addition of a substantial shed and the installation of a mezzanine floor to optimise space for ironing products upstairs and accommodate additional commercial washing machinery downstairs. This continuous investment underscores the family’s dedication to expanding capacity and refining service delivery, adapting to both commercial demands and individual customer needs within Perthshire.
‘Business has been incredibly brisk, and we’re very fortunate to be in a position where we’re constantly growing,’ Doreen Johnston shared. ‘We’re absolutely thriving here on Welton Road, and the positive feedback from our customers has been overwhelming. We literally can’t complain about the workload – it’s all go!’ This infectious enthusiasm for their work, coupled with strategic planning, positions GlenClean for sustained success.
The official opening hours for the Coupar Angus branch are yet to be finalised. However, GlenClean has confirmed that these will be carefully determined based on community input and actual customer demand, ensuring that the service is tailored to best meet the needs of Coupar Angus residents. This flexible approach highlights the family business’s commitment to responsiveness and adaptability, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to its award-winning success and strong local reputation.
This strategic expansion not only signifies GlenClean’s continued growth but also represents a welcome boost for Coupar Angus, promising enhanced local amenities and contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of Perth and Kinross. It’s a testament to the power of local businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive, enriching the communities they serve with both essential services and valuable social spaces.
GlenClean, which has garnered accolades including being named ‘Best Cleaning Business in Perthshire’ at the 2024 Scotland’s Business Awards, has carved out a reputation for excellence since its inception in 2021. What began primarily as a laundry and cleaning service catering to commercial contracts in Blairgowrie has steadily grown, demonstrating a keen understanding of local needs and a commitment to quality service.
The decision to expand into Coupar Angus, specifically on George Street, comes directly in response to a clear and growing demand from existing clientele and the wider community. Many of GlenClean’s loyal customers already reside in the Coupar Angus area, making a local presence a logical and customer-centric next step. This new venture aims to provide a much-needed, convenient facility for residents, offering self-service washing, drying, and essential ironing facilities. A Community Hub on George Street
Crucially, the laundrette will not just be a place for chores; it is envisioned as a welcoming space designed to encourage community interaction. Owner Doreen Johnston, who co-manages the thriving enterprise with her daughter Mia, expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s broader impact. ‘We wanted to create a space where people can comfortably take care of their laundry, but also somewhere that draws more footfall to the town centre and fosters a sense of togetherness,’ explains Ms. Johnston, highlighting the ambition to create more than just a functional service.
To further enhance this community-focused vision, GlenClean is embarking on a collaborative partnership with Oaklie’s, a popular local coffee shop situated nearby. This innovative collaboration will allow laundrette users to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or a snack while their laundry cycles through, transforming a routine errand into a more pleasant and social experience. Discussions are underway to introduce a loyalty-style service between the two businesses, aiming to create a symbiotic relationship that mutually benefits both enterprises and, more importantly, revitalises the Coupar Angus High Street by attracting more visitors and shoppers.
This initiative is particularly poignant given the challenges many local high streets face, and GlenClean’s commitment to contributing positively to the economic and social fabric of Coupar Angus is a testament to their community spirit. The presence of a dedicated staff member on hand at all times to offer assistance and support underscores a commitment to customer service that extends beyond mere self-service, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with modern laundry equipment. From Relocation Challenges to Continued Growth
The journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. GlenClean initially operated from premises on Keay Street in Blairgowrie, but a council order necessitated a relocation. This period of transition, though disruptive, ultimately proved to be a catalyst for growth. The business successfully reopened its doors in February 2024 at a new location on Welton Road. Since then, operations have flourished, exceeding expectations and solidifying GlenClean’s position as a vital service provider in Blairgowrie.
The Welton Road facility continues to serve its robust commercial client base, handling large-scale laundry and cleaning contracts with the efficiency and professionalism that customers have come to expect. However, it also caters to a significant number of walk-in customers from the public, demonstrating the enduring need for accessible, high-quality laundry services in the area. The current Blairgowrie site itself is undergoing further enhancements, with plans including the addition of a substantial shed and the installation of a mezzanine floor to optimise space for ironing products upstairs and accommodate additional commercial washing machinery downstairs. This continuous investment underscores the family’s dedication to expanding capacity and refining service delivery, adapting to both commercial demands and individual customer needs within Perthshire.
‘Business has been incredibly brisk, and we’re very fortunate to be in a position where we’re constantly growing,’ Doreen Johnston shared. ‘We’re absolutely thriving here on Welton Road, and the positive feedback from our customers has been overwhelming. We literally can’t complain about the workload – it’s all go!’ This infectious enthusiasm for their work, coupled with strategic planning, positions GlenClean for sustained success.
The official opening hours for the Coupar Angus branch are yet to be finalised. However, GlenClean has confirmed that these will be carefully determined based on community input and actual customer demand, ensuring that the service is tailored to best meet the needs of Coupar Angus residents. This flexible approach highlights the family business’s commitment to responsiveness and adaptability, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to its award-winning success and strong local reputation.
This strategic expansion not only signifies GlenClean’s continued growth but also represents a welcome boost for Coupar Angus, promising enhanced local amenities and contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of Perth and Kinross. It’s a testament to the power of local businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive, enriching the communities they serve with both essential services and valuable social spaces.