The dramatic unveiling - the last stage of a nine-month project conducted in consultation with customers, suppliers, staff and stakeholders - comes at a pivotal moment for the company as it enters its 25th year of trading with a record-breaking £2million of new contracts being mobilised this month.

The rebrand launch - which was livestreamed on global social media platforms LinkedIn and Instagram - saw Cleanology introduce its new logo of a heart icon in eye-catching shades of green and blue. In Wednesday night’s livestream, the new logo and short reel were projected on to world-famous London landmarks including the Royal Festival Hall and Tower Bridge.

Dominic Ponniah, CEO and Co-Founder of Cleanology, hosted the livestream launch from the Royal Festival Hall close to the River Thames and then repeated the stunt later that evening at other locations around the capital.

Mr Ponniah enthused: “Our new logo visually represents the care and attention we bring to every aspect of our business. We are a people business at heart and thislogo is a better representation of us as a business in this modern age.

When it’s done right, cleaning is about more than perfect outcomes. It’s about the love and care that get us there, such as the way we champion progress in the industry through science and innovation and the way we look after our environment by adopting sustainable practices and technology that put the planet first”.

Echoing the messaging behind the rebrand, Mr Ponniah added: “This is not just about cleaning done well – it’s cleaning done right: for our people, for the planet, for your future”.

Recently Cleanology - previously known for its iconic green and blue flag branding - was awarded the highly coveted Gold Partnership Status by the people-powered charity and social movement, The Hygiene Bank, in recognition of its ongoing efforts to champion the movement to tackle hygiene poverty in the UK. Over the last four years Cleanology has raised over £117,000 for the charity, helping to fund vital initiatives.

Cleanology - headquartered in Vauxhall, south west London, and with regional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Scotland - runs campaigns throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for hygiene poverty, and staff participate in fund-raising opportunities such as marathons.

The family owned and run company has been providing professional commercial and office cleaning services, property maintenance and support services across the UK for almost a quarter of a century. Clients range from blue-chip corporates to royal palaces and some of the world’s most famous brands.

Cleanology’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) leadership has earned it multiple national and international awards, including the Best Small to Medium Business award at the Lloyd’s Bank British Excellence Awards, Scale Up Awards for ESG & Social Impact and Best Overall Scale Up, as well as a finalist spot for the Diversity in the Workplace award at the European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards. 

The company holds The Planet Mark certification, has recently been Carbon Neutral certified, and is working towards B-Corp status, EcoVadis medals, and Net Zero by 2035. 

Cleanology has also pioneered eco-friendly innovations, including portion-controlled biological cleaning sachets and staff uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles, saving over 143,000 pieces of plastic in the past year alone. 

The company also prioritises fair pay, with 99% of employees receiving the Real Living Wage, a significant rise from 18% in 2017. Its fully electric van fleet in London eliminates 13.5 tonnes of CO2 annually, and its head office runs entirely on sustainable energy. Mr Ponniah is a member of the ISSA (International Sanitary Supply Association) Sustainability Committee, ensuring Cleanology’s influence extends beyond the UK.

For more information, visit https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/

TEL: 020 3958 4357

This revelation has sparked concern among fans of various teams, prompting them to question the hygiene standards at their own team's venues as they continue to attend football matches until the end of the Premier League season in May.

Cleanology, a leading corporate cleaning service, has meticulously evaluated the food hygiene ratings of all Premier League teams, providing a comprehensive ranking from best to worst.

Securing top honours, Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Liverpool, and West Ham United proudly hold 5-star food hygiene ratings. Through impeccable handling of burgers, fries, hot dogs, and more, these establishments consistently deliver excellence. Their commitment extends beyond the culinary realm, as they maintain impeccable cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchens and facilities where food is prepared.

Crystal Palace and Luton Town FC find themselves positioned lower on the chart, with food hygiene standards marked as 'generally satisfactory.' However, considering the substantial fan turnout on match days - 30,000 for Crystal Palace and 11,500 for Luton Town - merely satisfactory hygiene standards fall short of meeting the culinary expectations of the thousands of eager fans. 

At the bottom of Cleanology's premier league food hygiene standard chart, we find Manchester United. The club, which once held a stellar food hygiene rating of five for Old Trafford, deemed 'very good,' has recently encountered a setback. Following an incident in late 2023, they now bear a 1-star rating, the club states they are determined to improve their food hygiene standards moving forward.

Food hygiene inspections involve evaluating three key aspects: the hygienic handling of food, the physical condition of the business (cleanliness, layout, etc.), and the management of processes to ensure food safety. Inspectors assess these elements to determine the confidence in maintaining hygiene standards in the future, ensuring the overall safety and quality of the food establishment.

IN THE competitive world of contract cleaning, where margins can be slim and customer demands are ever evolving, one key investment stands out as a critical factor for success: investing in people.

Your workforce, from on-the-ground cleaners and supervisors to managers and office staff, is the heart and soul of any cleaning company. Focusing on the well-being, training, career development and motivation of your employees can significantly impact your company’s success. “Employee wellbeing has become a critical component of creating a thriving and successful workplace,” says Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology. “In fact, prioritising people’s wellbeing is not just a matter of ethics, but also a strategic imperative for companies like ours.

“We make sure that our people are happy, motivated and successful. We do this through effective engagement, by investing in giving them training, recognising and rewarding good performance, and looking after their wellbeing.”

A skilled workforce is a successful workforce

In contract cleaning, the quality of service you provide is directly tied to the skills and competence of your cleaning crew. A well-trained workforce is not only more efficient but also more capable of delivering high-quality results. By investing in training programmes and certification, you empower your employees to excel in their roles, increasing their proficiency in various cleaning techniques, handling specialised equipment, and adhering to safety protocols.

Hiring and retaining a skilled workforce can lead to significant cost savings. Highly trained employees are less likely to cause accidents or damage, reducing potential liabilities. And because they are more efficient in their work, they can accomplish more tasks in less time, leading to better resource management and improved productivity. “Informed, engaged staff make all the difference to the success of our customers’ recycling schemes, for example. But none of our initiatives would succeed without them,” adds Ponniah. “We find that sustainability links back to our whole company ethos. Cleanology is a Real Living Wage employer in an industry known for low pay; we also provide training, free English classes and mental health support. These benefits show staff they are valued, and that doing the right thing lies at the heart of our business.”

Boosting morale and enhancing motivation

There is a stigma attached to working in the cleaning industry. So, it’s important to make sure people feel like they have a really important role, with good career prospects. “Internal promotions are not only good for individuals, but also the business,” says Ponniah. “We have genuine career progression paths available to everybody. A lot of our managers previously worked as cleaning operatives and have progressed up through the company. It’s really important that people feel they have somewhere to go – that if they do a good job, there is a real benefit to working here.

“Our management team knows what it’s like to be on the ground, and have more knowledge of the industry, our company and our sites. So, the benefits are mutual.”

Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be loyal and dedicated to your company. Implementing a system of incentives, recognition, and rewards can significantly boost team morale, leading to a happier and more productive workforce.

Motivated employees tend to be more proactive, innovative, and invested in their work. They are more likely to identify and solve problems, leading to increased client satisfaction and higher retention rates. Happy employees can be your best brand ambassadors, as they are more likely to speak positively about your business to others, leading to increased referrals.

Building trust and ensuring two-way communication

Contract cleaning firms thrive on trust and reputation. Clients entrust your company with the cleanliness and maintenance of their spaces, often during non-business hours. Building and maintaining trust requires a workforce that is not only competent but also trustworthy, professional, and consistent. Investing in your team helps foster a strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and professionalism. Clients will appreciate dealing with a cleaning crew that is courteous, punctual, and respects their property. Meeting or exceeding client expectations is essential for retaining contracts and gaining positive reviews and referrals.

Motivating employees requires regular, effective and two-way communication – not just to keep people in the loop by informing them what’s going on in the business, but by inviting feedback on what you’re doing. This is really important when you have remote teams, which is common in the cleaning industry. With the large majority of staff out working on sites, using platforms like WhatsApp to stay in touch can be useful.

Continue to adapt and innovate – and bring your team with you

The cleaning industry is not static. New cleaning methods, technologies, and environmental standards emerge all the time. Investing in your staff by providing ongoing training ensures that people stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. This adaptability is essential for meeting the evolving needs and expectations of clients and regulatory requirements.

An investment in people is also an investment in innovation. Encouraging your team to come up with creative solutions to common cleaning challenges can lead to more efficient processes, reduced costs, and getting the edge over competitors. Because they are on the front line, your employees often come up with the best ideas and insights into what can be improved or streamlined.

Reduce staff turnover

Employee turnover can be a significant cost for any business. Training and integrating new hires can be time-consuming and expensive. High turnover rates can also lead to inconsistency in service and reduced client satisfaction.

By investing in your employees’ development, well-being, and job satisfaction, you can reduce turnover rates. This not only saves money on recruitment and training but also contributes to a more stable and knowledgeable workforce. Long-term employees are more likely to understand your clients' unique needs and preferences, leading to a better service experience.

Complying with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations can be particularly challenging for contract cleaning companies. When a contract changes hands, all staff have a legal right to keep their role regardless, transferring from one cleaning supplier to the next if they wish, and remaining at that site. “We recognise this can be a really unsettling time for people, so we go above and beyond to make sure everybody is happy,” says Ponniah. “This means the HR team visiting sites, meeting people face-to-face, giving people welcome packs and making people feel comfortable. Done wrong, the TUPE process can be a disaster, with disgruntled staff and poor performance. So, it’s important we get it right.”

Health and safety is all important

Of course, in the contract cleaning business, employee safety is paramount. Accidents or injuries not only harm your employees but can also lead to legal liabilities and damaged client relationships. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were 81,000 cases of non-fatal injuries in the UK workplace in 2020, which includes injuries in cleaning and support service roles. These injuries result in lost workdays, medical expenses, and, in some cases, compensation claims. Meanwhile, work-related injuries and illnesses in the UK cost employers around £5.6 billion a year in lost productivity and wage replacement, according to HSE.

Investing in safety training and promoting a safety-first culture can significantly reduce such accidents. Plus, a well-trained workforce is more likely to adhere to industry-specific regulations and environmental standards. Compliance with such requirements is vital for maintaining contracts with clients who prioritise sustainability and safety in their spaces. A damaged reputation can lead to lost business opportunities and revenue. Clients in the UK are increasingly conscious of the safety records of their service providers, making safety a key factor in contract retention and new client acquisition. The HSE estimates that every £1 invested in workplace safety returns between £2 and £4 in reduced expenses and improved productivity.

Overall, investing in your people should not be seen as a cost. That’s because it can result in substantial cost savings. Skilled and motivated employees work more efficiently, reducing the time and resources needed to complete cleaning tasks. This efficiency translates into lower labour costs and potentially higher profit margins. Motivated employees are less likely to take sick days or engage in unproductive behaviour. They are more likely to show up on time, work diligently, and take pride in their work, ultimately benefiting your bottom line.

Gain the competitive edge

In a crowded market, a contract cleaning business that invests in its employees stands out. Clients are more likely to choose a company that demonstrates a commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism. Your reputation as an employer that values and nurtures its workforce can give you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts.

“Investing in people is not just a cost; it’s a strategic choice with a substantial return on investment,” adds Ponniah. “The success of a contract cleaning business is, in many ways, a reflection of its investment in its people. At Cleanology, our people are the beating heart of our business, and without their time, energy, and passion, we cannot be successful.”

Dominic Ponniah is CEO and co-founder of Cleanology

For more information visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/

Event organiser and CEO of Cleanology, Dominic Ponniah, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our industry this year. Now in its third year, this event has grown from strength to strength every year and this year we have been oversubscribed once again. It’s testimony to how the FM industry has rallied together for a cause as significant as hygiene poverty, and with the cost of living crisis only getting worse, there has never been a more important time to support the work of the Hygiene Bank. We are hugely grateful to everyone who got involved this year.”

Ponniah added: “In October 2022, YouGov published Hygiene Poverty 2022, commissioned by The Hygiene Bank, the first comprehensive, national, mixed methodology research report into the scale and impact of hygiene poverty in the UK.  Over 3.1 million adults in the UK are living in Hygiene Poverty and the research showed that hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo and laundry detergent are the first to be cut when budgets are tight”. 

Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, said: “The Hygiene Bank is deeply grateful to Dominic Ponniah and Cleanology and all the sponsors of this event for their fantastic generosity. Hygiene poverty is widespread, growing and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. Millions of people are struggling with its impact – the stigma, embarrassment, damage to mental and physical health it brings. It’s a hidden poverty that blights life chances and limits opportunity – so it’s critical that more companies and more individuals follow in Cleanology’s footsteps to join us as we work together to end hygiene poverty for good. Cleanology’s generosity and support will make a meaningful difference today and takes us a crucial step forward on that journey.”

The event – held on 3 October in The Balcony Room at the Globe Theatre – was sponsored by six of the biggest names in the industry – Bridge Recruitment, Darwin Clayton, Futures Supplies, Liberty Hygiene, Evans Vanodine plc and The Cheeky Panda. The evening saw competitive bidding for auction and raffle prizes such as Tea at The Ritz, a Banksy print, dinner for six at trendy eatery Dishoom, a Chanel brooch, Spurs match tickets and a Fortnum & Mason luxury hamper. 

Guests at Cleanology’s annual fundraiser – who also enjoyed networking, drinks and canapés at the scenic venue next to the River Thames – included Chris Forbes, Founder of Cheeky Panda; Paul Evans, CEO of Carlisle Support Services; Phil Smith, Chair of the Hill Club; Nick Winstone, Founder of Biovate Hygienics; and Jordan Hurley, Founder of SOAP2O; as well as representatives from leading industy firms including Ark Pest Control, BigChange, CBRE, Cleenol Group, Greenspeed, Industrial Cleaning Equipment (ICE), Nilfisk, Planet Mark, Recorra, Robert Scott, Sitemark, Ucomply and WhiffAway.

Nick Winstone, MD and Co-Founder of Biovate Hygienics, said: “It has been an honour to have been invited to Cleanology’s annual fundraiser for the Hygiene Bank, since the inception of the event three years ago and watch it grow and do more good every year. As a charity that aligns so well with our industry, Dominic Ponniah and Cleanology have done both the Hygiene Bank and the broader industry a service by highlighting the good work they are doing at a grassroots level.”

In September 2021, Cleanology held its first charity event which raised over £14,000 for The Hygiene Bank, a national charity that alleviates poverty by providing hygiene products to those in need.

Due to the enormous success of that event, the wide publicity generated, and the amount of money raised through the raffle and auction, an even bigger event was held at The Ivy in London in September 2022, raising over £20,000.

Outernet is a global media and entertainment district, integrating unique creative and technical capabilities to bring cultural and retail experiences alive. All centrally positioned within a wider live performance, hotel, restaurant and bar ecosystem. Cleanology’s responsibility is for servicing all Outernet above-ground public media spaces, with daily footfall in excess of 170,000.

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, said: “Outernet is boosting London’s profile and attracting a huge number of visitors, and I’m delighted to be part of such an exciting new venture. With such high footfall and a site that is open to the elements, we strive to ensure that it looks its best at all times, reflective of the premium global brands Outernet is host to. It is always encouraging to partner with a company that reflects our commitment to sustainability and fair pay.”

James McEwan, COO of Outernet, said: “Cleanology’s commitment to servicing excellence, their strong value code, plus their extremely personable and professional team, made them the natural choice when deciding whom to help us launch and operate our game-changing public spaces.”

The contract employs six cleaning operatives, with at least one member of staff on site all day, seven days a week. 

Key Account Manager for Cleanology, Carime Balde, said: “It has been a pleasure to provide services for such a wonderful company. We have managed to create an effective and efficient cooperative system with Outernet, which in turn allows Cleanology to provide the highest standards of cleaning service possible.”

Cleanology’s award-winning initiatives to reduce waste and energy were a key factor in the contract decision, as well as its work to support the Hygiene Bank in alleviating hygiene poverty. It is also a vocal campaigner for the Real Living Wage, with over 90 per cent of all staff now on a Real Living Wage rate or higher. 

Ponniah concluded: “Outernet has made a great addition to our diverse and growing commercial portfolio. And we’ve had a flying start to the year after a record-breaking 2022.”  

For more information visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/

As chief operating officer, Edd Horler will manage day-to-day operations across the UK, which run from Scotland to the South Coast. 

Dominic Ponniah, CEO at Cleanology, described the move as an essential strategy to ensure that the company maintains the same high level of service as it moves into new markets. The company has undergone rapid growth over the last year, expanding its customer base from three to 17 UK cities.

Ponniah said: “It is important not to lose focus on the essential goals of delivering a high-quality and efficient service as you scale the business. Over the next three years, we plan to build four regional hubs, and I’m absolutely delighted that Edd has joined Cleanology to support our growth journey and help manage increasingly complex operations.”

Edd Horler has overseen large teams and projects for advertising giant JCDecaux and City Facilities, where he managed contracts for Asda and M&S. Horler said: “I was drawn to the entrepreneurial flair of Cleanology, along with values that I have been used to – client and customer-led principles, as well as environmental excellence, fair pay and placing real value on the work done by colleagues at every level of the business.”

Moving forward, Horler said his role will be to support Cleanology as it grows, while also growing the team and increasing sustainability across the whole model.

Meanwhile, Cleanology has also appointed Ryan Jex as regional director for the North – Cleanology’s fastest-growing business area.

Jex will introduce Cleanology innovation and sustainability to a recent acquisition, as well as managing day-to-day operations in that region. Ponniah said: “With a unique blend of sales and operational experience, Ryan will be a fantastic addition to the team. He has a really good understanding of what is needed to deliver a premium service.”

For more information visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/

Organiser, and CEO of Cleanology, Dominic Ponniah, said: “The generosity and engagement of our industry has been astonishing. This year, we recruited sponsors who have championed the cause and helped us take the event to a new level. We are really proud to see so many industry representatives coming together to achieve a common goal. With the cost of living biting more each day, there has never been a more important time to support the work of The Hygiene Bank.

“Figures show that one in three people in the UK has had to go without hygiene essentials, with people choosing to forego hygiene products before they are forced to accept donations from a food bank. With inflation currently at 10.1 per cent, and poorer households facing the brunt of the impact, these people really need our support.”

Ruth Brock, CEO at The Hygiene Bank, said: “The Hygiene Bank is so grateful to Dominic Ponniah and Cleanology and all the sponsors of this event for their fantastic generosity. We are thrilled to have raised crucial funds for the charity’s work and to have had the chance to raise awareness of hygiene poverty and how it affects the lives of millions of people across the UK. As the need for our work grows, we need more individuals and companies to follow in their footsteps and join us, as we work together to end hygiene poverty for good.”

The event was backed by six of the biggest names in the industry – Bridge Recruitment, the Cleenol Group, Darwin Clayton, Liberty Hygiene, Truvox International and Zep UK. They joined guests from all areas of business and media and included organisations such as the British Institute of Cleaning Science and the Living Wage Foundation. The evening saw competitive bidding for auction and raffle items such as tickets to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, a night’s stay at Soho House and champagne provided by royal vintners Berry Bros, & Rudd. 

Guests at Cleanology’s annual fundraiser included Chris Forbes, Founder of Cheeky Panda; Paul Evans, CEO of Carlisle Support Services; Dennis Flower, Editor of FM Business daily; Michelle Marshall, Editor of European Cleaning Journal; First Mile; Coutts Bank; Royal Bank of Scotland; Industrial Cleaning Equipment (ICE) and Karcher.

Paul Evans, CEO of Carlisle Support Services, said: “As an organisation that is always looking at ways of ‘giving back’ I was pleased to represent Carlisle Support Services, at this very poignant industry events. Never more so has it been important to ensure everyone is able to access basic hygiene products in the UK, and it was great to hear about the great work The Hygiene Bank, and supporting organisations, are doing in this regard. With the ever-increasing cost-of-living crisis I am keen to ensure we raise the awareness of this key issue.”

The group acts to encourage wider take-up of fair pay, and to make the accreditation scheme more effective.

Ponniah said: “I feel incredibly privileged to play a role in shaping the group and pioneering fair pay. In our industry, with many staff classed as low-skilled, decent pay is an issue for many. As a member of the leadership group, I hope to act as a bridge between the Living Wage Foundation and the cleaning industry, to increase our own client uptake of support for the Real Living Wage, and to promote transparency among businesses that display fair pay credentials.”

Cleanology publishes a monthly report on the number of new clients signing up to the Living Wage. In January, this figure was 100 per cent. In total, over 70 per cent of the company’s workforce is paid a Real Living Wage rate or higher; the aim is to reach 80 per cent by the end of the year, rising to 100 per cent within 2 years. 

Ponniah added: “As a company, we have advocated for the Real Living Wage for over 10 years and used media platforms to highlight the need for industry support, as well as commissioning independent research into attitudes towards fair pay among facilities management and wider business. Winning a Living Wage Champion award in 2021 was a career highlight, and one that I am keen to build on.”

Sebastian Bachelier, Programme Manager at the Living Wage Foundation welcomed Ponniah to the group, saying: “Dominic has been a great proponent of the Real Living Wage and the Recognised Service Provider accreditation and we, at the Living Wage Foundation, are delighted to have him join the Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group. He will make a brilliant addition to this group, bringing enthusiasm, specialist sector knowledge and a strong commitment to the Real Living Wage as well as a commitment to social causes more broadly, such as the Hygiene Bank and green business practices.”

Recognised Service Providers (RSPs) are those companies that employ outsourced staff. Of the 10,000 businesses signed up to Living Wage Foundation accreditation, 177 fall under this category.

Bachelor said: “For many service providers within the cleaning and facilities management industries, pay rates are largely dictated by client-side procurement needs. This limits the extent to which service providers are able to allocate higher rates of pay, such as the Real Living Wage, to frontline staff, while making it virtually impossible for many service providers to accredit as Living Wage Employers.

“For this reason, the Recognised Service Provider accreditation was created, giving the client the opportunity to guarantee a Real Living Wage to their third party contracted staff, while being able to consider the benefits for their business. These benefits can include improved rates of retention, higher levels of productivity and more motivated and engaged members of staff.

Ponniah, who also sits on the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the cleaning and hygiene sector, is keenly aware of the difference the Real Living Wage can make. “It’s really important to remember the impact that fairer pay can have on individuals. One of our long-term cleaning operatives has described the difference as life changing.  Groups such as the APPG can help to raise these issues, as well as exploring areas such as arrangements for low-skilled workers to enter the country, cleanliness accreditations and application of the apprenticeship levy to enable lower-skilled workers to progress.”

Dominic’s first attendance at the Living Wage RSP Leadership Group took place on 23 March 2021.

For more information visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office/

IF THERE is one thing we can be sure of, it is that the cleaning and FM industries never stand still. While the Covid pandemic has had an obvious impact on both our behaviour and workplaces, as businesses we are also re-evaluating our relationships with staff, and our priorities at work. Where once ‘sustainability’ was limited to recycling and energy, these days the definition is much wider.

Sustainable business

Pre-Covid, demand for greater sustainability was rising steadily. This may have been as simple as clients asking for advice on developing an effective recycling scheme, introducing back-office initiatives, or signing up for an environmental management system.

At Cleanology, sustainability has always been top of our agenda – my first business was a recycling enterprise, and I have followed this path ever since. We have introduced industry-firsts to address plastic use, and we monitor our impact in detail to ensure that we prioritise the most effective areas.

Business disrupted

With the arrival of Covid, everything changed. Entire workplaces emptied, as those who could work remotely switched to homeworking. While some contracts were placed on hold, our main concern was to protect those who were still working.   

We undertook new risk assessments across each of our sites, increased our cleaning schedule, and made sure that all members of staff were provided with fabric face masks and gloves. 

As well as making the work environment as safe as possible, this also sent the message to staff that we are serious about their welfare. It is this message that has taken root and grown as the months have passed.

New sustainability

Now that we are returning to some form of normality, it is clear that the emphasis has changed. We are more focused on people, wellbeing, and financial stability. People are thinking more holistically, and Environmental, Social, Governance – or ESG – is taking precedence. 

This can be seen in the take-up of accreditations. Accreditations are a force for good. They provide us with an independent assessment of achievements, and also offer a constructive model for change. Accreditation demands evaluation; it pushes us to monitor progress and identify a path for improvement.

The increase in take-up shows that accreditations are becoming more important. When Cleanology applied for accreditation to B Corp in September 2021, for example, the queue was around six months. Today, companies are waiting for up to a year. Similarly, applications for accreditation to the Real Living Wage have more than doubled. 

What does ESG look like, and where can we start?

To begin, ESG encompasses all areas of business, including those that we would normally label under sustainability. In our ESG strategy, we try to implement those initiatives that relate to our wider business, and actions that will improve the planet, or the lives of our staff and the wider community.

Energy and waste

At Cleanology, we are accredited to ISO 14001, which calls for continuous improvement. We prioritise the areas which will bring the greatest impact first, innovating and trialling systems that we hope will become industry standards. To date, we have focused our attention on:

• chemicals;
• plastics; and 
• energy.

Chemicals

We have all been shocked by images of plastics finding their way into the oceans, and the effect these are having on wildlife. Chemical cleaning solutions are invisible to the human eye but, as they wash down drains and into streams and rivers, they cause a plethora of problems. Cleanology has advocated chemical-free cleaning for the past 10 years and is now almost chemical-free across its entire portfolio.

Plastic waste
Cleanology was the first cleaning company in Europe to introduce portion-controlled, biological cleaning sachets. Since switching, we are saving 16,092 litres of water each year, and cutting plastic bottle use from 21,600 to just 600 PET bottles.

In 2020, we pioneered the introduction of uniforms made from recycled bottles. Together, our sachet cleaning solutions and recycled uniforms will save 28,000 bottles from landfill in just one year. Staff loved the super-soft physical feel of the products, but also aligned with the company’s values and shared the company’s overall commitment to sustainability.

Fuelling energy reduction

One aspect of commercial cleaning which cannot be eliminated is the need to travel to client premises.

We had already taken steps to reduce car emissions by switching to an all-hybrid car fleet, and last year, we launched a 100 per cent electric van fleet. These vehicles not only have zero tailpipe emissions, but they will also save 5,000 litres of diesel per year – equivalent to 13.5 tonnes of CO2 from diesel fuel. 

A fully electric fleet reduces emissions and lowers our carbon footprint; it significantly improves our sustainability credentials and brings impressive cost savings as well. We save over £3,000 a year per vehicle; there’s no road tax to pay, and no London congestion charge, which saves another £5,500 per vehicle. That’s a massive £8,500 a year cost reduction per van.

Our work community

We believe fair pay is critical to staff wellbeing, so the Real Living Wage sits at the heart of Cleanology’s business. 16 of our top 20 clients are signed up, and we actively promote the scheme to new business and existing clients, as well as investing in PR to raise awareness.

Over the years, we have invested heavily in promotion for the Real Living Wage, and 90% of our bids include it as a mandatory element. In 2017, 24% of clients were paying the Real Living Wage. Today that has risen to over 70%.

In 2019, Cleanology commissioned the first independent research into attitudes around wage levels and perceptions towards cleaners’ pay. Findings included that while 63% of employees are concerned that cleaners should be paid fairly, only 39% have an accurate idea of the real figures on pay.

We have used the results to promote the Real Living Wage in positive articles throughout the media and Cleanology’s CEO has also spoken at conferences.

The wider community

A fifth of the population is living in poverty. Figures show that one in three people has had to go without hygiene essentials – people will choose to forego hygiene products before they are forced to accept donations from a food bank. When the management at Cleanology became aware of the depth of the problem, we felt compelled to help. In 2020, we supported The Hygiene Bank, which was launched to tackle the shocking reality of hygiene poverty.

The resulting campaigns generated a whopping tonne of hygiene products, ranging from hand sanitiser and spray to toilet roll and tissues. Cleanology’s own donation of hand sanitiser amounted to over £13,000 in value.

Conclusions

Our initiatives are designed to meet specific goals, but we have been surprised by unexpected consequences. For example, our partnership with the Hygiene Bank – an external project – has sent waves throughout the industry, and also inspired our staff. It reinforces the message that we are a company that cares, and a good place to be.

At certain times in history, society forges ahead with huge leaps in technology, the arts, or social change. Following the pandemic, it is not far-fetched to suggest that we are living through such a time. Even if we only make small changes, the impact can be huge. To any considering a switch to ESG, take the leap; you may be surprised by the impact of your actions.

Dominic Ponniah is CEO at Cleanology

For more information visit https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/ or https://cleanology.com/services/commercial-cleaning/

With over 40% growth in 2021-22 alone, Commercial and Office cleaning company, Cleanology,  has recruited South African-born Juliet Widdicombe to take on the important role.

Juliet, aged 40, has joined Cleanology – based in Clapham, South West London – from Bellrock Property and Facilities Management where she was Service Delivery Manager.

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, enthused: “We’re absolutely delighted that Juliet has joined the Cleanology family and we look forward to working with her as the company goes on its next growth journey this year and beyond”.

Juliet has previously worked in the hotel industry in London before a return to South Africa where she spent more than a decade honing her skills in cleaning and FM management. She then relocated permanently to the UK with her husband and two young children.

Juliet, from Sevenoaks, Kent, said: “It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to be in a role which is able influence the way the industry is recognised. Cleaning operatives play a pivotal role in the experiences of our everyday lives and I am excited to be back in the thrusts of this robust industry”. 

Established over 20 years ago, Cleanology provides professional office and commercial cleaning services, property maintenance and a wide range of support services across London and Manchester.

Its clients include blue-chip corporates, Royal palaces and some of the world’s most famous brands.

As a multi award-winning family business, it is now recognised as one of the most established companies in the industry, employing over 700 people.

With a constant focus on technology, innovation, quality, sustainability and social responsibility, Cleanology is proud to be a Living Wage Foundation accredited service provider, ISO:9001 accredited for quality and ISO:14001 accredited for environmental management, as well as members of the prominent Green Organisation promoting environmental innovation and best practice. 

Visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office/

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