Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
Jean-Henri Beukes, Managing Director at Ecocleen
Commercial contract cleaning provider, Ecocleen, has announced that it is on track to achieve record 29.6% growth this year, despite the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst navigating the challenging environment, the company is aiming to achieve a total revenue of £17 million by the end of the year, while continuing measures to ensure that the high quality of its services is maintained for clients.
Further growth in Oxford
At the end of 2019, Ecocleen acquired Regency Cleaning Services to increase its presence within key sectors and expand its nationwide franchise network with seven new territories. During Covid-19, the company appointed Anthony Bonnett as a franchisee for one of these territories. Working with HSBC’s relationship managers, Bonnett identified that the cleaning industry more than ever is a service that is in demand.
With funding from HSBC, Bonnett purchased Ecocleen’s Oxford region, as he was looking for a franchisor that would be strong enough to withstand the imminent economic uncertainty and commercial cleaning proved to be a strong market opportunity. He has signed a five-year renewable contract and plans to grow the territory by fostering relationships with new and existing customers across the Oxford area.
Bonnett commented: “I am delighted to be a part of this new chapter with Ecocleen. This is a great opportunity for all involved, allowing Ecocleen to grow as a business and for me to develop and create relationships throughout the Oxford region. I’m very enthusiastic about the next few years – I’m sure there are lots of exciting opportunities to look forward to!”
Resale of Thames Valley territory
Ecocleen’s Thames Valley Regional Director, Michael Currie, has also recently invested further in the region, with the aim of improving its presence in the area, specifically in the education sector. During this challenging time, he had daily calls with all Regional Directors as well as Ecocleen’s Managing Director and the Head Office Support Team. These conversations centred around what the team could do to ensure they were using best practice and that they were forward planning through this pandemic. Looking ahead, Currie’s goal is to grow the Ecocleen franchise into the region’s premier cleaning provider and the territory resale will enable the team to continue to learn, grow and change as the region does.
Navigating COVID-19 pandemic
In addition to offering specialised and adapted services to its clients, Ecocleen took a consultative approach to ensure customers had peace of mind that every necessary precaution had been taken to ensure their safety during this difficult time. With it’s ISO 31000 Risk Management and OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Management accreditations, the company was better prepared to navigate the pandemic and could be held accountable to delivering the highest quality level of service for it’s clients requirements. Ecocleen also invested in its people, focussing on their wellbeing and partnered with a consultant to address any challenges when working at home.
Jean-Henri Beukes, Managing Director at Ecocleen said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has not come without its challenges, but as a company, we have used it as an opportunity to adapt and ensure we are providing our customers with a service that meets their changing needs. This time has taught us that looking after our people and customers will build a robust business that can withstand any uncertainty.
“Our franchise growth, territory expansion and investment from HSBC is testament to our business and we are primed to lead the way as we move into our new normal.”
