What will September bring for Laura Dent?

It’s the middle of September and the weather is changing. We’ve been speaking to businesses to find out what this month will bring for them and today we’re talking to Laura Dent who is Director of So Fresh & So Clean UK Ltd which is a commercial cleaning company specialising in carpet and contract cleaning in Swindon and Wiltshire.

What’s coming up for your business in September?
We’ve just completed training and are now fully qualified to carry out trauma and biohazard cleaning. We mainly want to focus on working with people and organisations in the mental health sector, making homes safe and habitable again.

It’s ‘back to school’ month – is this relevant to you personally or professionally?
We have three children, so August has been a fine art of balancing work, taking time for a holiday and child care, whilst making sure all staff get the time off they need for family time and ensuring their work is covered. September is a reset of getting back into a set routine both at home and within the business.

September is also known as ‘organic’ month – do you shop, dress, or behave with green ethics in mind?
I’ve always been a massive advocate of using local businesses and shops. We regularly use a local farm that delivers our fruits, vegs, milk and cheese and the local bakery for bread. We are a busy family but we try to stick to this as best we can so it’s great that a whole month is dedicated to the cause.  Since 2009 I’ve been a huge fan of raw juicing and its health benefits too. It’s amazing that its more recognised now and more readily available.

World Gratitude Day takes place this month (Sept 21) – what are you grateful for at the moment?
There are so many things I’m grateful for right now but if I had to pick one it would be my family’s health.

Who are you grateful for at the moment?
I’m really grateful for my husband and children.

We are dealing with a lot of messages around ‘bad’ news such as the rising cost of living, inflation rising and interest rates rising. How are you keeping positive – what tips can you share with others?
It has been very difficult to stay positive and focused with the rising costs. I worry not only for my family but for others too. We already work alongside the homeless and vulnerable sector; it’s extremely saddening to think this will get worse. The only tip I can share is to continue to support each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are some amazing charities and support groups in our town so if you need help, reach out.

Have you got any events planned you’d like to shout about?
I completed a 13-mile trek through Stonehenge on the 3rd of September, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. I’ll also be climbing Snowden in October but that one’s just for fun.

Have you got any services or special offers you’d like to mention?
As mentioned, we have just launched our new services in trauma and biohazard cleaning. Sadly, it’s a service that’s much needed. It’s very sensitive work but is very rewarding when you can make a difference in someone’s life.

And finally, September 30 is International Podcast Day – do you listen to podcasts or do you have one of your own? Can you share a tip? Which podcasts should others check out?
There are so many I could recommend. My top favourite that I listen to all the time is ‘Focus On Why’ by Amy Rowlinson which I highly recommend. Amy speaks with some truly amazing people who are so inspiring, it’s my therapy! I’ve recently got into ‘PR not BS’ by Fiona Scott. I’m only a couple in but it’s amazing. I’ve never really understood PR and the importance of it and this podcast is free education from an expert.

For more information visit www.sofreshandsoclean.org.uk