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Ultra microfibre success at Giggleswick
“Cleaning with Vikan ErgoClean ultra microfibre cloths and mops leads to vastly improved cleaning results, financial savings, a happier workforce as well as a healthier environment.” So said the domestic manager of Giggleswick, one of the UK’s leading co-educational boarding schools.
Maintaining high levels of cleanliness throughout the extensive premises of this public school with its 600 pupils and seven boarding houses was no mean feat. With many issues to contend with, the domestic manager was encouraged to trial the ultra microfibre system.
The results spoke for themselves..and there was no turning back. So it was an end to chemicals (apart from toilet cleaners) as the entire cleaning operation was turned over to ultra microfibres.
It was soon discovered that without chemicals, surfaces not only stay cleaner longer but actually shine. Flat mopping floors, the ErgoClean way, with the appropriate ultra microfibre mophead (which sweeps as it cleans) for each floor type, offers quick, easy, effective cleaning results.
It is estimated that savings on chemicals amount to several hundreds of pounds per year. But there’s more. The school’s medical team has identified a considerable drop in the number of breathing complaints since the Vikan ultra microfibre system was introduced.
Available in five different colour coded options, ErgoClean mops and cloths have a 500 wash and use guarantee.
www.vikan.co.uk
Regent boosts contracts by £3 million in national drive
New business gains worth over £3 million secured by Regent Cleaning in recent months span the commercial, educational, leisure and health sectors.
Regent’s Stadia & Leisure business, spearheaded by its long-standing contract with Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, has grown further with the company’s appointment to provide cleaning services at the city’s SWALEC Stadium, home to Glamorgan Cricket Club.
Over the past 12 months, the ground has hosted an Ashes Test Match, a cabinet meeting with Gordon Brown, the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Awards, the Welsh Conservative Party Conference and recently was the training venue for the new John Lewis store in Cardiff.
Talent-spotted for its work in Cardiff, Regent has also won the contract to clean Headingley Cricket Stadium in Leeds. Further Wales contracts have been secured at Monmouth‘s Leisure Centre and Comprehensive School.
Public sector contracts have been won by Regent Cleaning for Sandwell Borough Council’s schools and Hertfordshire County Council’s Town Hall.
The company has expanded its contract with South Yorkshire Fire Service to cover over 30 stations across the county and has been appointed to provide cleaning services to IKEA’s store in Croydon, Surrey. Regent already cleans the home interiors retail giant’s outlet at Cardiff.
Further commercial division gains for Regent include offices operated by Autotrader publisher Trade & Media in Manchester, Newbury and Glasgow, as well as the London and Manchester offices of the British Council.
Regent has further renewed and expanded its contract for British Airways/EMCOR offices at London Heathrow Airport.
A successful re-tender for cleaning at Havering College of Further Education in Essex includes Regent taking on the management of the College’s recycling scheme. Regent provides daily cleaning of offices and classrooms supported by deep cleaning to fabrics, together with the provision of consumables, deploying a team of 50 cleaners to five sites in the Hornchurch area operated by the college.
Regent’s healthcare division continues to expand, along with its contract to clean 56 sites operated by the NHSl Blood and Transfusion Service.
www.regentcleaning.com
Niche cleaning opportunity for Weaver Property Management
Based on the von Schrader Esprit, the newly introduced Aridex machine uses the same low moisture technology but has been designed especially for smaller commercial facilities within the British market. In fact, many owner operators are now finding that the Aridex can also open up new niche marketing opportunities, especially when working with delicate and expensive fabrics and upholstery.
This is a scenario perfectly illustrated by David Weaver of Weaver Property Management in Rutland, who now uses the Aridex System when working with local antique dealers and with some of his private customers.
The company is already well known in the area for its specialist ability to deal with delicate luxury carpets and upholstery and was recently called in to look at two 100 year old French chairs, a matching pair in carved wood. The customer had requested that they were to be freshened up a little but not reupholstered to maintain the authenticity. There were problems to overcome - the fabric, on account of its age, was extremely delicate with loose threads and in a few places the fringe had become detached. Wet cleaning would have seriously damaged the fabric even further and would have caused the filling, hessian or horse hair, to stain the fabric and detergent would have bleached out the colour altogether - too much agitation from hard brushes would also have compromised the ageing cotton.
David Weaver said: “The Aridex system was the only answer - the machine ensured that we had total control over the drying time, detergent ph strength and agitation. The chairs were firstly vacuumed carefully, revealing that the fabric on the arms of the chairs was badly stretched and therefore incredibly fragile. We then hand massaged the Aridex’s foam into the fabric and because it dried in a matter of minutes there was never any danger of browning or staining. The end result was as near perfect as could be attained and the chairs will now hopefully carry on looking their best for another 100 years!”
Mike Egerton, managing director of Host von Schrader UK, said: “The Aridex is an extremely versatile system and offers numerous opportunities to work with and successfully clean fine and delicate fabrics and upholstery. Its integrated vacuum is used to remove dry soil. Having removed the dry soil, the machine generates a thick detergent foam. The millions of foam bubbles encapsulate and emulsify any sticky soil that remains on the upholstery fabric. This foam is brushed onto and into the surface of the upholstery by the Aridex’s unique brushing system. The brush head has two counter rotating brushes and this means that even the most delicate of fabric can be cleaned. After brushing the soiled foam is removed by the vacuum. Upholstery is generally dry and ready for use within two hours. Because limited moisture is used - at least 90% less water is used that comparable wet systems - fabric has less chance of fabric shrinkage. The range of detergents available means that virtually all fabrics can be cleaned safely, there is even a detergent specifically designed for leather. All detergents are safe, non toxic and biodegradable.”
www.hostvonschrader.co.uk
Truvox appoints European sales manager
Paul Barton has joined Truvox International as European sales manager. He was previously international business development manager with Bertello SpA, an Italian manufacturer of automated storage and handling systems for office and industrial sectors. He has a wealth of experience with distributors and this will be extremely useful in his new role of managing and motivating Truvox’s distributors of floor care equipment. He said: “The challenge of developing and motivating existing distributors for Truvox all over Europe is a very exciting one. My international business development skills, I believe, will be a great asset when setting up new distribution agreements and nurturing long lasting profitable business relationships.”
WCEC installs new Master
The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners recently held its annual ceremony of Installation and Rededication at the historic Guild Church of St Olaves’s within the City of London.
Following the ancient traditions of the City Liveries, Barrie P Torbett was installed as Master for the year ensuing, who then installed Peter Holt and Peter Robb as the Senior and Junior Wardens. Having served as Master during 2009/2010 Jack D Amos takes over the duties as Deputy Master.
Following the church service, an Installation Banquet was held in the Egyptian Room at Mansion House where many leading figures from the cleaning industry were joined by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Nick Anstee and his Civic Party, as well as members of the RAMC who have strong connections with the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.
KM Cleaning appoints London contracts manager
KM Cleaning Services, which specialises in bespoke and flexible cleaning packages, has promoted James Sanchez to London contracts manager. Sanchez has worked for KM Cleaning Services since its creation in March 2007, his first role being as a site supervisor at Sony London looking after two West End buildings. A successful 12 months passed and Sanchez extended his supervisory duties to other West End accounts and by February 2010, he was effectively acting as a junior contracts manager.
Mark Quinnell, operations director at KM Cleaning Services, decided Sanchez had displayed skills as a supervisor and manager, so it was decided to promote him to London contracts manager. Quinnell said: “We were delighted when James accepted his promotion to London contracts manager as he has been keeping our existing London customers happy for over four years. He has helped grow our business since the start so it’s wonderful to reward some who has been so loyal.”
