Tag Archive for: contract office cleaning

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CS Bradford & Sheffield Sponsored a Guide Dog as their way of Giving Back

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield have recently decided to sponsor a puppy through Guide Dogs UK as their way of giving back to their community. Choosing to sponsor a dog seemed like a very rewarding initiative and one that was close to the hearts of the husband-wife director team. Hear what they had to say below:

‘We decided to sponsor a guide dog as we wanted to give back to our community, and we love that for such a small act, it can have a huge impact on someone’s life. ’

 

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield

As with Bradford, Stuart and Eloise are purchasing another well-established business with a strong operational foundation and a history of quality service throughout Sheffield.

These two businesses will operate under the trading name ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield, with a Head Office remaining in Bradford and a further operational office in Sheffield.

 

Meet Parsnip

Named after a festive feast favourite, Parsnip is a golden retriever puppy who loves downtime with his favourite toy, soaking up all the fuss and attention. He loves exploring new sights and smells alongside his mum, Dory and dad Victor.

Parsnip is one of the charity’s newest recruits and is enrolled in the Guide Dogs training programme, working towards his goal of being partnered with his new guide dog owner, providing life-changing support and companionship.

About Guide Dogs Charity

Guide Dogs is a well-established charity that is on a mission to help people with sight loss live a life they choose. Over the years, the charity has supported adults and children living with vision impairment. As the world’s largest assistance dog organisation, they are proud to be the only organisation in the UK to breed and train guide dogs. Not only this, but they are also the largest employer of specialists dedicated to helping children and young people overcome the challenges of sight loss.

An excellent fit for our business

Family really underpins the drive, motivation, and ethos of our husband-and-wife director team at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services in Bradford and Sheffield. The values, missions and impact that this charity has on families across the UK make this a very close fit for our partners across Bradford and Sheffield and let’s face it- Parsnip is too cute to resist! Hear from Managing Director, Stu McCaig:

‘At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield, we’re continuing to grow and expand our local business in ways which enable us to give back to the local community. It’s really important to us that we support the community that supports us. As we look to build a portfolio of local business clients that equally want to support their local economy and community, we’re super excited and proud to be sponsoring Parsnip for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned for more Parsnip updates!’

Need professional commercial cleaning?

If you’re in Bradford, Sheffield, and the surrounding areas and want more from your contract cleaning, contact your local experts to see how we can help you go above and beyond what you thought possible with a ServiceMaster Clean.

Give Stuart and the team a call on 01274 299 874 or 0114 321 9083 or email bradford@servicemasterclean.co.uk or sheffield@servicemasterclean.co.uk to learn
more.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to get your free, no-obligation quote on our bespoke commercial cleaning services.

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ServiceMaster Clean Bradford Owner Expands Commercial Cleaning Services into Sheffield

Get acquainted with the new owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Sheffield.

Two years ago, Stuart McCaig and his wife, Eloise, decided to change their career trajectories to build a legacy for their children, rather than just working to live.

They moved into contract cleaning, purchasing the well-established ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford from its previous owner of 25 years.

Having watched the business sustainably grow over this period, along with the gradual implementation of modernisations and efficiencies to help meet new challenges, they have doubled down and decided to make another leap as the new owners of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Sheffield.

We sat down with Stuart to learn more about their new business.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield

As with Bradford, Stuart and Eloise are purchasing another well-established business with a strong operational foundation and a history of quality service throughout Sheffield.

These two businesses will operate under the trading name ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford and Sheffield, with a Head Office remaining in Bradford and a further operational office in Sheffield.

The Expansion

Stuart says that when the opportunity to expand the business arose, he was eager to rise to the challenge.

“Expansion opportunities within the network do not arise often, and given the proximity of Sheffield, it was a no-brainer. It is also a very different challenge to [running ServiceMaster Clean] Bradford, being a smaller business brings very different challenges, which I am keen to test myself with.”

Given the smaller territory in Sheffield, Stuart says he and Eloise have the chance to grow the business in their vision. Some processes in Bradford that were still in place from the previous ownership aren’t fully optimised for Stuart’s vision, despite the evolutions made through the business’s technological solutions, which have already enabled their expansion. Taking over Sheffield, they can implement these changes in their new territory to provide an even better service to clients in the area.

“Bringing the company further forward regarding its digitisation and modernisation has allowed us to free up the management team’s time to focus more on our colleagues and customers,” Stuart says.

Now, when implementing new processes in Sheffield, they can transition these across Bradford to allow our vision to spread across both areas.

This is a vision of sustainable growth through the opportunity provided by expanding into Sheffield.

“With the current changing landscape of commercial and contract cleaning, we have a great opportunity to bring a new and refreshed view to Sheffield,” Stuart says.

Providing Exceptional Cleaning Services

Stuart reassures both existing ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services clients in Bradford and Sheffield of the excellent cleaning standards they can expect in the years to come.

“We’d like to thank the previous owners, Mike and Carol, for making the purchase process as easy as possible, along with the colleagues we are inheriting. It is a great honour to take on their legacy with the intent of only improving on it.”

“We look at being approved to provide a service to your business as an honour, and one we don’t take lightly in any manner,” he says.

“When you entrust us to help you thrive as a business, we ensure we can do everything in our power for you to achieve this. We appreciate that all companies will say this, but we genuinely believe we won’t be beaten on customer service and communication.”

Our Communication and Customer Service

At ServiceMaster Clean, businesses like Stuart’s put you at the front and centre of everything we do. We put you first, working with you through regular audits and channels of communication to understand your unique cleaning needs and exceed them.

The relationship you’ll build with our team of experts gives you the confidence to utilise one of our many feedback channels, including our bespoke TellServiceMaster review system, to let us know if there’s anything about your cleaning that you’d like to change.

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Bradford, Sheffield, and the surrounding areas and want more from your contract cleaning, contact your local experts to see how we can help you go above and beyond what you thought possible with a ServiceMaster Clean.

Give Stuart and the team a call on 01274 299 874 or 0114 321 9083 or email bradford@servicemasterclean.co.uk or sheffield@servicemasterclean.co.uk to learn
more.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to get your free, no-obligation quote on our bespoke commercial cleaning services.

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Need a quick, comprehensive guide to floor maintenance?

With employees back in the office, how do you maintain your floors?

We might not think about our floors bearing the brunt of the UK’s changeable temperatures.

But, just like you, your commercial property also feels the chill of winter and highs of summer – particularly the flooring.

Luckily, the experts at ServiceMaster Clean are here with a guide to making your commercial floor maintenance easy.

Hard Surfaces

Many types of tile and hardwood commercial floors can require slightly different cleaning techniques.

However, you should always refer to your flooring manufacturer’s manual and test cleaning solutions in a small, inconspicuous area before starting to avoid costly damages.

When cleaning hardwood floors:

  • Sweep away visible debris to remove larger particles from the surface.
  • Use a semi-acidic floor cleaner or mix vinegar with water to neutralise and dissolve any remaining salt residue.
  • Refer to product instructions for dilution ratios.
  • Once the salt residue is suspended in the cleaner, use a mop to absorb the liquid.
  • If your floor’s finish has been damaged, use a stripper solution to remove it.
  • Apply the solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Add more as needed.
  • Refer to the specific stripping product’s label for exact instructions.

Safety Tip: Use floor fans and open windows to improve ventilation when working with harsh chemicals.

  • Use a scrubber to agitate the surface and strip the remaining finish.
  • Mop the floor with clean water to remove lingering chemicals from the cleaner and stripping solution.
  • Let the floor dry completely.
  • Apply two coats of sealing and a few fresh coats of finish for a floor that looks as good as new.

Soft Surfaces

Soft surfaces are equally affected by salt, mud, and melting snow or ice – if not more so.

The salt residue will leave a characteristic white and powdery residue on carpet surfaces, while chemicals can soak deep into the fibres and padding.

If water damage goes untreated, mould and mildew can grow and spread, leading to long-term issues.

How to Clean Commercial Carpets

Add absorbent doormats, umbrella stands and coat racks to your building’s entrance to reduce the amount of water that can reach your carpeted areas during the winter.

In warmer weather, follow these steps to clean your carpets.

  • Vacuum visible dirt particles and debris.
  • Use water and a residue-removing cleaning solution.
  • Let the solution soak into the carpet for approximately 15 minutes. Refer to the specific product for dilution ratios.
  • Use a wet vacuum to remove the solution, oils and dissolved residue.
  • Rinse with clean water and suction it out with a wet vacuum. You may find that you need to repeat steps 2-4 depending on the amount of damage.
  • Use carpet fans to dry the floor.

Need your premises cleaned to a high standard?

The time, energy, and heavy equipment required to clean commercial carpets can burden any business owner.

If you need carpet cleaning or hard floor maintenance, let the experts at ServiceMaster Clean do the work by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business or calling 0800 021 3970.

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ServiceMaster Clean owner Awarded at Global Business Conclave at the House of Lords

ServiceMaster Clean AAA owner Siva Kugathas has been recognised as a Global Power Leader at the 2025 Global Business Conclave at the House of Lords.

It continues to be a great year for ServiceMaster Clean AAA owner Siva Kugathas, who has already been awarded Commercial Cleaning Company of the Year at the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards and multiple International Brilliance Awards, but has now reached new heights by being invited to attend and speak at the renowned Global Business Conclave at the House of Lords.

To top it all off, Siva was awarded the Global Transformational Leader Award as part of this year’s Global Power Leader awards.

This blog post has all the details.

Global Power Leader Awards: Global Business Conclave

The Global Power Leader Awards, held annually at the Global Business Conclave, celebrate pioneering brands and leaders who have redefined industries through innovation, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

The World Centre for Research and Consulting (WCRCInt) holds the Conclave in the iconic Peers Room of the House of Lords.

The event was attended by over 150 policymakers, executives and thought leaders from over thirty nations, creating a truly global collaboration and community. This included several notable dignitaries including Lords, Ambassadors, Baronesses, and mayors.

Awardees were selected through WCRCInt’s 8-month independent evaluation framework, designed to ensure objectivity and rigor.

Key stages included Global Nominations. These are open submissions from 150+ countries, vetted for eligibility using data-driven analysis evaluating quantitative metrics regarding sustainability market influence and qualitative insights like stakeholder impact and ethical governance.

Awardees were then peer and expert reviewed under assessment from a 25-member panel of industry leaders, academics, and policymakers and third-party audits, where they were validated by independent auditors to confirm transparency and accuracy.

“Our methodology blends innovation with integrity. Every awardee has demonstrated measurable, scalable impact aligned with global sustainability goals,” emphasised Abhimanyu Ghosh, Group Editorial Director of WCRCINT”.

Siva was invited and awarded as a Global Power Leader for his astonishing business transformation and commitment to his people and community and transforming his business from a single area to a 19-territory empire in just a matter of years, all the while hiring over 900 staff in communities across the UK, fostering local talent, and donating countless hours and pounds to charities and sustainable business practices.

Lord Swraj, Chairperson of Jury, WCRCINT &. Global Industrialist underscored the significance of winning such an award:

“The Global Business Conclave 2025 isn’t just an awards ceremony—it’s a movement. These brands and leaders are architects of a new economic paradigm, where profit and purpose coexist.”

Speaking on Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Change

For Siva, one of the highlights of the event was bringing his family in attendance to the House of Lords to support and cheer him on as he accepted his award.

“I was delighted to be invited and to attend, for both myself and my family and my team, this is all testament to our hard work, and I am very grateful for everyone involved and for receiving this once in a lifetime opportunity and recognition.”

Siva was also asked to speak to the other members of the congregation about his journey, thoughts and advice for creating a business that transforms the world around it for the good of all it touches.

Echoing throughout the hallowed halls, Siva called for the other attendees to recognise the success rooted in a strong work ethic and integrity and values that support a healthy business and conscious, highlighting the importance of corporate responsibility and giving back to the community.

“I arrived in the UK at 18 after leaving my home country of Sri Lanka, which, at the time, was in the midst of a civil war, and worked from the minute I arrived on British shores. As a single father, I was determined to make a name and a better life for myself and my family. I have since raised two well-adjusted children into adulthood and am committed to continuing to set a good example for them and those around me.”

“This has informed my approach to doing business, as I am determined to take care of my community and work hard to engage with it at every level through my business. This philanthropic core is also baked into my culture, wherein there is no question or ulterior rationale for ‘giving back’, as it were. Community is everything. So, of course, giving back is just what you do.”

“When I first began my business, one of my goals was always to be a business that cares. In just eight years, we have made a tangible impact on the people in our communities across the UK. We do this through different initiatives, focusing on areas and topics I and my team are impassioned by, whether supporting educational groups and sessions to help support children in underfunded areas, mentorship of staff, combatting homelessness through continued work with our local YMCA, championing local businesses by sponsoring SME awards and accreditations or bettering the environment. It is the latter, though, which has been a key focus for me in recent years, as clients across the sectors we serve increasingly focus on their environmental impact. In our market, sustainability has become a hot-button topic, but many businesses, despite possibly having the most skin in the game, have been slow on the uptake. In fact, Forbes recently estimated that although 90% of companies agree that sustainability is essential, only 60% have implemented any strategy to improve their practices. It’s almost 10 years since Ray Anderson, Founder of Interface, spoke on environmental corporate responsibility and coined the phrase ‘comply is not a vision’.”

“Together, we can shape a future where our businesses—and the communities they serve—thrive because of our commitment to care, responsibility, and sustainability. I hope you’ll all be a part of this journey with me!”

Want an award-winning cleaning service?

If you would benefit from cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business that gives back to their community and planet, call the AAA team today on 0800 047 1747.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more about our services in your area.

3 easy ways to keep your office energy-efficient

Our top tips for creating an energy-efficient office. 

It takes a lot to run a company, from guts to smarts and plenty of funding.

But, there is also a growing focus on collective responsibility.

Although, with the cost-of-living crisis still taking centre stage in the UK, many are focusing on costs above thoughts of sustainability business models.

In fact, according to Forbes, although 90% of businesses think that sustainability is essential, only 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy in place.

However, energy-efficient office conserves money in more ways than you might think.

Saving energy in the office is one of the easiest ways to save money and support the environment.

In this blog post, see how you can make a difference to our planet and your bottom line with three easy ways to keep your office energy-efficient from ServiceMaster Clean.

Easy Office Energy Saving Tips

  1. Replace your light bulbs.

If your lightbulbs are not energy efficient, replace them with ENERGY STAR®-qualified light bulbs, which include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

These use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer.

Yes, you read that right – you save money on energy bills and at the store when you go CFL.

While LED lights are even more energy efficient, they tend to be more cost-prohibitive for businesses.

You can encourage employees with desk lamps to use LED lights or calculate whether the longevity of LED lights is worth the initial investment.

Additionally, remind employees to turn off the unused lights in empty rooms.

Furthermore, open blinds and use natural lighting as often as you can during the day to keep energy use down even more.

  1. Turn off computers when not in use.

One of the most commonly missed office energy-saving tips is turning off equipment at the end of the day or during periods of low usage.

During the day, ask employees to use the hibernation feature on their computers if they step away from their desks.

This mode reduces the energy emitted from the monitors and the computer itself.

You can also shut down computers completely before closing each day for more savings.

Remember that even when electronics are off, they use energy if plugged in.

The NRDC reports that this wasted energy adds up to around the amount of electricity produced by 50 large (500-megawatt) power plants yearly!

If your office is going on a lengthy holiday break, unplug energy-sucking equipment like printers, microwaves, coffee machines, vending machines, lights and more.

  1. Go paperless as often as you can.

Set up systems that allow employees to work electronically as often as possible and only print things when necessary.

This will help prolong the life of your printer, paper and ink/toner and also help reduce your energy costs and protect against deforestation in one fell swoop.

If you must print a document, print it in black and white.

That way, you save money on printer ink or toner and help keep excess consumables, including toner cartridges, from filling landfills.

Also, consider using copy paper with the highest percentage of recycled paper content.

You can also utilize local recycling services for your waste paper.

The future is now.

If you’re ready to make these three easy energy-saving changes, there’s no better time to start than now.

Gather your staff to explain the easy ways to keep your office energy-efficient

Soon, the savings accumulate, and you’ll feel good knowing your business is acting as a responsible corporate citizen.

Get a cleaner office today with ServiceMaster Clean

At ServiceMaster Clean, we’re about all things clean.

That means clean energy and clean offices.

Our businesses across the UK are working hard to offset our carbon emissions and help support our environment through various environmental initiatives.

If your workspace needs a professional and regular cleaning from the experts, think ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services.

By contacting your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business, you benefit from over 60 years of professional and bespoke cleaning expertise from your local experts in high-quality cleaning.

No matter your organization, we go above and beyond to ensure the highest standard of cleaning every single time.

To find out more or receive a free, no-obligation quotation on our services, call 0845 201 1184 today.

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ServiceMaster Clean LNP Supervisor Awarded LCFC Active Woman Award

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP staff member awarded a prestigious award by Leicester City Football Club.

Davinder Ghattoura, Leicester Supervisor for ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP, has been awarded the Active Woman 2023 award by Leicester City Football Club as part of their Leicester City in the Community programme.

Davinder attended an event at King Power Stadium, where she won their most prestigious award.

The accolade recognises her contributions to their Active Women programme.

Moreover, it also recognises Davinder’s embodiment of their core values: engage, inspire and empower through togetherness.

Leicester City Active Women

The Active Woman programme encourages sports engagement for women aged 18-49.

Davinder also won a football signed by the LCFC Women’s Team!

 

Winning the award means a huge amount to Davinder, who, less than a year ago, featured on ITV news representing the programme, and says she is honoured.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “[What was] even more special was sharing this moment with my mum, who had attended with me. [It was] such a proud moment for us to share.”

“The Active Women project has become a part of my life,” she adds.

“I have tried my best at everything I have attended.”

“I will proudly hold the title of Active Women 2023 to engage and inspire more women this year and for years to come.”

The team at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services would like to say a massive well done to Davinder.

We eagerly look forward to seeing how she helps to shape the Active Women programme in the future.

Local people, national expertise, premium service

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we have over 60 years of experience as a national brand.

Our committed business owners supply expert and informed services to businesses in their area.

We’ll also work tirelessly to exceed your expectations by helping you manage the requirements of your premises.

Start working with a cleaner you can trust today and join your local experts working hard to support your community.

If you’re in Leicester, Northampton or Peterborough and the surrounding areas, call 0116 2403757 or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business to book a free, no-obligation quote on our services today.

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ServiceMaster Clean LNP’s Food Bank Partnership with the Trussell Trust

How ServiceMaster Clean LNP is working to support local food banks.

As part of their ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP are supporting local food banks in Leicester, Northampton and Peterborough to help their local community.

Teaming up with the Trussell Trust Network, an organisation that supports a nationwide network of over 1,300 food banks providing emergency food and aid to people facing hardship while campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.

This year, the LNP team are providing food parcels to food banks in Leicester, Northampton & Peterborough for new clients who achieve a specific spend.

Commenting on the initiative, Denise Ces Agraso, Head of Pensions, Payroll and HR at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP says:

“I have been working quietly in the background on this, along with the new Grow My Tree Scheme, after doing some research into what we can offer to all our new clients and give back to the community and discussing the idea with our General Manager, it was a no-brainer.

Food banks are helping more people than ever and provide emergency food and compassionate, dignified support to people locked in crisis. People from every walk of life can no longer afford life’s essentials, and we are proud to be giving a little back to our local communities.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you are in Leicester, Northampton, Peterborough and the surrounding areas, call 0116 2403757 to start working with a cleaner who puts care into everything they do.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business today to receive a free, no-obligation quote on our bespoke and professional cleaning services.

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ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP: Bettering the environment with Grow My Tree Initiatives

How ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP are working with Impact Hero to support the environment with Grow My Tree initiatives.

In today’s world, climate change is an ever-growing factor in our lives and social and moral consciousness.

This naturally affects the way we, as a society, are doing business.

Particularly as more businesses recognise the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as over 52% of business owners believe that a successful CSR strategy can add value to a business.

However, when it comes to sustainability and green initiatives – according to Forbes – although 90% of companies think sustainability is essential, only 60% have implemented a sustainability strategy.

The team at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP are amongst the minority of businesses in the UK, including other ServiceMaster Clean businesses, who are affecting positive change with tree planting initiatives.

Grow My Tree Initiatives

This year, the award-winning team at LNP teamed up with Impact Hero, a platform that empowers companies like ServiceMaster Clean to embody a Net Positive approach to business.

Together, they are working to plant a tree in honour of every new client that achieves a specific spend as part of the team’s ongoing commitment to fight climate change and as an effective and sustainable way forward.

This naturally combats climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, outputting oxygen, and ensuring healthy soil.

One new tree neutralises approximately 22kg of carbon dioxide, and since August, the team have planted 16 trees, the offsetting outcome of which is approximate to the carbon dioxide output of:

  • Consuming 9,600g of beef
  • Consuming 2544kg of vegetables
  • 16 train journeys between Cologne – Munich
  • 3,68% of one person’s annual CO2 emissions

Denise Ces Agraso, Head of Payroll, Pensions, and HR at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services LNP, says:

“We are delighted to report that since teaming up with Impact Hero, we have planted 16 trees!”

“We believe that taking action against climate change is crucial, and we are proud to offer this unique opportunity to new clients.”

“Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment.”

The value of a cleaner who cares

The LNP team care about their customers and environment and goes above and beyond the call of duty.

We know that the value of a good service goes beyond just cost.

Therefore, we pride ourselves on building long-lasting relationships with our clients.

This helps us to know, meet, and exceed your expectations and deliver the service you deserve every time.

Need a new cleaner?

If you are in Leicester, Northampton, Peterborough and the surrounding areas, call 0116 2403757 to contact the cleaners that care.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business today to receive a free, no-obligation quote on our bespoke and professional cleaning services.

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Cleaning for the Commonwealth Games

How the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mercia team supported the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The spirit of the Commonwealth Games for Birmingham 2022 was all about inclusion and togetherness. As the first Commonwealth Games with a fully integrated para-sports programme, the games celebrated unity in the city, with volunteers, athletes, and supporters coming together to enjoy weeks of sportsmanship from across the Commonwealth.

The number of people that came to Birmingham to work and partake in the games was immense, and a lot of preparation was needed to get everything in order. Especially as the number of people the city had to house was more than hotels could handle alone. This led to spaces from other sectors, such as Birmingham’s student accommodation buildings taking in athletes, staff, volunteers, security, dancers and more for the duration of the games.

One such property was Onyx, a pre-existing client of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mercia, and one of the largest student accommodations in Birmingham city. Mark Harden of ServiceMaster Clean Mercia sat down with us during the Commonwealth Games to talk about his team’s work for Onyx throughout the event.

The brief

“This is the second year we’ve done the student accommodation cleaning at Onyx,” Mark tells us. The contract for this job came about last year when Onyx reached out for a quote for regular cleaning services. At this point, the building had been recently refurbished, increasing its size substantially.

“[There are] three blocks to it, it’s massive,” Mark says. “Due to our presence in the Birmingham City Centre area, they asked a ServiceMaster Mercia to quote, which myself and Ashley, our business development manager [did].”

Due to careful staff management and the growth of the business, the Mercia team were able to deliver exceptional service and return this year, with the Onyx team putting down the additional challenge of assisting them with cleaning for the Commonwealth Games. In a regular year like last year, cleaning the Onyx premises involves cleaning student bedrooms and kitchens ready for the new students to arrive. But with the building being utilised for the Commonwealth Games, a huge number of rooms had to be cleaned in a tight timeframe.

 “From the 21st of July to the 28th/29th, when the Commonwealth started, we had to get all these rooms cleaned. So, I think we did about 350 rooms for the Commonwealth and about 70 kitchens just in that week!”

How we managed the job

This meant that excellent communication was needed and the Mercia team had to work closely with the building managers and their staff.

“[We] have to work very closely with the Onyx team providing continuous updates and adding value through reporting any important information such as maintenance issues which they can rectify,” Mark says.

In this way, partnerships were a key part of the team getting the job done to the best possible standard, including helping manage the large workload. As Mark tells us, this meant having “At the max … between 35 and 40 staff on-site,” including Mark, and a supervisor running them.

“At that volume of people, you needed a high level of management support [to make] sure the team is set up, the stock is set up, dishing out work and [we are] feeding back to the in-house staff as well,” he explains.

These numbers meant that the team could take a methodical and highly efficient approach to cleaning each room.

“The structure is a team of say 5-6 people who go into one dorm, each one will pick up one room. And then generally, three people will work on a kitchen maximum, so they split it between them.”

The team then used some of our very own ServiceMaster chemicals, which work at the highest standard to return these rooms to the best condition possible before reporting any damage to rooms from student tenants, which might include cracked hobs, induction hobs, faulty fridges, damage to floors, or damage to furniture.

Going above and beyond

The Mercia team has also been helping out throughout the games by cleaning for a facility that is owned by West Midlands Police, which was used to feed athletes and staff during the games. This meant Mark and the team had to be even more flexible with their operation and working times, because of the tight security around the games.

“We had to change our cleaning times with the cleaners to early morning and late evenings that we go in so that we weren’t around because security was so tight, we couldn’t be around when athletes were present. So, we had to prep it ready for evening and morning meals. We did late evenings till about 1:00 am after the athletes had eaten and … then we would return in the mornings so that they could clean after the breakfast period.”

The result

At the close of the job, Mark reflects that the teamwork and unity of the games have been mirrored throughout the entirety of this job, which has left him satisfied at overcoming a challenging clean and feeling closer to the games that have put Birmingham on the world stage.

“It’s been enjoyable to get it done,” he says. “And you do feel connected to the games. In Birmingham, it’s been a great atmosphere. You see all the people and volunteers, and speaking to them every one is enjoying it.”

Need a new cleaner?

Do you have large premises? Would you benefit from regular cleaning by your local professionals? With a team equipped with the best tools and knowledge for the job, backed by a franchisor with over 60 years of experience as an internationally recognised leader in the cleaning industry, Mark and the rest of the ServiceMaster Contract Services Mercia team can help. Get in touch by giving them a call on 0300 003 7042 today for a free quote. Or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business here.

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Charity sale to raise funds for a local charity GAIN

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Jemsl (West London, North Surrey & Hertfordshire) are keen to give back to their local community and support locally based charities.

Most recently the team held a sale to raise funds for a local charity GAIN (Grantham’s Autism Information Network).

raise funds for a local charity GAIN raise funds for a local charity GAIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain is a charity employee Jackie supports and volunteers for on a regular basis and this event saw the wider team contribute and helped raise £160 from colleagues and over £670 from sales so far for the charity.

GAIN offer a local support group for families with children on the autism spectrum, including arranging social events with local businesses, autism friendly cinema viewings, sporting activities, holiday clubs, coffee mornings and a helpline.

If you would like to know more about GAIN, visit their website.

If you are looking for a company that goes “Above & Beyond” to help your with your commercial cleaning requirements, get in touch with ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Jemsl(West London, North Surrey & Hertfordshire) for a free no-obligation quotation today.

Simple steps to spring clean your office

For the best results during your office spring clean, be sure to follow our office spring cleaning checklist

For most, spring has become synonymous with cleaning. Spring cleaning is now a yearly ritual in our homes that gives us the time and space to declutter and tidy everything that has fallen into disarray over the past few months. But what about your office?

Your workspace is just as important to keep clean and tidy as your home. In fact, studies have found that keeping a clean work environment can have an impact on employees’morale, productivity, and mood – reducing both tiredness and procrastination. However, in most offices, carrying out a thorough spring clean amidst looming deadlines, meetings, presentations, and more meetings, is not a top priority.

But not to worry, there are ways to simplify the process and make spring cleaning your office free of hassle. Here are some simple steps you can take to make spring cleaning your office easy.

1. Clean your desk

The best approach to cleaning rooms in your office is to start at the top and work your way down. Therefore, begin with your desk. This primary workstation is where you spend most of your time and can become crowded easily, piling up with papers, stationery, and electronics.

This means it also can be a hotspot for germs, dust, and general unpleasantness. Therefore, decluttering and cleaning your desk is highly likely to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing.

Make sure to also re-organise your desk drawers. Be ruthless, get rid of anything you do not need, and make sure that you have a proper filing system for everything that you do. Once your desk space is clear and organised, you can clean it by wiping the surface down with a clean, damp microfiber rag, and replacing items one by one.

As you put the desk back together, think carefully about what needs to be kept close at hand and what can be stored or filed. Items you use frequently should maintain their space on the desktop, while other, lesser-used items can be stored or filed away. When disposing of paper materials, the best course of action is to be sure to shred sensitive documents and recycle the scraps.

2. Clean monitor and computer equipment

Especially if you spend all day at your desk – including your lunch break – your keyboard and other computer equipment are probably not the cleanest. To clean your computer equipment thoroughly:

• Disconnect your keyboard from your computer or monitor. If you are using a laptop, then make sure it is turned off before you start.
• Flip your keyboard or laptop upside down to get any initial crumbs, hair, and other debris out of the hard to reach areas.
• Use the duster appliance on your vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air to get rid of any remaining debris that is still lingering in between the keys.
• Take an antibacterial wipe, cotton bud, or a piece of kitchen roll and dip it into some antiseptic disinfectant (which you can purchase at most supermarkets) and rub it between and along the keys of your keyboard. Make sure to use a light touch, as getting your electronics too damp is dangerous.
• Use a microfiber cloth to clean up the remaining disinfectant and polish the keys.

Taking the computer clean-up one step further, you may also want to tidy your files on yourdevice, by decluttering your desktop and getting rid of old and unnecessary files. For extra security, it is also a good idea to back up your files to either cloud or external hard drive and change your passwords on important applications and devices.  

3. Clean kitchens, break rooms and bathrooms

Perhaps even more so than any other office space, kitchens, break rooms, and bathrooms must be kept in a clean and sanitary state. Particularly in communal buildings like offices, these spaces can be especially prone to the spread of harmful bacteria. So, be sure to clean equipment within them such as microwaves, coffee machines, kettles and fridges thoroughly, and wipe down any surfaces and appliances like sinks with a strong antibacterial cleaner. For a proper spring clean, you can also sort through cupboards and drawers in kitchens and break rooms and dispose of old or expired food and drinks, replacing the essentials.

4. Clean your floors

Cleaning both your carpet and hardwood floors can be difficult without the proper equipment but can go a long way toward making your office look and feel fresh. Luckily, we have written a whole blog post on the best way to clean different types of flooring in your office.

And if all of this feels like too much work to juggle alongside your regular workload, do not hesitate to get in touch with us by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business. With the proper tools for thorough office cleaning and over 60 years of experience as an industry leader in the commercial cleaning sector, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services can provide your office with the care it deserves, at a time that suits you.

Call 0845 201 1184 to learn more or request a quote today.

 

Written by Tom Page, Digital Content Writer

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And…. She DID IT

A huge well done to Joanne Taplin-Knight, Office Manager for ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services London City.

On Saturday 19th June, despite a long wait for the weather to clear, Joanne finally got to jump out of a plane

“I have to say that it was the most terrifying thing I have ever done but an amazing experience and I’m so glad I had the courage to do it!”

All in all, I have raised a staggering £3,500 for Ronald McDonald House Charities, they think I am the highest single jumper fundraiser which is totally overwhelming and I have you all to thank for helping me to achieve this.

I am grateful beyond words for your kind donations and know that it will help the charity tremendously, thank you so much for having faith in me.” Said Joanne.

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Read more about Joanne’s story, here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-taplin-knight

Want to know more about Ronald McDonald House Charities? Here you can find out how they help keep families together through difficult times. You can also learn about making your own contribution to fundraising –  https://rmhc.org.uk/

If you are looking for a company that goes “Above & Beyond” to help your with your commercial cleaning requirements, get in touch with ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services London City for a free no-obligation quotation today.

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“Above & Beyond” rather than “to infinity and beyond” for Joanne from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services London City

Joanne Taplin-Knight, Office Manager for ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services London City is daring to go “Above & Beyond” for charity.

On 19th June, Joanne will be going ‘above’ the skyline and ‘beyond’ her comfort zone, by taking part in a skydive to help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at specialist children’s hospitals across the UK, enabling families to stay close to their sick child and maintain a degree of normal family life.

This charity is particular close to Joanne’s heart. A close friend of hers suddenly found herself in a position where the support of the charity was much needed. Her son had fallen 30ft from an abandoned building, suffering a serious brain injury and ending up in a coma for weeks.

Joanne has already smashed her first target of £800, just surpassed her second target of £1200 and is now aiming even higher to support this worthwhile cause.

Read more about Joanne’s story, and if you would like to support Joanne and this worthwhile cause, you can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-taplin-knight

Want to know more about Ronald McDonald House Charities? Here you can find out how they help keep families together through difficult times. You can also learn about making your own contribution to fundraising –  https://rmhc.org.uk/

If you are looking for a company that goes “Above & Beyond” to help your with your commercial cleaning requirements, get in touch with ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services London City for a free no-obligation quotation today.

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Celebrating 30 years of success in Mid Anglia

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia franchise was an obvious investment choice for Simon Taplin. The decision was inspired by a desire to work for himself but with the support of a franchisor, following many years of employment in multi-national corporations.

From the outset, Simon believed that the ServiceMaster Clean business format was well thought out, well tested, and offered a clear path to success.

Joining a growing and successful franchise meant that thorough training was provided from the outset with ongoing training and support from ServiceMaster. This made a valuable contribution to the growth and success of the business.

By following the ServiceMaster system, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia have been able offer a complete package of commercial cleaning services. Their comprehensive range of cleaning services enables them to gain contracts with many large and well know organisations at both local and national level.

In 2018, Simon decided to retire from his role as Managing Director. Simon remains the owner of the business but took the decision to step down from operations, allowing himself more personal time and for younger members of the family business to advance. For Simon, there was a clear choice as to who should replace his role.

Having joined the business in 1995 as a mobile cleaner, Malcolm Bennett, Simon’s Step Son had worked his way up through the ranks. This progressive career route provided Malcolm with valuable first-hand knowledge of all areas of the business and the ideal skill-set to step into the role. As Managing Director, Malcolm truly understands what makes a thriving commercial cleaning business.

The business has provided much more than just a career for Malcolm. Through working in the company, Malcolm in fact met his wife, Andrea. The couple now have two children, who, following in the family footsteps, work part-time in the business.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia now employ 140 staff, including Management, Warehouse, Administration and a Telesales team. Testament to their strong focus on employee engagement, the company still employs one of the original staff members, 30 years on!

With the company not only expanding in terms of client numbers but also geographical coverage,
their vehicle fleet and premises too have grown. They currently operate a fleet of 8 ServiceMaster vehicles, making sure the business can continue to provide a first-class cleaning service to their clients wherever they are located.

In terms of premises, the business was originally based in Simon’s house, as the way many small businesses start out. Following continued growth, in 2002, the operation moved to a purpose industrial unit. Fast forward 8 years and with expanding employee numbers, the business had again out-grown it’s site, prompting the business to relocate to their current location, just outside the beautiful cathedral city of Ely.

Following the success of the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia business, Malcolm’s plans to expand the business further. In early 2021 the decision was made, to invest in another ServiceMaster Clean territory, with the purchase of the Norfolk territory. The investment in the new territory seemed a fitting way to celebrate 30 successful years to date. The team at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia and Norfolk very much look forward to continuing their provision of first-rate cleaning services, working with more clients and achieving further success.

If you are not totally happy with your current commercial cleaning provider, get in touch with ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia and Norfolk today, call 0800 085 3541 or request a quote.

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Spring cleaning tips for Facilities Managers

With blossom on the trees and the first flowers in bloom, spring is truly a season for renewal. As the weather warms, there’s no better time for facility managers to freshen up their buildings with a few fixes and improvements. Prepare your facility with these simple spring cleaning tips for facility managers.

Take A Good Look Around

Before the cleaning begins, pinpoint your facility’s biggest problem areas. Remember, small problems can quickly become big, expensive issues if they’re not addressed immediately. Be thorough in your examination and ask the janitorial team to take a tour of the facilities with you. Trusted experts are excellent at pointing out problems you might not have noticed otherwise.

There are several areas of a facility that are prime candidates for wear and tear. Cold temperatures, excess moisture, and salt tracked inside from the street can damage many different surfaces and materials. Pay special attention to the following trouble spots:

  • Ceilings
  • Corner guards
  • Doors and cabinets
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flooring tiles
  • Light switches
  • Storage shelves
  • Tiles and grout

Commercial Spring Cleaning Tips And Tricks

Did you know that having a clean workplace can actually help increase productivity and boost morale? Take the time to spruce up your space, and welcome everyone into a sparkling office this spring. Use these three simple spring cleaning tips to cover the most important areas:

Deep clean the problem spots

With lockdown starting to ease and people getting back to work, the increased footfall is going to have a toll on flooring, it’s vital to shampoo carpets and properly clean hardwood, tile, and concrete floors before their return and on at least an annual basis.

Working with a professional janitorial team can often be the most convenient and efficient method of deep cleaning a commercial property’s floors and carpets. Winter boots bring the season’s road salt, dirt, and snow into all these spaces and can cause damage to surfaces and fixtures, and professionals can often help you identify areas in need of additional care or repair, as well.

Improve your facilities exterior

Put your best foot forward by freshening up your building’s exterior this spring. During winter, wood and cement work are particularly vulnerable to damage, especially around main entrances and other areas with heavy foot traffic. Beyond structural repairs, sweeping or spraying down exterior walkways, washing windows, and other basic commercial building maintenance can go a long way toward improving the impression your business makes on the outside world. Don’t forget to clean off and inspect your roof for damage, as well.

Test the air conditioning system

While spring may seem too early to turn on the air, we recommend testing these systems well in advance of when you need them. Once the summer’s heatwaves arrive, a faulty A/C unit is the last thing your business needs. Since these cooling systems often go unused all winter, they are susceptible to dust and dirt buildup, which could lead to lower efficiency, unpleasant smells, increased allergens, and even unit failure.

Need help implementing these tips? Contact the experts at ServiceMaster Clean to help you deep clean your facilities on a schedule and budget that works for you. Ready to handle even the toughest grime, we can polish and repair every inch of your building. Dirty carpets, cracked grout, and streaked windows are no match for our team members, because we’re never satisfied until you are. Contact us now to learn more.

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Investing in the future and cleaning up in Norfolk

Simon Taplin has owned ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia for over 30 years and has grown it into a successful business with many loyal clients and a good reputation among the local businesses throughout Mid Anglia. Simon’s Son in Law Malcolm Bennett is now managing director and together they have made the decision to expand the business for the next generation, and have invested in ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Norfolk.

Cleaning has become so much more important now, than ever in the commercial world. To ServiceMaster Clean, it has always been our priority but to many, cleaning never was. Since COVID-19 has changed and business owners, schools, nurseries and even healthcare providers are taking good cleaning more seriously and understand that using a professional company is the best way to get the cleaning done well.

Having gained over 30 years of experience in the commercial cleaning industry, Simon, Malcolm and their team are delighted to be able to provide their professional commercial cleaning services to businesses, educational establishments and healthcare providers throughout Norfolk and are looking forward to working with new clients, especially as we ease further out of lockdown and start getting back to some kind of normality.

“We invested in CS Norfolk as it looked a good business opportunity to expand into an area close to us with good transport links from our office, with large established and growing Business/Commercial Parks but an area that allowed us to support those businesses with our established cleaning operation team, making sure we could deliver a professional service throughout Norfolk, gained through our current CS Mid Anglia Franchise where we have been providing cleaning services to clients for 30 years’ now. Some of our oldest client we have had from the start.

As Norfolk boarders CS Mid Anglia and is close to our office, most of our staff live within its borders so we have a good background knowledge of the business within the area, the competition and our vehicles are already seen driving around.” Said Malcolm Bennett, Managing Director of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia and Norfolk.

“Both Simon and Malcolm are very knowledgeable about the commercial cleaning industry and we know they will be able to make the most of their knowledge and build many great relationships with their new clients in the Norfolk area”, added Guy Strang, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Brand Manager.

We wish Simon and Malcolm all the best with their new business venture and we’ll be here to help in any way we can along their journey.

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The germiest public places

With the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe and clean is more important than ever before, however, public spaces can house thousands of germs. Light switches, door handles, community kitchens, sink faucets – you name it, there are probably germs nesting on it. Consider how many surfaces you touch every day. If you touch it, several other people most likely touched it before you. Find out where the most germs in public places exist and how you can avoid them with tips from ServiceMaster Clean.

Germs In Doctors’ Offices

Visiting a doctor’s office is unavoidable. However, it’s not exactly the place you’d want to be if you needed to avoid germs. Offices including your general practitioner, a paediatrician and urgent care are riddled with germs from sick patients. Writing utensils, chairs, doorknobs and exam tables likely cling to germs, putting you at risk for exposure.

How To Avoid Them

To avoid germs at a doctor’s office, follow these tips:

  • Pack your own tissues and hand sanitisers.
  • Sit far away from other sick patients to put space between yourself and their germs.
  • Bring your own reading material.
  • When taking your child to the doctor, bring his or her favourite toys to keep them from touching germ-infested toys at the office.

Germs In Restaurants

While health officers may inspect restaurant kitchens to ensure practices are hygienic, the same inspection doesn’t occur in the restaurant’s seating area. Here, hidden germs can multiply in areas that aren’t sanitised as often as they should be. For example, restaurant menus are quickly handed from one guest to the next. Condiment bottles and salt and pepper shakers typically aren’t wiped down in between guests, either. Even the booth you’re sitting in may not be completely germ-free before you sit down.

How To Avoid Them When They Reopen

To avoid germs in a restaurant, follow these tips:

  • Sanitise condiment bottles or use a disinfectant wipe before you touch them.
  • Ask the server to wipe down the booth with a sanitiser cloth before you sit.
  • Never let your menu touch your plate or silverware.
  • Keep silverware on a napkin or your plate, never on the table.

Germs In Bathrooms

Even when regularly cleaned, public bathrooms contain plenty of germs. Germs can be found on the toilet seat handle, stall handle, bathroom faucet, and bathroom door, among other areas. To help cut down on the amount of germ transfer, many public restrooms today have installed hands-free devices like toilets, sinks and dryers. However, germs can still spread.

How To Avoid Them

If the public restroom you’re visiting doesn’t have handle-free equipment, you can avoid germs by following these tips:

  • Use a paper towel to touch handles.
  • Never set things like jackets or purses on the bathroom floor.
  • Don’t stick around after the toilet flushes, since the force could cause bacteria to fly into the air and land on your clothes.
  • If you can manage, try flushing the toilet with your foot to avoid touching the handle.
  • Learn how to wash your hands properly so they stay clean in every public space.

Germs In Offices

Offices are filled with shared workspaces that build up germs. Surfaces like the printer, fax machine, coffee maker, refrigerator, telephones and desks can go weeks or even months without being sanitized, putting you at risk for illness.

How To Avoid Them

To avoid germs at work, follow these tips:

  • Use a printable office cleaning checklist to keep your space neat and tidy.
  • Sanitize your work station daily.
  • Designate an employee in your office to be in charge of sanitizing common areas, like the kitchen or conference room.
  • Use a professional cleaning service to deeply clean your office and create a healthier work environment.

If you need a professional cleaning service to sanitize your public space, call the experts at ServiceMaster Clean our genuine commitment to offering you the best service with the proper tools, equipment, training and expertise, we can be there for you 24/7, any day of the year. Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean to find out more today.

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Office cleaning business owner picks up three awards

Owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Durham & Teesside, Chris Blewitt picked up three awards at the annual ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Award Ceremony this year, ‘Rookie of The Year’, ‘Growth Award for Turnover Greater Than £100,000′ and ‘Recommending a New Franchisee’.

The Rookie of The Year award is given to those who are new to the ServiceMaster brand and have performed to a high standard and grown successfully in their first few years of trading.

Chris won the Growth Award for having a yearly turnover greater than £100,000 for 2019. This is a fantastic result from Chris and his team to reach a turnover this high.

A brand-new award that ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services issued this year was the ‘Recommending a New Franchisee’ award, which was given to Chris because of recommended another individual, Asim Sibtain, to buy a franchise and the sale was made in August this year.

Chris Blewitt, owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Durham & Teesside said;

“I am delighted to have picked up the 3 awards at the recent ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services awards ceremony. In particular, it was great for us to be awarded the ‘Rookie of the Year’ for the best new coming business. It is a credit to the hard work of our team. Starting as the first brand new franchisee in almost 10 years was a bit daunting but with a lot of hard work and the support of ServiceMaster, in less than 3 years we have built a sizeable business from scratch with significant plans for growth in 2021”.

We look forward to seeing Chris’s business grow and with his attitude and work ethic, we’re sure these won’t be the only awards he’ll receive while owning a ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business.

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Preparing your office for the winter

As the temperatures drop, it’s time for businesses, offices and other facilities to prep for winter and the hazards it can bring, especially in areas that are more likely to receive ice and snow.

ServiceMaster Clean knows you want to keep your employees, clients and visitors safe year-round and that winter presents unique challenges. Before you switch the thermostat from cool to heat, learn how to get ready for winter in commercial settings to ensure that all of your people stay safe this season.

Keeping your air-conditioning clean

Replacing your air-conditioning/heating unit filters and making sure the ductwork, vents, registers, coils, drain pans and all other components are clean supports healthy indoor air quality for everyone in your premises.

That’s why we’d recommend getting your commercial building’s air-conditioning/heating system inspected before winter each year and cleaning the ducts if it’s necessary. Keeping the filters, vents and ductwork clean help allow for proper air circulation and ventilation.

Prepare your slip and fall solutions

Melting snow and ice can quickly become hazardous when tracked into your building or pooled around it outside. The best way to prevent slip and fall incidents in the workplace is to prepare to handle them before the winter weather hits – inside and out.

Outside, arrange for regular snow removal services to keep paths, walkways and parking lots as free of snow as possible. Maintain a protocol for salting or sanding icy areas to reduce the risk of slips and falls on-site.

Inside, place non-slip mats at all entrances to reduce the spread of melting snow and ice on floors. Schedule regular office janitorial services during the holiday season to help maintain hazard-free areas and further reduce the risk of avoidable accidents when you’re too busy to take care of the cleaning yourself.

Remove salt from your floors

Ice melt and salt are great at preventing slippery patches outdoors during the winter.

However, these chemicals are easily tracked inside on shoes and rolling bags, leaving ugly white stains and even damaging your floors. Regularly cleaning ice salt off your floors will help maintain the beauty of your carpet, hardwood, tile and other flooring materials. Luckily, the professional janitorial teams at ServiceMaster Clean can help keep your floors shining all season long, too – whether you waited too long to get ready for winter or just need a little help to keep up.

We know it’s important for your business to look pristine and stay safe year-round, even during the worst of the winter weather.

Ensure your offices are COVID safe

Unfortunately, COVID-19 will still be impacting the UK and businesses during the coming months and well into 2021, therefore you’ll need to ensure your office is being regularly cleaned as per COVID-19 cleaning guidelines.

Trust the teams at ServiceMaster Clean to help you get ready for winter this year, and keeping your premises COVID safe, by letting us handle all your commercial janitorial needs. We know what it takes to keep a business looking its best all year long. Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean and find out more about our services today.

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What does a post Covid-19 office look like?

The entire office culture across the UK has completely changed and most businesses will not return back to normal, instead a ‘new normal’ will have to be put in place.

Following lockdown, many businesses are gradually starting the process of getting their staff back to work and there are changes to the offices that have had to be made post-coronavirus.

Returning to work will have to happen in stages and the transition time will be stressful for all involved.

 

What returning to work will look like

Offices around the world are having to change the way they operate, it that means doing flexible working, for example, three days in the office and two days working remotely, or limiting the amount of staff in the offices completely, is something that has to be done.

Having an office presence is important for both processes and cultural practices and it’s going to be tempting to revert back to pre-pandemic. To help stop the spread of COVID-19 this needs to be watched carefully and enforced within the office environment.

There are three employee segments that can be considered:

  • Fully Remote working (All work can be completed at home, like a marketing role for example)
  • Hybrid Remote (As mentioned above, working at the office and at home on split days)
  • On-Site (For those that physically have to be in work, like tradespeople, cleaners etc)

 Get together with your employees and ask them what they’d prefer and if suitable for the type of business bring in the practices they want.

Redesigning the workplace

The pre-pandemic typical office was likely a mixture of private offices and open desks with staff sat side by side, meeting rooms and shared amenities. Well, this is not the case now as new measures have to be in place to keep your staff safe.

Businesses need to create workspaces to keep all employees safe, here are a few examples:

  1. Social Distancing measures must be put in place, meaning the staff are more spread out, although this does mean less staff will be allowed in the offices
  2. Bring in separate cubicles for all employees, protected with screens if needed, block off alternative desks in open-plan offices
  3. Staggered break times to ensure only a limited number of employees are in break out areas at any one time
  4. Introduce a one-way system around the office premises to ensure staff are socially distanced as much as possible
  5. Hand sanitising stations at entry and exit points, also if possible on all employees’ desks

Now is the time to initiate change

Employers around the UK need to start experimenting with bringing their employees back to offices if this isn’t possible then make working remotely more efficient by introducing more organisational digital software.

Experimenting isn’t going to hurt, if something doesn’t work for your company, try something different.

New cleaning measures are a must

Cleaning your office more effectively during and after the pandemic is vital and new cleaning regimes MUST be implemented to keep all employees safe.

Your new cleaning regime should include regular cleaning of high touch point areas on top of your regular cleaning, more frequent cleaning in high traffic areas should also be considered.

If there’s a case within your offices then a deep clean, disinfection and sanitisation should be considered before allowing people back into a possibly contaminated space.

Getting the right cleaning regime in place now, supported by the right professional cleaning company, offers reassurance for you, your employees and any visitors to your building.

If you have been doing the cleaning yourself or not getting the right level of support from your cleaning company it’s time to get in touch with your local ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services company, where you know you can rely on local commitment with national support and over 60 years of experience in the cleaning industry in the UK.