newslink
ncca
Features:
The 2014 Carnival Cleaning The Cragside Carpet
ŠAbbeyglen by Brintons Carpets
September 2014
The official journal of the National Carpet Cleaners Association
Contents
Published monthly by:
03 From the Editor 04 Are you a Specialist or a General Practitioner? 08 A guide to customer complaints (part 8) 10 A day out in Telford 12 Out and about... 14 Carpet Cleaners Carnival a huge hit this year! 20 The importance of written surveys 22 Underfoot and overlooked, cleaning the Cragside carpet (part 4) 25 Help to stamp out logo misuse 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. ŠCarpet 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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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
Editor Nicky Law Editor in Chief Keith Robertson Design Editor Nikki Law CEO/Technical Director Paul Pearce Vice President/Admin Director Nigel Lay Company Secretary/2nd Vice President/Training Director Glyn Charnock Membership Director Martin Johns Marketing Director Keith Robertson Corporate Director Allan Simmons Events Director Billy Russell Co-opted Franchise Director Denise Pitt www.facebook.com/NCCAFloorCare www.twitter.com/NCCA_floorcare_
Carpet Cleaners Carnival 2014 - Easily The Best One Yet!
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he NCCA's annual event, the Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC), is now over for another year and this year's event was undoubtedly the best yet! The exhibition was much bigger than in previous years and we saw an unprecedented number of visitors through the door. If you didn't come along then you really did miss out on a great day. Visited by over 200 people, the 2014 Carnival, again held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, included an exhibition of major industry manufacturers and suppliers (some of whom have already agreed to exhibit again next year!) along with business support organisations and other relevant bodies. This year we also introduced a program of seminars which were all very well received by those who attended. The event was open to everyone in the industry and was visited by both members and non-members together with their partners, friends and children. Along with the exhibition and seminars, the Carnival included women's interest stalls, children's activities and even a magician, providing attractions and activities for everyone in attendance. For those who wanted to stretch their legs there was also plenty to occupy them within the Park itself including a fairground, playground, lakeside area and acres of beautiful parkland.
Since the event we have received a huge amount of positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors. We Nicky Law would like to say a big “Thank Newslink Editor You” to the exhibitors who gave up much of their weekend, the visitors and their families, the people who hosted the seminars and also the local businesses who joined us. Another huge “Thank you” must also go to the Mayor and Mayoress of Kettering who kindly gave up their time to come and visit the Carnival this year. There is no doubt that the event is building and we hope to make it even bigger and better next year. We look forward to seeing you there! For a full report on the Carnival this year including feedback from exhibitors and visitors, information on prize winners, photos taken at the event and much more, see the centre pages of this month's Newslink.
NOTICE The training dates for NCCA courses in 2015 have now been arranged. To see a list of these dates please turn to page 9.
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Are you a Specialist or a General Practitioner?
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Keith Robertson
recently learned that a new restaurant has the world famous El Bulli. Roncero has been opened that claims to be the most expensive awarded two Michelin Stars and three Suns from in the world where dinner costs £1210 per the Guia Repsol and one of his companies collaborates with the person. international network NH Too make it just a little Hotels who have 400 more challenging the hotels. owner has not picked So, can his idea work? Paris, Washington or the Speaking of his new West End of London to venture he said, “This is set it up but in, of all places, Ibiza. my space and it's a dream The restaurant, come true, although you Sublimotion, is not to be cannot achieve your found in an exclusive dreams only with a bit of enclave on the island but luck. You have to chase in Playa d'en Bossa them, work them, you where it's possible to have to make an effort obtain half board for six and above all this space is nights in a three star made of a lot of hope.” hotel (including flights The restaurant is, to say from London) for the least, intimate. As you £556.50 per person and leave the lift you enter a Paco Roncero’s where, at the five star high ceilinged, restaurant, Sublimotion, in Ibiza Hard Rock Hotel where windowless oblong room the restaurant is located, a Deluxe Silver Double which has nothing in it except a single table with Room with Bed & Breakfast can be booked for twelve chairs. The table itself is different to most £1,060.50 including flights. we will have encountered as it is neon lit. The You might well ask who would be so insane as to maximum of twelve diners are looked after by set up the most expensive restaurant in the world twenty seven members of staff. in such an unlikely location. What do you get for your money? Well, Chef Well the person doing this is no idiot, rather he is Roncero answers that you get the cheapest lifean amazing chef, Paco Roncero, who gained some changing experience anyone can have. of his incredible talent working for many years at In further considering his decision to set himself
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apart from other restaurants it would be good to consider the restaurant I mentioned that he had worked in, El Bulli. In its time El Bulli was the most famous restaurant in the world having made it five times to number one on the S.Pellegrino 'World's Fifty Best Restaurants' list. It closed after more than fifty years because the owners wanted to set up a foundation and exhibition area. But, before this happened, 8,000 of the 'world's wealthy' ate there every year. Often they had to wait more than twelve months to get a reservation and they were the lucky ones as the restaurant received 1,000,000 reservation requests a year. Not long after EL Bulli closed their restaurant in 2011 it was Paco Roncero who brought El Bulli to England for the first time as a one-off 700-guest event to Elton John's Grey Goose Winter Ball. In its fifty-year history El Bulli constantly refined its way of operating, constantly creating new ideas and challenging the norm. Over the years the owners stopped serving lunch to concentrate only on providing a memorable dinner. The more successful they became the shorter their working year became, eventually shutting for six months each year. They provide an excellent example of becoming a ‘specialist’. In our business you have a choice to either remain as a General Practitioner or become a Specialist, an expert in the specific niches you have decided to operate in. Now there is nothing wrong with being a General Practitioner if that's what you have set out to be. My local doctor, who is a General Practitioner, makes a good enough living.
According to National Health Careers, salaried GPs who are part of a Clinical Commissioning Group earn £54,863 to £82,789 per annum. However, you have to question whether in some professions this is really the right way to go, particularly if the end goal is to increase earning potential. I have recently noticed amongst 'rank and file' carpet cleaners some who have been looking at ways of increasing their earning capability and are turning to window cleaning or oven cleaning. Maybe that has always been the case but, in my mind, I thought it was window cleaners and oven cleaners who were turning away to make a better living out of carpet cleaning. It is certainly the case that you will have a much more interesting life if you become a Specialist, but it cannot happen overnight or by simply attending one or two courses. It takes a degree of dedication to learn as much as you can about what you are doing and be prepared to keep refining your techniques and the materials you use. I recently read a Facebook discussion about attending specific courses. One of the responses stated that hands-on courses were best as they were 'lots of fun'. Hands-on training can be very useful and, yes, it can be fun but it is not enough on its own to allow you to separate yourself from the General Practitioners and become a Specialist. It is not sufficient to simply be able to do the work. Paco Roncero has become famous for his research into the many textures of olive oil. Are Continued on next page
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you as passionate about the cleaning products you use? Do you purchase everything from one supplier because it's convenient? Or did you attend a manufacturer's course and stick to using their products? Perhaps you take your lead from comments made by others on forums or Facebook? If you are a General Practitioner it doesn't matter but if you are on your way to becoming a Specialist it certainly does. If you are building a business it is also possible to learn from how Chef Roncero behaves. Although journalists talk of Roncero as an unusual chef with many personal quirks they also note that, unlike chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, he never raises his voice, is always smiling and in stressful situations has a peaceful aura about him. It is noted that he treats his team like members of his own family. To follow his example is useful if you are a General Practitioner but vital if you are to become a successful Specialist. Much of El Bulli's success and also that of Chef Roncero is their passion for creativity. In 1987 the people from El Bulli were invited to a demonstration for the Escoffier Foundation in Cannes where Jacques Maximin (possibly the most famous French chef in the world) was conducting a demonstration. Asked by an attendee what creativity was Maximin replied: "Creativity means not copying". One simple sentence changed things at El Bulli, who saw the future by changing their approach to cooking and instilled this in their protégés including Paco Roncero. Take that approach in your business and you will
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soon stop wondering how your competitors are doing… as they will no longer be competitors. As you increase your prices based on the experience that you are able to provide you will no longer appeal to the mass market but only to those who want, need, or demand, specialists. Put your prices up and you will retain your staff longer as they will not be under the relentless pressure of handling several jobs each day. It will no longer be appealing to them to set off on their own and become rivals as they will appreciate the difficulties in finding the market you now attract. Simple marketing and word of mouth will keep you busy but not so busy that you haven't time to experiment, create, travel, study and learn how to further refine your specialities. In truth, I cannot see myself ever being prepared to pay £1210 for a meal, but there again I wouldn't employ myself to manage my floors either as my prices are more than I would want to pay. What I do understand is that I am not my customer and the people I want to work for can easily afford me. I am sure that for Paco Romero the same is true. There will be more than enough customers prepared to fly into Ibiza to savour the experience of eating completely different food that has been broken down to its molecular structure, and reformed into something eye catching, within an extravagant colour and light experience. No matter where you are there are those who would, and will, pay if you can demonstrate your skill and provide an amazing experience. It's up to you to decide whether you want to remain a General Practitioner or become a Specialist.
Writing for Newslink NCCA Facebook sites Did you know that the NCCA have two Facebook sites? One of these sites is industry-facing and includes a private Group exclusively for NCCA members - a place where over 100 people are already sharing ideas, advice, opinions and daily stories. If you'd like join the Group and be part of a friendly online community, simply send us a request through our industry site at: www.facebook.com/nicky.law.315 Our other site is consumer-facing and contains useful information on flooring and soft furnishing cleaning which is ideal for sharing with your customers and others within your industry. This site can be found at: www.facebook.com/NCCAcarpetcleaning So pop on, have a look, and if you see something you like‌ just share it!
Contributions for Newslink are always welcome. So... why not put 'pen to paper' and add 'author of published article' to your skillset. Don't worry if you feel your writing skills are not up to the job, as all articles undergo an editing process before they are included. If you feel you'd like to send something in, just give Nikki in the office a ring on 0116 271 9550 or email: nicky@ncca.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.
New NCCA Members Pree-Clean Services Palmers Green, London Gillards of Tavistock Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Tavistock, Devon
A guide to customer complaints (part eight) Lewis Scroby (NCCA Standards and Fair Trading)
NCCA Standards and Fair Trading Officer, Lewis Scroby, continues his series on dealing with customer complaints. This month's article focuses on resolving complaints and the various outcomes.
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f a member accepts liability for a complaint, or the Association deems them responsible following an investigation, there are very few outcomes in most cases. The three main concluding actions are a refund/compensatory payment, a re-clean or rectification of the problem by the member or another company, or the matter is passed to the member's insurance company who take on responsibility to resolve the matter from that point. If the Association does decide that the member is responsible, we will always provide a recommendation for how best we feel the complaint should be resolved. This is put forward after consultation with at least one Director, taking in to account their years of experience. Members can decide to resolve the matter in their own way, and this is not a concern providing the customer is ultimately appeased, however, the Articles of Association and Code of Practice provide guidelines for responding to complaints and the consequences of not dealing with them efficiently and professionally. Failure to properly address a complaint can jeopardise membership and ultimately lead to probation or expulsion from the NCCA.
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In most cases this is not a concern and we find members are responsive and focused on dealing with any issues. It is only when there is a dispute as to whether the member is responsible or liable that things can become more difficult. In these situations the matter can escalate and be taken out of the hands of the Association. We never like to see a complaint reach a legal position, but if the two parties cannot agree it is sometimes the only option. The NCCA can arbitrate and hopefully assist in resolving a complaint, but if one party decides to take legal advice this is beyond our authority and we can only advise that the other party do the same. It is rarely something we would recommend to members, as the legal process is time consuming and can be very expensive but, if the customer does not agree with the Association's position and decides to employ or seek the advice of a legal professional, the only option is to do the same. This is one of the key reasons the Association has, for many years, offered a legal helpline scheme to members. Telephone advice is available free from the HMCA (0117 9342600 - quote NCCA when calling) and covers complaints, employment, health and safety, financial issues and many other areas where an expert may be needed to clarify where you stand and what options and recommendations can be provided from that position. Insurance companies are also there to assist in these situations. Do not avoid talking to them for fear of being penalised financially. Until you make a claim you are not liable, but it can be very difficult
Diary Dates 2014/15
to determine if a complaint will warrant the involvement of the insurance company. They are the experts. If a problem is too much for you to handle, or you aren't sure what to do, talk to them. Insurance is one of the largest essential outlays for small businesses, ensure you make full use of it. In the past we have had members report that they were losing sleep and concerned about their health when dealing with particularly stressful complaints or customers. We appreciate that these situations can be very difficult and there are unfortunately some very stubborn and even malicious people out there. Principles are very important within professional companies and sticking by them is obviously of great value, both personally and in terms of business. Sometimes however, it is better to bite the bullet. We often find the reasons members haven't resolved a complaint prior to it being reported to us are financial. We would never advise a member to compensate a customer without confirmation that they were at fault for a complaint, but there have been occasions where even the members would agree that a refund cheque would have been preferable to a lengthy dispute or legal action. Weighing up the costs in your time, finance and reputation against what would be considered undeserved recompense can quickly change opinions. Even when it isn't justified, there can be occasions when it is more beneficial to resolve a complaint in the easiest way rather than the fairest way. The series continues next month focusing on dealing with difficult customers.
NCCA COURSES Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 21st - 22nd November 2014 23rd - 24th January 2015 20th - 21st March 2015 22nd - 23rd May 2015 10th - 11th July 2015 18th - 19th September 2015 20th - 21st November 2015 Advanced Spot & Stain Removal 10th October 2014 20th February 2015 26th June 2015 9th October 2015 Health & Safety for the Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 19th February 2015 8th October 2015 All above courses held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester unless otherwise stated. Visit: www.ncca.co.uk for booking forms and further details. IICRC COURSES (HERTFORDSHIRE) Carpet Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 25th - 26th November 2014 Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 2nd - 3rd December 2014 Held at Alltec Network, Royston, Hertfordshire. Tel: 01763 208222 IICRC COURSES (SURREY) Carpet Cleaning Technician with Adam Jankowski 15th - 16th October 2014 Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Adam Jankowski 28th - 29th October 2014 Held at National Flood School, Surrey. Tel: 01252 821185 Visit: www.iicrc.org for further details on all IICRC Training Courses.
A day out in Telford
Ken Wainwright
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Photographs ŠKen Wainwright
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have often felt that we work in a truly remarkable industry. In this age of a 'dog eat dog' business mentality, where people are looked upon as being merely a number on a payslip, we carpet cleaners find ourselves as being truly blessed. Many of us are regarded as being colleagues rather than competitors. Even as sole traders, we are not left to stand on our own. When needs arise someone is always at hand to offer support; whether technical, physical or even business related, there is always a colleague to lean on. Two industry stars, who recently shone brightly, are long-standing NCCA Members Ray and Jackie Austin. Recently, just as they have done in the past, they decided to give something back to their region's carpet cleaning community. Through one of our industry's internet forums they, along with colleague Jared Long, organised a 'Chat and Learn' event in a local village hall. Well, that's the way it started, but there was so much enthusiasm for this small event that numbers had to be limited; some people were prepared to travel considerable distances to take part, even to the
point of an overnight hotel stop-over! As for the day, it was superb. Everyone was friendly, enthusiastic and very willing to share their experiences. Quite a few had requested assistance with carpet and rug identification and, as he is also a carpet-fitter as well as carpet cleaner, Jared Long was able to bring along a wide variety of carpet types with various face-yarn fibres. Burn tests galore were completed and identification procedures and tests were practiced to the benefit of all. In this age of high quality pre-sprays and agitation equipment, it is easy for technicians to become lazy and forget about the pre-treatment of some stains which do not respond to the
regular cleaning process. So we had a brief Stain Removal Workshop where we had the opportunity to try different products and techniques on various stains. Many soon realised that there are often very different types of product and technique that can be used for the same stain. There was also an example of a very stubborn colour added stain that did not respond to spotting procedures and products, and bleaching agents removed both the stain and native dye. But a weakened solution was non-effective. We were able to safely and effectively remove the stain though, but that is something for another time. Throughout the day, as well as being involved in the event itself, Jackie Austin also took it upon herself to manage the beverages, snacks and food, for which we were all eternally grateful. As for the lunch, this was sourced by Jared and, hand on heart, I can say that without doubt it was the best finger buffet I have ever had at any
industry event. Well done Jared and Jackie. In the afternoon we had an equipment workshop and were able to assess different types of equipment, including a truckmount and high performance portable extractors, twin-motor vacuums and pile-lifters and rotary and OP machines, along with various wands and hand tools. The day ended with a light hearted award ceremony. A few of our colleagues had been making significant contributions for several months to a thread about carpet identification on an internet forum. NCCA Member Ian Hare took it upon himself to present Tony Nash, Jared Long and Lee Breen with trophies in recognition of their contributions. I'd like to thank each and every one of my colleagues who took the time from their own businesses to share some of their time with us all. But most of all, a big thank you to Ray, Jackie and Jared for their initiative, generosity and hard work on our behalf. Thank you everyone, it was a brilliant day.
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Out and about...
Derek Bolton (Honorary Member)
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Fabric samples from the department store
of the various fabrics. When in a customer's home there are often no identifying labels to refer to, so this is a great opportunity to familiarise myself with the look and feel of a particular fabric. I then try to guess what fibres are contained within the fabric; this is not easy, but coupled with the relevant tests (this is where the samples come in) I usually get a pretty good indication of what these may be. I came across a fairly easy one to recognise (pictured left) - a wonderful (if you like this sort of thing) velour chair retailing at ÂŁ999. I tried it and it was comfortable, so I can see it would be appealing to quite a few people. What we are looking at is a sculptured fabric with a Viscose Rayon pile where the fibres are likely to change in their appearance if wet cleaned. Remember that most staff in retail furniture stores know little, or nothing, about cleaning other than what is included on the label. From my previous
Photographs ŠDerek Bolton
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recently went on one of my walkabouts again, browsing the fabrics and furnishings in a few retail furniture shops, primarily to kill time whilst my family engaged in a little 'retail therapy'. This time I found myself in the Home section of a popular and well-known department store. The first thing I did was look at the fabric sample wall, my aim being to add a few more interesting pieces to my ever increasing collection. I then graduated to the actual soft furnishings, cleverly disguising my own particular interest in the items displayed as 'ordinary customer' pretesting with a view to purchase. ÂŁ999 velour chair So what did I find? Well, my eyes are always immediately drawn to the darker fabrics and I try to assess how resistant to crocking or distortion a particular fabric is likely to be. I have sometimes been seriously tempted to carry out an actual wet test or crock test but, knowing that my every move is likely to be recorded on the in-house CCTV cameras, I reluctantly resist. I then look (because I have the ideal opportunity to) at the labels which provide me with the identity
articles you will already know that the cleaning side of me just has to ask‌. do they EVER consider information provided on labels, for the most part, how a fabric is to be cleaned when they design it? needs to be Also, do they EVER treated with consider whether it caution (I almost is fit for purpose? I said with am thinking contempt... problems with pH whoops)! Bear in sensitive dyes with mind that you will this particular really need to fabric, or colour loss educate your through wear customers on this abrasion (crocking), when you are maybe even doing your problems with its quotations. capacity to wear for Polyester and Viscose striped cushion Also present in a reasonable the store (pictured amount of time. top right) was one I also took a of the popular photograph of a striped cushions highly decorated comprised of cushion comprised Polyester and of Indian Cotton Viscose fibres, the with a lovely design latter once again in made up of a pile form. On the stitched-in beads. It Sculptured pattern Indian cotton photograph you is quite impressive, with Viscose Rayon with stitched-in beads can see a pile but how will it compression mark clean? I have read (fine line), a common thing that can happen during of many dresses with beads that have everyday use and something that is not easily disintegrated, when the item has been dry cleaned, reversible, if at all. or become tarnished when wet... so be aware! Yet another fabric I noticed (that looks appealing So... when the lady in your life wants to go with its high sheen) featured a sculptured pattern shopping, smile and hand over the credit card. You with Viscose Rayon providing the highlights. The can then happily disappear for an hour or three manufacturers seem to be once again having a love without interruption. Just don't forget to ask her if affair with this particular fibre, obviously because she can spare a bit of cash so you can buy a few it's cheap to produce and looks good. The cynical coffees and a sticky bun‌ BLISS!
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Carpet Cleaners Carnival a huge hit this year!
THE EXHIBITION Populated by carpet cleaning manufacturers and suppliers and associated trades and services from inside and outside the Association, the exhibition provided an ideal opportunity for visitors to meet NCCA Corporate members and other similar businesses, compare different systems, view new
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Photographs ŠDavid Newell
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n 20th September carpet and upholstery cleaners from all over the UK travelled to Wicksteed Park, in Kettering, to attend the 2014 Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC). Launched in 2011, and held annually since, the CCC has proved hugely popular with both Association members and other companies within the industry. As well as being a trade fair, the Carnival is also a great day out for all the family where fun and festivities are successfully combined with business. Open to everyone in the industry, the event this year was attended by an unprecedented number of visitors - both members and non-members together with their partners, friends and children.
product launches, ask those all-important questions and network with like-minded people. Throughout the day there was a continuous stream of people to each of the exhibition stands and, eager to show off their products and new developments, exhibitors were reported to be delighted with how busy they were and the contacts they had made at the show this year. Exhibitor Terry Guilford, of The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company, says “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!” Exhibitor Garry Webber, of Oleonix Solutions, had an equally good day at the CCC this year and says “We would like to thank the organisers at the NCCA for a well-managed and run event. The Carpet Cleaners Carnival was our first showing of the Oleonix Solutions range since becoming distributors and we were delighted with the response. Thank you to all who visited the stand and we hope to see you again next year!” THE SEMINARS Introduced to the event this year, and a huge attraction to visitors, was a programme of seminars which ran alongside the exhibition throughout the day. If you didn’t attend, here’s what you missed... MARKETING - ALLAN SIMMONS (NCCA Corporate Director) Allan’s seminar was aimed at everyone from the one-man owner/operator to the multi-van company with office staff, providing practical marketing ideas and solutions which can be implemented immediately (and cheaply) to make a massive difference to your business. NCCA member, John Jordan of Carpet Miracles in Dorset, who attended Allan’s seminar says “I like to think that my marketing is pretty effective, having tried and tested many strategies over the twenty-plus years I have been in the business, however I learned a lot from attending this
seminar. Allan entertainingly educated us on down to earth, non-gimmicky, common sense tasks that don't cost a fortune, just a little time, but they can make such a difference to turnover and profit. Just attending this seminar alone made my journey to Kettering for the Carnival more than worth it!” CARPET REPAIR - JOHN BRYDEN (Bryden Enterprises Carpet Fresh) John is a Master Rug Cleaner with many years' experience assessing, cleaning and repairing damaged carpets/rugs and is also an experienced advisor in the rug cleaning industry. He teaches and lectures all over the world in carpet and rug restoration and also carries out research for all the leading international carpet manufactures. During his seminar he talked about the problems he has encountered during his many years cleaning carpets - focussing on issues such as delamination and carpets that have been badly fitted - and what can be done to help customers with these types of problems in order to offer an all-round better service. NCCA member, James Shepherd of Domestic Bliss Professional Cleaning Services in Carmarthenshire, was extremely impressed with John’s seminar and says “John and his wife Jan provided informative, entertaining and valuable information on carpet repair and client management. The seminar was popular with attendees who flocked to take advantage of one of the rarer opportunities to get involved in various restorative methods. During the course of the seminar it was soon made apparent how we can go the extra mile and Continued on next page
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the benefits of TrustMark membership, who is eligible for membership, what makes TrustMark different to other referral generation websites and the costs involved. Glyn was able to answer a number of questions about the scheme, and is happy to report that
Photographs ŠDavid Newell
provide valuable enhancements to our level of service and long term care of clients. Often some faults within rugs or fitted carpets may seem to be a permanent feature or at least a blight on our cleaning efforts. John and Jan demonstrated
restorative practices which offered something to everyone and would put any technician in good stead for future practice. Overall an enjoyable and valuable experience which I would recommend to anyone. As with the other seminars I feel this is a great addition to the Carpet Cleaners Carnival and hope it remains a future feature. Thank you all to those who made it possible�. TRUSTMARK - Glyn Charnock (NCCA Company Secretary and Training Director) At the CCC this year, Glyn presented information on TrustMark to over thirty NCCA members and non-members. His talk included details on what TrustMark is, why the NCCA have become Scheme Operators for the Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners category,
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more than a third of those who attended the seminars expressed an interest in joining. Since the event we have had requests for a number of application forms and TrustMark continues to go from strength to strength. GENERAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - CHRIS THOMAS (Alltec Network) Chris has over twenty years' experience designing, building and maintaining portable carpet cleaning machines. During his seminar he talked about how to keep your portable machinery in good condition and what should be done regularly to ensure it remains in good working order so that cleaning contracts are fulfilled without the risk of equipment failure (including weekly and monthly maintenance, inspection of jets, valves, cables
and brushes, when to have a service, and the pitfalls of the great British winter!) NCCA member, Peter Miller of P M Cleaning in Middlesex, who attended Chris’s seminar says “After 43 year's carpet cleaning you tend to think you know all about looking after your cleaning equipment (although I always believe in regular servicing by the company I bought it from as they have fully qualified personnel). Chris's comments about cleaning out the wand jets regularly and making sure the jets were off set (at an angle) was new to me. I found his talk very informative and shall be putting his tips into practice. Chris also recommended wrapping up your equipment between jobs, especially during the hard and cold winter months! What I learnt during this seminar absolutely reinforced the need to attend events like the Carpet Cleaners Carnival as they genuinely do benefit your business”. THE USE OF BLEACHES IN CARPET CLEANING PAUL PEARCE (NCCA CEO and Technical Director)
During his seminar Paul demonstrated a series of stain removal techniques, using various bleaching agents and their additives, on a variety of carpet surfaces (with a selection of stains) and on rug fringes to demonstrate dye removal. His demonstrations included the use of heat as well as Oxidising and Reducing bleaches. NCCA member, James Shepherd of Domestic Bliss Professional Cleaning Services in Carmarthenshire, says “Paul's seminar was clear, concise and entertaining. Its popularity spoke for itself as the seats available soon became very scarce. As a company we feel that up-to-date regular training is 'a must' and Paul's seminar
reminded us of just how important this is. Our professionalism resides in gained knowledge, expert application and supported delivery in order to give the best value and service to our clients. Paul demonstrated advanced techniques, rectifying problems in a range of common instances occurring in Broadloom, rugs and upholstery. The correct preparation and use of Oxidising and Reducing bleaches reinforced both our prior knowledge and the need to continually practice safely in the workshop. My Son, who is hoping to join the industry, also enjoyed and valued his time at the CCC this year and we all agreed it was well worth the time and energy spent. Thank you to everyone for your hard work in organising this brilliant event”. STALLS AND ENTERTAINMENT At the Carnival there was plenty to keep family and friends entertained throughout the day. Within the exhibition hall there were stalls selling delicious cakes and fudge as well as a chance to sample (and purchase) some excellent organic beauty and natural remedy products. There were also a number of activities to keep the children (and the kids at heart) engaged, including a superb magician (he had us all fooled yet again!) and face painting, together with Playing Card Tombola, Hoopla and a Letters Search game. There were some excellent prizes to be won, with some big prizes for the winners of Letters Search challenge. The lucky winners of the challenge were: Vanessa (C&M magazine) Continued on next page
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Martinet's son Jack who won a brilliant fishing game, NCCA Member Ian Hayter's son Harry who won a game of 'Who is it?' and Johnny McGowan (accompanied by NCCA Honorary Member Peter Collins and his group) who won a fun penguin game. Many of the visitors to the Carnival, who came with children, also took advantage of the numerous excellent facilities within the Park itself, including the fairground, playground, railway, lakeside area with water rides and acres of beautiful parkland. THE FREE £100 PRIZE DRAW This year we gave all Newslink readers the chance to win £100 in the FREE prize draw which took place at the Carnival. Readers who had retrieved their voucher and first two tokens from the March edition of Newslink, and collected the further eight tokens from subsequent issues, all had a chance to win. Completed vouchers were collected at the event and one lucky winner was selected from the box at the end of the day. We are pleased to announce that the very lucky winner of the £100 FREE prize draw was NCCA member Ian Hayter of I R Hayter Services in Hertfordshire. Congratulations Ian! KIRSTY’S KIDS The Carnival was again pleased to support Kirsty's Kids. NCCA Member John Bryden, who runs the charity in honour of his daughter Kirsty and her work to help sick and underprivileged children, has written to express his gratitude for the assistance he received in fundraising at the CCC
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this year and says “So many people helped in so many ways. A huge 'thank you' to everyone who helped. With the various activities (including the Friday night barbecue, an auction, the children’s entertainment area and purchases made at the cake stalls) throughout the event we were able to raise an incredible £814.17 for Kirsty's Kids!”
The Mayor and Mayoress of Kettering with NCCA CEO Paul Pearce
A VISIT FROM THE MAYOR This year our event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kettering. During their visit the Mayor and his wife circulated amongst both the exhibitors and the other visitors at the event. The Mayor then took centre stage within the exhibition hall to give a short speech with words of encouragement for our business endeavours. PRAISE FOR CCC 2014 Since the event we have received a huge amount of positive feedback from the visitors who attended this year. Here are some of the comments you made: “Thank you to everyone involved in organising CCC 2014. We had an absolutely fantastic day! There was a great atmosphere, which was friendly, relaxed and ‘non-corporate’, the seminars were
Photograph ©David Newell
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really helpful and there were some excellent products at the exhibition. We appreciate all the thought and effort put in and hope you are all pleased with the result too. Five stars!” - Chris and Maggie Walker (All Clean, Nottinghamshire). **************************************** “We would like to thank everyone involved in the Carpet Cleaners Carnival for an absolutely wonderful day. I know how much effort is put in to organising this type of event and it is truly appreciated. It was great to catch up with old friends and meet new people. Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed the day!” - Peter Collins (Collins Cleaning Company, Surrey). **************************************** “I Just wanted to say a big ‘thank you’ for such an excellent day. We both really enjoyed it and are looking forward to next year’s event” - Keith Sanderson (Derby Carpet Cleaners, Derbyshire). **************************************** “I had a heavy week leading up to the Carnival and the thought of travelling 150 miles left me with the dilemma as to whether I should just have a restful day at home or drive to Kettering for the event. In the end I bit the bullet and went. I didn't arrive in time for the first few seminars, but the three I did manage to attend were very informative, each one being well worth the trip on their own. There was also the opportunity to talk to those who had stands at the show and see the new technical developments. It was a great day and I’m really glad that in the end I decided to go. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise it” - John Jordan, (Carpet Miracles, Dorset). **************************************** “Fantastic event! It was great to meet with
colleagues and suppliers, both old and new. Roll on the next Carnival” - Dean Haywood (Five Star Furnishing Care Consultants, Bedfordshire). **************************************** “Thank you NCCA. The barbecue on the Friday night was brilliant. I loved meeting the people that we’ve built up relationships with on Facebook. The event itself was also excellent. I attended Allan’s seminar (some thought provoking stuff) and got some great freebies from the stands at the exhibition. The magician was fab and kept my children, Imogen, Harry and Clara entertained. Harry is very into magic so he was extremely happy. The face painting was amazing too and the older two children also made use of Wicksteed Park, going on the rides etc. From visiting the show we now know what machine we’ll be buying next and also that we will be attending a stone floor course at some point soon” - Victoria Jordison (TopMark Cleaning, Norfolk). **************************************** “The seminars where excellent and made the journey down from Scotland well worth the time and effort” - Jim McArthur (Eclipse Deep Clean, Renfrewshire). **************************************** The NCCA would like to say a big “Thank You” to the exhibitors, the visitors and their families, the people who hosted the seminars and also the local businesses who joined us. Another huge “Thank you” must also go to the Mayor and Mayoress of Kettering who kindly gave up their time to come and visit the Carnival this year. There is no doubt that the event is building and we hope to make it even bigger and better next year. We look forward to seeing you there!
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The importance of written surveys
I
n the classroom we are all told the importance of carrying out a full written survey before commencing work. The reason for this is simple, we need to identify the construction and characteristics of every item we clean in order to: ŸPick up on any previous damage or problems and highlight any issues that may arise during the cleaning process. ŸGather vital information to enable us to select the correct method and chemicals to use in order to undertake the work successfully. ŸDemonstrate to our customers our professionalism and attention to detail, providing an added element to our already exceptional customer service. ŸProvide an evidence trail in the possible event of a later problem or dispute. The results of this survey should then be provided to your customer in writing. If possible, also ask permission to take a photograph before and after the work has been done as this will also help you should a problem occur. So often, over the years, the absence of a completed written survey has resulted in the cleaning technician concerned being left with a hefty replacement bill, often when it wasn't their fault… but the fact is that they had nothing to support their claims. Remember, it is very difficult to explain an inherent problem AFTER the event. An important point to bear in mind is that, if you have a claim under your insurance policy, your insurance company will request a copy of the survey form which they will expect you to have completed prior to the work taking place. If you cannot provide a
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Martin Johns
completed survey form then this may well invalidate your insurance cover… so be warned! The NCCA have produced some excellent forms to help you in conducting your written surveys which are ideal for leaving with your customer. They come in pads of 100 sheets, each with a carbonated copy, so you'll have one for your client and one for your own records. These can be obtained from the NCCA office (0116 271 9550).
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 Hibu (previously Yell): ask for Corporate Advertising Department: 0808 100 7890 HMCA (free legal & counselling helpline): 0117 934 2600 HMCA (medical health cover): 01423 866985 Payatrader: 01296 660177 SiteWizard (website creation): 08450 608860 Thompson Local: ask forCorporate Advertsing Department: 01252 390385 TrustMark (NCCA Office): 0116 271 9550
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)
Underfoot and overlooked, cleaning the Cragside carpet Part four - Cleaning the carpet
Glyn Charnock
In February this year, the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio in Norfolk collected a 19th Century Templetons chenille dining room carpet (from Cragside House in Northumberland) for conservation. The carpet first needed to be cleaned in order to avoid additional damage and, following our successful tour of the Conservation Studio last year, NCCA Director Glyn Charnock was personally asked if he could undertake the cleaning work to be done. In the June Newslink we featured the first in a series of articles on Glyn's time spent working on this delicate and historic carpet. This month the series concludes with the painstaking and intricate cleaning process.
S
o, finally the wait was over and the carpet arrived at the Textile Conservation Studio. I could at last see what I had talked myself in to. Ksynia, the head conservator, had discussed how they photograph and log all the work they undertake, so I had prepared to keep a record of everything I did. The studio had a camera set up on a boom, overlooking the room where I would be working, taking a picture every few minutes. I had a page printed out to record how much cleaning solution and rinse water we used. Because the carpet was too large to lay out completely we had to roll out as much as we could face down, back-beat using a piece of new carpet to protect it, vacuum the back of the carpet, roll this half up whilst vacuuming the face of the
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carpet, then unroll the second half and repeat the whole process. During this, the face of the carpet was vacuumed with flat tools using conservators' vacuums with variable suction control and samples were kept of the soil removed. For those of you with an unhealthy attention to detail, we were vacuuming at 90 mb of suction. Every time we needed to handle the carpet, all the conservators had to stop what they were doing and come down to help move the carpet safely. Between rolling and unrolling, the soil removed by back-beating was swept from the floor and bagged for later analysis. This process took two days, so it was obvious our four-day timescale to perform the clean wasn't going to be enough! Cleaning solution was prepared and cooled (see last months' article!) and the machine, a portable twin vac extractor, was filled with softened water. The studio have softened, deionised and distilled water literally on tap. Softened water ensures there are no calcium deposits left in the carpet once it is dry, as these can cause damage by abrading the carpet fibres when they form crystals in the carpet structure. Remember, everything must protect and stabilise the carpet for the next fifty years! Because the machine generates heat when working, we needed to monitor the temperature of the rinse water to ensure it didn't get too hot. As the cleaning product formed a distillate (went cloudy) at about 21째C, this was the maximum
Photographs ŠGlyn Charnock
temperature for the attention to detail! The Cleaning Room rinse water. Using this Thankfully the process, it took 22 litres of cleaning weather wasn't too product, 120 litres hot, as the machine of rinse water and was situated four days to wet outside the building clean the carpet in the back of my twice. Once we got van, so the rinse a system going we water temperature could have the never went above carpet dry within the 'magic' 21 twenty minutes of degrees. cleaning. We even The actual examined and cleaning process photographed was fairly simple damaged areas of pre-spray, agitate carpet, before and with soft brushes after cleaning, using (by hand), through a a USB microscope net stretched on a to ensure there was wooden frame for no swelling of the damaged areas, jute which could extract using a low cause catastrophic moisture upholstery damage to the tool, dry using a carpet's structure. terry towel and Netted cleaning frame The studio has place an air mover humidity control, as to speed drying. many delicate textiles can be damaged by low or It was apparent that one clean and rinse wasn't high humidity, and the conservators were going to be sufficient, as the terry towels were concerned that cleaning the carpet may affect coming up really dirty, so we cleaned the whole thing twice just to make sure we removed as much other items they were working on. Their concern was that the humidity would be increased, but soil as possible. The studio staff kept all the used towels and hung them up to dry as they are now Continued on next page part of the history of the carpet. Talk about
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they had to start the humidifiers when the humidity fell to below 50% as a result of the cleaning process. After six days I left the studio staff to perform a final vacuum clean, the duration of which was determined by repeat vacuuming of a sample area and analysis of the soil to ensure maximum soil removal, with minimum fibre damage, of course. I provided a fourteen-page report with photographs as part of the job and this has apparently been circulated to most of the National Trust conservators and beyond, to demonstrate what can be achieved using modern cleaning equipment and methods. I must admit, the job was well outside my comfort zone at times and was a steep learning curve in respect of conservation as opposed to regular cleaning. My research during and since has really opened my eyes as to how careful conservators are with their work, and how inadequate our cleaning product knowledge and standard survey processes are when dealing with historic artefacts. If any of you are ever approached to clean a very high value or historic item, whether it be carpet or upholstery, please think very carefully before taking the job on, and take appropriate advice. If nothing else your insurance will definitely not cover you for items like the Cragside carpet. It was also a bit scary at times, wetting an irreplaceable historic carpet, but it was also extremely rewarding. Along with my report, I am now part of the history of this artefact, documented for posterity.
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As a direct result of this project, we have had a meeting with the National Trust and are looking at ways in which they can use our members on future projects. I know at least two members have already undertaken work for the Trust as a result. The Trust have a huge number of 'normal' carpets and textile items, which would benefit from the 'regular' cleaning that NCCA members are more than capable of providing. However, historic items will undoubtedly require a level of knowledge and experience which some people, understandably, may not be willing to attain given the likely financial rewards. Like so many of these kinds of projects, it is definitely a labour of love, not a money game. As a final update, the conservators have just finished stabilising the backing of the carpet and are about to turn it over and start work on the face. It should be finished and ready to return to Cragside House during the middle of next year.
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 Corporate Members + Allied Insurance Services Ltd: 0844 8156211 (I) + Alltec Network: 01763 208222 (C/M/F/T)
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.
+ Amtech UK: 01444 232211 (C/M) + 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) + Columbus Cleaning Machines Ltd: 01772 426527 (M) + Crisp & Brite: 01509 881137 (C/M) + Dri-Eaz Products Ltd: 01908 611211 (C/M/T) + Dry Fusion UK Ltd: 01772 433711 (C/M/T/W/Fr) + Furniture Clinic Ltd: 01207 279964 (C/Tr) + 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) + 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.
Items for sale 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. CLEANING AND RESTORATION MACHINERY EQUIPMENT - ACCESSORIES Dri-Eaz Dehumidifier 1200 - as new (boxed) £450.00. Dri-Eaz Sahara Pro TurboDryer - new (boxed) £150.00. Dri-Eaz Dri X Airchanger Dehumidifier - new (boxed). Normal Price £1900.00. Our Price £500.00. Plus much more. For a complete list please telephone: 07580 182 325 or email: restorationdirect@btinternet.com 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 Mobile container/bin (red) - comes with lid. Heavy duty container on wheels. L55” x W32” x H31”, ideal hose and other carpet clng equipment storage. List price: £199 - selling for £75. Whole room drier/air mover. List price: £534 - selling for £99 (no VAT). Contact Chris on: 02380 898 212 or 07970 040729 or email:mncrostance@googlemail.com 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.
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TRUCKMOUNT 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 Whole room downdraft dryer from Power Flite. Versatile air mover - multiple positions. Hardly used. Was: £325. Accept: £150. Victor Sprite 12" Rotory Machine. Used once. Was £855 - Accept £450. Collect from Coventry. Tel 02476 620444. OFFICE PRINTER/COPIER Duplo DP-2211 Single colour A3 or A4 duplicator. Full working order, any fair trial. Ideal for low cost Flyers. Some consumables. PC Interface, prints direct from P.C. or printed copy - £250.00 o.n.o. For further Information Contact gary@amazingcleaning.co.uk or call 0116 2672720. Based in Leicester. 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, well established carpet, hard floor and upholstery cleaning business (London and Kent borders). Package includes: 57 plate Vauxhall Vivaro LWB Van with 53k miles on the clock, Prochem Blazer GT Truck Mount machine with only 270hrs on the clock, established interactive website (which had SEO programme last year), chemicals, turbo drier, 250 feet of solution and suction hose and van mounted hose reels, together with a property maintenance company name, website and promotional materials. Contact telephone number 020 8309 6517. Sale price: £18,000 O.N.O. WHOLE ROOM DRYER 360 degrees air mover, ex company stock used for 18 months only (Truvox) - Cost new: £500. Selling cost: £150. Contact: 02380 898212.
Items for sale 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: 07795546037. Items located in North Cornwall.
VAN & TRUCK MOUNT + EQUIPMENT 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: 07775507227. Email: re_nulife@btinternet.com
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.
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) 07949207777.
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. 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.
COMMERCIAL VACUUM CLEANER Sebo BS 36 Comfort commercial vacuum cleaner for sale. Excellent condition apart from a few scratches hardly used. Includes three attachments: dusting brush, upholstery tool & crevice tool - hardly used. Also 9 new waste bags and instructions. Excellent buy for £175.00 ono. Collection only. Contact Andrew on 07730203008.
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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Going Going - Gone! BEFORE
Say e dby goo ains! t to s
AFTER
Dye Gone offers a unique new package and application device to remove the severest of dye stains including: coffee, tea, wine, hair dyes, paints, candle colours etc. No need to mix - just spray - wait and the stain is gone.* *pre-test carefully and rinse out after stain is removed with cold water.
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