A plan for all seasons

Welcome to the October/November issue of Cleaning Matters. As autumn falls upon us, so do the leaves and of course the rain. The contract cleaning industry will be busy cleaning out gutters and drains, scrubbing muddy footprints from floors, keeping those floors slip free - basically trying to ensure business as usual for all the other industries you work for.

The change of season is often when germs start flying about, and you will no doubt be asked by your clients about infection prevention methods and products. But it's also essential that your staff know how to make best use of those products - now's perhaps the time for refresher training. As for manufacturers and suppliers, it's time to ensure that your supply chain does not suffer too much interruption should bad weather occur.

Do you have contingency plans in place? Is your stock at the right levels? Can you encourage your customers to bulk buy so they have what they need should UK roads grind to the inevitable standstill?

Hopefully the products and services featured will help you in providing continuous, high level standards. And, should your clients want evidence of why your service is cost effective and does the job - a recent case study with facts, figures and testimonials is always helpful.

All the best
Gerardine Coyne
Acting Editor
Cleaning Matters

VOXPOPS: For the next issue I'd like to hear what the best achievement was for you or your company in 2012. Email 30 words and an image of yourself to gcoyne@progressive-media.co.uk by November 16.