Meet the new owners of Merry Maids Inverness
Say hello to the father-daughter duo taking the reins at Merry Maids Inverness.
Siva and Ayranna Kugathas are no strangers to the technicalities of operating a successful cleaning business.
Siva is the owner of ServiceMaster Clean AAA, one of the largest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services franchise operations in the UK, which covers 19 territories spanning from Inverness to Dover. Having grown from just a single territory in Guildford, which he purchased in 2017, Siva is turning his hand to home cleaning by heading up an existing Merry Maids business in Inverness.
He is joined on his new venture by his daughter Ayranna, who has been working in AAA, specialising in HR, and is now taking charge of Merry Maids.
In this blog post, we sat down with them to delve into their plans for the business and the value they will deliver to new and existing customers and staff.
Meet Siva and Ayranna
As an astute businessman with 20 years of experience in franchising for brands like KFC and Pizza Hut before buying his ServiceMaster Clean franchise, Siva knew the success that could be achieved through investing in a successful franchise.
Initially doubling the size of his operation in just 18 months, he has also acquired 18 further territories in seven years. As a top-performing franchisee, he is committed to exceeding client expectations and driving the business.
Ayranna recently completed a degree in Information Technology for Business, all while working as a Human Resources Manager at ServiceMaster Clean AAA, where she’s not only overseen HR responsibilities like recruitment, training, and employee relations, but also supported many other areas of the business.
“Because it’s a multi-territory franchise, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in day-to-day operations, client management, and strategic planning. That experience gave me a strong understanding of how a service-based business runs, from both a people and performance perspective,” she says.
“This has been a huge advantage in preparing me for business ownership. As the HR Manager, I’ve developed strong people management skills, dealt with a variety of staffing challenges, and ensured compliance with employment law and best practice—all of which are crucial for running a successful team.”
Beyond HR, Ayranna has also been involved in many other aspects of the business, such as supporting operational decisions, helping with client relationships, and contributing to strategy discussions. This hands-on experience has given her a real understanding of what it takes to run and grow a business. Ayranna, having already had experience at a ServiceMaster Clean franchise, also understands the systems, values, and support structure that come with being part of the ServiceMaster brand.
“While Merry Maids is a different type of service, the core principles of delivering high-quality, reliable cleaning and managing a team are very similar,” she says.
“From contract cleaning, I’ve learned how to manage teams, handle feedback, and assist in delivering high standards—all of which can be applied to home cleaning. And stepping into a bigger role in the business is both exciting and meaningful,” she adds.
“It’s an opportunity to build something alongside my dad, who has years of experience and a strong track record in the industry. I’m grateful to be learning directly from him while also bringing in my own perspective.”
For Siva, working alongside Ayranna is also a huge achievement:
“In my view, parents enjoy their children’s success more than their own success. So, to have my daughter leading a brand for us is a proud moment for me. And she’s the right person to do that.”
Integrating in Inverness
Customers of Merry Maids Inverness will know of the business’s long history and established presence within the local area. While under new ownership, the business retains the same staff and office managers of Andrea and Kelly, who ensure the business’s smooth day-to-day operations.
Having spent time in Inverness, getting to know the business’s staff and existing structure, Siva and Ayranna have integrated themselves into the business and, galvanising the team behind them, are excited to drive it to new heights.
“It’s been a smooth and insightful process, Ayranna says.
“I’ve been learning how things operate while thinking of ideas to improve and grow the business. I’m excited to get started, learn new things, and play an active role in helping the business grow. It’s a great opportunity to take on new challenges and apply what I’ve learned so far.”
Siva, in turn, is excited to bring the same energy and growth that he has instilled across his other businesses.
“ I’m really excited because it’s a new journey for me as well. I’m in my fifties, and I have done a few of these in the past. But this is something new. I’m really excited to go and do the same again and be successful.”
Working in the Community
For Siva, this includes working closely within the local community to support local initiatives and people to thrive.
In the past seven years at ServiceMaster Clean, Siva has worked hard to make a difference and give back to the communities he serves, whether through multiple fundraising initiatives, providing cleaning and sponsorship for the local YMCA in Guildford to allow them to provide stable dwellings for homeless people in the area, or working with a local charity to help vulnerable children learn about the dangers of drugs and knife crime.
The business already has big plans to contribute to Merry Maids and ServiceMaster Clean’s charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society, by participating in this year’s Forget Me Knot Challenge, which has, over the last two years, raised over £14,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.
“Giving back to the community is something very close to my heart. I do it passionately. And we want to start with a bang as the Forget Me Knot challenge is starting on the 7th of July, which is seven days after we take over, and we want to do 10,000 miles by ourselves, including me leading the way with 500 miles minimum myself. And I know two other members of our staff have already signed up to beat me. We have committed to big numbers, and we are passionate about it, and we will continue to show our commitment to looking after the people in need across Merry Maids, too.”
Customer Guarantee
Siva and Ayranna want to assure Merry Maids Inverness customers, new and old, of the high-quality cleaning they can expect from the business and the expertly trained staff.
“ Merry Maids is a trusted brand, has been there for long enough, and we do a very good job. We don’t let people down,” says Siva
“The cleaners are well trained, and you know what to expect each time: good quality and consistency,” Ayranna agrees.
Furthermore, not only will this expansion within the area support the local economy, but it will also provide jobs for local people through the recruitment of new staff as the business grows.
Merry Maids Brand Leader Vikki Donnachie says she is ecstatic to welcome Siva and Ayranna to the brand:
“I am very much looking forward to welcoming Siva and Ayranna to the Merry Maids network and building on their existing success within ServiceMaster, which I am certain they will do through their commitment to their community, staff and service standards.”
Need a new cleaner?
So, if you’re in Inverness and the surrounding areas and would benefit from an expert cleaning from local professionals, call the team on 01463 250229 to learn more.
Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.
