Shoe cleaning business which began as hobby enjoying success with awards nod

A SHOE cleaning company which began as a hobby during lockdown has gone from strength to strength and is now nominated for three business awards.

Full-time carer Joe Terry in Winsford launched Clean Kickz Club in 2020 after impressing friends and family with the job he did cleaning their trainers.

The 27-year-old spotted a gap in the market to launch his new venture, which has just been nominated for three categories at the UK Small Business Awards 2025.

And for Joe, Clean Kickz Club has become more than just a business after noticing the positive impact it has had on the environment, helping to save trainers and shoes from landfill.

He said: “It has been such an emotional rollercoaster of a journey over the past five years.

“There have been many challenges and hurdles, a lot of hard graft, late nights, early mornings, blood, sweat and a lot of tears.

“I’m incredibly proud of how far Clean Kickz Club has come, and I want to take a moment to thank our loyal customers and all the supporters who have believed in my vision from day one.

Clean Kickz Club has been nominated as ‘Best New Business’, ‘Best Small Business’, and ‘Best Business Start-up’ (Image: Supplied) “As we always say, our mission is to stomp out footwear poverty and do our very best to keep the planet green and your kicks clean, and we will continue to do so.

‘’I’m truly honoured to be saying that I am an official finalist for the UK Small Business Awards 2025.

“This recognition isn’t just for me – it’s for every small business that dares to dream big, work hard, and make an impact.”

Joe admitted, after launching his business in the pandemic, he did not envisage Clean Kickz Club would come as far as it has in five years.

The business also works with Barnabus Manchester, a homeless charity, and Shoe Aid, which works to reduce footwear waste and recycle unused shoes.

Joe added: “Five years ago, I never thought I’d be sat here running a successful business nominated for three awards.

“All my life I have had ADHD and OCD, and I have always been a bouncy and lively person, and I’ve always had to have clean clothes and trainers.

“During Covid I got lazy and let all my trainers build up, and one day I thought I would pay someone to clean them.

“Then alarm bells rang and I looked around the local area and saw no one was doing it.

“I launched the business five years ago in 2020, and since then it has never come down. It’s literally been rocking from day one.”

Joe is now looking to expand his services, and expects to take over Northwich Dry Cleaners in Witton Street in the near future.