newslink
ncca
May 2015
The official journal of the National Carpet Cleaners Association
Features:
CCC 2015 Upholstery Cleaning A Chemical ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’
Picture©Brintons True Velvet Platinum
Contents
Published monthly by:
03 From the Editor - A quick guide to-
The National Carpet Cleaners Association, 62c London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5DH. Tel: 0116 271 9550 E-mail: admin@ncca.co.uk Website: www.ncca.co.uk
computer security 06 From the President - Manners ‘maketh the man’ (and woman) 08 Problems when cleaning upholstery 10 Where’s the good news? 12 Do you look after your customers? 13 Help to stamp our logo misuse 14 Health and safety, or just good customer service? 15 Carpet Cleaners Carnival 2015 - your four-page pull-out-and-keep guide 20 Chemical ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ 23 How to avoid problems later on 24 Are you really running a SERVICE business? 26 Open for consultation Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or it’s officers or members. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the statements within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, or omissions, or matters arising from any clerical or printing errors, and whilst every care is taken of manuscripts and photographs submitted to us, we can accept no responsibility for any loss or damage. ©Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd 1994 (Trading as the National Carpet Cleaners Association). No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd.
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Editor Nicky Law Editor in Chief Keith Robertson Design Editor Nikki Law President/Admin Director Nigel Lay Technical Director Paul Pearce Company Secretary/1st Vice President/ Training Director Glyn Charnock Corporate Director/2nd Vice President Allan Simmons Membership Director Martin Johns Marketing Director Keith Robertson Co-opted Franchise Director Denise Pitt www.facebook.com/NCCAFloorCare www.twitter.com/NCCA_floorcare_
From the Editor - a quick guide to computer security ways that unprincipled and We all receive 'spam' email and much of it is dishonest people can instantly recognisable as such. However, we need compromise your accounts and to be aware of the emails that appear to be computer data. genuine‌ but aren't. Nicky Law Newslink Editor So‌ what should you be doing Recently there have been many reports of to protect yourself? people having their email accounts compromised 1) NEVER click on the links and attachments by unscrupulous individuals. This can sometimes within emails from happen when a link individuals or within a (seemingly companies you are genuine) email has not sure about. been clicked, or an Trust your instincts. attachment has 2) Review your been opened, passwords. It has providing 'open been recommended door' access to the that we all use account. insanely complex Once access has passwords that been gained, an none of us can ever email is then sent remember. Whilst out to everyone this is true, did you within the address book claiming know that there are that the 'victim' (the unfortunate some easy ways to individual whose account has come up with been exposed) is abroad Don’t be data compromised. secure passwords? somewhere, has had their wallet and Get yourself security aware! Pick three to six passport stolen, and requires financial help to get home. Of course 'Bob' isn't really stuck decent length words and use them together, for example 'knight, cheese and spraycan', i.e. make in Belarus after having his entire life stolen in a your password 'knight-cheese-spraycan'. Don't street robbery, and any money sent via Western use words that can be linked to yourself. So... Union is simply going to line the pockets of the scammer who sent the mail! Continued on next page Unfortunately there are also a number of other
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Continued from previous page
'carpet-cleaning-specialist-bob' is NOT a good idea. Have a look at the Diceware method of password generation. Googling 'Diceware' will tell you all you need to know. 3) Never re-use passwords, or at least try not to. Try to separate your business passwords from your personal ones. Whilst it might be annoying to have your personal account compromised, having your business information accessed at the same time (because you've re-used your passwords) could be devastating to your company. Online forums and other sites may sometimes not have the security you'd hope, so a quick post to the Classic Fords forum, for example, could provide an intruder with access to your email account and the passwords to
potentially every aspect of your life. 4) Protect yourself from viruses and other nasties. The use of 'drive-by downloads' (websites that serve viruses) has increased over the years, so make sure your PC has a reputable antivirus installed and take a few moments once a week to make sure it's up to date. 5) If you've got some money spare, consider completely separating your business computing from your personal computing by using a second PC ONLY for business. Computers have changed the way we work for the better, allowing us to become more organised and saving us considerable amounts of time. With only a few small changes we can all utilise this lifechanging technology safely and to our advantage without ever getting ripped off.
BEWARE OF SCAM EMAILS!
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From the President Nigel Lay Manners ‘maketh the man’ (and woman)
W
hilst I was manning the NCCA exhibition stand (at the Cleaning Show this year) I was contacted by a member of staff at my local bank, where I hold my business account, asking for urgent assistance to extract a paint spillage just inside the front door and hallway. I had been the first point of call because of my visibility in the branch and the fact that I had previously undertaken work for other staff members. I explained my predicament, in that obviously I was at the Cleaning Show and so wouldn't be able to do the work, and advised the lady to look on the NCCA website for another qualified cleaning company. When I visited the branch again recently the lady that had requested my services told me that she had looked on the NCCA website and phoned some of the companies closest to her location. She then went on to say that she was not impressed, however, with the first company she had called as the person she had spoken to came across as rude and arrogant. Because of this she had quickly moved on to the next nearest company on the website and contacted them to do the work instead. Fortunately, the second person she called had a good telephone manner and appeared to understand the problem and timescales; consequently he was awarded the job. So‌ how should you answer the phone? Is it with
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a smile? Well, 'yes'. It is known that a smile can be 'heard' by the caller and that, if you do this, the first impression of you and your company will be that you are friendly and approachable. It is also a good idea to have an exclusive phone line/number for your business calls. If you have a combined business/home telephone number it could mean that your business calls are answered by family members, including your children, indicating that your company is run from your home (potentially off-putting for some customers). A dedicated telephone number allows you the opportunity to move somewhere quieter to project a more professional image, even if you are operating from a home base. How you initially answer the phone, what you say from then on, and how you say it, does have a great bearing on the message that you are communicating to a potential client, so you need
to perfect how you would like to be heard. Rehearse your 'pitch', speak clearly and slowly and be prepared to answer any queries your caller may have. Don't use abbreviations or slang and be careful using humour. It may be that your own particular brand of humour does not come across in the manner that you desire. In conclusion - Do’s and Dont’s: ŸDO have a separate phone line/number for your business. ŸDO make sure that there is no audible background noise which your prospect may pick up on. ŸDO smile when you answer the telephone. ŸDO speak slowly and clearly. ŸDO be careful using humour with your prospects. ŸDO be positive and polite, listen carefully, and answer any queries your caller may have with care and patience. ŸDO ALWAYS return a call where a voicemail has been left. ŸDON'T use a shared phone line. ŸDON'T be rude or arrogant. ŸDON'T lose your patience, no matter how annoying your prospect is being. ŸDON'T slam the phone down as this can be detected by the caller. A polite, friendly, professional and positive telephone manner will allow you the opportunity to display to your potential customers that you are the right person for the job, and hopefully secure you the work. REMEMBER: manners cost nothing, but count for everything.
Member referral report Since publishing a referral statistics report in the last issue of Newslink there have been 79 recommendations for full members provided by the NCCA. This number is made up of 24 referrals from the NCCA office and 51 potential customers contacting members directly through the website, together with 2 referrals to members without an email address (tracked by the NCCA office).
New NCCA Members Dri Wash Carpet Cleaning Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Island Carpet Cleaning Specialists West Mersea, Colchester, Essex Eco Clean Carpet & Upholstery Care Ltd Hucclecote, Gloucester, Gloucestershire Foxley Professional Services Ltd Felphan, Bognor Regis, West Sussex Clean Medic Leicester, Leicestershire Ecleen Salisbury, Wiltyshire Hydroclean Dinmore, Herefordshire
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Problems when cleaning upholstery
I
Cecil Aigin (Honorary Member)
would like to Problems when cleaning upholstery can sometimes result from certain add some procedures undertaken during the manufacturing process further thoughts on Derek Bolton's interesting and informed article 'Dealing with heavily soiled upholstery' (March issue of Newslink). In comparison to furniture, carpets hold few mysteries. Inspect a carpet and you can study the front and back. With experience you can become familiar with the I encountered many of the safe procedure for hazards present in items of cleaning a furniture but, even so, every particular carpet now and again a previously type. unexpected condition would However, in the rear its ugly head. case of furniture, There are problems all you can see is possessed by certain fabric the outer covering; types but, hopefully, the interior is a experience will cause alarm mystery, leaving the prospective cleaner bells to ring. However there are many completely unaware of the possible pitfalls unpredictables, as Derek discussed, and these are concealed within, even though a careful inspection where we are most at risk. may have been carried out. Derek detailed the problems arising from the Over the years and, not without bitter experience, indiscriminate marking of the reverse side of the
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outer covering during the manufacturing process. I encountered items of furniture where marker lines had been drawn on the reverse edge of the fabric indicating where it was to be seamed. In certain instances numbers were drawn indicating the panel position. Unfortunately the markings were invisible until the fabric was subjected to a cleaning fluid. There was the possibility of the marking ink (which may have been solvent or water based) wicking to the outer surface even though the appropriate cleaning fluid had been selected for the fabric type. Moire silk fabrics have also been known to cause problems during the cleaning process. These fabrics possess a pattern that has been embossed into the fibre surface. Water based cleaning will immediately result in a swelling of
the fibres and a loss of pattern. In older well-worn moire fabrics the original embossing may have disappeared with humidity and wear, but the soiling that adhered to the pattern may remain. The removal of the soiling by use of a solvent will reveal the loss of pattern but it will be difficult to convince the owner that the moire design had disappeared prior to cleaning. Needless to say, the above conditions need to be recognized and explained to a client before cleaning takes place. Another thing to be aware of when cleaning upholstery are the trimmings and braids that have been stuck to the furniture. Certain adhesives become brittle with age and a cleaning process may well cause them to lose their adhesion. As my old colleague, Derek, indicated, we didn't cause the soiling and staining in our client's furniture and our only obligation is to provide a professional service. But, when the provision of the service may compromise the integrity of the item and place us at risk, we must make the decision to leave well alone and carefully Beware of trimmings and braids that have been stuck and sympathetically to the furniture. Certain adhesives become brittle with age explain the situation and a cleaning process may well cause them to lose their adhesion. to our client.
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newslink
Where’s the good news?
Leigh Wainwright
I
s our industry stuck in a rut when it comes to marketing itself? I'm not thinking in terms of individual businesses, but as an industry in general. As individual businesses, whether owneroperators or large multi-crew companies, we are all relatively small fry. Even the largest franchise will be considered by most to be 'a big fish in a small pond'. I have, in recent years, accompanied my husband as a general assistant and 'catering manager' when we are working away and training other carpet cleaners. When talking to the students, but especially the new entrants to our industry, not only are they amazed at how technical and procedural the work is but also - just as the general public do - they often think that the work we undertake is 'just cleaning'. The training certainly changes their view, but how do we get the same message through to the public? It would appear that TV advertising is prohibitively expensive as a medium for promoting the true professionalism of, not only the NCCA membership, but all of the industry combined. As for waiting for TV programme makers wanting to feature our industry, they are typically looking for bad news such as the ‘bait and switch’ operators
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that pop up from time to time on consumer programmes. As far as the media is concerned, the important news is the bad news. Other media avenues that could offer national coverage also fall into the 'too expensive for our industry' category. Over the years, the NCCA have worked hard with the national print media to promote professionalism and high quality and, it must be said, have enjoyed a reasonable degree of success. Unfortunately, a national magazine or newspaper is restricted to a relatively small percentage of the population, so this good work will not be seen by the majority of people. So, what are we left with? All that I can think of is the internet. Whether using a search engine or Facebook, the first pages shown are typically for individual carpet cleaning companies. Increasingly, these are paid-for adverts that achieve the highest
rankings. Whether these companies are good or bad, professional, or rogue traders, the consumer is finding it increasingly difficult to judge. It would appear that, to date, all of the good work done within the industry, whether by individual companies or organisations, has created little more than a ripple. Many have been of the view that a small ripple of good news and reviews from customers would grow into waves which, in turn, would develop into a tidal wave bringing respect and kudos to the individuals and the industry in general. Sadly it hasn't and to the majority we are still 'just cleaners'. In my opinion we need a radical shake up of our industry to spread the good word. Not in trickles as at present, but in more positive ways. I don't know the answer, but if any of you do, perhaps you would be willing to share your views with us?
Member identification cards NCCA member identification cards enable representatives to introduce themselves to clients and are a considerable asset, particularly when calling at secure premises such as banks, stores, etc. These cards are FREE to NCCA members and their technicians and should be renewed annually. If you would like to order an ID card you must supply a photograph, with a forward facing headand-shoulders shot (we can crop out the background if necessary), either by post or electronically. You must clearly indicate the name/s to be displayed on each card requested.
Email addresses The NCCA are increasingly contacting members via email to circulate relevant Association information. As such, it is MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER that we have your current email address logged on our database. If you change your email address at any point, could we ask that you please notify us immediately so we are able to update your details. This will ensure that you do not miss any important information circulated by us. To inform us of any changes, please email: admin@ncca.co.uk or phone the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550.
NCCA on Facebook Did you know that the NCCA have two Facebook sites? 1) Industry-facing site - go to: www.facebook.com/nicky.law.315 (includes a private Group exclusively for NCCA members - a place where over 110 people are already sharing ideas, advice, opinions and daily stories). 2) Consumer-facing site - go to: www.facebook.com/NCCAcarpetcleaning (contains useful information on flooring and soft furnishing cleaning which is ideal for sharing with your customers and others within your industry). So pop on, have a look, and if you see something you like‌ just share it!
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newslink
Do you look after your customers?
Paul Pearce
D
o you look after your clients properly? Yes I know you clean their carpets and upholstery, removing most of the soil, making them look good for when visitors come round etc., but do you check that your customer is happy afterwards? Do you call them 24-48 hours later to see if everything is OK? Do you keep in touch? Do you thank them and reward them for the referrals you get from them? Maybe you don't track your work so don't know where it comes from anyway. You may even think it doesn't matter as long as you have the work but, the fact is, there is no better promotional message than a recommendation from a satisfied customer. Your clients will talk about the work you carried out, both good and bad. Even more of a reason to give them a call a day or two after to check if they have any concerns. It's not shameful to have a client tell you there's a little problem with the cleaning. However, it is shameful if you don't deal with the situation immediately and professionally. Have you ever wondered why some customers don't come back to you? Sure, some move on and others can't remember the name of your company ten minutes after you've left. However, there could be a proportion of people who weren't completely satisfied with your work but don't actually let you know because “he was such a nice guy, it's not really worth it� and it is highly
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likely that these people will not contact you again the next time they have work to be done. This really opens up the argument for making contact with all your customers shortly after the event. Also, remember that it is equally important to keep in touch with your clients on a regular basis way after the work has taken place. Doing this will mean that they are less likely to forget who you are when they next want their soft furnishings cleaning. I read somewhere that for every complaint there are ten other dissatisfied customers who didn't make the effort to tell you of their dissatisfaction and, since every dissatisfied customer gripes to an average of six people, every gripe represents at least sixty people who are walking around with a negative image of your company. We are in the 'service' business, so we need to make sure that every part of our service is excellent.
Diary Dates 2015
Help to stamp out logo misuse The NCCA logo and the name NATIONAL CARPET CLEANERS ASSOCIATION are officially registered trademarks. We need your help to ensure that only bone fide members of the Association use the coveted name and logo and to safeguard our good name from use by unscrupulous individuals or companies. If you become aware of an individual or company using our name and/or logo, and you have reason to believe that they are not members of the NCCA, please send us any evidence you can, together with any other information that might help us when we take a particular case to Trading Standards. We accept as evidence the appearance of our name or logo on websites or any printed material. In the case of official publications we would need to know the date and name of the journal/directory in which misuse occurred. It is in everyone's interest to help us stamp out the illegal use of our name and logo, so please be vigilant. We assure you that, with the right evidence, we will press Trading Standards to prosecute offenders. One trader has already been successfully prosecuted for making a false statement by means of a leaflet bearing the NCCA logo. His County Council Trading Standards brought the prosecution and the company was fined and ordered to pay costs towards the prosecution. The company was further ordered to pay compensation to an aggrieved customer.
NCCA COURSES Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 22nd - 23rd May 10th - 11th July 18th - 19th September 20th - 21st November Advanced Spot & Stain Removal 26th June 9th October Health & Safety for the Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 8th October All above courses held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester unless otherwise stated. Visit: www.ncca.co.uk for booking forms and further details. CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL (CCC) 2015 Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire 12th September IICRC COURSES (TUTOR: PAUL PEARCE) Held at Alltec Network, Hertfordshire. Tel: 01763 208222 Carpet Cleaning Technician 9th - 10th June 15th - 16th September Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician 16th - 17th June 22nd - 23rd September Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician 14th - 15th May IICRC COURSES (TUTOR: PAUL PEARCE) Held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester. Tel: 0116 271 9550 Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician 21st - 22nd June IICRC COURSES (TUTOR: ADAM JANKOWSKI) Held at National Flood School, Surrey. Tel: 01252 821185 Carpet Cleaning Technician 10th - 11th September Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician 25th - 26th November IICRC COURSES (TUTOR: ADAM JANKOWSKI) Held at Chemspec Europe Ltd, Yorkshire. Tel: 01274 597333 Carpet Cleaning Technician 23rd - 24th September Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician 29th - 30th September Visit: www.iicrc.org for further details on all IICRC Training Courses.
Health and safety, or just good customer service? Dominic Blades (Contact Carpet Cleaning)
I
nspired by an article in the April edition of Newslink, written by Derek Bolton, I popped a post on the NCCA's Facebook page explaining how I always advise my clients that stepping from a freshly cleaned damp carpet onto a hard floor surface can have the same outcome as stepping onto black ice in a pair of non-grip shoes. I soon learnt to practice what I preach after I experienced the outcome of this hazardous activity myself and almost ended up doing the splits on a bathroom floor. This happened immediately AFTER explaining to my customer the consequences of such a careless action! The Facebook post fired up quite a lively response, with some great alternative solutions to the one that I use. For those who may have missed the post, my simple remedy to this potential slip hazard is to leave in each doorway, on the hard floor in question, an A4 sheet of paper that I print off at home (I carry a stack of these in a file in my van). The notice reads in big black letters: "CAUTION, slippery hard floor surface. Stepping from newly cleaned damp carpet to a hard floor surface may cause a slip hazard. Please mind your step". As fully paid-up, well-trained, and adequately insured members of the NCCA, we should all be completely aware of our health and safety responsibilities. But to me, little touches like this tick more than one box. They add value to my customer service package as a whole, as well as safeguarding the client's safety after I've left.
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My message is drilled home even further within my standard 'thank you for your custom' notice. This contains important information and instructions for the customer, such as advice on ensuring that the carpet is completely dry before removing the protective pads underneath furniture legs etc. I also recommend replacing my 'caution' notices with an old towel or mat to step onto instead. I have also recently added to this notice my social media links and brief instructions on how to leave a review on my sites. This has increased the number of reviews I receive considerably. So, if you currently don't practice any of the above, can I recommend that you start now. It costs next to nothing to implement and will help ensure the safety of your customers… as they dash to their computers to write you that five-star review for your great customer service of course!
NCCA survey forms Using NCCA survey forms will: ŸAllow you to record vital information
including any previous damage or inherent problems. ŸProvide you with an evidence trail in the
possible event of a later problem or dispute. NCCA survey forms are available for members to purchase and come in pads of 100 with a carbonated sheet. For further information, or to place your order, please call the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550.
NCCA Carpet Cleaners Carnival 2015 Wicksteed Park, Kettering, on 12th September Your pull-out-and-keep four-page guide to CCC 2015
Fun da y out for all the family !
Come and join us at the Carnival
Wicksteed Park
On 12th September, we will again be holding the Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC).
The ideal setting for a great day out.
CCC 2015 is open to everyone and is free to attend. So why not come along and join the fun. (Further information overleaf).
Put the date in your diaries now. Don’t miss out!
On 12 Septem th ber come ... and jo in us!
Wicksteed Park Barton Road, Kettering Northamptonshire NN15 6NJ
The carpet cleaning event of the year CCC - September 12th 2015 - put the date in your diary now! On 12th September this year we will again be holding our very popular annual event, the Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC), at Wicksteed Park in Kettering. Already set to be a must-attend event, CCC 2015 is not to be missed! At the show you can expect to find innovative products and information designed to assist in lowering costs and improving standards as well as helping you in the day-to-day running of your business. The CCC is not only about business however. Open to everyone and free to attend, it is also a family-friendly event and an excellent place to bring your partner, children, relatives and friends for a great day out. So... why not come along and join the fun!
What you can expect at the Carnival this year EXHIBITION - The event includes an exhibition featuring top manufacturers, suppliers, advisors and service providers from within and outside the NCCA, providing you with the chance to compare equipment, see all types of machinery in action, and to make contact with ancillary companies who can help you in your business. The 2015 exhibition is set to feature some of the biggest names in the industry... and we've already got some great exhibitors lined up for you this year! Signed up so far are: Alltec Network, Chemspec Europe, GetBookedUp, Chemspec Ltd, Sebo UK, The Woolsafe Organisation, Crisp 'n' Brite, LTT Leathercare, Cleanerswarehouse, Columbus Cleaning Machines, Dry Fusion UK, Textile Cleaning Solutions, Prochem Europe and The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company... and there will be more signing up over the next few months, so watch this space! SEMINARS - There will be a number of seminars held throughout the day. Speakers from a wide range of relevant fields will be giving presentations on a variety of subjects. From the technical aspects of cleaning, to marketing and improving your business, there will be valuable advice from some of the most recognised and well-respected experts in the industry. FAMILY FUN - Wicksteed Park is the ideal setting for a family-fun day out and attendees to the Carnival will have free access to the park grounds, play area and lakeside. There will also be discount vouchers available for the fairground/feature rides (issued on the day) for those who have pre-registered and requested them.
Booking your place To pre-register your attendance at the event this year please ring the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550. As from next month you will also be able to register through the NCCA website. Further information on this will be provided soon. We look forward to seeing you there!
CCC 2015 pull-out-and-keep guide
Wicksteed Park Historical and beautiful grounds The Carnival will be held at the historical and beautiful Wicksteed Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Wicksteed is a very popular day out destination for families. It was one of the first Leisure Parks in the UK and is also an English Heritage Grade II Listed Park and Garden. Within the grounds there is something for everybody to enjoy. From the play area, fairground and lake activities, to the parkland, dining options and other facilities, you can make your day as fun-filled or as relaxed as you want. Places to eat There are various food outlets situated conveniently throughout the park, so refreshments are always nearby. All food is freshly prepared on-site and ranges from Bistro dining to fast food and snacks. But, if none of that takes your fancy, you could always bring your own picnic or barbeque food. For the kids (and the kids at heart!) Amongst the numerous attractions are one of the biggest and best FREE playgrounds in Europe, a fairground aimed at families with young children up to the age of 13/14 years old, racing cars, a lakeside area featuring a water chute, a monorail, crazy golf, nautical jets and boats and the UK's busiest narrow gauge railway. The park also boasts one of the UK’s tallest and longest zip wires - RUSH. RUSH has a top speed of 40mph, is as high as a six-storey building, is 310 metres long and comprises three zip wires to allow families and friends to take the plunge together. Additionally Wicksteed has announced a host of new attractions for 2015, marking the completion of a £3million restoration project. They include an indoor interactive play area, a thrilling new drop slide, a walk-through aviary, a sand and water play area and new lakeside features made out of natural materials to encourage children to climb and explore. Staying overnight at Wicksteed Park Wicksteed offers fully-equipped on-site camping facilities for caravans, camper vans and tents - ideal for a long weekend or overnight break - right in the heart of the park in a beautiful spot overlooking the lake! So, if you don't want to drive back home after the day's events, you won't have to spend a fortune on overnight accommodation. If camping isn’t your style, how about staying at one of Wicksteed’s beautiful luxury timber lodges? They are fully furnished, sleep up to six, and are located in a secure gated area right next to the park. Central location Centrally located in the heart of the Midlands, Wicksteed is easily accessible by train or by car. If you are travelling by car, the park can be accessed from Junction 10 on the A14 with direct North and South links from the M1 & A1. Parking There will be FREE PARKING for all Carnival attendees.
CCC 2015 pull-out-and-keep guide
THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2015
Why CCC 2015 is a 'must-attend' event for carpet cleaning professionals 1) It's FREE for ALL attendees and their friends and family. 2) It provides an ideal opportunity to network with like-minded people. 3) It is approved as an IICRC continuing education credit (CEC). 4) It features an exhibition populated by some of the biggest names in the industry. 5) You will have the chance to see all types of machinery in action.
Exhibiting at the CCC
6) There will be new product launches and you will be amongst the first to see them.
If you would like to exhibit at this year’s event, please call NCCA Corporate Director, Allan Simmons, on: 01405 813665 or email: allanjnr@getbookedup.com
7) You will have the chance to meet ancillary companies who can help you in your business. 8) You can grab a bargain! 9) There will be seminars running throughout the day on a variety of subjects, all hosted by industry experts... offering real value to your business! 10) If you are looking to extend the range of services you offer, or are simply looking to expand on the skills you already have, you will learn something new. 11) It's a family-friendly event and there will be plenty to entertain children, partners and friends should they wish to come with you. 12) Wicksteed Park is an excellent venue. As well as being centrally located, it offers everything a family could need to enjoy a great day out. To pre-register your attendance at the event this year please ring the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550. As from next month you will also be able to register through the NCCA website. Further information on this will be provided soon.
CCC 2015 pull-out-and-keep guide
If you are exhibiting this year you can advertise your company for FREE within future pull-out-and-keep guides in Newslink. To take advantage of this excellent opportunity, email Nicky at: nicky@ncca.co.uk for more information. Exhibitor Terry Guilford, of The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company, said of last year’s event “We had a really great day at the NCCA Carnival with plenty of leads for our Training and Affiliate network. Lots of interest was shown in our training course and I look forward to seeing all those who signed up! I want to thank everyone who organised the day, but Allan Simmons in particular for really helping us out!”
Chemical ‘pick ‘n’ mix’
Derek Bolton (Honorary Member)
T
here is nothing quite like the look or smell of a freshly cleaned carpet, especially after our centrally heated houses have been closed to the elements during winter and the dust, grime and everyday soiling within our homes has become firmly embedded in our soft furnishings. Carpet and upholstery cleaning is affordable to most people who choose to either 'Do-ItThemselves' or hire a trained professional to do it for them; hopefully the latter although, sadly, this isn't always the case. I often reflect (as you do whilst cleaning) on what impurities may be left within a cleaned carpet if a rinse process is not carried out effectively. You may well be thinking that this is going to be another of my rambling articles on 'how clean is clean?' but it isn't… so bear with me. Believe it or not there are cleaners out there who add chemicals to their (so called) clean water tank leaving residues behind. What if someone within the freshly cleaned environment is allergic to those chemicals? I have always believed that the final operation when
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cleaning carpets and soft furnishings should be the rinse; that means getting rid of all the chemical pre-treatments that have been used, along with the dirt. Residual chemicals can, and do, enter the body in a number of ways. One of these ways is ingestion (not that we would make our cleaning chemicals into a nice bedtime snack/drink for our customers of course!). Chemical residues from freshly cleaned items can transfer onto a person's hands and then be ingested when they eat. Residues can also be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. I have personally come across carpets
where residual chemicals have been left following a clean and have subsequently affected the customer's feet. There have also been a couple of instances where there were adverse reactions to chemicals left in upholstery fabrics and one of these was quite severe. A small child broke out in a horrendous rash which did not abate for several weeks… the furniture had to be re-cleaned before the issue was rectified. These cases were just some that I became directly involved with when asked to carry out inspection reports. Rinsing is a fundamental part of the cleaning process. Think about it, if you informed your customer that following a carpet or upholstery clean there could well be a cocktail of chemicals left behind - Phosphates (containing Phosphoric Acid), Polycarboxylates, Non-Ionic Surfactant Residual chemicals in carpets and soft furnishings can cause nasty allergic reactions
Perfumes, Cyclodextrin (odour eliminator), Quaternary Ammonium Chloride (anti-microbial), alcohol, Sodium Polymethacrylate, Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (an anionic surfactant) to name but a few - they would be horrified! The above chemicals are listed as elements within some of the D.I.Y carpet cleaning solutions… scary isn't it. And quite a few of the popular D.I.Y cleaning products are not designed to be rinsed either! Those systems that do advocate using some form of extraction equipment instruct the user to 'add the chemical to the clean water tank and clean like a professional'… hmmm. Professional chemicals available to carpet and upholstery cleaners have undergone many changes over the years due to the invention of Health & Safety (H&S wasn't around in the dim and distant past when I started in the business). Better known as 'Elf & Safety', it has ensured we have safer chemicals and practices these days, providing we adhere to them of course… not always the case I’m afraid. So, let's take this a stage further (if you are getting bored I suggest you turn to the next article… it doesn't get any better!). When a carpet or upholstery fabric is manufactured, a variety of chemicals are used within all of the processes. In fact, a few years ago, when I discovered just how many Continued on next page
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processes were being used, I wrote an article for Newslink entitled 'A rag full of chemicals' because that is what upholstery fabric (and clothing material) effectively is. Recently it has been reported that members of the public have been found to be allergic to some of these chemicals with alarming results. Phenolic Yellowing One common Photographs©Derek Bolton phenomenon that can result from the use of chemicals during the manufacturing process is Phenolic Yellowing. Yellow stains can appear from the occurrence offgassing of man-made fibres and latex within carpet backings, especially when a rug or item of furniture is placed on top preventing the gasses escaping. Have you considered, when having purchased a new carpet, the smell that lingers for several weeks before dissipating… that's off gassing. Some years ago I contemplated what would happen if there was a reaction between chemicals left in fibres and fabrics during the manufacturing process and the cleaning chemicals we use on a daily basis. I did at the time raise this issue with one or two people within the manufacturing industry, but all I got for my sins was some rather blank looks. I don't think the subject had ever been considered! You can look at this from the other side too. Have the cleaning chemical manufacturers thought
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about this issue either? No, they haven’t, and why would they? For a start the cost of checking out every cleaning chemical with every carpet or fabric would be astronomical. As cleaners should we plod on oblivious to the potential of reactions between chemicals? After all we seem to be doing pretty well so far… or are we? Think of the issue of the pH sensitive dyes over the last few years; fabrics would change colour and no-one, at the time, knew what the cause was. Thankfully a colleague in Ireland sent me a damaged cushion for me to play around with and the rest, as they say, is history. We now know how to reverse the effect. At no point did any fabric manufacturer say to the cleaning industry “when you clean our fabrics containing vegetable or protein fibres they may just turn pink if left in an acidic state”. The latest scare is the red dye being released when in contact with water. I haven't managed to get a sample of this to play around with yet. The carpet upholstery cleaning game can be a barrel of laughs can't it! So in conclusion… 1. Keep the pH of the cleaned item neutral (7 pH). 2. Make sure that you rinse out any cleaning chemicals that you have used. 3. Have fun…..
How to avoid problems later on
W
ithout doubt, the most important part of the cleaning process is the initial inspection of the item to be cleaned. Failure to follow this simple initial step can potentially lead to problems later on and may prove extremely costly in monetary terms and in loss of prestige for your business. Many cleaning problems can be eliminated by an accurate pre-inspection. The audit, or survey, will Always survey the determine how, and if, job first to avoid the work is to be carried problems later on out. This process must be undertaken systematically and thoroughly on every job and a written report of your findings should be handed to your client prior to the work being done. Details logged during your survey should include, amongst others: the name, address and contact details of your client, the areas to be cleaned, the fibre/fabric type, how the item has been constructed and the colour and style. You must also ask your client if the item has been cleaned before and assess if there is any damage or cleaning residue from previous work carried out. One way to log the relevant details during your initial inspection is to write them down on a predesigned form. This way you only have to fill in
NCCA Library
the spaces when you arrive at the job. Information can then be transferred to your database for future reference. Every carpet cleaning company should carry out a proper survey, documenting any potential problems and communicating these with the client at every stage. Failure to follow these procedures can lead to a dispute should a problem arise, whereby your client may insist that your company failed to report any issues. This can result in a claim against your company and, when this happens, the first thing the insurers will do is ask for paperwork relating to the survey. You should be able to produce this paperwork immediately on request. If you fail to provide the relevant information you may find it hard to find the right insurance in the future, as most companies will expect you to carry out a documented survey as part of your cleaning process. If you would like to start using pre-designed survey forms, please remember that the NCCA are able to provide these for members to purchase. They come in pads of 100 with carbonated sheets (one copy for you and one for your customer). If you would like to purchase one of these pads, please call the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550.
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Are you really running a SERVICE business?
W
hat would you say is the most important marketing strategy for a small carpet cleaning business? You might think it's choosing the right target market or premium pricing. Or perhaps you only focus on direct response marketing as opposed to image type advertising. Well‌ all these things, if done properly, will help to promote and sustain your business. However, in the thirty years that I've been cleaning carpets, I've noticed a common distinguishing quality amongst all the most successful carpet cleaners and it is this that really forms the foundation of every other marketing strategy. So, what is this distinguishing quality? Well, all these successful companies have a dedication to SERVING their customers and prospects, not just selling to them. Yet some carpet cleaners speak about their customers and prospects with very little respect, as though they are fools for not having their carpets cleaned regularly or not understanding the difference between cleaning methods. Or idiots who get what they pay for when they choose a 'bait and switch' operator and get ripped off. The best marketing strategy ANY company can adopt is what Jay Abraham calls the 'Strategy of Pre-eminence'. A preeminent business outshines all others in its category in the impression it leaves on its customers. It is seen as the business that
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David Coker
Advise and serve your customers, don’t sell to them
delivers the best experience, the one that customers feel most confident in buying from. It is the one that holds its clients in the highest esteem and has their best interests at heart. To be a preeminent business means a complete focus on bringing maximum value to the service you provide. It begins with changing the way you view yourself. That you always act in the best interests of the receiver. That you have an attitude of 'I'm not trying to sell to you, I want to serve you’. You will see yourself as your customers' most prized adviser. You will give them the very best advice regardless of whether it gains you any advantage or not. Your purpose is to benefit and protect others, to lead them to better results and greater happiness (this, of course, could also be by warning about the pitfalls of using 'bait and switch' operators). The 'Strategy of Pre-eminence' demands that you make a point of deciding that you are NOT
going to wait for money to change hands before you start guiding, advising and benefitting your customers and prospects. This draws people to want to work with you rather than your competitors Jay Abraham demonstrated this by interviewing the owner of a very successful business who was much more profitable than his competitors. The business owner saw his role as being a leader, an authoritative consultative source in his marketplace. He saw it as essential that he communicated and conveyed to his clients (and prospects) that their concerns and feelings were his priority. He saw a distinct difference between simply relaying information and providing advice. He saw his role as advising people... “Here's what you should do about a problem, or a situation” and specifically supported it with a compelling, irrefutable set of definitive facts. If you help people articulate their concerns and empathetically recommend a course of action that is in their best interest you will gain their trust. Isn't that why we willingly take advice from a doctor who really cares about us? People are often silently waiting to be led by someone they trust. So, rather than trying to sell... empathise. Tell your customers that you understand how difficult it is to choose a competent carpet cleaner. Produce educational material that helps them make the best decision for them. Present yourself as the 'solution' if you really are the best choice for them. If not, direct them elsewhere. Have an attitude of SERVING, not selling. Oh… and a by-product of viewing your customers this way? You will enjoy your work even more.
NCCA consumer leaflet A consumer-focussed leaflet is available from the NCCA office for all members to purchase. Aimed at the customer, it includes details on the Association, members, surveying and cleaning and includes a section on how to tackle stains and spillages, encouraging your customer to retain the leaflet for future reference. There is also a space on the back where you can place your own company details, ensuring that your customer will have your particulars readily available should they want their carpets and upholstery cleaned again in the future. For further information, or to place your order, please call the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550.
Latest TrustMark Statistics Since its launch in April last year, the category of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners on the TrustMark website has been searched a total of 71,288 times! TrustMark membership within the Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners category is ONLY available to NCCA members. So, put simply, that's over 71,288 times NCCA members' company details have been searched by consumers looking for a carpet and upholstery cleaner on the TrustMark website!
How to apply for TrustMark membership To see joining criteria go to ‘Benefits and Schemes’ in the members’ area of the NCCA website. If you would like to apply to become a TrustMark member please ring the NCCA office on 0116 271 9550 or email: admin@ncca.co.uk
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Open for consultation
Katharine Braim (Eversheds LLP)
“Those who create risks are best placed to control them, and they should do so in a proportionate and practical way.� š Employers reading this article have a duty to consult with their employees, or employee representatives, on health and safety matters to ensure that workplace illness and accidents are reduced and/or completely extinguished. The consultation should be both proportionate and practical, which can be especially difficult with a workforce based in various locations across the country. This article considers the key areas that you need to 'tick off'. Which legal regime applies? There are two different legal regimes that require you to consult with your workforce. The key
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determining factor is whether you have a trade union presence. Where a trade union is recognised: The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 apply where the employer recognises a trade union and it can be used for collective bargaining purposes. The union will normally appoint safety representatives under the regulations, and the
employer must consult with those representatives on matters affecting the group or groups of employees they represent. The safety representative(s) will investigate potential hazards and dangerous occurrences, complaints by employees and review the workplace health and safety risk profile. As part of their role, the safety representative(s) will also represent relevant employees during health and safety investigations, attend health and safety meetings and be the 'go-to' individual in relation to workplace health and safety concerns. Where no trade union is recognised: The Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 apply in workplaces where: Ÿthe employees are not in a trade union; and/or Ÿthe employer does not recognise the trade union; or Ÿthe trade union does not represent those employees not in the trade union. Any employees not in groups covered by trade union safety representatives (as per above) must be consulted by their employers. If the employer does not want to consult directly with the workforce, it is necessary to appoint an employee
to act as a representative. The appointed representative will review potential hazards and dangerous occurrences, general health and safety risks in the workplace and specific matters raised by employees, i.e. they will perform the same role as the trade union safety representative above. What do I need to do? Employers need to consider the key elements to ensuring good consultation. The basics must be covered as a 'starter'. Any representatives should be provided with the means and facilities to conduct their work within the workplace. This includes, but it not limited to, working areas in which confidential conversations can take place, a desk including stationary and a lockable cabinet system, use of office facilities such as printers and meeting rooms and the time with the employer to discuss health and safety issues. You must give representatives the paid time to conduct their work. What information should I consult about? Key areas should include: Ÿintroducing any substance or piece of equipment which may affect employees' health and safety at work; Ÿchanges in policies, procedures or processes; Continued on next page
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Ÿarrangements for seeking assistance from competent people; Ÿplanning of health and safety training; and Ÿconsequences arising from the introduction of new technology. The consultation process The consultation process should be a two-way practice. You should provide your employees with the information they require to fully understand health and safety considerations in the workplace and so that they can make meaningful contributions to the areas of consultation set out above. This information should already be available within the business, it is simply a case of making it available where appropriate. Whilst the law does not define when and for how long the consultation process must take place, it needs to be in 'good time' allowing for a full consideration of the information provided by employees. A good example we have seen involves creating employee 'working groups' that meet regularly to solve a particular health and safety issue and then present on the proposed solution. This encourages employee 'buy in' and investment into the health and safety message. The message, from the HSE, is helpful to understand the context of the consultation process: “Consultation does not remove your right to manage. You will still make the final decision, but talking to your employees is an important part of successfully managing health and safety.” ²
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What happens if I don't? A failure to consult with employees on health and safety matters is a regulatory offence. Employers should keep good records of the consultations process, and the outcomes of that process, should a regulator ask for the same. Meeting minutes are helpful, but evidence of good engagement, employee participation and real actions arising from the consultation are what the regulator will want to see. Conclusion There is both a legal and moral reason for having effective consultation procedures in place. In addition, proper consultation can reduce accidents and improve worker engagement, which may even lead to significant financial benefits in the long term. For those with remote workers, consultation will take some additional thought, but the benefits are clear for all. ¹ Judith Hackitt CBE, Health and Safety Executive Chair Westminster briefing - speech - 10 December 2014. http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/speeches/trans cripts/hackitt101214.htm ² INDG 232 - Consulting employees on health and safety
NCCA Shop Are you making the most of your NCCA membership? Have you got an NCCA tie, badge, leaflets, survey forms or van stickers? To see all the NCCA items for sale, log on to the Members' Area of the NCCA website.
NCCA Corporate Members + Allied Insurance Services Ltd: 0844 8156211 (I) + Alltec Network: 01763 208222 (C/M/F/T) + Amtech UK: 01444 232211 (C/M)
NCCA Member Benefits Adelante Merchant Services 01628 820500 BeValued - Home Options (specialist claims management - insurance work) Call Shaun Mulvey on 01323 418432 Control Account PLC 01527 882901
+ Ashby's Cleaning Equipment: 01795 436999 (C/M/E) + Asset Finance Solutions UK Ltd: 01254 584404 (FI) + Bio Productions Ltd (inc. Stapro): 01444 244000 (C) + Camberford Law (insurance brokers): 0208 315 5000 (I) + Chemdry Franchising Ltd: 01482 872770 (C/M/Fr) + Chemspec Europe Ltd: 01274 597333 (C/M/T/D/F) + Cleanerswarehouse Ltd: 01772 434333 (T/C/R/M) + Cleaning Systems UK: 01334 656787 (C/M/T/F) + Cleansmart Ltd: 0115 8240034 (T/C/R/M/K) + Cleantec Innovation Ltd: 0870 733 7733 (T/C/W/M)
Hibu (previously Yell) Ask for Corporate Advertising Department 0808 100 7890
+ Dri-Eaz Products Ltd: 01908 611211 (C/M/T)
HMCA (free legal & counselling helpline) 0117 934 2600
+ Furniture Clinic Ltd: 01207 279964 (C/Tr)
HMCA (medical health cover) 01423 866985 Payatrader 01296 660177 SiteWizard (website creation) 08450 608860 Thompson Local Ask for Corporate Advertsing Department: 01252 390385 TrustMark (Ring NCCA Office) 0116 271 9550
+ Columbus Cleaning Machines Ltd: 01772 426527 (M) + Crisp & Brite: 01509 881137 (C/M) + Dry Fusion UK Ltd: 01772 433711 (C/M/T/W/Fr) + Get Booked Up Software: 01405 813665 + Gleaming Insurance (insurance brokers): 0845 4740068 (I) + Hi-Tec Cleaning Group: 02866 341416 (C/E/F/M/T) + Host Von Schrader Ltd: 0151 347 1900 (M/C) + Hydro Dynamix: 01622 664993 (Fr/T) + LTT Leathercare: 01423 881027 (T/Tr) + Mailboxes Etc: 01628 633336 + McGregor Lloyd (insurance brokers): 0121 706 0616 (I) + NSL Restormate: 01670 590099: (M/C/Tr) + Nu Life Stone Care Ltd: 0161 480 7284 (M/C) + Oates Laboratories (Europe): 01772 433711 (C) + Prochem Europe Ltd: 0208 974 1515 (C/F/M/T) + Rainbow International: 01623 422488 (M/C/Fr)
Corporate Member Benefits 20% off RESEARCH and CITRUS products for all NCCA members at Cleaners Warehouse! Go to www.cleanerswarehouse.co.uk (A registration page has been set up on the site for NCCA members)
+ Restoration Express: 01252 726106 (M/C/T/A) + Robert Saunders Marketing Mentor: 08450 537129 (K) + Sebo UK Ltd: 01494 465533 (M) + ServiceMaster Ltd: 0116 275 9000 (M/C/Fr) + Stainshield Ltd: 01372 841467 Š + Textile Cleaning Solutions: 01934 521155 (M/C) + The Big Clean: 0208 3934778 (M,C,W,K) + The Ultimate Floor Sanding Co.: 00353 91846488 (M/C/Fr) + The WoolSafe Organisation: 01943 850817 + Vaclensa: 0161 728 1800 (M) + Worldwide Cleaning Support: 01279 422220 (C/M)
C - Chemicals / M - Machinery / W - Wholesalers / Fr - Franchises / I - Insurance / K - Marketing / T - Technical Services / F - Fire Retardents / A - Auxiliary Services (Restoration Cleaners) / E Supply/Repair of Curtains and Blinds / Fi - Finance / Tr - Training.
CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, long-established, reputable working carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings cleaning company. Essex based. Owner Operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only. Mobile HWE and dry cleaning system. Domestic and commercial clients. Genuine interested parties only please to call 07903 497298 and leave details. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Prochem 250 ft vacuum hoses for truck mount £150.00. Chemspec hose reel for truck mount plastic £200. Prochem sadle tank for truckmount 227 litre/60 gallons - £250.00. Contact aquadriinfo@btconnect.com for further information or contact Andy on: 07970 544806. BUSINESS FOR SALE Small long-established reputable NCCA registered working business, specialising carpet, upholstery and hard floor cleaning. Northumberland based owner/operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only. Sign written 55 plate Iveco Daily van with fitted Prochem Blazer Truck Mount. High pressure and extraction hose reels complete with hoses, including wands, hard floor surface spinner 3 turbo dryers fans, 4 dehumidifiers, MMs Plus, Sebo vac and duo, Rotary scrubber, plus lots of other equipment and chemicals. Plus a fully SEO website. Genuine interested parties only please. Call 01670 787185. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Airflex Storm 800psi, Solution hose 25ft(high pressure), 25ft x 1.5" vacuum hose with 1.5" cuff fitted at each end, Westpak 4" stainless steel hand/detailer tool with splash guard, 6" stair tool, Upholstery Pro Sapphire Hand Tool, HOST Reliant agitator, Sebo BS36 upright vacuum cleaner, Dri-Eaz Air Mover Sahara E 3 speed, Magma heater 1313, Assorted horse hair brushes, Furniture Foam Snap Blocks x 360, Orion 6L Sprayer with nozzle set, 10 Litre Bucket x 2, Carpet Sliders x 8, pH Test Paper, Corner guard, Hose hook, Pumptec Powersprayer BOM, Mesh hose bag. Assorted cleaning chemicals - some opened. Bereavement forces sale. Cost: £4500 ONO (Bought as new in 2013 for £7500). All items used a maximum of 5 times so in 'as new' condition. Please contact Jamie Edmonds at: Jledmunds@hotmail.co.uk. Tel: 07795 546037. Items located in North Cornwall.
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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Ashbys Sensei Carpet cleaning machine with dry cleaning facility, comes with dry clean hose and curtain hand tool and hose bag - £800.00. Dry fusion rotary machine with drive board - £600.00. Power flite 500psi twin vac carpet cleaning machine, only used as back up, two years old - £1400.00. Esprit Von Schrader upholstery machine still under warranty only used 5 times - £2500.00. Ashbys power brush £300.00. Ashbys spotting machine with hose and hand tool - £300.00. Ashbys V2 steam attachment only used twice - £300.00. All Items plus VAT. If interested please call Peter on 07866 905 424, or 0208 850 2085, or Email: peterscarpetcare@aol.co.uk Buyer collects from south east London. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 3 Ozone plates 4'' x 6'' to fit Jetazone 600 ozone generator - £15.00 for the 3, plus £5.00 p & p. Please phone Pete Collins on 07885 804560. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE HOST freestyle (dry carpet cleaning system) VGC £1800... NO OFFERS. ASHBY'S NINJA 2X3 VAC 130psi (water heater needs fixing). Also included: 2 jet wands, separate v2 steam kit, 2x hoses, 2x bags, 2x carpet rakes, Kleenrite upholstery tool, Prochem power brush, 2x stair tools, 1x curtain tool. Excellent back-up machine, all can be used again after servicing - £950 o.n.o. TURBO air mover Sahara Pro - £85 o.n.o. Dowding & Plummer contrator400 carpet/floor scrubber/polisher (slow speed - 105 rpm approx.) including buckets with stand and mops and pads (also including a wet/dry vac). All can be used again after servicing - £450. Call Jon on 07736 512527 up to 8pm. Based in West Midlands. MACHINERY FOR SALE CFR Paramount 1000 PSI machine - delivering 1000 pressure per square inch. 95 litre recycling tank, great for commercial and domestic work £600.00 o.n.o. Contact davidkendall40@aol.com for further information or phone David on 07768 667824 or 01277 824546. TOOL AND CHEMICALS FOR SALE One 5.4kg tub of host powder (unopened). Retails at around £29 - only £12. Also Kleenrite curtain cleaning tool - £25.00. Contact Lester Gale (oxfordshire) 07949 207777.
CLASSIFIEDS JOB VACANCY (CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING TECHNICIAN) We are looking for an experienced, full time, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Technician to work for an independent specialist business in Norwich, Norfolk. Please contact Danny on 07716475415 to discuss further. TRUCKMOUNT FOR SALE Banclene truckmount complete with base unit, stainless steel 80 gallon recovery tank, 100 gallon solution tank, 150 feet of vaccuum/solution hoses, floor, stair and various upholstery hand tools, inline heater and misc parts etc. The van has been sold separately. Selling due to retirement and will consider the highest offer. Call Derek at Aquamaster on 01845 537640 - mobile 07976 218304 or email: derek@aquamaster-yorkshire.co.uk EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - IDEAL FOR NEW BUSINESS Everything you need to start carpet cleaning, including: Ashbys Ninja adjustable up to 400psi with Dry Cleaning Functionality built in, 2 x25m vacuum hoses, 1 x silencer hose, 1 x wand, 1 x upholstery tool, 1 x dry cleaning solvent tool. Sebo Duo agitator. Sebo Vacuum BS36. 1.5hp blower dryer. Truvox high speed buffer. Prochem Stain Removal kit. 2 x 6 litres pressure sprayers. 1 x 1 litre upholstery/spot sprayer. 1 x vinyl mat for Ninja and 1 terrapaulin sheet. Huge array of chemicals including: Prochem Power Burst, Defoamer, Prochem Pre Spray Gold, Prochem Natural Carpet Cleaner, Ashby's supreme Anti Grease, Prochem Browning prescription, Prochem Fabric and Fibre Rinse, Ashby's Extra Fresh, Prochem Odour Fresh. Box of other bits including: shoe covers, brushes, polystyrene pads, measuring jugs, dry compound. All in excellent condition. Selling as my second business is consuming all of my time. Selling for £1950. Contact Richard on 07903 841534. VACANCY & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Experienced full time Carpet and Floor Care Technician required. Own van and equipment an advantage but not essential. Good business incentive package (profit share or buy in). Area coverage M4 corridor from Bristol to London. Apply by email to glynn.norcutt@gnccontractservices.com (with full CV, etc.) or telephone: 01672 871882 or mobile: 07831 172743.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Victor Sprite 12" Rotory Machine. Used once. Was £855 - Accept £450. Collect from Coventry. Tel 02476 620444. VAN & TRUCK MOUNT + EQUIPMENT FOR SALE VAN: Fiat Ducato 35 Multijet LWB / Only 3,200 Miles / Taxed April 2015 / Ply Lined / Linex Coated / Shelving. TRUCK MOUNT: Phoenix 570i / Only 91 Hours / LPG Gas Conversion / All Tanks Hoses & Reels / Water Softener/Filter. EQUIPMENT: Evolution Wand / Pre Sprayer / Carpet Rack / Stair Tool / Upholstery Tool / Ramp / Von Schrader Esprit Dry Cleaner. Genuine enquiries only please. Mobile: 07775 507227. Email: re_nulife@btinternet.com CLEANING & RESTORATION EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 2 turbo dryers, 1 whole room dryer, 2 Dry Fusion machines with pads, 1 hard floor buffing machine, 2 dehumidifiers (Dri-Eaz). Offers accepted around £2000. Ring Mike James on: 078818074346 or email: mjames1963@sky.com TRUCKMOUNT FOR SALE Blue Line ThermalWave HP II - 51hp / 3000psi. Twin Wand Operation. LPG Conversion. Hoses, Electric Hose Reel + Tanks included. Cost over 20K new - 5469 hrs on clock. Regularly serviced at Alltec. Asking Price: £4500 + VAT. Available for inspection at Alltec in Cambridge. Call James on 0118 931 0516 for more details.
The Association advises that all goods are checked to be in a satisfactory condition, and comply to electrical and health and safety standards, etc. It is recommended that equipment serial numbers should be checked to ensure the seller is the legitimate owner. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability arising from any transaction or dispute between the buyer and seller.
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WHAT IS T.I.G? . A newly formulated tar, ink and grease
remover. . For oily stains other solvents can't remove. . Fast and effective on stains such as: NAIL VARNISH, PERMANENT MARKER PEN, BIRO etc. . For most textiles, carpets, hard surfaces and leather.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS
Pre-test carefully according to industry standards before use. Chemspec Europe, Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 Fax: 01274 597444 E-mail: info@chemspec-europe.com Website: www.chemspec-europe.com