Giving back for Christmas

The team at ServiceMaster Clean North Surrey, West London and Hertfordshire were busy over Christmas supporting their clients with professional contract cleaning services tailored to suit their needs.

But, in the spirit of going above and beyond, they’ve also been giving back.


Belmore Primary Academy Christmas Tree

One of the sectors that ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services businesses serve nationwide are schools and educational facilities.

One such school is the Belmore Primary Academy in Hayes, to which the team bought a Christmas tree for the children to enjoy.

Here is Associate Operations Director Aga with Aga Lewis, a representative of the school:


Cornish Cream Tea

To say thank you for all that they do for them, one of the team’s long-standing clients, Lane Associates, also donated a lovely cream tea for the ServiceMaster Clean staff to enjoy.

And enjoy it they did!


Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Surrey or London and would benefit from regular and professional cleaning services, call 0800 0430 438 for a free quote on a range of services.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contact business to see how we can help your premises maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and professionalism.

 ServiceMaster Clean sponsors two rugby clubs in Newbury and Swindon with kits and pitch-side signage.

 The team at ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland are proud to announce that they are sponsors of the local Swindon Supermarine RFC under 12s and Newbury RFC rugby teams.

 Managing Director Andre Gottemaker said,

“We have always believed it’s important to give back to the local community, and supporting local sports teams is a great way to do this.  Both clubs also have vibrant youth teams, and it’s fantastic to be a part of encouraging young people to get into sport.”


Andre visited the Supermarine U12s on Sunday at their match against Cirencester to present the team with their new shirts and shorts.

The constant rain throughout the morning made for a very muddy experience but didn’t dim the excitement of having a brand-new kit to play in.

After the kit was presented, the boys had great fun chasing Andre across the pitch to get him as muddy as possible!


The new signage among the action!

Commenting on the sponsorships, the Deeland team said:

“We are proud to be associated with the [U12] club.  [We’re] wishing them a successful season with lots more mud, fun and excellent rugby!”

“We are also delighted to continue our sponsorship of Newbury Rugby Club this season.

It’s great to hear about the growth in participation, especially amongst the ladies and youth teams. The club is thriving, and we’re looking forward to some great matches!”


Need a new cleaner?

If your premises could benefit from regular cleaning from an accredited and trusted company, contact ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland on 01635 38100 today for a free, no-obligation quote on a range of expert services.

Nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more.

Double Award Winner Siva Kugathas Wins Prestigious BFA Trailblazer & People’s Choice Award.

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA received the coveted Franchisee Trailblazer Award and the People’s Choice Award during the prestigious BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards.

Siva received the Franchisee Trailblazer Award as a recognition of his work within our brand model and for showing what is truly possible with the collaboration of a franchise business.

But there was one more surprise award on the night, the People’s Choice award, where the attendees voted from the list of winners for who they thought was deserving of this new award for 2023.

Therefore, this award truly placed Siva as the best of the best!

This unexpected award added extra excitement to an already remarkable evening, making it an event to be remembered for outstanding achievements and the collaborative spirit of those who make the industry thrive.


Siva collecting the People’s Choice Award from judges and hosts Pip Wilkins and Gillian Morris

Judge’s Comments

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA, said:

Our huge congratulations to Siva, on these tremendous wins. We had some fantastic franchisee entries this year but his really stood out from the crowd. We would like to thank him for being such a great franchisee and for representing the very best in franchising.”

Judge, awards host and UK Head of Franchise, Commercial Banking at sponsors HSBC Bank, Gillian Morris said:

“The diversity of franchising on display at tonight’s awards ceremony – across so many brands and sectors – demonstrates the strength and reach of the industry. Choosing a winner is never easy and I’d like to join Pip in thanking everyone who entered and sending our warm congratulations to all the winners on these very well-deserved awards.”

Siva’s Accomplishments

Siva is the definition of a trailblazing franchisee.

His performance, growth, and transformation in 6 years have been awe-inspiring.

Turning a business with a £50,000 turnover into an empire of 14 successful territories, he has demonstrated success under the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services model and in an industry with no ceiling.

Upon receiving his award, Siva said:

“It’s an honour to win the People’s Choice alongside the Franchisee Trailblazer Award. To receive the recognition of the judges and my peers in the franchising community is a huge validation for myself and my team, who have worked hard to help get ServiceMaster Clean AAA to where we are today.

Thank you to my team, ServiceMaster, and everyone who voted for me. And congratulations to all of my fellow winners!”

With the right attitude, ambition, and team spirit to move his focused staff behind his goal, he is on track to hit his goal of £10 million turnover by 2027.

We do not doubt that he will achieve this by following his unstoppable trajectory and utilising his close connection to the network, trust in the brand and passion for delivering a quality service.

Want an award-winning cleaning service?

If you are in Guildford, Bracknell, Heathrow, Slough, Woking, Luton, Watford, Canterbury, Dover, Colchester, Ipswich, York, Doncaster, or Lincolnshire and would like to benefit from a cleaning service from a multi-award winning business, call Siva and his 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.

We sat down with Monika and Jackie from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services North Surrey, West London & Hertfordshire, who are both celebrating five-year work anniversaries this year.

Milestones are important, especially in the workplace.

Especially given how much can change in a single year. Let alone multiple!

So, it’s no small matter when staff can celebrate fifth work anniversaries, like those observed by Jacki and Monika from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services North Surrey, West London & Hertfordshire this year.

We sat down with them to discuss their experiences at ServiceMaster Clean over the past half-decade.

Monika’s Story

Monika, who manages HR administration and Payroll, started working at ServiceMaster Clean in March 2018 after a friend who had previously worked at ServiceMaster recommended the role to her.

Upon starting with ServiceMaster Clean, Monika received training in HR, RTW and English to support her personal development.

Monika says that her favourite aspect of working in HR is having contact with everyone and working with lots of different people.

She says that, in her experience, what makes a good cleaner and a good employee is that “they have good communication skills, they are honest, they are thorough and pay attention to detail, and they are efficient.”

Jackie’s Story

Jackie, who is an Office Administrator, has had a varied career.

After leaving university, she worked as a Legal Administrator before starting her family.

When her two children were younger, she operated her childcare setting for five years before joining ServiceMaster in April 2018.

Now with older children, Jackie says working at ServiceMaster Clean allows her to have a work-life balance to “suit family life.”

“As long as the work gets done, the hours are flexible.”

“That’s why I love working here,” she says.

Jackie’s Typical Working Day

Jackie’s work-life balance is further enabled by working in the office and at home, but always starting at 9:30 a.m. and finishing by 5:30 p.m.

She typically starts the day by liaising with her colleagues about any staff feedback and issues raised on sites.

“That usually sets the tone for the day,” she says.

“My priority is always checking messages and emails from clients. There is always a project on the go to keep me busy between keeping the clients happy.”

Professional and personal accomplishments

Though she admits it was initially a challenge, having worked hard to fit her work and family life together, Jackie has been given time to develop her skills in vital areas at ServiceMaster Clean.

She studied and retrained in bookkeeping administration, which has opened up more work streams for her and allowed her to do more challenging administration in the accounts side of the business.

An accomplishment she says she is very proud of.

A piece of work wisdom Jackie would like to impart is the value of communicating and listening to your team.

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in North Surrey, West London, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional, expert and bespoke contract cleaning services, call 0800 0430 438.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to benefit from 60 years of nationwide cleaning expertise.

We sat down with Stuart McCaig, the new owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services in Bradford is now under new management, having been sold by the previous owner, Clive Jones, to former data analyst Stuart McCaig.

We sat down with Stuart to see how he’s been getting on with his new business and discuss his aspirations for the future.

Get to know the owner

Before joining ServiceMaster, Stuart worked as a contractor and a permanent data analyst for Lloyds Bank.

“I did a multitude of tasks, but towards the end, it was data analytics, and for my final big project, I was involved with a large-scale legal tendering process,” he says.

This background has informed his approach to decision-making and his direction.

After many years at Lloyds, he says he “wanted to be the master” of his “own path.”

So, he decided to step into something new.

After speaking with Clive and spending time in ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Bradford, Stuart decided to take it on.

He is now ready to bring his committed, methodical and driven approach to contract cleaning.

Stuart’s Customer-Centric Approach

Embarking on his new path, Stuart says his focus is supporting clients to create a better cleaning experience.

His data-driven background means he recognises how to see what is of value for business and is committed to client satisfaction.

“My goal is making sure that the customers are being serviced in the way they should be,” he says.

“If they entrust us with what is essentially quite a simple task, their cleaning needs, we will do everything to ensure these needs are met.

And if, for some reason, they’re not, we will endeavour to put that right. I’ll spend every waking hour trying to ensure the business is where it needs to be and making sure they’re happy.”

“I’ll go Above and Beyond to make sure they’re happy the service we provide is what they expect.”

What ServiceMaster Clean Offers

At ServiceMaster Clean, we know that every business is different, and you may have different needs and priorates to your neighbour.

That’s why our cleaning services are bespoke.

Our teams work closely with you to understand what is important to you and go above and beyond to deliver at the highest standards every time using the best tools, staff, and know-how, backed by 60 years of industry-leading experience.

See how ServiceMaster Clean can help you.

If you’re in Bradford and would benefit from contract cleaning services that focus on the needs of your business to get the best value results for you, call Stuart and his team on 01274 299 874 today.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business for a free, no-obligation quotation on our range of expert cleaning services.

Waving a teary goodbye to a committed employee from ServiceMaster Clean in the North East. 

There were a few tears recently when a vital staff member of the self-titled ServiceMaster Clean North East ‘A-Team’, Jackie McKale, hung up her work clothes for the last time.

But it was not without some appropriate fanfare.

Carole Bostwick, Operations Manager and Chris Blewitt, MD,  had an early morning drive to Blyth to ensure they could present some flowers to Jackie on her retirement.

Chris says:

‘The ‘A Team’ at our client’s two factories in Blyth have done an amazing job at these industrial premises.

They are a challenge to clean, and Jackie has played a major part in continuing to delight our customers.

She has always been extremely flexible and dedicated, and we wish her a long and happy retirement. She deserves it.”

In need of a quality cleaner? 

If you’re in the Northeast and need a professional and expert contract cleaner, contact Chris and his team to benefit from professional cleaning services from an award-winning business, call 0191 338 619601642 044118 or 01207 788377.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

ServiceMaster Clean North East are supporting some top brass. 

ServiceMaster Clean North East are delighted to support the Billingham Silver Band at the ‘National Brass Band Championships’.

The annual event takes place at the Centaur Cheltenham and is one that Chris Blewitt, Managing Director, says he is proud to support North East team member Sandra Byers:

“We are very proud that the band are flying the flag for the region at the Championships and that one of our team Sandra Byers is part of the band.

To attend this major event takes a lot of organising and we are very happy to give some help towards getting them there. I’m sure it will be a grand day out.”

In need of a quality cleaner? 

If you’re in the Northeast and need a professional and expert contract cleaner, contact Chris and his team to benefit from professional cleaning services from an award-winning business, call 0191 338 619601642 044118 or 01207 788377.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

Guildford-based entrepreneur Siva Kugathas celebrates the unveiling of his new initiative to offset his carbon emissions, the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we are committed to providing cleaning services that go above and beyond the call of duty.

Though we are an international brand, we work closely within our local communities to provide a positive impact on the people we serve.

With climate change being a huge talking point and concern for many, we know the social responsibility that organisations and businesses have to affect positive change.

Back in April of 2023, we discussed the responsibility of businesses to help work against the looming threat of the climate crisis as we shared the excellent environmental initiatives from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia.

In that post, we shared an interesting statistic from Forbes. Although 90% of companies think sustainability is essential, only 60% have implemented a sustainability strategy.

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA is part of the 10% walking the walk.

Carbon emissions and businesses

According to the United Nations, fossil fuels and their carbon emissions are the main contributors to climate change.

With most of the carbon produced in the UK coming from our businesses, industries, and production habits, everything we, as businesses, do matters.

Especially fuel and product efficiency.

For example, according to the Harvard Business Review, by improving fuel efficiency by roughly 87% between 2005 and 2014, Walmart avoided 15,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and saved nearly $11 million in one year.

Though this is one of the largest companies in the world, this example illustrates the scale that simple fuel efficiency can have on costs and the environment.

The ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland

Siva and the team at AAA strongly believe that, as a business, reducing their carbon footprint to help combat climate change is part of their social responsibility.

As such, they have undertaken several initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Chiefly, the opening of the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland.

But what is this, and why has Siva chosen to do it?

In the cleaning industry, travel by car/van is essential to ensure our cleaning equipment is transported safely to where it needs to be.

As driving is a massive contributor to carbon output, Siva’s targets for carbon offsetting are to offset the carbon his teams put out.

To do this, he has recently purchased a plot of land in Devonshire named ‘The ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland”.

Siva planned to plant trees for each new client his team provides services for to help put more oxygen into the atmosphere and offset carbon emissions.

However, having consulted with a local ecologist and discussed the condition of the biome, he now plans to incorporate complementary trees and plant life into the existing land and turn the area into a conservation site to preserve and nurture the woodland.

So, while he will still be planting new greenery to offset carbon emissions, he will also be working carefully to care for this patch of nature and ensure it becomes a haven for local plants and wildlife.

The Grand Opening

Last week, members from Siva’s team from across his 14 territories and members of ServiceMaster Brands UK’s head office team gathered at the woodland to officially open the land and mark the occasion with a team BBQ.

As he popped the champagne and cut the ribbon alongside ServiceMaster Brands UK Managing Director Alan Lewin, Siva detailed his plans for the land,

“The initial plan was that we were going to plant lots of Conifer trees and offset our Co2 mileage, but there is a slight change in the plan now. We will nurture and bring in the broad-leaf, add more trees and look after this land.”

He then thanked his team for all their hard work and support with his initiatives:

“Thank you all for making it here and supporting opening this land.”

“To the ServiceMaster HQ team, thank you very much for being here, and most importantly, thank you to our staff who work day in and day out to enable us to make this happen and do something good to give back to the community.”

Siva, Alan and Guy Strang, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Brand Leader, then did the honours of planting the first trees, laying down roots for what the ServiceMaster Clean AAA Woodland promises to become.

In need of a professional contract cleaning service?

Could you benefit from professional, personal, and ethical contract cleaning services?

Siva and his teams across 14 territories are ready and waiting to help you take the hassle out of your cleaning. With the bonus of a tree planted in your honour.

If you’re in Guildford, Bracknell, Heathrow, Slough, Woking, Luton, Watford, Canterbury, Dover, Colchester, Ipswich, York, Doncaster, Lincolnshire, East Lancashire and surrounding areas, contact Siva and his team today on 01483 575939 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Or, nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business today and learn the value of a cleaner that cares.

Meet the new Associate Operations Director from ServiceMaster Clean West London and North Surrey.

Congratulations are in order for Aga from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Surrey and London, who has recently been promoted to Associate Operations Director!

Aga, who is Polish, joined the company 17 years ago and quickly proved to be invaluable to the business, despite initially struggling with the language barrier.

However, she quickly learnt the language and skills necessary to become a crucial team member.

She says that business owners Lee and Rachael Downer helped help her hit the ground running, and references the commitment of the whole team to make the business a success:

“Lee and Rachael were a huge support to give me the determination and encouragement to move outside my comfort zone,” she says.

“The greater achievement [of her promotion] is because we work as a team – without that support of the office team and the wider staff, I would not be as successful.”

Behind the scenes

Aga is always busy and brings the same level of dedication and commitment to everything she does.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, having recently visited Rome with her daughter.

This summer, other adventures await her as she takes opportunities to explore new cultures and foods and embrace her love of cooking.

Aga says she is motivated to work on her well-being and maintain a work-life balance, as her mental and physical health is a priority.

Aga is an incredibly hard worker whose ability to wear many different hats is a testament to the diligent care and attention she gives to all she does.

Specifically, Aga volunteers in her local community at a ServiceMaster-sponsored local Polish School – teaching Polish each week.

Aga says:

“It is a community – we support each other – it’s not just cleaning, but socially, personally & professionally too.”

Congratulations, Aga, from all of us at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services!

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Surrey or London and would benefit from regular and professional cleaning services, call 0800 0430 438 for a free quote on a range of services.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contact business to see how we can help your premises maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and professionalism.

ServiceMaster Clean Newbury had a very successful evening recently at the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit, receiving two awards for growth.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we always strive to go above and beyond in all we do, whether it’s exceeding our client’s expectations, nurturing relationships with our staff and customers or developing a thriving franchise network.

Earlier this month, we celebrated many of our franchise business owners who go above and beyond as part of our annual conference, the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit.

This fantastic day allowed our franchisees from across the UK to come together with staff from our head office and event sponsors from different companies to network, develop, and celebrate their businesses.

Awards for ServiceMaster Clean Newbury

To close the day, a black-tie awards evening saw various franchisees awarded for their recent achievements and contributions to our network and the cleaning industry.

Amongst the winners was ServiceMaster Clean Newbury, who last year won the coveted North Star Invest Award, and this year won multiple awards for growth in the business.

The Awards Won

These included two awards for achieving exceptional business growth milestones. The first was for growth of over £500,000 in one year, and the second was for over £1 million growth over five years.

Since becoming an EOT in 2021 and making the staff the owners, ServiceMaster Newbury has focused on growth by working hard to retain its existing clients and secure new ones whilst continuing to deliver the same high standards their clients expect and deserve.

With the employees owning the majority of shares in the company, they are incredibly motivated to go above and beyond in the services they provide for their customers.

This desire to grow and develop the business has included an emphasis on sales and a particular effort to nurture and develop staff talent in sales-oriented roles.

The business has also started to access new, high-value markets and made a particular effort to listen to customer needs. This strategy’s benefits are now paying off, as demonstrated by these two awards for growth.

Business Services Director Jane Paisley said

“If everyone is committed to delivering the best service, maintaining professional standards, and working together to achieve this, a business can develop and grow.”

“Our continued growth will provide opportunities for investment in our people, equipment, green initiatives and the wider community.”

“Winning these awards is the culmination of everyone’s hard work over the past five years. It Is wonderful to have this hard work recognised by the presentation of these two awards at the CS Summer Summit 2023.”

“We were very proud to win both these awards and share this experience with our fellow franchisees.”

Need a professional cleaning service?

If your premises could benefit from regular cleaning from an accredited and trusted company, contact ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Newbury on 01635 38100 today for a free, no-obligation quote on a range of professional and expert services.

Nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more.

ServiceMaster LNP picked up multiple awards at this year’s ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we always strive to go above and beyond in all that we do.

Whether it’s exceeding our client’s expectations, nurturing relationships with our staff and customers or developing a thriving franchise network.

Earlier this month, we celebrated many of our franchise business owners who go above and beyond in their own ways as part of our annual conference, the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Summer Summit.

This fantastic day allowed our franchisees from across the UK to come together with staff from our head office and event sponsors from different companies to network, develop, and celebrate their businesses.

Awards for ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Leicester

To close out the day – a black tie awards evening saw expectational franchisees awarded for their recent achievements and contributions to our network and the cleaning industry.

Amongst the winners was ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Leicester, whose team won an impressive four awards.

The awards won

These included two awards for business growth, which reached impressive numbers in recent years.

ServiceMaster LNP’s growth awards recognised their growth of £800,000 in 2022 and £5 million in the last two years.

Another award recipient from the Leicester team was Area Supervisor Davinder Ghattoura, who was recently featured on ITV news as part of a report about the Leicester City Football Club Active Women programme.

Davinder won both Employee’s Employee of the Year and the coveted Above and Beyond award for her contributions to the team.

General Manager Lee Redfern says:

“It makes me immensely proud when we received these awards, as it reflects just how hard everyone has worked in the business to get us to this level.”

He attributes the growth and successes of the business to,

“A mixture of having a good base template to start and train from, setting ourselves high standards, and having a Team right throughout the three areas we look after, from Sales, to Operations, our office-based staff, the Delivery Team, and ultimately our cleaners, who all want to achieve the same thing, and help the company grow, whilst providing a great service for our customers.”

“It does mean a lot to all of us to win the awards that we have done, although there is a hunger to always go further.”

He adds:

“The Awards evening was very enjoyable, and It was great to be a part of it.”

“Having the opportunity to acknowledge our success last year with some of our team was a great highlight, and also our Area Supervisor Davinder Ghattoura winning the Employee’s, Employee of the Year Award, and the Above and Beyond Award was a fantastic achievement.”

We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Lee and his team on their hard work and achievements and wish them continued success in the future.

Need a professional cleaning service?

If your premises could benefit from regular cleaning from an accredited and trusted company, contact ServiceMaster LNP on 0116 402 0090 or 0116 218 5445 today for a free, no-obligation quote on a range of professional and expert services.

Nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more.

In honour of Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting father and daughter duo Chris and Jessica Blewitt from ServiceMaster Clean North East, who recently celebrated 5 years in business.

What is it like to build a business with your father/daughter?

Chris: “Overall it’s great to build a business with your daughter. Jessica is only 23 now and was 17 when we started. She was at college then but helped out from the first day. She was the one that did our first tax return and she is the expert on invoicing, banking, and payroll.

It was not planned that she would come into the business, it just evolved. She went from helper to part-time employee. She then was offered a full-time promotion by her other part-time employer, which was a tough decision but I said she should do what was right for her. She carried on helping, which was hard when she had already done a long day.

We knew that one day she would come back into the business full-time but perhaps that was 5 or 10 years away. Rapid growth meant that a full-time Business Process Manager was required and she decided now was the time to come back into the business and we believe make it her career. Seeing firsthand her capability and dedication fills me with immense pride. At such a young age, she gives the appearance of a veteran. She is well-known in the network and with Head Office staff.”

Jessica: “I find it motivating to work in the business because if I do a good job, not only is it beneficial to me but to my Dad and my family as a whole. It can be challenging to have to switch between the roles of ‘employee and boss’  to ‘daughter and father’. Because it’s my Dad I always know he has my best interests at heart – I have his back and he has mine.”

Why did you decide to build a company alongside your family?

Chris: “As mentioned previously,  it wasn’t planned although I did think it could create opportunities for family members. Perhaps you could say I secretly hoped Jessica would get involved. I have a son also, Daniel, who is now 21 but still deciding what he wants to do. He is very entrepreneurial but still getting to grips with the world of work. At this stage, I am not sure if there would be a role in our commercial cleaning business but a franchise with another ServiceMaster brand could be a possibility.

Sue, my wife, also helps in the business but has her own separate career. That said, we worked side by side, on initial deep cleans, with  two of our longest serving clients and was there to support, for cover, when we only had a very small team.”

How has your dad/family given you the skills to run the business?

Jessica: “We are not quite at the stage where I am running the business but I am fully aware of all the functions. I specialise in our office and business processes, both developing them and operating them, but I am heavily involved in running the operational side of the business. The sales and marketing side of the business is something I would need more exposure to but alternatively, it’s not a role I might do, just manage if I take on a General Manager role in the future, depending how big we grow.

I work extremely closely with my Dad, so I live and breathe the events that occur in the company. We have very similar thinking, which makes it easier and my Dad likes to talk through issues with members of his team, including me – we have a very collaborative culture. I think my Dad is a great mentor and at 23 I feel well-equipped to run the franchise – at some point in the future. My Dad has a business degree but he tells me I have a much greater understanding of running a business than he did at my age.”

What is it like to operate a multi-generational business?

Chris: “Having the opportunity to work with a member of your family on any ‘project’ can be very rewarding, but building something as large and multi-faceted as a business takes this to another level. Being able to spend so much time with someone you care about is another benefit. I held my Dad in very high regard but I never saw so closely, firsthand,  how he did business.”

What legacy were/are you hoping to leave behind for Jessica/future generations?

Chris: “Building something that can benefit a future generation of your family is very satisfying. The thought that perhaps other future generations could be involved, develop themselves in the business, and take it on further would be even more exciting. Hopefully, the business will continue with my values being the foundation –  hard work, servicing our clients very well, looking after our people, and offering a truly professional service.  I have no plans to sell the business, my plan is to pass it on through the family – if that’s what they want to do.”

What about ServiceMaster Clean made it the right company for your careers?

Jessica: “Whilst I didn’t plan this as a career, I have found it to be a great match for my skills. I enjoy the variety of work and love the flexibility. Recently I bought a house to do up and the business gives me the opportunity to flex my day to keep the building project on track – I couldn’t have done this in a 9-5 role.  It’s a bit of payback for the nights a few years ago when we worked until 11 pm doing payroll before I became full-time!”

Chris: “When I looked at business opportunities I wanted something scalable, proven but with support if needed it. I thought the people at ServiceMaster Clean were people I could work with and this has been found to be the case. It’s great to be part of a network. My biggest regret is that I didn’t do this 20 years earlier – but then I wouldn’t have been able to grow it from the start with my daughter.”

Benefit from professional cleaning services

To benefit from the services provided by Chris, Jessica, and the rest of the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services North East team, call 0191 250 5116 for a free quote on a range of bespoke cleaning services.

Or nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to contact your local cleaning experts today.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia is recognising the long service of an employee.

 The cleaning industry is infamous for notably high staff turnover rates. So, when members of staff work in a business for a long time, not only is it notable, but it’s also a sign of an exceptional operation.

One such business is ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid-Anglia, which, on top of leading the way in terms of its environmental initiatives, has today celebrated the 19th work anniversary of one of its Cleaning Operatives, Sue Toll.

Not only that, but today Sue celebrated working with the same client with whom she began working almost two decades ago!

This demonstrates the strength of the client relationships cultivated at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services.

We work closely with our cleaners and customers to create a bespoke and personal service that is exceptional and performed with heart.

To celebrate Sue’s achievement, she was awarded a certificate and glass plaque – which can be seen above being handed to Sue by Operations Manager: Tim Stevens.

See the value of a cleaner that cares

Sue’s work and commitment epitomise our ServiceMaster commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty.

We know that the value of a good service goes beyond just cost, which is why we pride ourselves on building long-lasting and trusted relationships with our clients.

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

To start working with a cleaner who puts care into everything they do, contact Malcolm and his team today by calling 0800 085 3541.

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.

Zuzanna from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick is participating in Race for Life.

Run by Cancer Research UK, Race for Life is the largest series of fundraising events in the UK.

Beginning 30 years ago as a single, women-only event, Race for Life has grown into a collective of hundreds of events across the country.

During this time, it has raised over £940 million for cancer research in the UK.

Zuzanna’s Race for Life

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick carries out bespoke and expert cleaning services in commercial properties in and around Warwick, ensuring that all properties are kept to a quality standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

Zuzanna from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick is participating in this year’s Race for Life event by running in the Worcester 3k event to raise funds for cancer research.

She is supported by Ella from Anytime Fitness in Stratford Upon Avon, who is helping train her for the challenge.

Zuzanna says she decided to participate in the race because of watching multiple friends and family suffer from cancer.

“It’s devastating looking at them and being unable to help them apart from being for them and supporting them when they need it.”

“That’s why I think every penny is so important to continue the research on how we can help people to get well and enjoy them being in our life for a long time.”

She hopes to reach a £100 fundraising target, which she is already halfway to meeting.

“Cancer is happening right now, which is why I’m taking part in a Race for Life 3k to raise money and save lives,” she says.

“1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s ground-breaking work, so please sponsor me now.”

The money raised

The research undertaken by Cancer Research UK has helped contribute to improving survival rates for various forms of cancer.

Survival rates across all 200 forms of cancer have doubled overall in the last 40 years.

All money raised by sponsoring Zuzanna and other participants goes towards Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work, funding laboratories, tests and treatments of all 200 types of cancer.

The money raised from Zuzanna’s £100 target could purchase:

  • Essential research chemicals for 20 ground-breaking labs, helping us all beat cancer sooner.
  • Five new microscope bulbs
  • Eight new lab timers to help scientists track their work
  • Two special restriction enzymes. These work like molecular scissors to cut up the long strands of DNA in our cells
  • A Bunsen burner, which helps scientists carry out their essential work.

To help Zuzanna reach her goal, please consider visiting her JustGiving page and donating today.

Yasmin Chaudhari, Marketing Manager for ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services joins us all in cheering on Zuzanna:

“It’s great to hear that our teams are rising to the challenge and getting involved with charitable events nationwide.”

“From all of us at ServiceMaster Brands UK, we wish Zuzanna the best with the Race for Life.”

“We hope this will be a rewarding achievement for you and Cancer Research UK. Good luck, Zuzanna!”

Contact Us

To benefit from the services provided by Michal, Zuzanna and the rest of the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services team, call 01926 353095 for a free quote on a range of bespoke cleaning services.

Or nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to contact your local cleaning experts today.

ServiceMaster Clean AAA has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors.

It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK, including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

ServiceMaster Clean AAA

Employing staff and serving clients, ServiceMaster Clean AAA is principally involved in the cleaning sector, specialising in offices and commercial premises, with over £5 million turnover.

ServiceMaster Clean AAA’s most recent clients have included major players in business like the Four Seasons Hotel, UK Oil & Gas, Fuji Films, Tommy Hilfiger, Stoke Park Golf Club, as well as nursing homes and medical practices.

The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Some kind words

Gemma Archibald, Divisional CEO of Alcumus Supply Chain Division, said:

“Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.”

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that ServiceMaster Clean AAA has done.”

“The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.”

ServiceMaster Clean AAA business owner Siva Kugathas said of the new accreditation:

“I am delighted to achieve SafeContractor certification. We pride ourselves on the safety of our customers, employees and the public.”

“This will certainly help us to win more clients.”

Yasmin Chaudhari, from ServiceMaster Brands UK, added:

“This certification is a huge achievement for ServiceMaster Clean AAA and is just one of the many ways the brand goes above and beyond to deliver for their clients.”

“Not only does this prove that the customers really are at the heart of the business, but it also keeps the brand and business ahead of the game, setting them worlds apart from the next contract cleaning company on the market. Big congrats to the AAA team for this accreditation!”

Need a professional cleaning service?

If your premises could benefit from regular cleaning from an accredited and trusted company, contact ServiceMaster Clean AAA on 0800 047 1747 today for a free, no-obligation quote on a range of professional and expert services.

Nationwide, call 0845 201 1184 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more.

Malcolm Bennet from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia discusses their ongoing sustainability initiatives that are helping make a cleaner UK.

As climate change becomes an ever-present issue in the media and public consciousness, there is a growing focus on collective responsibility.

This can include collectives as large as entire nations as countries prepare to face this looming threat.

But it can also mean businesses.

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.

This raises the question:

Do businesses have a responsibility to operate sustainably?

The short answer is yes.

Much of our carbon production, as the main culprit in global warming, has to do with our businesses, industry and production habits.

As global economies have improved over recent decades, the demand and production of goods and services have increased, and energy demand has soared, along with our collective carbon footprint.

The increased combustion of fossil fuels to meet this demand has seen annual global greenhouse gas emissions increase by 50% over the past 30 years.

And according to the European Environment Agency, only a small number of industrial facilities are responsible for 50% of air pollution-related damage in Europe.

To do their bit to combat this – businesses like ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia feel compelled to do their bit by operating their businesses more sustainably.

Malcolm Bennet, ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Mid Anglia’s Manager Director, says that when looking to improve the company’s environmental standing, his main thought was a sense of responsibility that compelled him to act.

“Morally, I felt we should be doing something. I thought, if all I do is think about it, I’ll never do anything,” he says.

So, in October 2022, Malcolm and his team began implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives across the business.

What initiatives are in place?

Vehicles and electricity

While still relatively new in the grand scheme of things, the business has managed to operate electric cars and hybrid vans, including a fully electric sales car, and introduce free-to-use charging points for staff at the office.

This goes hand-in-hand with existing habits within the business of fuel efficiency and not making unnecessary journeys.

This alone can have an enormous impact.

For example, according to the Harvard Business Review, by improving fuel efficiency by roughly 87% between 2005 and 2014, Walmart avoided 15,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and saved nearly $11 million in one year.

Though this is one of the largest companies in the world, this example illustrates the scale that simple fuel efficiency can have on costs and the environment.

Malcolm also implemented LED bulbs in the business office, which are more sustainable and equipped with sensors so that they only turn on when people are in the room, increasing energy efficiency.

Tree planting initiatives

One of the main initiatives that Malcolm and his team have undertaken since October is planting trees for each quarter and new client.

“Once a quarter, we plant 50 trees ourselves and then, for every new customer, donate a tree on their behalf and send them a certificate,” says Malcolm.

Since October, this has led to the planting of around 270, which, within a year, will have absorbed about 13,008 pounds of carbon dioxide – approx. 930 stone!

Personable impact

The impact this has is not just on the environment, as the sustainability practices and certification are a great example of how we go above and beyond for clients.

Malcolm says that the initiatives have been a conversation starter for many customers.

“All of our vehicles have electric/green [indicators] to point out that they’re electric, so when we go to customers, it becomes a bit of a talking point.”

The tree planting, he adds,

“Has been quite… not popular – because I don’t think people buy into the business just for that. But they appreciate it when they do see it.”

Malcolm is right.

While there is more to choosing a business for a job than its sustainability record, research from Wunderman Thompson found that 83% of consumers will always choose a brand with a better sustainability record.

Getting the ball rolling

Malcolm says that he hopes that he feels businesses have a degree of responsibility to set an example.

He says he hopes other businesses will see the benefit and reasons to operate more sustainably and follow suit.

“You’ve got to start doing these things, and the more people that start doing it, it snowballs,” he says.

“Hopefully, we can encourage others to do it and start making a difference themselves.”

“We’ll continue to ensure that our office operations follow a green model and work with our suppliers and supply network to encourage them to do the same.”

The value of a cleaner who cares

The work of Malcolm and his team epitomises the ServiceMaster commitment to caring about our customers and environment and going above and beyond the call of duty.

We know that the value of a good service goes beyond just cost, which is why we pride ourselves on building long-lasting and trusted relationships with our clients.

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

To start working with a cleaner who puts care into everything they do, contact Malcolm and his team today by calling 0800 085 3541.

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.

Are you feeling the pinch?

With changes to the National Living Wage leading to the highest-ever increase of 9.7%, it’s no doubt that you’ll see an increase in your in-goings and outgoings as a result.

A recap of the changes

The recent increase follows advice issued to the Government by the Low Pay Commission (LPC) last year.

It has been undertaken in response to the cost-of-living crisis and to align with the Government’s goal of two-thirds of median earnings by 2024.

The LPC is also now consulting on National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for April next year and will recommend any changes in October.

The changes made at the beginning of this month, of course, differ depending on age.

They are:

Are you feeling the pinch of your cleaning service?

These changes will have a widespread impact on businesses but will acutely affect services like cleaning.

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we have over 60 years as leaders in the competitive and changeable cleaning industry, serving businesses through difficult times.

Here’s how:

We know cleaning is more than skin deep. Businesses are as varied as the people who run them, so we understand that one service does not suit all.

So, we do more than keep up your appearances. We tailor our services to suit your space, teams, customers, and budgets.

Our teams of local and professional experts deliver bespoke quotes and regular meetings with you to understand how you use your space and, subsequently, how you need it to be cleaned and managed.

We then tailor our offer accordingly while upholding regular and ongoing meetings to ensure we go above and beyond the service you expect through the on-hand supervision of our local teams.

At ServiceMaster Clean, our equipment, expertise and brand are trusted nationwide. This includes products and equipment that are unavailable anywhere else!

Our services benefit from this while maintaining a local and personalised approach guaranteed to suit you.

Can your current cleaning contractor say that?

With cleaning services costing more, you want to know that you are getting the best value for your money.

With ServiceMaster Clean, you do.

Switch to a better-value cleaning supplier by finding your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business today.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick has found a way of spreading some Easter spirit.

With Easter on the horizon, last year’s ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Rookies of the Year, Michal Kawerski and Dariusz Kowalik, are spreading cheer to their clients in Warwick.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick delivers bespoke and professional cleaning services to commercial clients, including offices, medical facilities, car showrooms, and housing associations.

One of these clients, Eco Work-Shop, is a non-profit company that seeks to improve the lives and daily well-being of learning-disabled and/or autistic adults and their adult lives once they leave formal education.

By building on the skills gained from education, Work-Shop supports individuals through activities tailored to their level, gently and steadily supporting the increase in skills required to complete each task so that they may become fulfilled from personal achievement and included in the adult world.

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Warwick has worked with the Work-Shop to create handmade cards, which will be delivered to their clients to wish them a happy Easter.

At ServiceMaster Clean, we believe in cultivating lasting relationships with our clients and that a little cheer can go a long way.

By working closely with our clients, we assess the specific needs of their premises and build long-lasting relationships built on quality and bespoke service.

Michal and Dariusz in Warwick here exemplify our ethos of going “Above and Beyond” as they have created a relationship that goes both ways with their customer and have extended the positives of that relationship to their other clients.

Need contract cleaning this Easter?

Whether you’re a school, broken up for the holidays, or a medical facility that needs regular cleaning to maintain hygiene standards, if your facility requires specialist cleaning this Easter, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business today to receive a customised and expert cleaning service.

With over 60 years of expertise within the cleaning sector, our businesses nationwide are best placed with the knowledge and equipment to deliver the best standard of cleaning every time.

Or, if you’re in Warwick and the surrounding areas and would benefit from a regular and personalised service from Michal and Dariusz, contact ServiceMaster Clean Warwick today on 01926 353095.

“5 years on and exceeding all expectations.”

It was party… and cake time at ServiceMaster Clean North East this month.

This is because the company reached its 5th birthday.

And what a 5-years it has been!

How it all started

Chris Blewitt began trading in March 2018 after purchasing a vacant franchise territory in Durham and Teesside.

He had no staff or contracts but high expectations of building a successful commercial cleaning business from scratch.

Chris had a stretch target of building a profitable £1 million turnover in 5 years but wasn’t sure if this was realistic.

Overcoming challenges

There are naturally nerves and uncertainty with a fresh start.

With his background in operations, Chris says he wasn’t as sure of his ability as a salesman.

But following the training he received as part of a franchise and with time and practice, contracts soon started to build, and Chris realised he was more than capable.

This extended to all aspects of the business, as Chris found that his fresh start gave him a wealth of experience in all areas.

“The great thing about starting from zero is you get to experience doing every job,” he says.

“As well as doing the sales and marketing, I was the Supervisor looking after an increasing team of cleaners.”

Two years in, Chris had built a reasonable-sized business when COVID hit, and the world changed.

“The first few days after the Prime Minister’s announcement were frantic and quite scary, with nearly 50% of our customers shutting their offices,” says Chris.

In a time when other cleaning companies sought to make a fast buck through ‘fogging’ opportunities, Chris prioritised his core business by looking after existing customers and staff.

It’s a strategy that worked, as every customer returned after COVID-19.

“Within two months trading, we were back to 76% of pre-COVID levels, and the introduction of the furlough scheme gave some assurances that the business could at least tread water.”

Chris did use the time in this lull wisely as he started to look for other opportunities to grow.

Expansion

This culminated with purchasing the neighbouring ServiceMaster Clean franchise, which covers Tyneside and Wearside, at the end of his third year in business.

At this point, the trading name was changed to reflect the entire region it covers – the North East – and Chris set about merging two businesses and teams.

Two management staff came across under the TUPE transfer, which helped make running the Operations side of the business easier.

“When you take over a business, you often focus on the contracts and equipment you are getting. But my experience is that the real value is in the great people you inherit,” says Chris.

Nurturing a healthy growth culture

A vital part of building a business is the development of the culture, and Chris says he is very conscious of the values that run throughout his organisation.

“One of the most satisfying things for me is to look at how we work.”

“We are very dynamic. We treat all stakeholders respectfully, share good practices, and constantly strive to improve.”

“We do things properly and professionally and do what we say we will. Though I say it myself, I think we are very slick,” he says.

“We recently recruited a new experienced Supervisor, and although her previous cleaning company exists within the same market, she can’t believe how easy we make all activities.”

This has not happened by chance, as Chris has greatly emphasised systems and processes.

Chris’ daughter, Jessica, also now works full-time as the Business Process Manager, having always been involved in the business, even when she was at college.

“We didn’t want someone just to operate the systems but to develop them,” Chris says.

“We use market-leading time and attendance software, but what sets us apart is that we have managed to integrate it with our specialist cleaning payroll and invoicing system.”

“Others run one or both of these systems independently but struggle to put in the effort to make integration happen.”

A real success story

At the end of the fifth year, the business achieved a turnover of £1.2 million, serving over 100 loyal customers and employing over 130 staff.

Chris has also been recognised for his business success, having achieved the ServiceMaster Award of Excellence and Great British Franchisee status last year, placing him amongst the top 15 franchise business owners in the country!

With his initial stretch target convincingly beaten, Chris plans to grow the business to £2 million in the next three years.

“I am very proud of the team and what they have achieved. We have solid foundations but still a long way to go on our journey.”

Need a professional cleaner?

To get in touch with Chris and his team and benefit from professional cleaning services from an award-winning business, call 0191 250 5116, 01642 433300 or 01207 297588 today.

Or nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you.

A staff member from ServiceMaster LNP has been featured on ITV News as part of a story on International Women’s Day.

Davinder Ghattoura, one of the Area Supervisors at ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services in Leicester, has become a local hero after featuring in a story for ITV News.

The story, for International Women’s Day, focused on an initiative from Leicester City Football Club to encourage women into the sport.

The Leicester City Active Women programme is headed by Rukshana Hussain, who aims to support local women by helping them get into the sport to improve their social and physical skills.

Davinder, who works for ServiceMaster LNP, was interviewed by ITV News’ Arul Lal as one of the many women who have taken part in and benefitted from the scheme since it launched in May 2022.

Speaking on the importance of women’s contribution and participation in football and other sports, Davinder told ITV News:

“Women need to be recognised.”

“You’re not just the housewife doing the cooking,” she said.

“You can go out there, you can do sports. Any sport you like.”

Davinder also highlighted the significance of schemes like Leicester City Active Women, which foster belief and encourage women from all backgrounds to break out of traditional societal expectations and moulds.

Particularly the support from other women, Davinder says.

“You need to get encouragement from other women.”

Heading towards its first anniversary, the scheme’s leader says it goes beyond football, as there is such value in providing a community for women who need a space, a voice, and encouragement from their peers.

Local people, national expertise, premium service

At ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services, we have over 60 years of experience as a national brand, leading the way in the cleaning industry.

This informs the service we deliver in local communities across the UK.

Each of our business owners is a specialist in what they do and is committed to supplying expert and informed services to businesses in their area.

Our services are bespoke.

By working and meeting regularly with our teams, we ensure to go above and beyond your expectations by helping you manage the unique requirements of your premises.

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

Get cleaner premises with less hassle now.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business or call 0845 201 1184 to book a free, no-obligation quote on our services today.