Contract Cleaning in London: 4 Things You Need To Know
Is your company looking to hire a contracting cleaning company in London? Here are four key factors to keep in mind.
Cleaning is an essential part of everyday life, whether it’s for residential or commercial purposes.
It is equally important for professional organisations to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in commercial spaces as it is for residential owners. For companies, maintaining a clean work or commercial environment is not only essential for the safety of company workers and their customers. It also reflects well on their priorities and general brand quality.
London, being a hub of corporate offices and a booming retail industry, has experienced a steady increase in demand for contract cleaning services. Companies looking to hire cleaning agencies in central London should choose carefully, assessing the following factors when seeking out a contract.
1. Contract cleaners in London are licensed, insured and follow regulations
In order to offer professional contract cleaning services, agencies need to have the necessary licence to operate within a commercial space. They must also be insured and take liability for their employees. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills also requires contract cleaners to consider the Transfer of Undertakings Regulation, which stipulates that contract cleaners should take on janitorial or cleaning staff already employed by the company that requires commercial cleaning in the first place.
While many customers may not be aware of these legal requirements, it is essential that companies hire contract cleaners who follow one or more of these provisions. Many clients fail to understand the importance of hiring a licensed company that follows rules and regulations. Because they are letting contractors into their properties and manage them with little supervision, they should make sure the contractors are licensed and regulated.
2. Cleaning agencies offer specialised services
Not only are contract cleaners licenced to offer cleaning services to corporate clients; they also offer specialised cleaning services that focus on different commercial sectors such as retail, commerce, transport, healthcare, events and leisure, and food manufacturing.
Unlike other cleaning agencies, contract cleaners have a dedicated team of staff members who are highly trained and well-equipped to carry out cleaning in commercial sectors and corporate offices. Depending on the type of industry you are based in, a contract cleaning agency is likely to employ differing strategies to clean and maintain your property. For example, contractors clean a bank differently to how they would a retail shop. They would require different tools, equipment, and training to do so.
3. Contract cleaners can safely handle chemicals and heavy-duty machines
For certain clients, contract cleaners may need to use hazardous chemicals or special machines for cleaning. Instead of hiring a regular cleaning agency that does not have the trained personnel to handle chemicals or specific cleaning machines, opt for hiring contract cleaners who focus on these safety aspects.
In the case of handling chemicals, contract cleaners have to comply with regulations such as Chemicals Regulations 2002, Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) Regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Contract cleaners may also need to handle industry-specific machines for cleaning corporate offices or manufacturing spaces. In order to do so, they must have trained staff, and in certain cases, those staff members must hold licenses and training certificates to handle such machines. Thus, contract cleaners constantly invest in the training and development of their cleaning staff, particularly for factory and manufacturing cleaning services.
4. Cleaning agencies also work during the day
It’s a common misconception that contract cleaning is only carried out during the night. Many contract cleaning companies in central London now offer daytime cleaning services for commercial clients. Many cleaners even promote daytime cleaning because of factors that are beneficial for both customers and their staff members.
Most importantly, customers can save plenty of money on electricity charges by shifting cleaning times during the day, as night time cleaning requires brightly lit spaces, meaning your workspace’s lighting system is on almost around the clock. Since less energy is consumed during the day, companies are likely to meet their energy objectives for the good of the environment, too.
Looking for a company that fits the description above? Contact St. Annes Housekeeping today to find out how we can maintain a clean and healthy work environment for your employees!