For Michael Pritchett, founder of Kemp Services, entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career move, it was a natural progression in a career built on ambition, hard work, and rolling up his sleeves. “I started Kemp Services in 2018,” Michael says, “but I’ve been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 35 years.”
Before that, he studied at a local comprehensive school and left at 15 years old. After that he dabbled in retail and women’s fashion, chasing the highest levels of success. But eventually, Michael hit what he describes as a “glass ceiling” and decided it was time to carve out his path. At just 19 years old, he bought a van, gathered equipment, and started knocking on doors. “It wasn’t a big plan,” he admits. “I just knew I wanted to build something of my own—and I wasn’t afraid to get the tools to do it.”
From Woodford to Barking & Dagenham
Michael is not originally from Barking and Dagenham, he grew up in the neighbouring borough of Redbridge, in Woodford, but his work has long been rooted in East London. His previous business was based in Dagenham, and over the years, he’s built strong local connections.
“It’s all Essex and East London, it was more of a village back then, not as built up as now,” he reflects. “But I went to school there, had friends there… it still feels like home in many ways.” Leaving school at 15, Michael didn’t follow the traditional academic route. Instead, he learned from experience, decades of it.
Why he turned to Amplify
Michael heard about the BEC’s Amplify Programme through a mix of local council emails and a recommendation from a trusted associate. “I’ve known him for a while,” Michael says. “He’s a solid, straightforward businessperson, and when he mentioned the programme, I could tell it was the right fit for what we were doing.” He joined the programme hoping to refine his business strategy and explore new growth opportunities, and he wasn’t disappointed.
Clarity, confidence, and a contract win
One of the biggest takeaways for Michael was how Amplify helped him identify his target market more clearly. “When you’ve been in the industry for years, it’s easy to think you should be talking to everyone,” he explains. “But the programme helped me focus—what kind of businesses are we best suited to work with? What size? What area? What do they need from a cleaning company like ours?”
With guidance on social media, marketing, and honing the Kemp Services offering, Michael started to feel the difference, and so did his business. The real game-changer? A major contract win with a large construction company in the borough. “That came directly from the programme,” Michael says. “We attended an open day as part of Amplify, met the right people, gave a pitch, and won the job. That was a huge moment for us.”
The value of community and fresh perspective
Michael especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with other local business owners, programme facilitators, and mentors. “You can get caught up working in your business and forget to work on your business,” he says. “Being around people who aren’t directly involved, people who can offer insight, fresh perspective, and honest advice, that’s been a big help.” The Amplify Programme gave him space to reflect, rethink, and re-energise.
Words of wisdom for new entrepreneurs
For anyone considering the programme, Michael’s advice is straightforward: just get on with it. “There’s never going to be a perfect time,” he says. “If you wait and wait, you’ll be 110 before you start. Just get cracking.” He urges prospective business owners to take advantage of the tools, advice, and network of experience available through Amplify. “There’s help there. There’s guidance there. Use it. Learn from it. And build something real.”
