Category Archives: Cleaning & Facilities Management

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

Cleaning Specialist Declares War on Chemicals

A market leading commercial cleaning specialist has committed to removing all chemicals from its core daily cleaning range by the end of 2021. Incentive QAS, the contract cleaning arm of Incentive FM Group, has urged its competitors to follow suit in tackling the problems of chemical cleaning solutions and find a sustainable way to complete commercial cleaning tasks.

The established market leader has become known throughout the sector for using renewable sources to reduce waste and protect the environment for their clients. In a bold message to the commercial cleaning industry, Incentive QAS is confident that all chemicals will be removed from their core daily range across their 200+ contracts by the end of the year.

Jamie Wright, Incentive QAS Managing Director, said: “The future of our industry needs to find a sustainable way forward, which is safe for our staff and the environment. We know we need to meet our own and our clients environmental and sustainability objectives, so we’re leading by example. Historically, traditional chemicals were made from, and transported in, depletable resources. However, chemical-free cleaning solutions are prevalent in the marketplace for daily cleaning, so there is no reason to not be using them. Cradle to cradle cleaning solutions offer a closed loop process that is accredited and fully embraces a circular economy.”

Incentive QAS has recently introduced Greenspeed chemical-free cleaning solutions at one of our large, prestigious multi-tenanted City properties to meet the client’s dedication for the environment. The Incentive QAS site team has also taken responsibility for a quarterly environmental newsletter that is circulated throughout the premises. Greenspeed benefits include solutions made from totally organic materials and containers made from recycled and recyclable materials, which are taken to a recycling facility via the canal the network and electric vehicles.
The cleaning specialist has also found another sustainable solution in adopting Tersano Lotus Pro – a solution produced on site from mains-fed water that can be used as a daily cleaner, sanitiser and also in rotary machines and scrubber dryers.

Incentive QAS currently delivers a wide range of cleaning and support services to both the private and public sectors, employing more than 800 staff around the country with annual sales in excess of £18.5 million.

To learn more, visit www.incentive-fmgroup.com

Cleaning & Facilities Management, Healthcare, News

British-made residue-free aerosol effective against Covid-19

AN ANTI-VIRAL and anti-bacterial aerosol spray developed in South Wales has been proven to kill the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 and can disinfect areas up to 100m3.

The Biosan Total-Release Sanitiser was created by Genesis Biosciences in its Cardiff laboratories and follows in the footsteps of the company’s General Purpose Sanitiser which has been sold across the entirety of Europe since March.

The total-release sanitiser offers a simple and effective method of disinfection of large spaces via a pressurised canister to deliver the anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution. The product is dispelled into the air by locking the trigger into place, which ensures maximum coverage and effectively and efficiently kills harmful pathogens in the designated space. Within a few minutes, a fog fills the area to provide complete sanitisation of the area. Alternatively, an aerosol can be used as required to disinfect surfaces such as keyboards, door handles and other regular touch points.

The product leaves behind no residue and therefore no requirement to wipe down surfaces after use, offering a cost effective and time effective method of disinfection. Primary end users include hospitality venues, education settings, communal public spaces and vehicles, including public transport.

The liquid within the aerosol has been tested according to BS EN 14476 and has proven to have broad range efficacy against bacteria and viruses and effectively kill harmful pathogens.

Genesis General Manager Dr. Emma Saunders said: “Our anti-viral products have all received official confirmation that they are effective against the Covid-19-causing coronavirus. The aerosol is ideal for treating larger, enclosed areas such as offices, buses and hotel rooms. It can simply be released and left for around 15 minutes for complete coverage up to 100m3. With no residue, it means there is no aftercare required such as wiping down surfaces or clearing excess or waste product.”

The Biosan Total-Release Sanitiser, manufactured in accordance with recognised international standards ISO 9001, was developed by Genesis Biosciences’ microbiology and chemical engineering experts. For more information on the Biosan range visit www.genesisbiosciences.co.uk.

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

Fast-growing NuServe gains coveted B Corp certification

A leading family-run cleaning contractor is celebrating after being recognised by the prestigious B Corporation (B Corp) for meeting rigorous social and environmental standards.

NuServe, which has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, takes pride of place in being only the second UK company providing services in cleaning and facilities management to achieve the accolade.

Companies certified as a B Corp must meet stringent social and environmental standards that reflect commitment to goals outside short-term profits, and excel in practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency.

NuServe – founded in 1996 – has also acquired a number of other accreditations which underline its track record in establishing itself as a planet conscious company. These include being awarded a Planet Mark certificate after achieving a carbon-neutral status by offsetting emissions it produces through its operations with programmes and funding for carbon reduction. Its target next year is a further five percent reduction in its overall carbon footprint.

NuServe is a recognised Living Wage Service Provider and celebrates its team successes through its ‘Above and Beyond’ recognition programme. It is also transitioning its entire workforce to Living Wage Foundation pay rates by 2022. NuServe has additionally made a contribution to the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Carbon Balanced Programme to offset the equivalent of 27 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions from buildings, travel, waste and procurement.

Simon Duke, MD of NuServe, said: “Our mission is to uphold the right to good work and fair pay, to protect our people and our planet, and to deliver quality services that honour the trust afforded us. Fundamentally, we’re a family business, with family values, but with a modern and innovative approach”.

“At the heart of our business is a commitment to sustainability. In fact, in 2019, we amended our articles of association, making our directors legally responsible for ensuring that through our business and operations we have a material positive impact on society and the environment”.

Simon added: “NuServe hopes achieving the B Corp certification will resonate with business leaders keen to work with suppliers that can demonstrate a genuine and concerted effort to limit their environmental impact and work towards a fairer society.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome NuServe to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates, who believe business really can be a force for good. We know that NuServe are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”.

Ten years ago, NuServe pioneered the adaption of bio-enzymatic cleaning agents, utilising the power of nature to keep customers’ offices clean. Its ‘green’ range of cleaning materials are certified under EU Ecolabel, Ecologo and the Defra Approved buying scheme.

The fast-growing company, which employs nearly 600 people throughout London, the South East and West Midlands lists clients including large London employers such as Ion Group and international consultancy and construction company Mace.

The B Corp community in the UK represents a broad range of industries and sizes, comprises over 360 companies and includes well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

Cleaning & Facilities Management, COVID-19, News

Top five cleaning tips for Covid-secure workplaces

As the government changes its advice to ‘work from home if you can’ amidst a national increase in Covid-19 cases, good hygiene in the workplace has never mattered more – especially to keep the virus at bay and protect those who need to be in the workplace.

14forty, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, provides integrated facilities management services including cleaning. It is working with businesses to ensure their cleaning protocols are sufficiently robust, especially with winter looming.

Mauro Ortelli, managing director of 14forty, said: “There has never been more focus than now on cleaning. Implementing increased cleaning protocols during a pandemic can present wide-ranging challenges for businesses of all kinds, in some instances without the correct resources and tools to ensure an area is cleaned to the highest standards possible.

“This is a standard of cleanliness that most businesses will never have had to adhere to before. However, it’s crucial that they put in place the most robust processes possible in order to safely operate in compliance with guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England.”

Here are our top five tips for businesses faced with the daunting task of becoming and staying Covid-19 secure:

1. Consider new ways of working:
Before considering how a space is cleaned, first think about how it is used. Think about which spaces in the business have the most foot traffic and be creative in reimagining how they can be used in order to distribute people evenly, reducing the risk presented by clusters of employees.

Consider implementing a one-way system to help employees and visitors adhere to social distancing. Ensure this is easy to navigate and clearly signposted. Keep the windows open if possible and check there is a well-maintained air extraction system.

2. Use appropriate cleaning products:
Using suitable products and making sure staff know how to use them is vital. One example is Tersano Ozone, which we use across our sites.

The product attracts bacteria, germs and other contaminants, eliminating them and leaving only water and pure oxygen following the cleaning process. It is a natural product that is considered environmentally friendly and can be used on a wide range of surfaces including food preparation areas.

 

3. Update and review cleaning procedures regularly:
Divide surfaces into two categories: frequently touched points (e.g. rails, door handles, light switches, tabletops etc.) and minimally touched points (e.g. ceilings, floors and walls). Ensure these are cleaned regularly in line with use, i.e. the more frequently they are touched the more frequently they are cleaned.

Ensure surfaces are cleaned using the appropriate products and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Keep a record of all instances of cleaning and who is accountable – there are apps that can help with this.

Consider ‘deep cleaning’ offices or other premises regularly using third party professional contractors. Every building is different, but a deep clean should consist of everything from dusting walls and cleaning light switches to wiping down equipment and sanitising kitchen cabinets, appliances and furniture.

 

4. Ensure cleaning staff are visible and equipped with PPE:
Cleaners and the general workforce used to be like ships in the night, with only the early birds and night owls ever seeing cleaners in their workplace. Now, visible cleaning teams help to reassure employees and visitors to the building that cleaning is taking place throughout the day, not just when everyone else has left. Equipping cleaning staff with PPE and ensuring they are using it is fundamental to keep all staff safe and reassured.

 

5. Ensure changes are long-term, not temporary:
Unfortunately, Covid-19 is likely to continue to impact businesses in the coming months and even years. Therefore, ensure that all changes made are long-term, while easily adaptable to account for changing Covid-19 regulations, government guidance and recommended cleaning procedures.
Businesses are keen to protect employees who need to visit the premises to do their job – it is of utmost importance. A Covid-19 outbreak in a business that failed to put proper cleaning protocols in place or appoint an appropriate service provider could have serious consequences.

To learn more about 14forty, please visit 14forty.co.uk.

Cleaning & Facilities Management, COVID-19, Healthcare News, News

Virus-killing coating offers a revolutionary solution for businesses in the fight against coronavirus

A revolutionary protective coating that is proven to kill bacteria and viruses – including some forms of coronavirus – for up to a year is now available for businesses across the UK.

Liquid Guard®, a single-application spray unlike anything currently available on the UK market, is easy to apply and will provide 12 months of protection on surfaces in just 6 hours.

Approved UK retailer, Protection Zone has brought the award-winning antimicrobial solution to the UK SME market to provide an effective and simple solution that will help people protect workplaces from the spread of common, and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Liquid Guard®, works by creating an antimicrobial nano-coating on surfaces that will rupture germs cell walls, killing any bacteria, virus and fungi that come into contact with it.

The spray has passed more than 30 independent, internationally recognised tests and has been proven to kill some forms of coronavirus, Influenza A and E. coli. It is also currently undergoing tests against SARS-CoV-2 (commonly known as COVID-19) at one of Europe’s leading test laboratories.

Piran Littleton, Managing Director at Protection Zone said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to prioritise their health and safety in a way we’ve not seen in generations.

“Whilst Liquid Guard was developed in 2018, and has been used in larger commercial settings, the product was inaccessible for most people, which is why we felt it was important to bring this revolutionary product to a wider UK market in a form that can be easily applied within workplaces to create highly sanitised and disinfected environments. It’s ideal for offices, cafes, hairdressers and many other SME’s.

“Touchpoints, such as door handles, light switches or even toilets, are some of the most common ways that coronavirus and other common bacteria and viruses are spread, and with Liquid Guard you are able to eliminate this risk for a year in just one easy application.

“The spray is completely odourless and safe for human use and can be used on any non-porous surface. It’s simple to apply, long-lasting and can withstand everyday cleaning, continuing to protect for 12-months.”

Liquid Guard is a German Product Innovation award winner of 2019 and is manufactured by Nano-Care UK.

Piran continued: “What really sets Liquid Guard apart from anything else is the scientifically proven long-term results. The product has been independently tested to illustrate at least three years weathering resistance and high-level abrasion resistance.

“We’re really excited about the impact this could have and truly believe it could be a game changer in the fight against the spread of viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus.”

To find out more about Liquid Guard, or to purchase the product, visit: https://protectionzone.co.uk/

Cleaning & Facilities Management, Contract Wins, News

Significant Win for Incentive QAS

Leading contract cleaning specialists Incentive QAS, the cleaning arm of the Incentive FM Group, have secured a significant contract amidst unprecedented pressures within the sector. After 12 months of a delayed and competitive tender, Incentive QAS are now the chosen partner for 65 mixed-use properties across London and the South East of England for a leading property management company.

Our new client were forced to pause the procurement phase due to the pandemic but have now appointed Incentive QAS to oversee cleaning services within the 65-strong buildings portfolio that includes commercial property, business park, retail outlets and mixed-use commercial spaces. Incentive QAS will be delivering daily cleaning and housekeeping, washroom hygiene, pest control, window and periodic cleaning throughout the portfolio.

David Brown, Incentive QAS Commercial Director, said: “It’s a fantastic testament to our operations and our track record in securing this prestigious contract. We were told that we stood out as a front runner from the start, and it was our strong management structure, innovation, and experience in the industry that set us apart. The tender was very challenging, particularly with a backdrop of the pandemic, but we didn’t compromise our efforts or commitments during this time.”

Incentive QAS has now entered the mobilisation phase for the new contract, which is set to take around three months. Account Manager, Tony Hall, will be bringing his expertise and experience to oversee the commercial partnership. Worth over seven figures, this contract adds to Incentive QAS’ growing and enviable client list and portfolio.

David Brown added: “We’re really excited to deliver these services across the portfolio and we’re confident that our services will further strengthen their customer and client experiences across London, Greater London and the South East. We pride ourselves in prioritising innovation and manageable solutions across commercial and mixed-use spaces, and we look forward to delivering these services successfully over the duration of the contract.”

Cleaning & Facilities Management, Contract Wins, News

Mrs Buckét marks fifth win in five months as it welcomes Cardiff Bus

Mrs Buckét, the specialist cleaning operation based in the South West and Wales, today welcomes Welsh public transport giant, Cardiff Bus, to its client repertoire. This addition is the business’ fifth sizeable win during lockdown.

Cardiff Bus is one of the largest providers of public transport services for the city of Cardiff and the surrounding areas. On an average weekday, the service carries around 85,000 users. While this number was dramatically reduced at the start of the year, the company is beginning to see passengers increase once again as the nation eases out of lockdown.

Mrs Buckét has been deployed by the bus giant to implement its high-quality cleaning services within their office premises, ensuring a continuously safe and COVID-secure working environment for all Cardiff Bus employees, now and for the long-term future.

Rachael Flanagan, CEO of Mrs Buckét, commented: “As the country begins to re-open, slowly but surely, we are witnessing a return to some sort of normal. Putting stringent measures in place to keep Cardiff Bus’ staff and customers safe and well is of top priority.”

Mrs Buckét’s role will include regular touch point sanitation and deep cleaning for the company’s headquarters, office accommodation and driver welfare areas.

Gareth Stevens, Commercial Director, for Cardiff Bus, added: “Our staff’s wellbeing and safety is of utmost importance to us as a company. As front-line workers, they have continued to work right through the pandemic ensuring we have maintained an essential services across our network over this turbulent period. In addition to adhering to Government guidelines for public transport operators, we wanted to add an extra level of reassurance and security for our staff by bringing Mrs Buckét on board.”

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

The COVID-19 crisis has shown why Britain’s cleaners deserve to be looked after

Dominic Ponniah, CEO at Cleanology, explains why COVID-19 has highlighted the value of the cleaning profession

It goes without saying that the last few months have been challenging and, with no vaccine available and queries over the value of antibodies against Covid 19, we still face an uncertain time ahead. The profile of cleaning has never been so high and, as businesses start to reopen, hygiene is top of everyone’s agenda.

We are hearing a great deal of talk around ‘the new normal’, with questions about whether we can change attitudes to the environment and pollution. However, one area that is already undergoing major change is the cleaning industry.

Key workers have played a crucial role in recent months, and it has been gratifying to see cleaners applauded alongside NHS staff. Hopefully, we will begin to see greater recognition for our front-line staff translate into wider support for the real Living Wage.

When it comes to pay, perception plays a large part. In 2019, Cleanology commissioned the first independent research into attitudes around wage levels and perceptions towards cleaners’ pay. The results painted a clear picture. While 63 per cent of employees were concerned that cleaners should be paid fairly, only 39 per cent had an accurate idea of the real figures on pay.

At Cleanology, we support the view that commitment and fair pay go hand in hand. Almost half of our clients pay Real Living Wage rates, and we include the Real Living Wage rate as mandatory in 40 per cent of our bids. This is not a luxury – when staff feel they are paid fairly, they invest in the job, in the client, and in their own future. They work to a higher level, stay longer, and become a valued member of the team in the building where they work.

At the same time, it has become clear that many established ways of working are not fit for purpose under the new regime. For many cleaning businesses, the arrival of Covid 19 meant ‘normal rules of engagement’ ceased to exist. Clients suspended and cancelled contracts, and it remains to be seen how many of our competitors will survive.

While the furlough scheme has helped provide many employees with stability, the nature of our industry means that some have fallen through the net. As we return to work, we are finding that some staff who returned to their home countries for lockdown have chosen to stay with their families.

At the same time, the need to provide extra cleaning in workplaces means Cleanology is likely to fast-track existing plans to replace large numbers of part-time cleaners with a smaller group working full-time hours. We see this as a positive move, which we were already working towards.

As we navigate new waters, we urge clients to recognise the crucial role played by cleaners and reward them accordingly. We are all facing new challenges – some predictable, others unknown – but we do know that responsible, responsive cleaners will play a large part.

Cleaning & Facilities Management, COVID-19, News

Germs on Keyboards, Computer Mice, and Other Workplace Electronics

Employees are putting themselves at risk of illness by not frequently sanitising their household and workplace electronics, new research has revealed.

Media packaging provider Neo-Online investigated why we should be cleaning our electronics, how often we should be doing so, and the process we should be using to sanitise them. To gather expert insight, Neo-Online collaborated with Lisa Evans, spokesperson from MyJobQuote, Henry Paterson, Senior Operations Executive at Housekeep, and Lynsey Crombie, Queen of Clean:

  • Earphones should be cleaned once a week, or before each use if you take them out of the house. Cleaning with a cotton wool bud and disinfectant spray will keep any germs and bacteria away. Make sure to avoid spraying directly into the electrics and remove the earphones from any power source before cleaning
  • Headsets should be cleaned every two weeks, or before each use if you wear them 5 days a week for work purposes.  Using a disinfectant wipe when the headsets are not plugged in. Make sure to dry them efficiently before using.
  • Chargers should be cleaned every week. Wiping them down with a disinfectant wipe will prevent the build-up of germs around the household. It’s important to clean chargers when they’re not plugged in as you don’t want to get a nasty electric shock
  • •Mobile phones should be cleaned regularly – wipe down your phone screen and around your case at least once a day. You’ll want to remove your phone case and wipe the back of the phone every few days, as well as thoroughly cleaning the case. You probably won’t need to clean the ports out daily, but should do this once a week or so.

o When cleaning your phone screen, use a lint-free, soft cloth, and an alcohol wipe. Unplug all power sources and avoid getting moisture in any openings
o To clean your phone case, a disinfectant wipe will be fine. Remove the phone from the case before disinfecting and ensure the case is dry before putting the phone back in
o To clean your charging ports, use a toothpick, or a compressed air can. Don’t blow down them, as your breath holds a lot of moisture which could cause damage to your phone

• Computer mouse should be cleaned monthly at minimum if infrequently used, but before and after each use if excessive daily use

o Cleaning your mouse with an alcohol wipe will stop an accumulation of bacteria and germs. Wipe the underside of your mouse from dirt and debris, otherwise it can prevent your mouse from working efficiently too

  • Computer keyboard should be cleaned monthly at minimum if infrequently used, but before and after each use if excessive daily use.  You can do this by using a disinfectant wipe and sweep it over the keyboard gently. Make sure the keyboard isn’t plugged into a power source before doing this. You can then use a cotton bud to go in-between the keys and clear any debris

Thomas Jones, spokesperson from Neo-Online, commented:

“With ‘high-touch’ and ‘high traffic’ surfaces, which includes household electronics, cleaning if more important than ever. TV remotes and mobile phones are especially infamous to harbour germs, dirt and bacteria – mobile phones can become dirtier than your toilet seat!

“Many studies have shown that a variety of household items can carry viruses (including coronavirus, as well as cold and flu viruses), fungi, bacteria, mould and other microbial life forms – some living on these surfaces for as long as 72 hours! Once household electronics have become contaminated, the germs can linger for days, so it’s possible to fall ill or contract a nasty infection via contact with contaminated surfaces.

“It’s imperative these household electronic items are cleaned regularly, as well as practising good hygiene and social distancing – practice thorough hand-washing, and more regular cleaning of these items if they are taken out of the home or shared with others”.

For more information on the research, visit: https://www.neo-online.co.uk/articles/how-often-to-clean-your-entertainment-equipment/

Cleaning & Facilities Management, COVID-19, Education

Cardiff biosciences company educating schools in cleaning

With all schools in the UK set to fully reopen in September, establishing a thorough cleaning regime now is crucial for the safe return of pupils. The education sector has seen one of the biggest upheavals in its practices since the pandemic began; closing schools, cancelling exams, creating key worker bubbles, and now the challenge to ascertain an ongoing cleaning procedure involving specialist supplies to kill all virus’ while also providing a safe environment for both pupils and staff.

One of the UK’s leading biosciences company is supporting education facilities in their quest to secure safe and effective anti-viral products and incorporate them into their new cleansing schedule. Cardiff-based Genesis Biosciences has developed its own unique anti-microbial, general-purpose sanitiser that is proven to be effective against Covid-19 and is free from any harmful chemicals.

Genesis’ Sanitiser – part of its Evogen Professional range – delivers high performance cleaning and disinfection of all types of hard surfaces. The product has been designed specifically for use in commercial, residential, institutional and industrial applications to provide a safe, efficient and eco-benign® way of cleaning and sanitising hard surfaces. The utilisation of natural, biodegradable active ingredients offers a safer alternative to many of the harsh chemicals commonly used for sanitisation.

There are also the health implications of traditional bleach cleaners. A large study commissioned by Asthma UK has identified a link between professions such as facility cleaners – where the use of products with high concentrations of chemicals is common – and the development of asthma in adults. As children’s respiratory systems are still developing, they too could be put at risk to the damage that harsh chemicals could potentially cause.

Dr. Emma Saunders, General Manager for Genesis Biosciences, said: “Educational institutes are under huge pressure to ensure their facilities are protected against COVID-19 while also maintaining day-to-day cleanliness. While it is inevitable that schools need chemicals to perform certain cleaning tasks, not all cleaning jobs call for chemical solutions and there can be wider environmental and health implications for both children and workers if institutes are unaware of the alternative cleaning solutions available.”

With regular and thorough cleaning of shared spaces essential during the current pandemic, the number of cleaning supplies being sold has surged. However, not all sanitising products are effective at killing the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which causes COVID-19. Genesis Biosciences is one of the few companies in the UK to have gone through rigorous anti-viral testing to validate its surface sanitiser’s effectiveness against all enveloped viruses, including COVID-19 and other coronaviruses.

Dr. Emma Saunders added: “Receiving the official confirmation means that our customers have 100% peace of mind that the Evogen Professional sanitiser will disinfect hard surfaces, when used according to our directions for use. With public concern about germs and bacteria at an all-time high, reassuring customers and the general public is crucial – even more so for parents, who can rest assured that the solutions used to clean school settings are all natural.”

Genesis has seen a huge increase in demand for its new Evogen Professional natural anti-microbial sanitiser and has supplied more than 60 tonnes of product across the entirety of Europe since the beginning of March.

Genesis, which has laboratories in the Welsh capital and a microbial fermentation facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia, uses its expertise in natural anti-microbial compounds and fermenting beneficial bacteria strains, to develop its eco-benign range of products which includes solutions for bathroom, carpet and floor cleaning, odour control and industrial wastewater management. Genesis has recently unveiled a new wastewater treatment range to help combat the additional chemicals entering the water supply following an increase in bleach usage.

For further information about the Evogen Professional cleaning range visit www.evogenprofessional.com.