Cleaning and maintenance specialist Houseproud has become a shining success, judging by its rate of expansion in the past year.

Launched three years ago as a family concern with Hayley Dear, partner Paul and daughter Georgina, the Greenhithe firm now has 13 staff and has diversified from its original concept of being a cleaning company. It also works over a larger geographical area.

Hayley said: “Houseproud has taken on more staff to cover the growing number of clients. We have expanded the services we offer, including roofing, plastering and ceiling renovations as well as installation and maintenance of boilers.

“Recently, an estate agent asked us to decorate a one-bedroomed flat. They were so impressed with our services that we are currently carrying out renovations at their newly purchased family home, a seven-bedroom, two-bathroom manor house.

“Our company is involved in all aspects of this contract, including creating play and barbecue areas in the garden, as well as designing and planting the rest of the gardens.”

Houseproud is registered with Checkatrade.com and currently holds an overall feedback score of 9.8 out of 10.

Hayley added: “Checktrade.com has been exceptionally helpful for us as a small business. We had to undergo police and insurance checks prior to being listed, so prospective clients know in advance that we are safe and legal.”

The company is one of the contenders for this year's Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are now in their 10th year.

They are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and on our website.

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, University of Greenwich and Mid Kent College.

Entries have now closed. The winners will be announced later this year.