Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
A Hampshire-based specialist cleaning company has reported annual turnover up by 50 per cent during the pandemic.
Expanding Cleaning Operations UK Limited says it has achieved this through winning new clients, absorbing rising costs, investing in people and sheer hard work.
Although the Fareham-based company saw the collapse of its daily cleaning contracts due to enforced closures of shops, hospitality venues and offices, it expanded special projects in the construction and automotive industries.
Founder and Managing Director Luzia Holloway said: “We managed to increase annual turnover by 50 per cent during the pandemic. It was incredible for us, but very challenging because of all the restrictions.
“We had to make many adjustments – not least absorbing the ever-rising cost of cleaning equipment and materials – as well as making it easier for staff to do their jobs by providing accommodation , living expenses and further incentives when working away.
“It was an expensive process, but we retained staff, kept our reputation intact and gained a lot of new clients.
“Special projects, such as construction and automotive cleaning were our ‘must-haves’. Construction was one of the very few industries allowed to continue and we were able to work closely with clients to ensure continued support.”
Holloway said Cleaning Operations UK had completed 179 projects since the pandemic started in March 2020 with 100 per cent attendance at every one and each handed over on time.
Core staff numbers have remained static, with more added to take the current total to around 130.
Members of staff and their families celebrated the 12th anniversary of the company’s unique ‘Revival of Beliefs’ day at the Novotel Southampton hotel.
The regular event is held by the company to recognise the efforts put in by all the commercial cleaning company’s workers and to strengthen bonds between them.
Holloway, who founded the company 20 years ago, updated her workforce on progress as well as thanking them for their exceptional hard work during 2021.
She said that the dedicated, highly flexible and diligent team of colleagues provided exceptional service to valued clients and was looking to 2022 to be a period of further development.
The lunchtime event also featured presentations to the company’s team members who went beyond the call of duty. Among those recognised this year was popular Office Manager Kerrie Mooney who was named Unsung Hero of 2021 for her unstinting efforts during a demanding year.
Holloway commented: “The Revival of Beliefs day is an important occasion which gives us all a chance to step away from our work for a day to reflect on the company’s core values, our own roles within the company and how we can improve.
“To have reached our 12th anniversary is a fantastic achievement and, as ever, it was a great family occasion. Cleaning Operations is very much a family business and every single member of our team is part of the family.”
Cleaning Operations UK, described as a ‘one-stop shop’ for commercial cleaning, provides a rapid-response cleaning services to a host of businesses in the region, including builders, after builders, specialist floor, specialist window, restoration, daily and events.
The company works across many sectors, including retail, hotels, leisure centres, restaurants, offices, churches, hospitals, factories/warehouses, listed buildings, the motor trade and museums.
