Tag Archives: Cleaning

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

New from the UK’s Number 1 Most Trusted Carpet Cleaning Brand, the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design

Designed to revive carpets in pet-loving homes, VAX, the UK’s number 1 most trusted brand in carpet cleaning[1], adds the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design to its range of high performance carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Perfect for busy homes with pets, the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design rejuvenates your carpets and removes stains, dirt and pet messes, whilst killing up to 99% of odour-causing bacteria[2]. With everything you know and love about the VAX Platinum Power Max, the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design is also proven to clean better than the leading rental[3] and cleans five times better than a high performance vacuum cleaner[4], to leave carpets looking and feeling their best.

Pets play an important role in the lives of many people in the UK, providing companionship, emotional support and joy to their owners, but they can also bring dirt, mess and bacteria into the home that would be better left outdoors. With pet owners spending a third more of their time cleaning[5], and two out of three pet owners needing to clean pet areas more frequently than the rest of their homes[6], the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design is a must have for pet owners, families and busy households.

VAX UK’s Head of Insights, Ceri Bennett, says: “At VAX, we understand the happiness that pets bring to our lives, as well as the messes they can sometimes leave behind, and we know that in busy family homes, keeping things tidy can feel like an ongoing battle. That’s why we’re here to help tackle the everyday dirt and grime that accumulates, ensuring your home stays clean and fresh despite the chaos of daily life. A regular deep clean or a quick carpet refresh with the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design, together with VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, will revitalise your carpets and leave them smelling beautifully fresh and hygienically clean; so there’s no need to worry about deep down dirt, stubborn stains or pet mess!”

The VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design has been awarded a Which? Best Buy, and has also been approved by the UK’s trusted Good Housekeeping Institute, giving consumers the assurance that this new addition to the popular range of VAX Platinum carpet cleaners has been rigorously tested and will deliver on performance in pet-loving homes.

Features of the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design include:

Tackle Deep Down Dirt – Proven to clean better than the leading rental3, the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design is perfect for reviving your carpets. The XL brush bar and seven SpinScrub™ brushes agitate deep into carpet fibres to help remove tough stains, ground in dirt and pet messes, allowing you to revitalise your carpets with ease.

Reassuringly Hygienic – Together with VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design kills up to 99% of odour-causing bacteria2 to leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean. A specially developed antimicrobial treatment applied to the brush bar and cleaning attachments also helps to protect them from the growth of bacteria, keeping your tools and bristles more hygienic[7].

Two Simple Cleaning Modes – The Quick Clean mode offers a swift carpet and upholstery refresh, ideal for a rapid clean when guests are expected. Meanwhile, the Deep Clean function efficiently handles stubborn stains and ground in dirt, making it perfect for an end of summer carpet clean or pre-festive spruce up of the home.

Quick Dry Time – Carpets are dry in as little as an hour[8], thanks to the Quick Clean function.

Targeted Stain Removal – The included VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover targets deep set stains and eliminates pet odours from your carpets and furnishings. When used with the convenient Pre-Treatment Wand, you can make light work of loosening stubborn stains and embedded dirt prior to carpet washing.

Versatile Tools – A range of tools makes the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks throughout the home. With a 2.5m hose, simply attach the motorised SpinScrub™ Hand Tool or the 2-in-1 Antimicrobial Tool to remove deep down dirt and pet messes with ease. An additional Hard Floor Squeegee Tool adapts your carpet washer for use on hard floors; great for sucking up liquid spills.

Auto-Mix Technology – There’s no mess and no guess work involved when adding your VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution to the clean water tank. The VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design automatically dispenses the correct mix of fresh water and solution, for hassle free application.

Kind to Carpets – Included with the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design is our best performing carpet cleaning solution, VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, as well as VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover. These specially formulated cleaning solutions will keep your VAX carpet washer performing at its best, and are Woolsafe™ approved for use on all wet-cleanable carpets and upholstery.

Buy the VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design direct from vax.co.uk for £269.99, including 1 x 500ml VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution and 1 x 250ml VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover, free delivery and a free steam cleaner worth £49.99. *only when purchasing direct from VAX

Additional bottles of VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution and VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover can also be purchased from www.vax.co.uk. Using VAX solution will ensure your carpet washer performs at its best, for longer.

About VAX, the UK’s Number 1 Most Trusted Brand in Carpet Cleaning

Since the 1970s, VAX has upheld a legacy in crafting first-class carpet cleaners, epitomised by its first and now iconic orange ‘tub’ carpet washer that many consumers still fondly recall owning today. More recent innovations have kept VAX at the forefront of the carpet cleaning category with its popular Rapid Power and Platinum Power Max models, as well as its innovative Platinum SmartWash range. Named the UK’s number 1 most trusted carpet cleaning brand in the 2024 Newsweek BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards[9], VAX carpet washers continue to be well-loved and trusted by consumers. This highly coveted, 100% consumer-voted award reflects VAX’s dedication to delivering a range of carpet washers which meet the demand for effective cleaning solutions that effortlessly deep clean the UK’s homes.

The VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design extends the existing VAX Platinum carpet washer range, which features models to suit a variety of homes and lifestyle needs. With over 11,000 5-star customer reviews, the range includes:

VAX Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design VAX Platinum SmartWash VAX Platinum Power Max Pet-Design VAX Platinum Power Max
Our best ever carpet washer kills over 99% of bacteria[10], has motion sense technology and is designed to clean busier, pet-friendly homes. Our premium carpet washer kills over 99% of bacteria10, has motion sense technology and is effortlessly simple to use. Rejuvenates your carpets and removes stains, dirt and pet messes, whilst killing up to 99% of bacteria10. Perfect for busy homes with pets. Revives and deep cleans your carpets to remove stains, dirt and up to 93% of bacteria[11].
–  FLEXFORCE brush bars

–  Dedicated dry only mode

–  Triple tanks

–  Antimicrobial treatment

–  2.5m hose and toolkit

–  Pre-Treatment wand

–  2 x 250ml VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, 1 x 250ml VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover

 

6 year guarantee

RRP: £349.99

 –  FLEXFORCE brush bars

–  Dedicated dry only mode

–  Triple tanks

–  Antimicrobial treatment

–  2.5m hose and toolkit

–  2 x 250ml VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, 1 x 250ml VAX Pre-Treatment Solution

 

 

6 year guarantee

RRP: £299.99

 –  SpinScrub™ bristles and XL brush bar

–  Quick drying[12]

–  Twin tanks

–  Antimicrobial treatment

–  2.5m hose and toolkit

–  Pre-Treatment wand

–  1 x 500ml VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution, 1 x 250ml VAX Pet Stain & Odour Remover

 

6 year guarantee

RRP: £269.99

 –  SpinScrub™ bristles and XL brush bar

–  Quick drying12

–  Twin tanks

–  Antimicrobial treatment

–  2.5m hose and toolkit

–  Pre-Treatment wand

–  2 x 250ml VAX Platinum Professional Solution, 1 x 250ml VAX Pre-Treatment Solution

 

6 year guarantee

RP: £249.99

Refs:

[1] Voted most trusted carpet cleaner brand by UK shoppers based on the 2024 BrandSpark International UK Trust Study.

[2] When used with VAX Platinum Antibacterial solution. Use biocides safely, always read the label and product information before use.

[3] Cleaning effectiveness on carpet, tested in Deep Clean mode according to IEC 62885-3:2014 part 5.2.1.

[4] Based on the brightness and colour change when tested against VAX’s upright vacuum.

[5] VAX external survey – 1511 respondents.

[6] Mintel Household Care Habits of Pet Owners – UK – 2022.

[7] When compared with untreated tools.

[8] Tested in Quick Clean mode, results may vary.

[9] Voted most trusted carpet cleaner brand by UK shoppers based on the 2024 BrandSpark International UK Trust Study.

[10] When used with VAX Platinum Antibacterial Solution. Use biocides safely, always read the label and product information before use.

[11] When used with VAX Platinum Professional solution.

[12] Tested in Quick Clean mode. Results may vary.

Medical News

Genesis Biosciences reformulates Evogen concentrates

Genesis Biosciences has modernised the formulas of its Evogen concentrates, making the range 100% bio-based.

The company’s Evogen products combine innovative eco-benign® chemistry and application-specific beneficial bacteria to offer effective cleaning across a wide range of industries including facilities management and wastewater treatment.

The range’s performance-driven and environmentally-responsible microbial and antimicrobial technologies are designed to provide sustainable alternatives to the traditional harsh chemicals often used in cleaning products.

The reformulated products include the Evogen General Purpose Bio-cleaner Concentrate, Evogen Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Concentrate, Evogen Exterior Hard Surface Cleaner Concentrate and the Evogen Odour Neutraliser Concentrate.

The project to revamp the Evogen formulas began in 2023, with testing and quality checks on compatibility, performance and stability concluding in Q1 of 2024.

The reformulated concentrates are now fully plant-derived by using co-formulants and fully biodegradable raw materials including bio-based alcohol ethoxylates and application-specific Bacillus consortia, thus ensuring compliance with current eco-accreditations such as ECOCERT’s European Ecolabel and recognised international standards for quality.

The improved concentrates can be diluted by formulators within the supply chain to produce 100% bio-based probiotic cleaning products for the end-user.

Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager at Genesis Biosciences, said: “We’ve always been proud to lead the way with products that are effective yet safe for the user and the environment, and our team is committed to continually improving our solutions such as our Evogen concentrates range.

“This is incredibly important as according to A.I.S.E (the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products), just over half (53%) of pan-European consumers believe that cleaning products like detergents are safe for the people who use them and 28% believe they are safe for the environment. By providing alternatives to products derived from petrochemicals with harmful by-products, we can encourage consumers that there are safer options with low toxicity that deliver a superior cleaning performance.

“This is our greenest formula; our new Evogen concentrates use 100% bio-based ingredients which minimise the impact on the environment without compromising on the successful degradation of organic and malodorous compounds found on surfaces.”

News

Business aims to clean up in 2023 by doubling turnover and staff numbers following I’m A Celeb contract

A SPARKLING North Wales company aims to clean up in 2023 by doubling turnover and the size of its team.

With a workforce of more than 50 people operating from its Conwy headquarters, award-winning Cleaner Care is targeting new clients in industrial and business arenas having made its name in the commercial, tourism and hospitality sectors.

As the firm prepares to mark its 18th anniversary, Managing Director Denise Lardner reflected on an exciting year which included a contract with ITV for the last series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! at Gwrych Castle, Abergele.

“Our reputation has grown and grown, so we are now among the leading independent cleaning firms in the country,” said Denise.

“Being part of the operational side of I’m A Celebrity 24/7 for four months was a fantastic experience and a real honour for us, showing we can deliver on a large scale when needed.

“We clean sites for huge organisations such as the National Trust, Welsh Government and the RSPB but also manage contracts for offices and various size businesses in all sectors, which shows the breadth of services we provide.”

She added: “Our plan now is to build on that with an ambitious growth plan that will see us employ more than 100 team members and work in partnership with other leading names in the private and public sectors across North Wales and beyond.”

Recently appointed Operations Manager Rebecca Morris is among the new faces to help bring that vision to reality, but Denise insists one constant will remain.

“What sets us apart is that whatever the size of the location or the client we offer the ‘personal touch’ and are on hand to support them 24/7, which is a major USP for us,” she said.

“There is the scope to continue growing given the wide variety of sectors and companies right on our doorstep, and as we approach 18 years in the industry, we are well-placed to move to the next level.”

Having started the company on her own Denise said she is thrilled to see where the journey takes her next.

“We have a high level of retention for clients, in fact my very first client is still with us to this date more than 17 years later!

“I have so many people to thank, lots of our team have been with us for many years, which is unusual in this industry.

“With Rebecca onboard, plus our Operations Supervisor Becky and a team of Mobile Supervisors now looking after the day-to-day operations, I can take on a more strategic role and ensure we capitalise on the many opportunities that are out there.

“North Wales and the North West is one of the most vibrant economic areas in the UK, with incredible businesses, so we look forward to engaging with them over the coming months.”

For more news and information from Cleaner Care, visit www.cleanercare.co.uk or follow them on social media at @cleanercare.

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News

Incentive QAS Awarded Contract with Botanica Ditton Park

Botanica Ditton Park, the multi-let office building with an on-site gym and restaurant surrounded by 200 acres of land have awarded Incentive QAS, leading commercial cleaning specialists, with a 3-year contract for daily cleaning, housekeeping, waste management, washrooms and window cleaning.

Incentive QAS will be working with a leading management agent to provide cleaning services for the significant 200,000 square ft of workspace.  The team will provide a flexible service with a mixture of part and full-time cover depending on the requirement from Botanica.  All Incentive QAS employees will be provided with a bespoke uniform demonstrating a level of professionalism and synergy with the Botanica on-site staff.

Incentive QAS will be utilising their contract management system offering proof of presence, bespoke electronic auditing and heath checks.  By installing the smart systems Incentive QAS can gather ‘Big Data’ in relation to how the Botanica site is being used, and how busy certain areas are. This data allows for improved resource management and valuable analysis for its teams.

Kerry Jones, Building Manager at Botanica Ditton Park said: “We were delighted to award Incentive QAS with this significant contract.  One of our key focus areas at Botanica Ditton Park is sustainability and a holistic approach to our occupiers wellbeing.  Incentive QAS offered a green cleaning service from day one which complements our offering perfectly.”

David Brown, Commercial Director, Incentive QAS commented: “We were thrilled to win this contract with Botanica Ditton Park.  It’s an exciting project and we look forward to working together in such a beautiful location.  The introduction of mpro5 will be invaluable for a site of this size.  By moving away from static task schedules and towards making our operations fully reactive, our teams can use their time more productively and ultimately provide a more efficient cleaning service.

 

Awards, Cleaning & Facilities Management, Midlands News, News

Incentive FM Scoops Presigious European Cleaning & Hygiene Award

Incentive FM are delighted to have taken home a coveted European Cleaning & Hygiene Award in the highly contested ‘Excellence in Client-Contractor Relationships’ category for its work at Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre in Leicester.

Leading service providers, manufacturers and distributors from Europe’s cleaning and hygiene sector came together to celebrate the very best of the industry. The event took place on 28th April at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels.  After over two years away, the awards received an unprecedented number of entries, with the judges reviewing over 160 nominations. With 39 finalists across 10 categories, the winners were finally unveiled at the gala dinner event.

Glenn Wilson, Director – Retail & Distribution, Incentive FM said: “We are thrilled to have won the Excellence in Client-Contractor Relationships this year. We were up against some fantastic finalists from across Europe, so to have been crowned a winner is incredibly special.

“This award is a testament to the sheer hard work, dedication, and exceptional service delivered by our team at Beaumont Leys, combined with an exceptional and truly collaborative client service partner relationship.  A huge congratulations to everyone involved!”

Michelle Marshall, founder of the ECH Awards and editor of ECJ, said: “We are delighted to award Incentive FM our top prize in the Excellence in Client-Contractor Relationships this year. It was a record year for entries and the standard was so high, but we really felt that Incentive FM was a deserving winner. Congratulations to the team and all our 2022 winners.”

Charity & CSR, News, Sport

Incentive QAS host charity football tournament for Scotty’s Little Soldiers

On Friday 29th April, Incentive QAS hosted a charity football tournament to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, their nominated charity. The event kicked off at 2pm with 8 teams competing for the coveted Scotty’s cup!

RAF II SQN were the lucky winners of the inaugural Scotty’s Cup with BPR taking the runners-up plate.

A penalty shootout took place before the semi-finals match, with Rob Doyle (from Mayflower) winning the Samsung tablet.  As the shootout was sponsored by Mayflower Rob kindly donated the tablet to Scotty’s.

The tournament raised over £4,500 for the charity and will undoubtedly become an annual fixture for Incentive QAS.

The event wouldn’t have taken place without the generous time and financial donations from our sponsors:

BPR (Paper Round)

Mayflower Washroom Solutions

Mpro5

FullVision

Bridge Recruitment

Wessex Cleaning and Janitorial Equipment

Ideal 365

Safeguard Pest Control

MDS Professional Floorcare

Darwin Clayton

ICE

Children’s Armed Forces charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, is the chosen charity for national Facilities Management company Incentive FM Group.  They are dedicated to supporting bereaved children who have lost a parent while serving in the British Armed Forces.

Martin Reed, Chief Executive, Incentive FM Group said, “We are very proud to be supporting such a great charity. We have a huge amount of respect for all our servicemen and women therefore helping the children of those who have lost a parent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces is of great importance to us. We have had great success in the past fundraising for our chosen charities and hopefully this one will be no different.”

 

To learn more about Scotty’s Little Soldiers, visit: http://www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/

Cleaning & Facilities Management, News, South West

Incentive FM Creates Smiles and Breathes Kindness at Cribbs Causeway

Leading independent facilities management company, Incentive FM has won a new three year contract with CBRE at Cribbs Causeway, the premier shopping destination in the South West.

Incentive FM were originally appointed as the soft services facilities management provider at Cribbs Causeway in April 2017. Following a robust tender process during 2021, Incentive FM have successfully been appointed to provide cleaning, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, landscaping, security, and guest services through their team of 110 dedicated team members.

Cribbs Causeway, located on the outskirts of Bristol, consists of the Mall, The Venue and a Retail Park, with over 150 top name stores plus dining, leisure and entertainment providers and attracts an annual footfall of over 12 million.  Cribbs Causeway were looking for a facilities management company who would be able to offer a flexible multi service offering for their large, diverse site.

Leon Morse, Head of Operations for CBRE at Cribbs Causeway said: “We were delighted to award Incentive FM with a new three year contract.  Since 2017 they have provided a fantastic, innovative, award-winning service, working in partnership with our on-site team with a clear focus on the team engagement to deliver a guest services approach.

“Our estate is a multi-award-winning retail, leisure and F&B destination which we believe sets the industry standard.  We want to offer retailers, brands and guests a positive experience and Incentive FM have helped us to achieve this.  We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them.”

Glenn Wilson, Director of Retail & Distribution at Incentive FM, added: “We are very proud of our on-site team.  This new contact is a testament to their hard work and willingness to go the extra mile.

“A fundamental part of the new contract will be helping to deliver the vision at Cribbs Causeway, to ‘create smiles and breathe kindness’ for all of their guests.  By working in true partnership and continuing to provide innovative facilities solutions we will undoubtedly achieve this.”

News

Incentive QAS Awarded Contract Extension with Link Group

Incentive QAS have been awarded a further three-year contract with Link Group after supporting them through their UK expansion.

Link Group, a global leader in financial administration solutions headquartered in Australia,  completed its acquisition of London based Capita Asset Services (CAS) from Capita plc in 2017, to extend its UK and European operating platform.  Included in the purchase were six locations and shortly after the transition Incentive QAS were awarded the Facilities Management contract by the newly formed UK branch of Link Group.

Incentive QAS worked closely in partnership with Link Group during the initial three year term to close operations at the Huddersfield site but continue to provide ancillary landscaping, pest control and reactive maintenance services.  Incentive QAS also closed the Beckenham site and mobilised the new Leeds office in January 2020 where it provided all cleaning and maintenance services.

The UK wide cleaning and FM contract was up for renewal in early 2022 and after a competitive tender process, was re-awarded to Incentive QAS.  The new three-year contract will see Incentive QAS providing a total FM service across Link Group’s five sites (Huddersfield, Leeds, Ipswich, Exeter and London) including daily cleaning services, waste management, washroom services, window cleaning, pest control and full planned and reactive M&E services.

Mark Ringsell, Divisional Facilities Manager at Link Group commented: “Incentive QAS have partnered closely with us as we further established our business in the UK..  They have provided an excellent service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and we are pleased to award them a further three-year contract after a competitive tender process, where they offered a best value for money solution.”

Jamie Wright, Managing Director, Incentive QAS added: “We’ve built a great working relationship with Link Group over the past few years, providing them with cleaning and FM services throughout a challenging time.  Our company vision it to have staff and clients who love working with us and we’re delighted that our contract retention rate is so strong.”

For more information about Incentive QAS, please visit https://www.incentive-qas.com/

 

 

News

Cleaning industry firm gives insight into business recovery from the pandemic

Unfortunately, cleaning can sometimes be an under-appreciated industry, however when the Covid-19 pandemic hit this service was even more fundamental to the functioning of all kinds of organisations.

Businesses had to implement deep cleaning practices at high speed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep their services running.

Ed Walker, Head of Sales at Lita Group FM, specialist cleaning and facilities management company, shares his insight into how businesses have been operating in recent times and what this signals about the recovery from the pandemic.

Intense cleaning is here to stay  

“If cleaning was a barometer for the nation’s confidence in Covid recovery, we’re definitely not back at 100% just yet. At Lita, we’re not seeing as quick a slowdown in demand for the high-intensity cleaning techniques that we brought in during the pandemic as we thought we might.”

“Many clients have wanted us to continue with the more frequent, in-depth cleaning. Additionally, the Covid safety requirements we’ve seen brought in and out mean that clients want to sustain that high level so that they can guarantee business continuity.”

Flexible working

“I don’t think there’ll ever be the same numbers of people in offices that there were before. That will be different from organisation to organisation: there are some out there who want everyone back in now, and there are some who have seen the opportunity to save money with a hybrid model. They’re reducing the size of their office footprint, implementing hot desk working, giving people schedules of when to come in.”

“We’ve had to change our cleaning routines to fit in with our clients’ new ways of working. Some have put in one-way systems, so we had to adjust our cleaning schedules to comply with that. Some have changed their timings or implemented staggered starts, so we’ve had to show a lot more flexibility timewise. That’s particularly impacted our operatives, who already had early starts.” 

Shifting businesses

“A lot of our clients are in the manufacturing and industrial backgrounds, so their numbers haven’t altered that much – and some of them even got busier during the pandemic. For example, one of our clients, that manufactures glass for the food industry, has moved to a 24/7 operation in the last year.”

“But we’ve seen more mixed results with our office-based clients. One, that previously had three offices in the North of England (one of which was over five floors) has now reduced to just one office over two floors. They’re never going to have the same footprint that they used to have.”

News

Cleaning industry firm gives insight into business recovery from the pandemic

Unfortunately, cleaning can sometimes be an under-appreciated industry, however when the Covid-19 pandemic hit this service was even more fundamental to the functioning of all kinds of organisations.

Businesses had to implement deep cleaning practices at high speed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep their services running.

Ed Walker, Head of Sales at Lita Group FM, specialist cleaning and facilities management company, shares his insight into how businesses have been operating in recent times and what this signals about the recovery from the pandemic.

Intense cleaning is here to stay

“If cleaning was a barometer for the nation’s confidence in Covid recovery, we’re definitely not back at 100% just yet. At Lita, we’re not seeing as quick a slowdown in demand for the high-intensity cleaning techniques that we brought in during the pandemic as we thought we might.”

“Many clients have wanted us to continue with the more frequent, in-depth cleaning. Additionally, the Covid safety requirements we’ve seen brought in and out mean that clients want to sustain that high level so that they can guarantee business continuity.”

Flexible working

“I don’t think there’ll ever be the same numbers of people in offices that there were before. That will be different from organisation to organisation: there are some out there who want everyone back in now, and there are some who have seen the opportunity to save money with a hybrid model. They’re reducing the size of their office footprint, implementing hot desk working, giving people schedules of when to come in.”

“We’ve had to change our cleaning routines to fit in with our clients’ new ways of working. Some have put in one-way systems, so we had to adjust our cleaning schedules to comply with that. Some have changed their timings or implemented staggered starts, so we’ve had to show a lot more flexibility timewise. That’s particularly impacted our operatives, who already had early starts.”

Shifting businesses

“A lot of our clients are in the manufacturing and industrial backgrounds, so their numbers haven’t altered that much – and some of them even got busier during the pandemic. For example, one of our clients, that manufactures glass for the food industry, has moved to a 24/7 operation in the last year.”

“But we’ve seen more mixed results with our office-based clients. One, that previously had three offices in the North of England (one of which was over five floors) has now reduced to just one office over two floors. They’re never going to have the same footprint that they used to have.”