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M AY 2021
PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products
Workforce Management The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the cleaning industry, with stringent hygiene regulations, risk reduction and enhanced client expectations amongst the many demands now facing cleaning businesses. Workforce management, and the adoption of appropriate technology, will be central to ensuring safe service delivery in a post-COVID world.
Business survival in a post-pandemic cleaning industry Cleaning industry leaders and members of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) share their experiences and insights to help our sector thrive in the post-pandemic world.
Training & Education A look at the importance of training during times of uncertainty. >>> page 28
>>> page 16
>>> page 22
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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M
Questions and answers
This month has seen the publication of a number of research projects – both surveys and reports – assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the future of the UK’s cleaning and hygiene sector. One report, published by infection control specialist JLA as part of its ‘Infection Insights’ campaign to improve standards, customer reassurance and peace of mind across the hospitality industry, concludes that hygiene is now over four times as important as customer service in the hospitality sector. According to JLA’s survey of 2000 members of the public, 54% of respondents reported hygiene to be the most important quality they look for from hospitality businesses, coming in significantly higher than both overall service quality (13.1%) and customer service (12.5%). The report quotes various other results, all pointing to the potential consequences in store for businesses that do not reassure anxious customers that their facilities are professionally cleaned to the highest standards. The research goes on to reveal that 98.7% of the public would be less likely to visit a business with a poor reputation for hygiene and infection control, and nearly a third would boycott these businesses altogether.
help organisations cut through the fog of confused advice and to enable them to take control in a rapidly changing world – basically by providing them with accurate results from carefully collated research. A short survey asks people how their facility has evolved its approach to hand hygiene, cleaning, waste, and recycling since the end of 2019, before the pandemic hit. The survey poses questions including: what changes are here to stay, how have facility users’ demands changed and where do organisations need to raise the bar around cleaning and hygiene in a post COVID-19 world? C&M will report on the results once they are available, and consider the findings alongside any other research that is being conducted or published. There will be a lot to learn and absorb into business practice and culture in the months ahead, with each market sector – and the cleaning teams that service them – having to adapt to new ways of working and new levels of expectation. Facilities will certainly be judged on cleanliness – probably ahead of everything else – and so the critical role played by the cleaning and hygiene sector will remain at the top of everyone’s agenda for the foreseeable future. I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has launched Changing Workplaces this month - an in-depth research programme to investigate the complex changes the coronavirus pandemic has spurred in workplaces and facilities across Europe. It states that hand hygiene, cleaning and waste management now hold a permanent place in the spotlight, thanks to COVID-19 ripping up the rulebook on social interaction and established ways of working. RCP has developed the Changing Workplaces research programme to
Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine
@cleaningmag
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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CONTENTS C&M
30 Special Report: Saving resources and protecting our planet Cromwell Polythene’s managing director, James Lee, shares his thoughts on recycling best practice.
MAY 2021
06 11 12 16 18 28 32
Industry News. In the news this month… C&M/BCC announce APPG ‘Webinar Week’, Hygiene ‘now over four times as important as customer service’ – report. People. Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors. Contracts. We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry. Special Report: Business survival in a post-pandemic cleaning industry. Cleaning industry leaders and members of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) share their experiences and insights to help our sector thrive in the post-pandemic world.
22
Special Report: COVID-19 Update. C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. This month, we report on RCP’s initiative, Changing Workplaces; Diversey’s Donna Mitchell looks at keeping residents, families and staff safe inside care homes; and P-Wave considers how to enhance the perception of clean.
Feature: Workforce Management The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the cleaning industry, with stringent hygiene regulations, risk reduction and enhanced client expectations amongst the many demands now facing cleaning businesses. Workforce management, and the adoption of appropriate technology, will be central to ensuring safe service delivery in a post-COVID world.
Feature: Training & Education A look at the importance of training during times of uncertainty. New Products. An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.
03 Editor’s Comment
13 BICSc Comment
A look at the cleaning sector this month.
BICSc: celebrating 60 years. Michelle Iland reports.
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
14 BCC Comment Training: a vital lesson after the pandemic experience. Dave Wheadon, CEO of the NCCA, reports.
15 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog. Lee Andrews reports.
MAY 2021 5
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
C&M/BCC announce APPG ‘Webinar Week’ C&M and the British Cleaning Council have
Neil Nixon speaks with Paul Thrupp,
Thursday 10 June @
collaborated to bring you the APPG Webinar
chairman of the British Cleaning Council.
2.00pm: The APPG
Week, commencing on Monday 7 June at 14.00.
The BCC has been calling for all frontline
Webinar Week - Brexit,
Over the course of the week, C&M’s editor, Neil
cleaning and hygiene industry staff to be
immigration and
Nixon, will conduct a series of discussions, each
recognised as key and/or essential workers
employment.
looking at a different aspect of the APPG’s work
since the pandemic began but, so far, the
Neil Nixon speaks with
and culminating in a Q&A Panel on Friday 11
Government has not officially confirmed this.
Jim Melvin, deputy
June at 14.00.
The APPG agreeing to prioritise this recognition
chairman of the British Cleaning Council.
for a ‘significant number’ of staff is a major step forward, helping to raise awareness of
The APPG intends to review where the
Monday 7 June @
the essential roles cleaning personnel play in
Immigration & Social Security Coordination
2.00pm: The APPG
protecting health and helping the UK recover
(EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 may impact the
Webinar Week - What is
from and the ongoing containment of COVID-19.
cleaning and hygiene industry. Freedom
the APPG for the Cleaning
Paul Thrupp will discuss the importance of
of movement ended at that time, as a
and Hygiene Industry?
ensuring cleaning professionals receive the
points-based system came into force.
Neil Nixon speaks with
recognition they deserve.
Given there is no visa category for foreign
Here are the details of each day:
nationals in ‘low skilled jobs’, the APPG
Stephen Kerr. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for
Wednesday 9 June @
will review the effect with the Government,
the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry is made up
2.00pm: The
especially given the current pandemic, to
of MPs and peers with the aim of promoting the
APPG Webinar Week
drive change. The Act will make recruitment
critical importance of the cleaning and hygiene
- Apprenticeships and
harder when, as the pandemic has shown,
sectors in the UK. As the APPG’s secretariat,
training. Neil Nixon
cleaning work is highly skilled and crucial.
the British Cleaning Council gives support
speaks with Delia
The BCC doesn’t believe the industry can
and advice but the APPG itself sets its own
Cannings.
make up the shortfall from UK residents
programme of priorities and events and exists
The BCC has established a steering group to
long-term, and trusts the APPG’s drive and
to raise awareness of industry matters among
work on a proposal for a cleaning and hygiene
support will raise awareness at the very
parliamentarians and to address matters of
operative apprenticeship for the cleaning
highest level.
public policy in all aspects of cleaning and
industry. This group will agree a white paper for
hygiene. Stephen Kerr has been instrumental
consideration by the APPG. The proposal will
Friday 11 June: The APPG Webinar Week –
in establishing the APPG for the Cleaning and
ultimately need to be accepted by the Institute
Questions from the audience.
Hygiene Industry, and will provide an overview
for Apprenticeships, but has a far greater
Neil Nixon will moderate as all participants from
of how it works, why it is important, and what
chance of success if the APPG supports the
the APPG Webinar Week appear on a panel to
happens next.
idea. A recognised apprenticeship and training
take questions from the audience relating to the
accreditation for the industry will, in turn,
previous four webinars. Please keep an eye on
Tuesday 8 June @
help demonstrate that cleaning and hygiene
2.00pm: The APPG
is an occupation requiring knowledge, skill
www.cleaningmag.com for further details
Webinar Week - The
and training. Delia Cannings, an established
in due course, and look out for an email
challenge of establishing
cleaning industry expert in training and
inviting you to register for the event in the
key worker status for
education, will discuss the process and benefits
coming weeks.
cleaning operatives.
of a successful implementation.
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Hygiene ‘now over four times as important as customer service’ – report WITH COVID-19 having sent infection fears
businesses, coming in significantly higher
businesses altogether, and a further 34% would
skyrocketing over the past year, new research
than both overall service quality (13.1%) and
both boycott the business and warn others to
reveals that more than half of customers
customer service (12.5%).
also look elsewhere.
Highlighting the potential consequences
The research was carried out by infection
when it comes to the hospitality businesses
in store for businesses that do not reassure
control specialist JLA as part of its ‘Infection
they will visit post COVID-19.
anxious customers, the research also reveals
Insights’ campaign to improve standards,
that a staggering 98.7% of the public would
customer reassurance and peace of mind
members of the public, 54% of respondents
be less likely to visit a business with a poor
across the hospitality industry.
reported hygiene to be the most important
reputation for hygiene and infection control.
WWW.JLA.COM/KNOWLEDGE/ICIR-2021-
quality they look for from hospitality
Nearly a third (31%) would boycott these
HOSPITALITY
prioritise hygiene and cleanliness above all else
According to the survey into 2000
6 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
TSA joins the BCC THE Textile Services Association (TSA) has joined the British Cleaning Council (BCC) as an associate member. The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry, which contributes over £1.3 billion in GVA and supports some 28,000 jobs in the UK economy. It has become the 22nd member of the BCC in a move which benefits and TSA’s work lobbying the government to move
with so many like-minded organisations. We
BCC chairman, Paul Thrupp, said: “I am
towards multi-use gowns for healthcare
have so many harmonised agenda points I think
delighted that the TSA has joined the BCC
is something that dovetails well with the
the collective power of the BCC can really help
and I very warmly welcome them. Working
work of our members on the environmental
drive these topics to some of the key decision
together with the TSA makes the BCC and
agenda and their work on skills also supports
makers in the government. I see real benefits for
the whole cleaning and hygiene sector
our drive to create accredited training and
our membership and improved momentum on
that much stronger. It is important that the
an apprenticeship. We have many issues
some of our key project areas such as training,
cleaning and hygiene sector pulls together to
of mutual interest and I look forward to
linen recycling and energy efficiency incentives
present a unified front if we are to make our
collaborating in the future.”
such as the climate change agreement. As a
strengthens both organisations.
collective voice heard as loudly as possible.
The TSA’s membership represents
relatively small trade association, it’s always
Textile services are a significant sector of
commercial laundries in several sectors and
difficult to get the space on the lobbying
the economy. There are also considerable
textile rental businesses serving the hotel and
platform but working with the BCC will be a
synergies with the cleaning and hygiene sector
hospitality, healthcare and workwear markets.
great way of sharing and supporting a single
as represented by our members, particularly in the health and hospitality sectors. The
TSA CEO, David Stevens, said: “We are delighted to join the BCC and work collectively
message for all members’ benefit.” WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG
NCCA achieves CPD status for carpet and upholstery training course THE NCCA (National Carpet Cleaners
this way, customers are assured that accredited
the highest standards in the care of soft flooring
Association) is pleased to announce a new
NCCA members have undergone exemplary and
and upholstery. Our carpet and upholstery
milestone in its aims to promote excellence
the most up to date training to provide the best
training course plays a vital role in completing
in the cleaning sector as it has achieved CPD
service possible. Furthermore, NCCA members are
the membership process to the NCCA. As such,
(continuous professional development) status,
able to benchmark their upskilling and re-skilling
we want our prospective members to start on a
from the CPD Certification Service.
with recognition of their training.
point of professional excellence and carry on in
Cleaning professionals undertaking the NCCA’s
Dave Wheadon, CEO of the NCCA, said: “The
the same manner. We are delighted to have CPD
carpet and upholstery training course will also earn
NCCA is focused on ensuring that our members
reinforcement while our members build their
CPD points, which will help reflect their ongoing
- and the wider community of cleaning
skills accordingly with us.”
skills in training and competence in their field. In
professionals - are always suitably trained to
WWW.NCCA.CO.UK
NIC growth highlighted for second consecutive year NIC Services Group has been listed in
years. It is a credit to the whole team at
the Financial Times top 1000 Europe’s
NIC who have continued to deliver an
fastest growing companies for the second
outstanding service to our clients through
consecutive year.
these unprecedented times. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for
John Spencer, NIC Group chairman, said:
their efforts.”
“To be included in the top FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies for the second
This award comes only months after NIC was
consecutive year is a fantastic achievement
also recognised for the second consecutive year by the London Stock Exchange as one of the top
for NIC and all our dedicated team. This recognition is a significant accolade for the
challenging year and reflects the substantial
‘1000 companies to inspire Britain.’
business in what has been an incredibly
growth the business has seen over recent
WWW.NICGROUP.CO.UK
8 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
INDUSTRY NEWS
C&M
RCP releases Love Recycling manifesto
KILLS
99.99 % OF GERMS
RUBBERMAID Commercial
Alcohol Free Hand Sanitising Gel
Paul Jakeway, head of
Advanced air-drying formulation quickly cleans & sanitises the hands leaving no sticky residue.
Products (RCP) has issued a
marketing - EMEA at RCP, said:
manifesto extending the scope
“At RCP, our durable products
• Ideal in educational, hospitality &
of its Love Recycling initiative.
are not only sustainable but also
• Contains powerful antimicrobials
The new manifesto details how
encourage end-users to practise
• Food safe, ideal for food prep areas
RCP will continue to support
sustainable habits. Across previous
businesses that want to improve
research studies, businesses have
their commercial recycling and
told us they want to do more when
waste management practices.
it comes to recycling and waste
The manifesto is a call to action
management. They’ve also told
for businesses to be leaders on
us about the challenges they are
sustainability issues and builds on
facing as they try to develop their
findings from the Love Recycling
recycling programmes. These
research studies. The initiative ran
challenges cover many areas, but
two research studies in 2020 with
the majority are based on access
over 1000 businesses involved. The
to accurate information to create
initial study explored the state of
better policies and processes…
commercial recycling for European
Businesses want more support,
businesses of all sizes across
and we will continue to provide
the continent. The second took
it. With this manifesto, we are
a much-needed reading of how
stepping up our Love Recycling
businesses were coping with the
commitment to help businesses
additional pandemic stresses on
become recycling heroes. RCP’s
their recycling and waste activities.
commitment to high quality
Across both studies, Love
durable products makes us the
Recycling identified that
ideal commercial recycling partner.
businesses are ready and willing
Working together, we can solve the
to do more with their recycling
challenges that facilities face so
and waste programmes but
that businesses can be leaders on
lack information, education and
sustainability issues.”
guidance on effective processes
To view the manifesto, along
and products. On average, more
with previous research findings,
than two-thirds of businesses
please visit: www.loverecycling.
indicated that their recycling
com. There you can download
efforts are not always successful.
reports, take a recycling audit
To help businesses improve their
and subscribe to the Love
recycling, RCP have included
Recycling newsletter.
several pledges in the manifesto.
WWW.LOVERECYCLING.COM
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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MAY 2021 9
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Ecocleen acquires The JPM Group in deal worth over £5 million ECOCLEEN has announced the acquisition
our growth ambitions to increase geographical
Kreston supported the Ecocleen team to conduct
of The JPM Group of Companies Ltd (JPM), a
reach and introduce new service offerings. The
the financial due diligence, while Thames Valley
facilities services company based in Watford, in a
JPM Group shares our family and company
solicitors Owen White represented in finalising
deal worth over £5 million. The successful buyout
values, and offers a significant opportunity to
the share purchase agreement and supplying
will enable the group to expand its presence
grow into new sectors and consolidate on our
legal expertise.
within both established and new sectors - most
existing verticals.”
Looking to the future, Ecocleen plans to
To ensure a smooth transition, both
synergise the two companies and unite the
management teams will come together to
2500 employees, which will boost the run-
collaborate in growing Ecocleen’s geographical
rate entering post-completion to £30 million
of locations within the M25 and surrounding
and industry spread. The company’s recently
annual turnover.
counties. As a family-run business, the company
appointed chief operating officer, Francois
has established a number of long-standing
Oosthuizen, and Mark McMullen, chief commercial
“The directors of The JPM group would like to
clients and employs over 1000 people. JPM is well
officer, have both been fundamental in supporting
take this opportunity to thank our staff for their
established and has a stable operational team.
the integration plan between the organisations.
loyal service and dedication, and to say thank
notably the film industry - whilst continuing to grow its nationwide network. Founded in 1987, JPM works across a number
Jo Bass, operations director at JPM, said:
Jean-Henri Beukes, CEO of Ecocleen, said:
During this time, Ecocleen received support
you to our many clients who have allowed us to
“We are one of the fastest-growing commercial
from Graeme Jones at AS Advisory, who worked
serve them during this time. We are excited for
cleaning companies in the UK, with a multi-
closely with the executive team to secure funding
the future as we believe that Ecocleen is the best
award-winning business model which has
for the refinancing of some existing facilities
company that could have acquired us given its
allowed us to earn the trust and respect of
and support for the acquisition of JPM with
similar ethos, culture and family values. We wish
thousands of customers across the country. This
ThinCats, a leading alternative finance provider
them all the very best for the future.”
acquisition demonstrates a great step forward in
to mid-sized SMEs. In addition, James Cowper
WWW.ECOCLEEN.CO.UK
Harrison FM receives global accreditation EAST Midlands facilities management specialists,
40 sites in the north and East Midlands regions of
as well as the appropriate structure to deliver
Harrison FM, has gained accreditation with honours
England. The company is led by Russell Harrison,
operational excellence.
from the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management
group managing director, and directors, Tom
Standard (CIMS). The certification is valid for two
Marples and Dave Allen.
Pete Gowers, CIMS auditor, said: “During the two days I spent on the audit I met all of HFM’s directors who are passionate about
years. Harrison, with headquarters in Spondon,
To earn CIMS certification, Harrison FM
Derby, and offices in Leicester and Nottingham,
underwent a comprehensive assessment by
the company and also its clients. We have
demonstrated high standards of professionalism
a third-party CIMS-accredited auditor. During
highlighted areas that the company could further
and offered ‘operational excellence’ to customers,
the audit, Harrison FM demonstrated to have in
enhance. The result has been successful, and I
according to the ISSA assessors.
place the processes, policies and management
am pleased to confirm HFM has achieved CIMS
style needed to be professional, reliable,
Certification with Honours.”
profitable, and sustainable in the long term,
WWW.HARRISONFM.CO.UK
Established in 2014, Harrison FM is a cleaning services contractor delivering services to around
Student accommodation receives hygiene verification label THE Sodexo-managed student accommodation
seven days. All documentation and processes
verified as adhering to local legislation and
at Northumbria University has received the Rise
were checked by the auditor. Other measures
standards required by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Safe label from Bureau Veritas. Introduced in June
checked by the auditor included the signage
2020 the Rise Safe label provides reassurance
advising students and visitors on required
estates at Northumbria University, said: “A massive
that Sodexo’s team has successfully implemented
actions such as social distancing, one-way
congratulations to our partners Sodexo in being
measures to ensure Claude Gill student
systems, wearing face coverings, and regular
awarded the ‘Rise Safe’ label by Bureau Veritas.
accommodation is COVID-19 secure.
handwashing and sanitising.
This is real achievement and reflects the extra
The comprehensive audit process was
Fiona Stewart, contract director for Student
Jon Oxley, assistant director facilities and
efforts made by them throughout the pandemic
undertaken by an auditor from Bureau Veritas,
Living by Sodexo, said: “I am very proud of the
in helping protect our students so that they are
a world leading testing, inspection and
Student Living team at Northumbria. The Rise Safe
working and living in a safe environment, as
certification company. Measures implemented
label gives confidence to students in residence,
well as supporting the university’s overarching
by Sodexo and audited include the training
to our client Northumbria University and to the
commitment to ensuring compliance to
and implementation of enhanced cleaning
Sodexo team who have worked throughout the
government guidelines during these difficult
procedures including a focus on high touch areas
pandemic that they are working and living in a
times. A huge well done to all involved.”
and an increased cleaning schedule from five to
safe environment which has been independently
WWW.SODEXO.COM
10 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PEOPLE C&M
New MD for Loo of the Year Awards BECKY Wall has been
learning and gained a Higher Diploma in
then A Plush Flush has achieved many awards
appointed managing
Events Management. In the millennium year
including national category winners, market
director of Loo of the Year
she launched her own events management
sector winners, national winner of individual
Awards andsucceeds
business where she identified a niche in
categories for England, and ultimately UK
Mike Bone, who becomes
the market for luxury mobile toilet hire to
winner of individual categories.
chairman, and who will
complement the events. Together with her
Becky Wall said: “I am very excited to be
continue to be involved in all Loo of the Year
husband Charles, she consequently launched A
taking on this new position and I hope one of
Awards activities.
Plush Flush in 2006.
the goals I achieve is to raise the profile of the
After leaving school Becky Wall had a
The connection with the Loo of the Year
Loo of the Year Awards, sponsors and entrants
successful career in sales and accounts.
Awards started in 2009 when A Plush Flush was
further using social media platforms.”
During that time, she studied through remote
entered into the ‘mobile toilet’ category. Since
WWW.LOO.CO.UK
Julia Argles retires from Swiftclean JULIA Argles, who had served for many years as
structure and development of the company,
Swiftclean’s service delivery director, is retiring
but also to best practice and raised standards
from the company. She is also relinquishing
across the industry. We owe much of our focus
her many achievements, Julia has, above
any commercial interest, her shares being
on training and development to Julia, and the
all, been a great business partner for many
purchased by the company.
industry is the better for her input too.”
years. She was influential in our introducing
Gary Nicholls, managing director and founder
Julia Argles joined Swiftclean in 1992,
also on maximising individual staff potential. Gary Nicholls continued: “Quite apart from
development programmes for every individual,
of the company with Julia’s late husband, Paul,
following the tragic death of her husband Paul,
and she has always been both reliable and
praised her for the contribution that she has
taking on his mantle as co-owner, and helping
considered in her approach. We wish her
made. He said: “We are very grateful for the
to drive the company forward, together with
every happiness pursuing other interests and
hard work and positive influence that Julia
Gary Nicholls. She has had a significant impact
enjoying a very long, active retirement.”
has contributed over the years, not only to the
both on Swiftclean’s service delivery model, and
WWW.SWIFTCLEAN.CO.UK
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 11
C&M CONTRACTS
Three contracts renewed with British Land INCENTIVE FM has renewed three of its
Crownpoint Shopping Park in Denton,
shopping centre contracts with British Land,
Manchester, which comprises 36 units, will join
one of the UK’s leading property companies,
the portfolio.
and been awarded an additional contract for a
Last year British Land awarded Incentive FM
shopping park near Manchester. It builds on the
contracts to provide a range of soft facilities
long-term partnership that has seen Incentive
services for Ealing Broadway in London,
FM drive value whilst delivering high standards
Beaumont Shopping Centre in Leicester and
at Incentive FM, said: “Each of these sites has
to sites nationwide.
Crown Wharf Retail Park in Walsall. The company
different needs based on variables such as
Glenn Wilson, director - retail and distribution
also renewed Incentive’s contracts to provide
footfall, demographic and location which
continue to be responsible for providing a range
similar services at Whiteley Shopping Centre in
demonstrates our ability to successfully deliver
of cleaning, security and associated services
Hampshire and the Old Market in Hereford.
value with our flexible, partnership approach
Under the new deals Incentive FM will
Richard Nield, head of retail operations at British
whilst ensuring the British Land ‘Places People
Bath and the Inverness Shopping Park. These
Land, said: “Incentive FM has proven to be a highly
Prefer’ strategy is at the forefront of everything
solutions have been revised to include some
supportive partner, adapting quickly to our changing
we do. Our portfolio of shopping centres and
COVID-related changes and to introduce new
needs brought about by the pandemic. They have
retail parks has grown significantly, and we are
technology and equipment to support further
helped to ensure that our visitors and retailers are
now responsible for over 40 sites across the UK.”
financial efficiencies.
able to enjoy a safe, secure and clean environment.”
WWW.INCENTIVE-FM.COM
at Drakes Circus in Plymouth, SouthGate in
Water saving laundry equipment for Eton College LAUNDRY chemical and engineering specialist
commitment,” said facilities manager, Paul
Christeyns UK has helped Eton College in
Bayley. “Addressing water usage was one of the
Windsor meet its environmental goals with a
initiatives that came out of a recent meeting,
new water filtering system.
realising that the old tank system was way beyond being efficient.”
In 2017 the college cut its energy costs by
Christeyns water and energy specialist, Brett
replacing lamps and fixtures that led to a reduction in its carbon footprint by 61%. Earlier
Cartwright, analysed the current provision
this year the college tackled the issue of water
and needs of the college and a Lint X Compact
saving with the installation of a new storage
was installed and up and running ready for the
and filtering system, Lint X.
students return post-lockdown. The new unit will save the site around a third of its water usage.
Renowned for its innovative water and energy
Paul Bayley continued: “Christeyns carried
saving systems, Christeyns installs equipment
dedicated team of 30 run and maintain the
in commercial and on-premise laundries
laundry that processes 50,000 items per week
out a very professional installation of the
across the UK and Ireland that complement the
which includes everything from rugby kit to
Lint-X unit despite the challenges imposed
use of its patented Cool Chemistry and other
chef’s outfits. Items are sorted, washed, ironed
due to lockdown. The whole process went
detergent programmes. Eton College has had a
and then individually repacked for each boy.
very smoothly and I look forward to seeing the
laundry on site since 1881 and has been using Christeyns’ chemistry for almost a decade. A
“As a whole, both the school and the pupils are focused on improving our environmental
longer term impact on our water usage.” WWW.CHRISTEYNS.COM
Retail window cleaning contract awarded INDEPTH Managed Services has been awarded
cleaning and additional ad hoc services such as
a contract with international retailer, L’Occitane
fogging and deep cleans.
en Provence, to deliver window cleaning
Indepth has a policy of ensuring that it
We want to ensure that through our bespoke communication system, that we operate in our UK hub, and strong contract
services to 85 of its retail stores across the
employs all operatives on a contractual basis
management, that they receive a streamlined,
country, plus daily cleaning services at its UK
and will therefore self-deliver the cleaning
unified service - which is something that
head office in London and flagship store on
contract at the Regent Street flagship store and
many companies are looking for today. We
Regent Street.
London head office.
hope to build a longstanding relationship
The window cleaning element of the contract
Director of sales, Andy Smith,
with the team at L’Occitane en Provence,
will be delivered by Indepth’s sister company,
comments,said: “We are thrilled to be given
assist them with other associated service
Incredible Window Cleaning. It will provide
the opportunity to work with L’Occitane
requirements and be at their side as they
managed, streamlined and comprehensive
en Provence and deliver different cleaning
continue to prosper.”
services that include high and low-level window
services throughout its UK operation.
WWW.INDEPTH-CLEANING.CO.UK
12 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
BICSc C&M
BICSc: celebrating 60 years WHERE do I begin? There is so much to
Sholom Gordon Award was presented at the awards dinner for the first time.
say about the Institute and all it has
Here’s an interesting 1970s fact
contributed to the industry over
It is apparent that there are so many people who have made a considerable contribution to the Institute over the years - John Edwards, Peter
the years - standards, training,
about the Cleaning Operators
Vickers, Dorothy Oliver and, of course, Colin Hasson
membership, education, colour-
Proficiency Certificate (COPC), one
to name a few. There are so many more people who
coding, BICS Business Services
of our earliest qualifications:
are entwined in the rich tapestry that has made
City & Guilds first major cleaning
BICSc what it is today, I’m just sorry that we cannot
- all of that would probably take up events manager, BICSc, reports
qualification, known as ‘The
mention all of you.
the entire publication, so here I’ll
764’, actually used COPC as
(BBS), the BICSc Annual Awards
Michelle Iland, marketing and
do my best to sum up our highlights to date.
That brings us to 2021, and the lockdowns that
the course’s practical element. You can still find
allowed us to shuffle the top agenda items. We
shades of COPC today through the BICSc Licence
have adapted a selection of our training courses for
got together to form what would later become the
to Practice (LTP) - training designed to educate
online delivery, launched the CPSS Assessor app,
British Institute of Cleaning Science, aka BICSc. Our
candidates in, amongst other things, the basics
healthcare skills, BICSc Standards and Best Practice
founder, Eric Hill, headed up these early informal
of health and safety. Upon completion of the
and, in March, we launched the BBS Virtual Training
meetings where sector knowledge and experiences
assessment, candidates will understand the
Suite, allowing candidates to learn at their own
would be shared amongst the group. The meetings
methodology behind the task. From an educational
pace. Then, now and moving forward - our purpose
gained momentum, and over the years that followed
perspective, LTP is the passport to a ‘career in
remains ‘to raise the standards of education and
geographically-based branches were formed.
cleaning’ and is synonymous with BICSc and, some
build awareness of the cleaning industry through
might say, one of our greatest achievements.
professional standards and training’.
In 1961 a group of like-minded industry colleagues
By 1964 BICSc had just over 600 members and we saw the introduction of BICSc Council. Today, we
Over the last few years, our narrative has been
I’m proud to be associated with this historic
have over 45,000 members, a number that continues
around careers in cleaning, something that is
brand, it’s an honour to be a member of Team BICSc
to rise and stands testament to the passion that
attainable through the Cleaning Professional’s
- long may it reign as the UK’s largest membership
people have for the craft that is cleaning.
Skills Suite, Cleanlogic courses and workshops,
and training organisation within the cleaning and
and the soon to be released BICSc Cleaning
hygiene sector.
Supervisor’s Certificate.
WWW.BICS.ORG.UK
The 1970s saw international interest grow, the introduction of Corporate Memberships and the
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 13
C&M BCC COLUMN
Training: a vital lesson after the pandemic experience Dave Wheadon, CEO of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), explains why professional training and development will continue to be priorities in the cleaning industry going forward after the pandemic. THERE is no doubt that the cleaning industry has experienced its most challenging professional test in living memory during the coronavirus pandemic. However, it has highlighted the value that we as an industry bring to society, and how as professionals, the responsibility is ours to maintain the highest cleaning standards. This is only achievable through consistent and high-quality professional training. During the pandemic there were many cleaning companies claiming to be ‘experts’ in various disciplines. We now know that this was not entirely true in many cases, but merely opportunism. The type of cleaning required, especially during a health crisis, must be exemplary. This kind of excellence is only achieved with the right knowledge acquired through targeted training. At the NCCA, we believe in the value of measurable professional standards, working to a code of practice and, most of all, the pursuit of continuous professional development. To be taken seriously, techniques must be effective whilst offering assurances to our clients that they are receiving the best service. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintain standards in our particular expertise, we recently achieved CPD (continuous professional development) status for our carpet and upholstery cleaning course - which also forms part of the entry requirement to the
NCCA. The CPD certification elevates our members’ standing and distinguishes them as correctly trained professionals. The main difference in the NCCA approach to training is the type of training that we offer. We believe in teaching the science of cleaning rather than focusing on how to use one product at a time. Knowing the fundamental causes of specific soils and how to treat them is often the differentiator between being able to remedy them or not - it doesn’t just depend on what machine one uses. Therefore, we teach using a generic approach which provides a much surer footing for technicians. After all, a wider knowledge base facilitates more successful outcomes. The product-specific approach is limited for different reasons. For example, if a technician has to swap tools or machines, having only been trained on one type, they will come unstuck very quickly. Our training covers various processes and machines because a technician will have to deal with various types of carpet and soft flooring. They all require their own respective cleaning methods to avoid causing damage. Just because someone has procured a carpet cleaning machine and a rotary, it doesn’t
mean, by any stretch, that they are qualified and able to do the job at hand. An inadequately trained person, or persons, can wreak untold damage to clients’ carpeting and upholstery by using incorrect chemicals and technology on any given material. As we look ahead to people returning to work on site, it is vital that commercial spaces are deep cleaned to a standard that ensures the safety of the occupants. A trained professional will also know how to design a maintenance programme for their client that will sustain the level of cleanliness required for maximum hygienic standards. In the wake of the pandemic, this has become more important than ever. Therefore, as an industry, we must work together to keep our standards high in our respective disciplines, maintain the momentum on training and send the professionals out into the field to ensure our built environment is safe. With our current hygiene needs, there’s no room for improvisation on the job. WWW.NCCA.CO.UK The NCCA is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of Council members are their own.
The Professional Independent Registered Trade Association for
Window Cleaning Membership offers numerous quality benefits IOSH Accredited Safety Training Safety Accredited Member (SAM) Procurement Scheme Secure online store at: https://www.windowcleaning.org.uk/ Federation of Window Cleaners Tel: 0161 432 8754 - Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk – Web: www.f-w-c.co.uk
14 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M
Helping the arts sector reopen with confidence Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports. SUBJECT to government guidance, the next few weeks should see the gradual reopening of museums, galleries, heritage sites, performance venues, and other cultural organisations across the country. At DOC, we have a strong involvement in this sector and have witnessed the frustration of clients trying to balance COVID guidance with the desire to create an authentic visitor experience on reopening. In fact, there are two very distinct types of indoor attraction when it comes to release from lockdown. First there are the galleries and museums - what I call the ‘static’ venues - where it is fairly easy to manage the flow of visitors using timed entry and one-way systems, and where the visitors quietly enjoy the exhibits. Then there are the theatres and concert halls, where the audience floods into the venue in a short time window, mingles in the bars, gets up together to stretch their legs at the interval, and floods out again at the end of the performance. Back of house is just as frenetic, with performers rehearsing and support staff buzzing all over the place. Apart from a plane or train, it’s hard to imagine a more challenging environment in which to manage the risk of transmitting infection. For those institutions who receive little or no public support - and there are many well-known venues that
fall into this category - there is the added headache of getting enough customers through the doors at performances to at least break even. My understanding from speaking to clients is that this is a complex calculation. Some venues rely heavily on bars and catering to make money and need upwards of 80% of seats to be sold for an event to be financially viable. What are the implications for cleaning? Well, it would be a huge understatement to say that client management at the venues are sensitised to the risks. They have been working out the best way to maintain safe conditions and we are doing our best to support their efforts. In the ‘static’ venues, there will be a major focus on frequent touchpoint and washroom cleaning alongside the provision of hand sanitisers and the removal of bins containing disposable PPE. We will be employing data analytics to monitor throughput of certain areas and help us redeploy resources in line with usage. At the live venues, where performers are rehearsing in studios during the day and where audiences are in contact with seats, lifts, stairs, and washrooms during performances, we are adopting a two-pronged approach. We will be delivering periodic fogging in combination with a highly flexible janitorial service.
Staggered shifts will be the order of the day, as will short notice changes in client requirements in response to changes in event schedules whilst everything settles down. In the background, we have been busy working alongside clients to identify and eliminate risk as part of our DOC ‘SecureZone’ programme, designed to protect all our stakeholders going forward. In addition, we have been loading new videos to our training and engagement platform, UhUb, focusing especially on COVID-19 awareness. These activities form part of our ‘employee back to work plan’ for each client sector, which also includes guidance on first aid and mental health. Even though infections are in decline and the mood in the country is positive, in the arts sector there is no sense of COVID’s influence on our work receding any time soon - more a feeling of it being here to stay. Of course, this is not just true of the arts sector. I am sure I speak for all contractors when I say that whilst there has never been a more challenging time to be a cleaning contractor, we have never felt so engaged with clients and staff alike. WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM
✓ 2-layer construction: catching dirt and moisture and reduces overall floor care which enables greener maintenance regimes ✓ Open construction for easier cleaning and maintenance on site, no need for offsite dry cleaning which makes it more sustainable in use. ✓ Disinfectant can be used within the mat for more protection against viruses and bacteria’s. ✓ Removes 80% of dirt particles at the door while the fine fibers absorb excess water ✓ Improved resistance to traffic for increased durability and sustainability ✓ A mildew-resistant draining fleece to ensure durability and resistance to extreme traffic.
3M™ Nomad™ Aqua Entrance Mats A cleaner, safer building starts at your front door.
✓ Enhanced fire and smoke resistance ✓ Comfort cushioning and sound-deadening qualities ✓ Phthalate free PVC
For more info visit 3m.co.uk/facilitysafety
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 15
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
Business survival in a postpandemic cleaning industry Cleaning industry leaders and members of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) share their experiences and insights to help our sector thrive in the post-pandemic world. Jamie Wright, MD, Incentive QAS During the pandemic’s early stages, the unknown nature of the true risk to the industry was daunting. Regular internal and external communication was vital as we navigated those early months. From these meetings our best ideas were born - for example, we produced wellbeing packs for all our teams, whether they were working or on furlough, which were well received. We have advised clients on how to safely return to the office environment, assisting many with deep-cleans and full environment sanitisation. We have also designed John Shonfeld, Master, WCEC.
programmes for managing touchpoint cleaning
Stan Atkins, group CEO, BICSc
and periodic disinfection to reassure end users. As we started grasping the new normal, we
and reassure staff members that their facilities
been filled with challenges as we navigated
adapted by introducing a remote training and
are being cleaned correctly. Even though daily
through the coronavirus pandemic. We now
engagement platform for all staff. A new IoT
office cleaning is greatly reduced, along with
turn our attention to a more positive future,
solution was also introduced to assist with
sectors like aviation and retail, other areas, such
for our businesses and our industry as a
socially distanced housekeeping services
as healthcare, logistics and supermarkets, have
whole. I have invited members from the WCEC
throughout the washroom environment.
a much higher demand for cleaning staff due to
“There is no doubt that the last 12 months have
the increased cleaning frequencies required.
to reflect, impart their thoughts on how we embark on recovery in our sector, bring value,
Stan Atkins, group CEO, BICSc
resilience and prevail going forward. Among our
The Institute has been focusing on developing
James White, MD, Denis Rawlins
contributors is Gary Fage, who will succeed me
distance learning/e-learning for over 12
To prepare a cleaning business for reopening,
as Master of the WCEC starting in September
months. COVID-19 has accelerated this project
resources like the ISSA GBAC accreditation
2021. He gives his perspective on our industry’s
and currently over 40% of our skills training is
systems are extremely useful. They help
longer-term opportunities in a ‘green’
available online. Our technical skills (Cleanlogic)
facilities establish a comprehensive system of
economy.” John Shonfeld, Master, WCEC.
are gradually moving to online versions. We
cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease
still have concerns over online assessments
prevention, with ongoing audits, for their staff
but are finding practical ways to overcome the
and their buildings.
difficulties these pose. Fortunately, our IT and
like the pandemic should start with asking
replace the lack of face-to-face training.
customers what they need and identifying their
For the wellbeing of our staff during
supplier, it became evident that our customers
week. However, our members and customers
needed both spraying equipment and
can still speak directly to a member of the
chemicals that were more than just bleach or
BICSc team.
traditional disinfectant. By being informed, you
programmes during the pandemic. There has
16 MAY 2021
current problems. For us, as an equipment
lockdown, we are trialling a four-day working
We have seen a surge of interest for training
Jamie Wright, MD, Incentive QAS
Re-pivoting a business after a unique crisis
support systems were already positioned to
are better positioned to help them. When it comes to effective remote
also been a shift from night-time to daytime
management, communication is the key and,
cleaning - the hitherto ‘invisible workforce’ must
by using tools like Teams and Zoom, we can
be seen to be doing their work to help clients
maintain it. Internally, team members need WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT
C&M
Hopefully, the reputation of the industry has been enhanced and everyone will have a better understanding of why science-based cleaning and its measurement are so important. Before the pandemic we were one of a few companies promoting the use of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for cleanliness measurement, now it is becoming the norm. Medium to long term, cleaning must become a profession with recognised qualifications and licences to trade. This will elevate the industry and the standards that are expected by clients. It may even prevent further pandemics or limit a future outbreak, thus avoiding economic James White, MD, Denis Rawlins
damage like that seen in the last year.
Gary Fage, MD, Janitorial Express
sustainable - companies that employ these
to know whether their jobs are safe, how the company is doing and how management can
Gary Fage, MD, Janitorial Express
solutions are more likely to receive investment,
help. Good communication will lower stress
The Lord Mayor of London, William Russell,
acquire new business, and build a more
levels and foster inclusion, which ultimately
is currently supporting ‘The City’s role in a
successful rapport with the consumer.
benefit collective mental health as well.
green-led economic recovery’[1] as part of the
We have found that continuation of regular
government’s national initiative, the ‘Build back
professional technicians, we made buildings safe,
reviews, especially one to one, also imparts
better campaign’[2].
and protected the health of our clients. Now is the
a feeling of normality during these far from normal times.
The greatest threat to our future is not, as
In 2020, this industry proved that we are
time to lead the fight against climate change.
many believe, COVID-19, but climate change. Businesses that put environmental resilience
References
relationships and expectations to keep them on
and biodiversity at their core will be highly
[1] www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-
board. Again, communication is vital, especially
valued and desirable in a post lockdown world.
It’s important to adapt when managing client
when informing customers of the positives
Investment funds focussed on
events/2021-lord-mayor [2] www.assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
and negatives. By realistically managing their
‘environmental, sustainable and governance’
government/uploads/system/uploads/
expectations, they too can plan. I have found
(ESG) goals received $21.4 trillion[3] for global
attachment_data/file/968403/PfG_Final_
it refreshing to speak with customers and
sustainable investment. $13 trillion of this was
Web_Accessible_Version.pdf
suppliers using video conferencing - I feel
in Europe alone, which equates to around £9.3
[3] www.hsbc.co.uk/wealth/articles/
relationships have strengthened.
trillion. Any recovery needs to be green and
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
sustainable-investing/
MAY 2021 17
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
COVID-19: Opening for business Neil Nixon reports. Following on from the features in previous issues of C&M looking at the role the cleaning sector is playing in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, I am continuing to post news, new product information or video interviews/webinars online to allow for the more immediate dissemination of any updates. Please take a look at www.cleaningmag.com – content is changing on a daily basis. As previously, I will continue to use the pages of C&M to focus on the importance of cleaning and hygiene, particularly as businesses are now reopening after a long period of lockdown.
‘CHANGING WORKPLACES’ PROGRAMME LOOKS AT COVID’S IMPACT ACROSS EUROPE Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has
waste and recycling since the end of 2019,
from transparent sector-to-sector information
launched Changing Workplaces - an in-depth
before the pandemic hit. The survey poses
sharing to prepare for the future.
research programme to investigate the complex
questions including: what changes are here to
The report will reveal where the market
changes the coronavirus pandemic has spurred
stay, how have facility users’ demands changed
really needs support and survey results will
in workplaces and facilities across Europe.
and where do organisations need to raise the
shape the advice, education and training
bar around cleaning and hygiene in a post
provision RCP provides.
Hand hygiene, cleaning and waste management now hold a permanent place in the spotlight, thanks to COVID-19 ripping up the
COVID-19 world? Open to respondents across Europe, the
Paul Jakeway, head of marketing - EMEA, RCP, said: ‘’We’re here to support our customer
rulebook on social interaction and established
survey is relevant to all workplaces and
partners’ success. We urge people to take part
ways of working. For facilities to succeed in an
facilities management and health and safety
in the Changing Workplaces survey, as you will
environment where standards and expectations
professionals, along with anyone whose role
be contributing to a research programme that
are higher than ever before, organisations must
covers cleaning, hygiene, waste management,
will provide clarity and enable control by getting
first understand the trends and challenges the
and recycling.
under the skin of the challenges we are all set
market is facing.
COVID-19 has prompted changes across
to face in the months and years ahead. We will
sectors as diverse as education, logistics,
analyse the data to produce a report to arm you
hygiene, cleaning, waste and recycling solutions,
warehousing, hospitality, and office-based
with the knowledge to make confident decisions
RCP has developed the Changing Workplaces
businesses, so RCP is calling for respondents
that will protect your brand’s reputation for
research programme to help organisations cut
across various markets and facility types. By
quality with staff, customers and facility users.
through the fog of confused advice and take
completing the survey, respondents will make
The insights we glean will feed our R&D and help
control in a rapidly changing world.
an important contribution to their industry.
us continue to develop timeless hand hygiene,
RCP will analyse the survey results and create
cleaning, waste, and recycling solutions that will
survey asking people how their facility has
a report to provide insights so organisations
be relevant and dependable whatever the world
evolved its approach to hand hygiene, cleaning,
can benchmark against their sector and benefit
looks like in two, 10 or 20-years’ time.’’
As a leading international manufacturer of hand
Changing Workplaces launched with a short
As a further incentive for taking the time to respond, completed surveys will see the respondent entered into a prize draw, with four top prizes to be won, featuring £250 of Amazon vouchers, along with £500 of RCP products and a specialist consultation for the winners’ workplaces. There are also 10 runners up prize bundles of £50 Amazon vouchers, £100 of RCP products and workplace consultations. The Changing Workplaces survey is now open here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/News_ Story Following analysis of the survey results, RCP is set to deliver a comprehensive review of how the world of work will emerge and operate at a heightened level of consciousness about hand hygiene, cleaning and waste management this summer. 18 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
KEEPING RESIDENTS, FAMILIES AND STAFF SAFE INSIDE CARE HOMES Donna Mitchell, sector marketing manager, healthcare, Diversey, UK and Ireland, reports. Care homes want to ensure the continued
home’s website. A booking system provides an
sink. Additional precautions are advisable during
safety of their residents, visitors and staff as
excellent opportunity to explain disinfection
the pandemic. This will mean placing hand-rub
they reopen for visits following a relaxation of
processes. Include information about these
dispensers at convenient points around the care
lockdown restrictions. Effective personal and
measures on the phone or send a text or email
home. Dispensers located at the main entrance
environmental hygiene - especially hand and
when confirming a booking.
allow visitors to disinfect their hands when they arrive. Dispensers should also be located inside
surface disinfection - should be central to their infection prevention strategies.
Hand hygiene
and by the doors of communal areas. The aim
Keeping our hands clean is the simplest and
is to make it easy for anyone to disinfect their
normally spreads from person to person
best way to help prevent the spread of the
hands whenever they wish.
by direct contact, touching contaminated
virus. Everyone in the care home should be
Wall-mounted dispensers offer many long-
surfaces and through breathing in airborne
encouraged to clean or disinfect their hands
term benefits (and are less likely to go missing).
droplets produced when infected people
as often as possible. This can include when
In the short term, however, it may be more
cough, sneeze or breathe out. Stopping any
moving from one part of the building to the
convenient to use portable bottles with built-in
of these pathways helps to break the chain
next, when interacting with different people
dispensers. Some suppliers also offer smaller
of infection, and is why good hygiene, social
and after touching any surface that could have
bottles for personal use.
distancing and wearing masks have all been
been touched by someone else. Put up plenty
so important.
of signs to remind people: your hygiene supplier
should be able to show evidence their products
should have some you can use.
meet relevant EN-numbered disinfection
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
Good practice can start before visitors arrive. Make information about infection prevention measures prominent on the care
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Make sure the product is effective. Suppliers
Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds will work in any location with a
Continued on Page 21.
MAY 2021 19
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
ENHANCE THE PERCEPTION OF CLEAN cleaners, plus a bad smell and a reduction in hygiene standards,” said Wintle. “But there’s something even more important at this unprecedented time. According to the World Health Organisation, Coronavirus can spread in an infected person’s urine. This is called ‘viral shedding’, which means that if traces of contaminated urine become aerosolised and inhaled while using a urinal, the disease can infect others in the washroom [1]. That’s why P-Wave recently delivered a new angle on splash prevention, coupled with a major step forward in urinal deodorising technology with the launch of a new highly fragranced urinal screen.” Passive and active air fresheners Passive air fresheners are ideal for smaller areas where consistent fragrancing is important. From simple, highly fragranced units for installation As businesses begin to reopen, facilities
“Facilities managers should not overlook the
in bins, the back of doors, under desks, or in
managers need to ensure that premises are
power of scent in the workplace,” continued
washrooms, to more powerful units which can
not only clean and safe, but also restore
Wintle. “Choosing the most appropriate
be placed near a door or any space with good
confidence for returning office workers,
fragrance to apply throughout a building
air flow, the open-air design ensures maximum
contractors and visitors.
can help create a happier and more relaxed
surface area exposure for effective and efficient fragrance release.
First impressions count and can begin
experience for staff and visitors. After all,
before people even see if an office is clean.
shopping centres and high-end retailers
The sense of smell is the strongest of the five
have been using ambient scents to positively
are better for the environment. Systems are
senses and one of the body’s front-line defence
influence customer perceptions for years.
available to freshen small, medium and large
mechanisms, designed to set off alarm bells if
P-Wave has worked with leading fragrance
spaces. Discrete wall or ceiling mounted
a foul smell is detected. According to research,
houses to develop a range of well-researched
systems can freshen up to 16m3, and feature
75% of all emotions generated each day are
and consumer-tested popular fragrances. As
an intelligent fan which powers down when
due to smell. A bad smell is a warning of a bad
innovators in the air freshening industry, P-Wave
the lights go off to conserve the battery.
experience to come.
Active air fresheners replace aerosols and
understands that cleanliness and hygiene
A motion-actvated solution delivers more
“Many premises have been closed for
are the most important aspects of managing
targeted, clean and efficient air freshening
months, and while they might have been
premises, but with the heightened awareness
in small spaces exactly when and where it’s
cleaned, air quality will be poor, and with a
created by COVID-19, facilities managers need
needed, reducing fragrance overload, nasal
reduced frequency of cleaning routines they will
to action every option available to ensure safety
fatigue and aerosol residue.
not smell as fresh as they should,” said P-Wave
and reassure employees and visitors.”
sales and marketing manager, Mark Wintle.
Also available are powerful yet silent active fresheners which feature advanced micro-
“People’s trust in the cleanliness and safety of a
Washroom focus
diffusion technology. Delivering coverage
building can be negatively impacted if it smells
In all premises, to feel safe, consumers need
from 200m3 to 1200m3, one option features
bad, as they will wonder why, and suspect that
to see - and smell - that the washroom is
bluetooth control and advanced programming
it is not hygienic.”
immaculately clean, but poor plumbing or
via smartphone or tablet, while the largest
maintenance, or an inadequate cleaning regime
features fully adjustable start/stop, diffusion
caused by the presence of bacteria which has
can lead to unfortunate odours which are
and stand-by intervals as well as a weekend on/
been left to grow through either inadequate
unlikely to receive 5-star reviews. However, in
off function.
or infrequent or cleaning procedures. While
urinals it is the actual minute-by-minute usage
www.p-wave.co.uk
the washroom may be the cause of the worst
that can cause the biggest problem.
Foul smells in any building are typically
odours in a building, improving the air quality
“We’ve been solving the most common
[1] www.who.int/docs/default-source/
and freshness throughout premises brings
hygiene issue in urinals for years, as randomly
coronaviruse/who-china-joint-mission-on-
many benefits.
splashed urine causes a headache for
covid-19-final-report.pdf
20 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
Continued from Page 19.
and can be used often without damaging the surfaces being treated. Some formulations will
C&M
surfaces frequently during the day. Cleaning suppliers can advise on the best
standards for the particular viruses or other
disinfect multiple pathogens and can be used
infection prevention products and how to
pathogens of concern. Products meeting
on a wide range of surfaces. Look for products
use them. They will work with care homes to
EN14476 against Viccinia Virus, for example,
that work quickly and can be used when
help ensure the best infection processes to
should be effective against the virus that causes
residents, visitors and staff are present. This
protect residents, visitors and staff.
COVID-19. Look for products that are pleasant
will help make it simpler and safer to disinfect
www.diversey.co.uk
and suitable for frequent application because this will encourage more use. Surface disinfection The other key aspect to infection prevention is surface disinfection. All hard surfaces should be disinfected frequently to remove viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. During the pandemic it is a sensible precaution to clean surfaces even more regularly than traditional schedules. This might mean many times a day. Pay particular attention to surfaces or objects that are regularly touched or used by more than one person. This will include light switches and door handles and equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters and stair lifts. Select products that meet relevant EN disinfection standards (such as EN14476)
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For crowded spaces, one hand is enough. WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 21
C&M
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
The growth of mobile technology in cleaning and FM
AS little as two years ago, the use of mobile
view payslips, check holiday entitlements,
workforce management (WFM) software is
technology in the cleaning and FM sectors
and submit queries without needing to speak
particularly effective at managing this growing
was viewed, perhaps, as a supplemental tool
physically to a member of the head office team.
demand. Using their smartphones, specialist staff or teams can familiarise themselves with their
for more familiar workforce management solutions. Although nice to have, activities like
Safety, compliance and incident
weekly schedules, view relevant risk assessments
time and attendance, route monitoring and
management
method statements or personal protective
standards auditing were achievable through
For many years, providers have discharged
equipment requirements, take photographs,
more localised desktop or manual methods, if
their duty of care towards lone workers by
and obtain client sign-off. Combined with GPS
not quite as efficiently.
requiring staff to scan RFID (Radio Frequency
tracking, WFM systems also provide an insight
Identification) tags to check in and out of
into which parts of a building are absorbing your
landscape created by COVID-19 has focused
buildings. This technology now extends,
resources the most, enabling management to
the minds of service providers on confronting
through the use of tags placed discreetly in
reallocate intelligently based on demand.
a series of challenges whose common
different parts of the accommodation, to
denominator is they can all be solved
reassuring facilities managers that sensitive
Integration as the way forward
effectively using mobile technology.
areas such as washrooms have been cleaned on
It’s one thing to deploy mobile solutions to
a regular basis. Using smart form technology,
address specific challenges, but another to do
More effective engagement with
on-site staff can also perform tasks such as
it efficiently. Integrated management software
front line staff
confirming their health status, the completion
systems harness the benefits of each individual
The need to broadcast promptly to staff on the
of a recent COVID-19 test or recording the
application, whilst minimising duplication of
evolving health and safety protocols linked to
management and resolution of incidents.
data entry and making it possible to analyse
Fast forward to 2021 and the new
information swiftly and automatically, leading
COVID-19 means 100% implementation of safe working can no longer be guaranteed by relying
Staff scheduling and demand-based
to better-informed decision making. Combining
on field management to communicate by
resource allocation
workforce management solutions with client
traditional methods. Software portals integrated
Staff scheduling has become a critical tool
transparency and tight financial control, they’re
to staff databases are coming into their own,
in the new world of building cleaning, where
increasingly becoming the preferred way for FM
with staff able to read important information
an agile and mobile workforce is required
contractors to manage the complexity of life in
in their own time on their smartphone. The
to deliver increasing volumes of specialist
the pandemic-constrained world.
facility for two-way communication means
one-off or intermittent tasks associated with
WWW.TEAMSOFTWARE.COM/CLEANING-AND-
they can also access important documents,
decontamination and deep cleaning. Mobile
MAINTENANCE
22 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
C&M
COVID-19 has created an increase in liability for the cleaning sector and the need for greater more demonstrable compliance. UhUb is providing the perfect solution to ensure both saturation of adaptable training and live data reporting. 2020 has been a year of transformation and
been updated via messaging. This means
a big role for us to show
core to this is accountability, meaning that
that the latest guidance is available
our colleagues what our
where compliance is concerned no longer is
in a matter of hours to all, as
training simply just about training. Speaking
opposed to spending time
with Insurance Companies has highlighted a
printing and distributing
change in attitudes meaning if training is not
the documents to site.
UhUb also plays a big role in us reassuring
constantly updated, available and applied to all,
Also…we are able to ensure
our clients and enabling them in turn to
or you don’t have the data to demonstrate it’s
that staff always have access to
reassure their clients, occupiers and visitors.”
completion, you may as well have not done it!
relevant COSHH, H&S and other
The ability to share and prove training for all, is
guidance documents whilst
now more critical to compliance and customer
carrying out their usual duties.”
assurance than ever before. We asked our clients
expectations are and how they must keep themselves, our clients and the public as safe as possible.
UhUb Clients understand not only how important it is to be compliant through data, but to have an engaged and motivated
what UhUb means to them when protecting
How will UhUb be used to
themselves from liability.
provide compliance, risk
workforce that deliver outstanding cleaning standards and reduce risk.
mitigation and protection in the How is UhUb helping with you from a
‘COVID liability’ world we are
‘traditional’ compliance requirement view?
getting used to?
Iain Fraser-Jones (MD) Greenzest Ltd
Jamie Wright (MD) Incentive QAS
“At Greenzest we have fully embraced UhUb’s
“The emphasis on cleaning and disinfection
If you’d like to know more about UhUb why not get in touch? In 20
capability beyond the delivery of training. We
will remain high on everybody’s agenda as we
minutes, we could change the way you think
now encompass the wide range of information
emerge from the pandemic and I believe it is the
about Training & Engaging staff forever.
and engagement tools that not only streamline
responsibility of the cleaning industry as a whole
our operations but ensure we no longer need to
to ensure the importance of a hygienically clean
print mountains of documents for our site files
and regularly disinfected environment does not
with reams of repetitive data around COSHH or
waiver. Through UhUb we are able to continually
SSoW. We are able to upload this data onto UhUb
train and re-train our staff in the basic cleaning
which allows all of our site based staff to access
principles, new methods and changing guidance
it. From a compliance perspective being able
as it occurs – all without having to physically be
to demonstrate through data that training was
with them. With the restrictions on our movement
delivered and passed is an absolute necessity.
during the pandemic UhUb has been a welcome
As such UhUb has reduced our administration,
addition to our business and shows the cleaning
Call: 0203 291 3439.
improved our training & compliance, and our
teams we are still investing in them, and the senior
Or email: info@uhub.co.com.
carbon footprint”
leadership team can be confident we remain
You can also find us at www.uhub.co.com
continually compliant.” Lee Andrews DOC Cleaning Ltd
https://www.linkedin.com/company/10892902
“In terms of documentation, the ability to
Gemma Bowers (HR & L&D Director) Regular
provide our workforce with instant access to
Cleaning
this important information has been a huge
“It is becoming a prerequisite when tendering
benefit. Given the ever-changing requirements
for new business to demonstrate how you train
and guidance in the current climate we are
colleagues to be COVID compliant, and what
able to revise our documentation on UhUb
tools you use to communicate compliance,
and then inform all staff that documents have
best practice and to mitigate risk. UhUb plays
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 23
C&M
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
Streamlining back-office operations with SmartTask EQUITY Cleaning Services, a contract cleaning company that specialises in the maintenance of commercial and industrial buildings in the south of England, has invested in SmartTask cleaning services management software to manage its workforce of over 200 employees. Founded some 40 years ago, the company has built a reputation for high standards of professionalism, reflected in its client list, including the NHS and Audi. Using SmartTask software has delivered significant operational efficiencies, better communications for staff and customers, and more accurate up-to-date reporting, payroll and invoicing. Right people, right place, right time meeting SLAs Equity’s operations director, Louise Haynes, sets the scene: “A lot of time was spent on manual admin tasks. What we needed was
SmartTask populate the company’s Sage
that employees start and end their shifts, with
something that was better than a spreadsheet
accounts system with no rekeying of data
automatic alerts should staff fail to arrive on
and that was designed for our particular kind
required, reducing the risk of errors and
site. This will assist the company in meeting its
of business. When I first saw the SmartTask
potential for lost paperwork. Previously
duty of care, lone worker and health and safety
software I liked its modern look and knew that it
invoices took a week to reconcile and email
compliance requirements.
would be easy for people to use.”
out to customers. With SmartTask invoices are
SmartTask is used to create weekly timesheets for staff, replacing the spreadsheets and
prepared and issued in just under an hour. Louise Haynes continued: “The SmartTask
A mobile App for a mobile workforce Introducing the new SmartTask App will
dramatically reducing time spent on admin.
software records all working hours ensuring
make it easier for Equity’s staff to receive
A key driver for choosing SmartTask was to
that no cleaning jobs are missed in the invoices,
details of cleaning jobs and check in and
streamline rosters and manage cover for sickness
which means no lost revenue. Accurate records
out once completed - they can book onto
and holidays. Being able to identify staff with
also enable transparency of all jobs completed
their shifts, view their daily work schedules
the right skills who are available and local to the
for each customer. Where one-off cleans have
and make welfare calls. Completing audits
customer site to fill any gaps has been invaluable
been arranged, scheduling the job using
and submitting incident reports via the App
because it ensures that all customer jobs are
SmartTask eliminates paper notes that in the
will also help to support health and safety
serviced cost efficiently and helps the company
past may have been misplaced or forgotten.”
requirements. For the managers, activity reports can be used for quality audits of the
to meet its service level agreements. Future plans support health and safety
service provided for customers and to meet
scheduling staff rosters now takes just half a
compliance
profitability targets.
day instead of two days, a reduction of 75%.
The SmartTask solution provides a full range
SmartTask ensures that all working hours are
of workforce management capabilities which
SmartTask our operations and administration
captured and reports collating data from all
can be utilised as business requirements
are more efficient and accurate across the
jobs completed are fed into the payroll, which
evolve. Equity Cleaning Services plans to
board. Rostering and payroll are massively
means staff are confident that they are paid
further extend its use of SmartTask to include
streamlined, while SmartTask’s user friendly
accurately for the hours worked.
the ‘holidays’ module, allowing staff to request
system has freed my time up greatly, enabling
holiday and see holiday entitlement/accurals
me to focus on other priorities. The customer
Improving customer service with
via the app. The company also plans to utilise
service from SmartTask has been second to
faster invoicing
the ‘time and attendance’ module which will
none, their attention to customer experience
Invoicing customers has become a more
enable staff to clock in and clock out. This
makes them very easy to work with.”
automated process. Integrated reports from
will provide an accurate record of the times
WWW.SMARTTASK.CO.UK
Since using SmartTask, the time spent
24 MAY 2021
Louise Haynes concluded: “Since using
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
C&M
Access Group acquires Ezitracker THE Access Group, a leading provider of
software within the facilities management
business management software to mid-sized
sector and provides our customers with the
ERP, said: “We are excited to acquire Ezitracker
organisations, has announced the acquisition
opportunity to explore a wider range of ERP and
and build on their success. Ezitracker has built
of Ezitracker, one of the UK’s leading providers
business management solutions from a single
a reputation of being a trusted supplier of
of workforce management solutions in the
provider. Ezitracker was set up over 20 years
reliable and innovative technology solutions for
facilities management sector.
ago to provide FM businesses with software
better workforce management in the facilities
Brendan Flattery, managing director, Access
solutions that specifically meet their needs.
management, cleaning and security sectors
workforce management, Ezitracker, said: “We
Our story continues but in an enhanced way as
across the UK, Australia and New Zealand and
are delighted to be joining The Access Group.
part of The Access Group, which will see further
we look forward to working with them closely as
This gives Ezitracker a new level of expertise in
investment in our people and the products and
they integrate into the Access ERP division.”
the provision of remote workforce management
services we deliver to our customers.”
WWW.EZITRACKER.COM
Christian Berenger, managing director -
redwigwam launches flexible working community for cleaning sector REDWIGWAM has created Red Clean in
to scale up or down subject to their needs. New
powered platform currently has over 150,000
response to huge demand for cleaning
clients also pay no booking fee for the first job
workers and 4500 hirers registered. The
personnel in the wake of the coronavirus
they place with the platform. It is also free to
business saw a sharp rise in enquiries from the
pandemic. Red Clean gives companies instant
post jobs on the site.
cleaning and facilities management sector as
access to fully managed, flexible cleaning
redwigwam was established five years ago
staff. Red Clean handles all HR, payment and
and has quickly become a leading flexible
administration, giving businesses the flexibility
working community. The company’s AI-
companies reopened following lockdowns, but with much stricter cleaning protocols in place. Continued on Page 27.
Software for companies that keep the world clean. Sync your back-office and operations when you bundle users, modules and services across your business.
Partner with TEAM Software.
teamsoftware.com/cleaningmaintenance
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 25
C&M
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
Technology’s role in managing a modern workforce
THE coronavirus pandemic has shone a
providers throughout the UK are now utilising
and evidence service delivery in a more efficient
spotlight on the cleaning industry, with
digital workforce management solutions, such
and effective manner.
stringent hygiene regulations, risk reduction
as Unique IQ’s IQ:timecard, to share timesheets,
and sky-high client expectations amongst the
tasks and data from remote office workers to
be ticked-off, date stamped and pushed directly
many demands now facing cleaning businesses.
field staff via the Internet and mobile apps.
to the office, to taking photographs of surfaces
Technology will be central to ensuring safe
Through replacing paper processes, not only
or stock such as alcohol hand gels, in utilising
service delivery in a post-COVID world.
is the risk of a touchpoint removed, the data
a mobile app it becomes easier to track and
shared is more accurate, reliable and quicker
provide evidence of what cleaning has been
to access, helping to meet regulatory standards
undertaken, in some cases in real-time.
The changes brought about by the pandemic have not only affected cleaning methods -
From introducing mandatory tasks that can
As people begin their return to work and more office buildings begin to reopen, the use of technology will not be lost - too many of us are now settled into this ‘new normal’ of instant communication and data transfer. Expectations of hygiene and standards of service delivery have also risen, and with the help of technology, are being actively met. With the cleaning sector having one of the most influential positions in the fight against coronavirus, technology has a key role to play in helping to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a safer environment for all. WWW.UNIQUEIQ.CO.UK 26 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
C&M
Continued from Page 25. This has included providing specialist sanitising and decontamination services for offices and workplaces to protect employees and the public from COVID-19 infection. Lorna Davidson, CEO of redwigwam, said: “The cleaning and facilities management industry has seen unprecedented demand for its services as a result of the pandemic and the increased pressures being placed on businesses to provide safe working environments for their employees. We were receiving an ever-growing number of enquiries with an urgent need for additional cleaning resource including corporate and commercial premises, hospitals, property agents, landlords, and litter-pickers. This has led to us launching Red Clean, the first flexible working community to directly support the cleaning sector. Clients like the flexibility that we are able to provide, giving them the
Lorna Davidson, CEO of redwigwam
chance to find the workers they need quickly but without having to take on the responsibility
like the flexibility that Red Clean gives them to
cleaning services across south east England,
of HR, payroll and other administrative burdens.
dial up or down their requirement in line with
said: “We urgently needed cleaning operatives
They also have the peace of mind of knowing
the demands of their business.”
who were diligent and reliable. Redwigwam
that all cleaning staff are experienced, fully trained and have been vetted. Our clients also
Dean Yershon, managing director of Cool to Clean, provider of commercial and office
supplied great staff at short notice.” WWW.RED-CLEAN.CO.UK
Outdoor cleaning products from Robert Scott. As catering reopens for business, we have handpicked a selection of products to help keep outdoor spaces clean. All neatly packaged in a new six-page leaflet. Visit our website for your free download. That’s serious cleaning know-how from Robert Scott.
robert-scott.co.uk
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
MAY 2021 27
C&M
TRAINING & EDUCATION
The importance of training during times of uncertainty Jan-Hein Hemke, managing director of Facilicom UK, explains why training shouldn’t be cast aside during challenging times. TRAINING is one of the most important
Although we deliver ongoing training for our
investments a business can make. It not only
colleagues throughout the year, and work to the
ensures that colleagues are fully equipped
highest standards at all times, the pandemic
to do the job, but it also boosts staff morale,
brought new challenges and requirements. But
has a positive impact on your customers and,
rather than hitting pause on our regular training
ultimately, your bottom line.
sessions, we stepped them up a gear to ensure
Within the cleaning sector, training is vital for keeping up to date with the latest practices and protocols. Ensuring that operatives have the
our operatives had the skills they were going to need on the frontline. As demand grew for deep cleans, fogging and
latest knowledge of products and techniques
touch point cleaning, we refreshed our training
is crucial. This level of knowledge can only be
in these areas so we were ready and waiting
achieved through regular, ongoing training,
to deliver these services. And as clients craved
which is engrained in a person’s development
reassurance that their premises were safe, we
Embracing remote communication, rather
plan. This requires a commitment of both time
upskilled our team in post-cleaning aftercare,
than seeing it as a barrier to delivering training,
and expense. But when a global pandemic
and launched a brand new service - ‘SAFER’
meant that all of our colleagues were able to
strikes and a business is under immense
with Facilicom - an adenosine triphosphate
access learning materials from their own homes
pressure to deliver, training can be one of the
(ATP) surface testing regime.
at a time that suited them.
things that is put on the back burner. Against the odds
Pandemic learnings
it makes little sense to me to cast aside training
Training hundreds of our colleagues during a
If the crisis has taught us anything when it
at such an uncertain time. It is short sighted to
global crisis wasn’t easy and trying to deliver
comes to business, it is that you have to accept
think that it isn’t important during a time of crisis,
sessions alongside COVID-19 restrictions was a
change and adapt if you want to survive. By
or that it can wait for calmer time. The reality is,
real challenge. But through socially distanced
tailoring your training to the current climate,
we need it more than ever.
meetings and video calls, we were able to
rather than letting it fall to the wayside, you will
upskill our teams to provide these vital services
reap the rewards, both in terms of colleague
at a time of real need.
motivation and client satisfaction.
As a firm believer in continuous improvement,
Evolving alongside the pandemic The virus has changed the way in which many
We also launched our virtual
As our cleaning operatives continue to keep
people operate and, in turn, this has altered the
‘Inspirational Toolkit’ which was packed full
our businesses and public places as clean and
demands on the cleaning sector. Our customers
of stories from colleagues, useful tips and
safe as possible, we owe it to them to invest
require a different level of support and we have
practical advice to guide people through
in their development and future-proof their
had to adapt our services, and our skillset,
this challenging time - both professionally
careers for many years to come.
rapidly to suit the evolving situation.
and personally.
WWW.FACILICOM.CO.UK
Innovative training platform expands TWO new resources are now available
The ‘Deep clean product guide for education’
and surface cleaners, disposable wipes and
to help ensure shared spaces, such as
contains useful information to help nurseries,
floorcare products as well as solutions and
education and catering establishments,
schools and colleges select the best products
procedures required to clean a potential virus
are cleaned effectively. Jangro, the UK and
to prevent the spread of infection, such as the
outbreak. There are also instructions on how to
Ireland’s largest network of independent
Jangronauts hand soap and dispensers, a fun
clean and disinfect a fogging machine.
janitorial and cleaning distributors, has
range designed especially for children. As well
launched a ‘Deep clean product guide for
as advising on best hand washing and sanitising
platform, the Jangro Learning Management
education’ and extended its range of training
techniques, it also helps to identify common
Solution, with the addition of a training ‘Task
‘Task Cards’ to include one exclusively
germ hotspots within educational facilities. This
Card’ dedicated to deep cleaning. Task Cards
focused on deep cleaning.
handy guide also includes antiviral disinfectants
are brief, highly visual documents which
28 MAY 2021
Jangro has also extended its e-learning
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
TRAINING & EDUCATION
C&M
contain step-by-step instructions for product
organisations to sort the wheat from the chaff
usage and safety information so that staff can
and select the most effective products for their
refer to them on the go. The deep cleaning
settings. Given the importance of cleaning
Task Card outlines best practice for donning
and hygiene, particularly as we navigate the
PPE, hand hygiene procedures, colour-coding
pandemic, the deep cleaning Task Card was
and cleaning in non-healthcare settings,
a natural addition. We hope this will act as a handy reference guide, enabling a high quality
disinfecting high touchpoints, cleaning a
clean to be achieved.”
potential virus outbreak, and waste disposal.
with all children back to school and bars, cafes
It also includes enhanced guidance for
and restaurants reopening (albeit al-fresco), it
chemical fogging.
is the perfect time for premises to undergo a
can be downloaded for free at: www.jangro.net.
deep clean. At a time when there is so much
The deep cleaning Task Card is available at:
choice on the market, our new guide will help
WWW.JANGROLMS.NET
Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, said: “Spring time is synonymous with cleaning. This April,
The ‘Deep clean product guide for education’
Cleaning - and the importance of training - in the hospitality sector The importance of cleaning in the fight against COVID-19 cannot be overstated. As the UK exits lockdown and moves towards relaxed restrictions and the reopening of businesses, we all need to remain vigilant about hygiene. Training is a key part of this, as maintaining a clean environment will be everyone’s responsibility. Kelly Brierley and Tom Capper, regional sales managers at Robert Scott, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of products for the janitorial sector, share insights to help businesses train staff effectively. VENTILATION is important in the fight against
Sustainable cleaning
coronavirus and airflow should form a key part
Our own research shows that sustainability will
of cleaning training from now on. Where internal
remain important beyond 2021. A non-chemical
ventilation systems are installed, make sure your
cleaning solution such as hypochlorous acid
team knows how often to clean them - and how
(HOCI) made by Toucan Eco is beneficial for a
to do this effectively. High-level cleaning tools,
variety of environments, as staff and customers
such as the Flexi Tool, are ideal for this job and
are not exposed to harmful chemicals or
can get into the external vents and high reach
pungent smells.
areas safely for thorough cleaning.
The most effective way to clean is in two stages: first to clean and then to disinfect, as
Choose reusable products where possible
disinfectants kill more germs when surfaces are
Reusable microfibre is cost-effective, eco-
grease and dirt free. Disinfecting surfaces is a
friendly and delivers a great result. As one of
key priority, but traditional disinfectants can be
the first companies to introduce microfibre
tough on skin and highly scented, which isn’t
products to the market over 20 years ago,
always desirable.
Robert Scott recommends the capabilities of
Toucan Eco is made at a low concentration
microfibre as a more efficient and sustainable
and gentle pH. It’s food-safe, non-toxic, odour-
Understanding touchpoints
choice for regular cleaning. Educating your
free, and hypoallergenic, making it perfect
A key part of staff training now needs to
team on using the right products for the job will
for any environment where disinfectant is
encompass touchpoints. These are areas which
help improve the effectiveness of their cleans.
required. The multipurpose non-chemical
experience high volumes of human interaction,
solution has also become one of the first
so they must be cleaned regularly. This is a
cleaning products of its kind in the UK
crucial part of your cleaning regime.
to receive both EN 14476 and EN 16777
door handles and lift buttons. Aim to eliminate
against coronaviruses.
touchpoints during cleaning - using a door stop
Simply make as much solution as required
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Examples of touchpoints are handrails,
certification, proving its virucidal efficacy
and handle, for example - and make sure cleaning
using tap water and salt, then activate with a small
is built into the team schedule throughout the day.
electrical current to create the HOCI solution.
WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK MAY 2021 29
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
Saving resources and protecting our planet Cromwell Polythene’s managing director, James Lee, shares his thoughts on recycling best practice. USING resources efficiently depends upon the
On the business side, the consultation
engagement of everyone, working together to
includes proposals for those companies
share expertise, making sustainable choices
which produce municipal waste to segregate
and finding achievable solutions to protect our
dry recyclable materials from residual waste
environment and act on climate change.
so that these can be collected for recycling.
One element of hope during this pandemic
Plans also recommend these organisations
is that it is making us more aware of the
separate their food waste for collection and
importance of using resources wisely. There
recycling or composting. Producers will also
are signs that air pollution and C02 emissions
be required to take more responsibility for
have dropped as a result of changes made to
the products and materials they place on
manage the virus. It will be interesting to see if
the market, including when they become
It can offer many sustainable solutions to help
governments will take more measures to ensure
waste, under the reform of the UK Packaging
mitigate the effects of a changing climate, for
environmental benefits can be maintained, and
Producer Responsibility System.
example significantly reducing food waste. It also enables the safe containment of liquids
resource efficiency can be improved, once this Effective segregation
such as cleaning products, eliminating
Recycling and re-use of materials starts with
environmental leaching of cleaning chemicals
change on the environmental front, not least
effective segregation of the different waste
and wastes from bottles, for instance. Using
in terms of recycling and waste management.
streams on site to avoid contamination.
plastic waste sacks and bags is the simplest and
However, the UK Government’s enhanced
Unfortunately, items can often end up in the
most cost-effective way to encourage people
Environment Bill, which sets out its vision
incorrect bin. The value of paper, for example, is
to safely and hygienically separate and collect
for a greener future, is now rightly on hold
significantly reduced if it is contaminated with
materials for re-use and recycling.
as we focus on combatting coronavirus. The
wet wastes such as food, and may even render
environmental legislation will set standards
it unrecyclable.
pandemic eases. This year was expected to herald significant
for improving air quality, protecting nature,
Practical steps that cleaning teams can take
Switching from plastic to alternative materials, such as glass or cardboard, is often suggested to be ‘greener’. However, this can
increasing recycling, and cutting down on
include ensuring there are enough recycling
lead to other sustainability issues, such as
plastic waste.
bins, that they are of a suitable size, clearly
higher energy and water use, increased C02
labelled, and that the waste is frequently
emissions in production and transport (due to
Uniform approach to recycling
collected. From posters on walls with recycling
the extra weight of material), or an increase in
A consistent approach to household and
information to colour-coded bins and staff
food waste.
business recycling collections in England is a
awareness-raising campaigns, there are endless
key part of the legislation, as previously outlined
opportunities to remind people about the
in cars, trucks and planes, lightweight plastic
in the Government’s Resources and Waste
benefits of recycling.
packaging increases the efficiency through the
Just as plastics help reduce fuel consumption
supply chain, burning less diesel and helping
Strategy. There are plans for all local authorities in England to collect the same core set of dry
Carbon footprint
to reduce greenhouse gases. Our LowCO2t
recyclable materials from households and to
It is right and encouraging that people are
products, for example, are engineered to
provide separate, weekly food waste collections.
showing concern for the environment and the
provide maximum performance using minimal
impacts that our actions have. Plastic waste has
resources. This not only helps to reduce
grabbed the headlines but in our desire to do
the volume of plastic used and the energy
the right thing the challenge for organisations
used in manufacturing, but also to minimise
and individuals is not to eschew plastics in
greenhouse gas emissions in transportation
favour of less resource efficient alternatives, but
through the supply chain.
to choose responsibly sourced materials with the lowest carbon footprint. Responsibly produced plastic can have a
is needed in recycling infrastructure, litter
high recycled content (up to 100%) and can
management and simplification of the
be reprocessed many times, not only saving
recycling process.
virgin material but associated energy as well. 30 MAY 2021
Technologies exist that mean every type of plastic can be recycled, but investment
Continued on Page 32. WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Products & Services Directory
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FOR CLEANING/FM CONTRACTORS
| +44 (0)1732 832888 | businessteam@templa.com | www.templacms.co.uk
FEMININE HYGIENE
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01403 273 444 HAND HYGIENE
Products & Services directory To reach your potential customers advertise in C&M’s new Products and Services Directory. Contact us today to discuss your requirements: Contact: Michelle Andrews on Tel: 01737 855086 • Email: michelleandrews@quartzltd.com
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT / PRODUCT NEWS
this material for future use. However, if
Life-cycle assessment approach
compostable packaging is put in with waste
Used properly, plastic will continue to offer a
Clarity needed on compostable bags
for disposal in landfill, as with any other
convenient and cost-effective solution to many
A recent report, ‘Plastic Promises’ from the
organic matter in landfill, as it degrades it
of modern day life’s issues, especially in the
Green Alliance looking at the grocery sector
will give off greenhouse gases.
cleaning industry. The real debate shouldn’t be
Continued from Page 31.
Additionally, if compostable packaging is put
indicated that ‘over 80% of consumers think
about making a choice between plastics and
biodegradable or compostable plastic is
into the recycling stream it can contaminate the
sustainability, but how we can use all resources
environmentally friendly, but there is little
other materials, meaning that the whole batch
more efficiently and help combat climate
understanding of what the terms mean and
cannot be recycled.
change. The carbon cost of all products must be taken into consideration across the whole life
how the material should be dealt with’. Confusion is added as some bags are
Quality standards
cycle assessment - if this was a consideration
being described as biodegradable, or
To maximise sustainability, buyers should
now, lightweight plastic packaging would not
compostable, when this is not always the
ensure that the products they are investing
be ditched in favour of heavier, less energy-
case, for example oxo-degradable products.
in perform to a high level. Things to look for
efficient materials. With the help of plastics,
In addition, compostable should only be
include international, independently audited
and emphasis on resource efficiency, improved
used for the recycling application that
quality hallmarks - these include EN standards
litter management and recycling infrastructure,
they are designed for. Compostable bags
and ISO quality management principles. And
we can better address the more crucial issue of
are ideal for food and garden waste from
in the UK, the CHSA Accreditation Schemes for
climate change.
client sites, where they compost alongside
mops, tissue and refuse sacks.
WWW.CROMWELLPOLYTHENE.CO.UK
HYDRO Systems, a leader in delivering chemical dispensing and dosing solutions, has launched the EvoOne
EvoOne Bottle Lockout enhances safety and supplier security
Bottle Lockout system to complement its EvoOne push pump dispenser. Hydro’s EvoOne Bottle Lockout is a no-chemical-contact cap system which provides chemical exclusivity with its leading EvoOne product range. Comprising two separate parts, the Lockout Cap has a custom ‘keyway’ position unique to the customer. This makes it an attractive option for chemical suppliers, as it helps prevent users from switching out chemical bottles with other brands. Installing the EvoOne Bottle Lockout also minimises the risk of accidental contact with the chemical. The EvoOne product range delivers the advantages of chemical dispensing to facilities without requiring a water line connection, ensuring accurate doses into sinks, bottles, buckets and other containers.
WWW.HYDROSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM
THE new Taski Aero Up upright cordless vacuum cleaner uses, according to the manufacturer, less than half the energy, weighs over a third less, and is around half as noisy as previous comparable models. It combines high performance, sustainability and low cost of ownership in a compact and lightweight design. It supports complete mobility and portability when cleaning hard floors and carpets in professional applications. The new model is also perfect for use with the integrated Taski trolley system.
Sustainable, lower cost, mobile vacuum cleaner
WWW.DIVERSEY.COM
32 MAY 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PRODUCT NEWS
C&M
NILFISK has introduced a new
Nilfisk launches Core Pressure Washer range
range to the UK market the Nilfisk Core Pressure Washers. Recognised for its simple, clean and Scandinavian design
EDITOR
combined with a black frame and blue body, the Nilfisk Core 140 and 140 IH pressure washers have been awarded a
2021 German Design Award and a 2021 Red Dot Design Award. Ian Davies, consumer sales manager at Nilfisk, said: “The new Core Pressure Washers have been designed with the consumer in mind, and truly encompass Nilfisk’s commitment to creating highquality tools that are built to last. Taking influence from our Scandinavian heritage with its awardwinning simplistic design, the multi-purpose and powerful machines offer plenty of opportunities for
Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316 SALES DIRECTOR
Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
made simple.”
Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086
WWW.NILFISK.COM
PRODUCTION MANAGER
our trading partners, and we are confident that the collection will be a fantastic success. It’s cleaning,
Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619 MANAGING DIRECTOR
THE totally redesigned taski.com website launched recently and is not just a showroom with pictures and videos, it’s also a space
Tony Crinion
Taski launches new website and app
where visitors can take a deep dive into what Taski offers. The selector tool guides customers so they can find the perfect machine to meet their needs, and what their sector requires.
CEO
Steve Diprose CO-CHAIRMAN
Paul Michael DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
Elizabeth Barford elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com 01737 855028
Taski is simultaneously launching a new app that provides on-the-move access and insight. With content specifically optimised for phone and tablet screens, the app is a companion to the new website. Elements like the simple machine selector allow users to find their ideal cleaning machine based on their needs. They can get additional information on the competitive ownership costs of a Taski machine with the in-built total cost of ownership calculator. Alongside the website, the app delivers training materials so that throughout a facility, staff have access to instructional material. Sector specific sectioning is also present in the app to help users dial into their needs and relevant video content. WWW.TASKI.COM
NEW from Kimberly-Clark Professional is the Scott Control Mini Twin
Take control of washroom hygiene, efficiency and sustainability
PUBLISHED BY
Quartz Business Media Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QX 01737 855086 www.cleaningmag.com
centrefeed toilet tissue system designed to deliver maximum hygiene, efficiency and sustainability in washrooms. Launched in March 2021, the twin format is claimed by the manufacturer to be the most hygienic dispenser in the marketplace and is the highest capacity centrefeed toilet tissue system available. Launched as part of the Kimberly-Clark Professional 360 Hygiene
and Protection programme, the new twin system provides all sectors with optimum hygiene, with a one-wipe-clean dispenser that is designed with no shut lines or key holes. WWW.KCPROFESSIONAL.COM
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ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK
MAY 2021 33
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