SMART-ER cleaning services

A SMART objective is one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed. SMART is now in common usage in helping managers agree objectives within appraisal and performance management systems. NJC are SMART-ER because we have set up a robust Evaluation and Review process to ensure that there is regular feed back from our customers.

Specific

The NJC office cleaning and fabric maintenance service is Specific because it is fully supported by a written specification containing an appropriate blend of task and output based requirements. Working with HQ occupiers such as Vodafone, Google, Wolseley and Volvo, we have developed standard service specifications for office and commercial space that set out, in plain English, the type and frequency of tasks that are to be carried out, as well as the quality output measures to manage service performance. In this way the customer knows precisely what tasks are included and how performance will be measured.

Measurable

Our cleaning service is completely transparent and measurable because our service level performance is completely accessible online. We have developed an online service desk based on the highly successful fmNet service management systems. This leading edge system has won several FM Innovation awards and has been used by us to manage the Land Securities London portfolio and our other London and UK based customers for the last 18 months.

Its functionality is substantially more advanced than traditional FM products such as Maximo or FSI Concept and being online, using Internet layouts, is easy to use and access anytime, anywhere. Hand held devices can automatically update the condition of building assets and track the location and activities of personnel while on site. This is especially useful for supervising "cleaning tours" and automatically recording the average cleaning times of individual areas to ensure that the work is properly carried out to the maximum efficiency of resources.

Achievable

By appointing NJC as your cleaning supplier partner you can be confident that the service delivery is always achievable throughout the full contract term. Every contract that NJC undertakes is achievable, because it is properly resourced. Click here to down load our guide to under priced cleaning contracts. Under resourcing a cleaning contract by having too few labour hours, cheap cleaning materials and equipment, no account management and supervision and no training does not make the contract achievable or sustainable in the long term. There may be a short honeymoon period to get the contract off the ground, however complacency and the contractors' bottom line will soon dictate the inevitable poor cleaning standards received by the client.

Realistic

NJC is the author of the recently published BIFM good practice guide for cleaning. This guide sets out precisely why cleaning contracts have such a high risk of failure and explains the steps that are needed in order to protect service consistency. We will provide a realistic solution and price because we are prepared to invest in full due diligence surveys before rather than after the tender process.

NJC has such a high client retention rate because it is realistic about both the operator manning levels and more importantly the amount of on site supervision and off site support that is needed to make a contract run smoothly. Too many companies scrimp on management and supervision in order to inflate their profit margins at the customers' expense and risk. Our proposal may not be the cheapest but it is always realistic and deliverable.

Timed

Timed response and completion service levels are a key component of the NJC service and is delivered through the online service desk which is accessible to our customers. fmNet allows us to jointly establish response and completion service levels with clients for all reactive and planned cleaning service requests. In this way customers can see that NJC is properly fulfilling its service quality standards at all times. We provide detailed response and completion service levels for every reactive service request including resolution of any cleaning omissions and complaints.

Reuben Heppelthwaite

Not Just Cleaning Ltd

127 Cheapside

London

EC2V 6BT

Tel: 0207 6001956

rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com

www.notjustcleaning.com

4 seconds to create a first impression!

The way that commercial premises are cleaned can signal to both visitors, employees and to customers that the Company is efficient and innovative. The quality of the working environment is the first impression that you give to your customers, visitors, suppliers and employees. It is the physical personification of your brand values. It is widely recognised that it takes less than 4 seconds for people to decide if their first impression is good or bad. Malcolm Gladwell takes this even further in his book "blink" by suggesting that the first impression is an instant gut reaction.

The standard of cleaning in the premises can speak volumes about the company and its service values. There are many positive commercial effects of smart, clean, tidy and well presented premises. The main positive effect is a good first impression to both prospective customers and employees. Good first impressions will always make it easier to attract the right staff and impress visiting clients and suppliers.

If you are a tenant in a multi-let building, the standard of cleaning in the common parts are equally as important. This includes external areas, car park, entrances, receptions, lift lobbies, lifts, toilets, window cleaning and hard floor maintenance. Visitors and staff will have already created a first impression of your company before they have set foot in your premises!

NJC carry out cleaning to the common parts of many multi-let buildings and we take our role as trustee for the first impressions of the buildings' tenants very seriously. We are delighted when we are able to provide continuity of services by carrying out cleaning services within the tenants' demise.

4 seconds is not a long time! Choose the right office cleaning company to create the right first impression.

Not Just Cleaning Ltd

127 Cheapside

London

EC2V 6BT

rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com

www.notjustcleaning.com

Safe Contractor Scheme

Not Just Cleaning are a SAFEcontractor accredited company. SAFEcontractor is an accreditation scheme that assesses the health and safety competency of contractors and service providers. Clients have a legal obligation to ensure that external contractors and service providers working on their premises operate in a safe way. There is therefore a need to assess contractors health & safety arrangements and increasingly this is being carried out through SAFEcontractor.

With legislation placing an ever-increasing burden on organisations to ensure the health and safety competency of contractors providing services on their premises, it is vital to have a reliable system in place. SAFEcontractor accredited companies like NJC offer health and safety assurance for their clients.

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
Tel:0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

Cleaners who feel good about themselves produce good results!

It can be very difficult to attract and retain competent well motivated cleaners. The inherent reason for this are the low incentives offered in the industry, particularly for part time workers. How can a cleaning company encourage and motivate its cleaners with low self esteem, low pay and working unsocial hours?

NJC make its cleaners fully aware that they are very important people. Our cleaners are equally as important as our clients. Without them NJC could not provide the very best in cleaning services for some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK.

Our cleaners are told that they are 'not just cleaners', they are image enhancers for some of the UK's leading companies! This approach aims to boost the morale of our staff and raise their self esteem. This approach really works because people who feel good about themselves and their job, produce good results.

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
Tel: 0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

Recruitment and selection in the cleaning industry

Cleaning service quality is in large measure governed by the quality of the first line cleaning staff. This fact makes the recruitment and selection of cleaners of paramount importance. A cleaning company's procedures should be designed to attract the right staff and the best staff to suit the client's requirements. The main aim of the cleaning contractor should be to achieve a long serving, capable and well balanced cleaning team.

The 'holy grail' for any cleaning company should be a high staff retention rate. Not Just Cleaning's staff retention was above 85% in 2007 and we work very hard to increase this year upon year. We know that retaining good quality staff is the cornerstone of an excellent cleaning service.

For more information on our recruitment techniques please contact Reuben Heppelthwaite on 0118 930 4466 or email: rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

New online shop for cleaning supplies, equipment and machines

PKHCleanShop.co.uk is the safest, most reliable and easiest to use e-commerce site for cleaning and hygiene supplies. PKH is a trading style of Not Just Cleaning Ltd.

If you are looking to buy cost effective janitorial products and/or cleaning machines from a company that looks after its customers with low prices, reliable service and safe online shopping - then visit PKHCleanShop.co.uk

These are 7 reasons to buy from PKHCleanShop.co.uk

1. Safe - PKH use HSBC Secure ePayment for completely secure online shopping.
2. Reliable - PKH use Parcel Force for the majority of deliveries. Large orders are delivered by our own drivers.
3. Low prices guaranteed.
4. The PHONEBACK service means PKH are always available to answer your queries.
5. Look out for amazing offers, which PKH will email to you when you register.
6. PKH have a large range of quality products to suit your needs.
7. You can trust PKHCleanShop.co.uk - PKH know what is important and looks after its customers.

How slippery are your hard floors?

Slipping and tripping is the biggest cause of accidents in the workplace. These accidents often lead to more serious problems and most are preventable. Hard floors should be checked on a regular basis, especially after hard floor deep cleaning maintenance. The effectiveness of the cleaning regime can be monitored and this will let you know when it is time for a deep clean, an anti-slip treatment or a new floor.

NJC carry out floor slipperiness testing using the SlipAlert indicator to assess whether the floor is safe. SlipAlert has been designed specifically to correlate with the TRL Pendulum, the UK's 'Gold Standard' and the only slip resistance tester described in the British Standards. Four S rubber (hard shoe heel rubber) as specified in BS7976 is used for the test. SlipAlert testing complies with the Health & Safety Executive UK slip resistance guidelines. The test is carried out 3 times and the mean value of the reading is calculated.

For more information on slipperiness testing please contact Mark Heppelthwaite on 0118 930 4466.

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

The 'gladiator' effect

You may have seen or heard of the film Gladiator set in ancient Rome and starring Russell Crowe. If you have, you will probably recall the scene in the Colosseum where the Roman Caesar decides whether the Gladiator lives or dies by putting his thumb up or down.

There are many times every day when we choose to give a thumbs up or a thumbs down about something. It is widely recognised that it takes less than 4 seconds to make this decision. In fact according to Malcolm Gladwell's book 'Blink', in many cases the decision will be an instant gut reaction. At NJC we call this the 'gladiator effect'.

So why is this effect so important to facilities managers and property managers?

It's all about first impressions. A good first impression will make sure that you get the thumbs up! The standard of cleaning in your premises can speak volumes about your company and it's service values.

There are many positive commercial effects of smart, clean, tidy and well presented premises. The main positive effect is a good first impression to both prospective customers and employees. Good first impressions will always make it easier to attract the right staff and impress visiting clients and suppliers. The worlds leading companies have always paid very careful attention to the presentation of their buildings.

Why else is a good standard of cleaning so important?

Good standards of cleaning are the physical representation of the brand values and efficiency of your organisation. In addition, smart and clean premises will give an increased feeling of employee well being. This leads to higher employee productivity and higher rates of retention. We all know that good people are an organisations greatest asset. Keeping them is critical to the success of the operation. Having a high rate of employee retention will substantially reduce the high costs of re-recruitment, re-training and business disruption.

For property investors and managers, the quality of common area cleaning can have a direct impact on investment performance. This link has been more evident since the introduction of the RICS service charge code in April 2007. All property managers know that good quality common areas keep tenants happy and 'happy tenants are a good investment'. The company responsible for the common area cleaning (entrances, receptions, stairwells, lifts, lift lobbies, toilets etc) are trustees for the first impressions of all tenants in a multi-let building.

For tenants in a multi-let building there are benefits to using the cleaning company that cleans the common parts. You should benefit from the continuity of service from common parts to your demised space, the existing site management structure and the economies this will provide.

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

Greener cleaning - environmental responsibility

Environmental responsibility is high on the agenda at Not Just Cleaning. We realise that all companies have a responsibility to help safeguard people’s health and safety and protect the environment for future generations. We are always looking for new ways to improve our sustainability profile and reduce our carbon footprint.

Today it is more important than ever for us all to minimise our carbon footprint. Not only are the developed western countries producing more and more carbon emissions, but there is a growing problem as the population in Africa and Asia start living improved lifestyles which consume more energy. We need to lead the way.

The following are Not Just Cleaning initiatives which reduce our environmental impact.

Microfibre cleaning systems – By introducing microfibre cleaning systems into the commercial cleaning regime, the use of chemical cleaning fluids can be reduced by 70-80%. Cleaning fluids and sanitisers should still be used in hygienic areas to kill germs, however, general use areas such as offices can be cleaned effectively with a microfibre system.

Save paper – Stopping its use is the best way to save paper. Not Just Cleaning’s online service desk and document management system substantially reduces the amount of hard copy documents required for compliance. In addition, encouraging employees and customers to think before printing emails is an easy way to reduce paper use. Paper that is used on one side should be re-used for making notes and for fax machines. Paper use can also be reduced by printing and photocopying double sided, increasing page margins, decreasing font size and using software with reading layouts (to prevent the need to print to read).

New age hand dryers, like the Mitsubishi Jet Towel, are an eco friendly alternative to paper hand towels. Even recycled paper has a few drawbacks related to its "green properties". To make one tonne of recycled paper, it takes 7000 gallons of water, 360 gallons of oil, 158 million BTUs of energy and 86 pounds of pollutants go into the atmosphere. In addition, modern 650W hand dryers provide considerable CO2 savings when compared with conventional 2400W dryers.

Save water – Not Just Cleaning encourages employees and customers to save water. We provide and promote the use of biological urinal blocks which can dramatically reduce water usage from flushing urinal cisterns. Urinal blocks contain a biological action that keep urinals free flowing and odourless. Flushing frequency can be reduced to just four times each day. Tests have indicated financial savings of £150 per urinal per year. In addition, around 115 thousand litres of water per urinal per year will be saved. Other water saving measures include making sure dishwashers are fully loaded before use, training operatives to not overfill buckets and the use of the host® dry carpet cleaning system.

Alternative fuel / hybrid electric vehicles – Not Just Cleaning uses LPG dual fuel vans. LPG gives a 10-15% carbon dioxide reduction in comparison to petrol and is on a par with diesel. LPG also delivers 80% lower nitrous oxide emissions than diesel, along with zero particulate emissions. We are also introducing Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles as company cars for our Account Managers. Hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of petrol or diesel and electricity. This cuts down on the amount of fuel needed, meaning drivers will produce fewer emissions.

Reducing deliveries – Not Just Cleaning encourages less frequent deliveries of cleaning materials and consumables to customers’ sites. Fewer deliveries means a reduction in the fuel used and the emissions produced. However, adequate storage space is required at the site. Customers may need to provide alternative storage as traditional cleaners’ cupboards are often inadequate.

Eco-friendly carpet cleaning – Not Just Cleaning uses the host® dry carpet cleaning system which is Green Seal® certified. The green seal demonstrates that the product promotes a cleaner, healthier environment, causing less pollution, reducing waste and conserving resources. The host® system uses a natural product moistened with water, detergent and a small amount of safe-to-use-solvent. When compared with high flow wet extraction systems, the reduction in chemicals and water used is 97%.

Eco-friendly window cleaning – Not Just Cleaning uses the reach & wash system of window cleaning using the ionic cleaning action of pure sterile water. Cleaning is carried out without the use of any chemicals or detergents.

Recycling – Not Just Cleaning use and supply 100% recycled toilet rolls and hand towels. We also recycle printer cartridges, mobile phones and general waste. We encourage all customers to recycle and provide a mixed recyclables collection service.

Travel less – Not Just Cleaning encourages its staff to car share to work or use the bus or train.

Reuben Heppelthwaite

Not Just Cleaning Ltd

127 Cheapside

London

EC2V 6BT

0207 600 1956

rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com

www.notjustcleaning.com

Are you in the honeymoon period?

Imagine that you have managed to find a cleaning contractor from the 10,000 operating in the UK, that you are happy with. You have been working with them for a few months and it looks like you made the right decision. The feedback from the company staff or tenants is good and everything is going just fine. If this is where you are, then you are in the 'Honeymoon Period' with your cleaning service provider.

Perhaps it's only natural that the more comfortable and familiar your cleaning contractor becomes, the more complacent they are likely to be. The challenge is to adopt a strategy for performance measurement that will add value to the contract, maintain good standards of cleaning and enable your chosen cleaning service provider to avoid complacency.

Not Just Cleaning has developed a process to self manage quality and measure performance to ensure optimum and consistent operation of the service throughout the whole of the contract term - with no complacency guaranteed!

Why not contact us to find out how?

Kind regards

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
www.notjustcleaning.com

Beware under priced cleaning contracts.

Commercial cleaning is a very competitive industry. There are nearly 10,000 contractors in the UK and choosing one can be a very arduous task. This is exacerbated by the fact that many cleaning companies under price contracts to win business. For these companies, their only differentiator is being cheap. Experienced buyers will understand that there are simply no bargains to be had in service industries. Perceived bargains always become a false economy.

Cheap contracts come at a price. The cost of under resourced cleaning contracts include:

1. Unhappy clients and occupiers
2. Unhappy cleaners (being asked to do too much for too little pay, without any job satisfaction
3. Breakdown in relations and trust
4. Risk of bad publicity for low pay rates in London - London Living Wage Campaign.
5. Little or no account management and supervision
6. Little or no training
7. Little or no compliance with health, safety and environmental issues
8. High cleaning staff turnover - no long term established team
9. Continuous expensive re-tendering
10. Increased cost of maintenance (redecoration, carpet replacement etc.)
11. Clients do not get what they have been promised
12. Clients are regularly told "that is not included, that will cost extra"
13. Hassle, hassle, and more hassle!

Under resourcing a cleaning contract by having too few labour hours, cheap cleaning chemicals, no account management and supervision and no training does not make the contract achievable or sustainable in the long term. There may be a short honeymoon period to get the contract off the ground, but complacency and the contractors' bottom line will soon dictate the poor cleaning standards received by the client.

Value for money is the answer, but how can it be defined? Not Just Cleaning describe it as the balance of the required cleaning standards, with a low risk of service failure at an appropriate cost. Cleaning standards can be agreed by simple task frequency schedules. Low risk of service failure can be achieved by standard processes for training, health & safety, quality control etc. The appropriate cost will include for the right amount of resources. This will include sufficient labour, good quality materials & equipment, supervision, appropriate training (and re-training as required) together with fair rates of pay. This will ensure that the contract is properly resourced from day 1 to completion of the term.

The economies desired at the outset come with added value service from the cleaning company, innovation through understanding and meeting the clients changing needs and the trust built over a long term sustainable relationship.

Kind regards

Reuben Heppelthwaite
Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6BT
Tel: 0207 600 1956
rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
http://www.notjustcleaning.com/

STERI-7 Closing the window of opportunity for germs

Steri-7 is a multi-purpose cleaner that also works as a high level disinfectant. It cleans practically any surface and any material, eradicating bacteria, spores and viruses as it cleans. However, the major advantage with this product is that it keeps treated areas contamination free between cleaning cycles. It goes on working once dried, something almost no other disinfectant is able to do. The result is round the clock safety, with no window of opportunity for germs to re-establish themselves.

We are all at risk from common bacteria like E.Coli and Salmonella, and from viruses like Hepatitis C and Influenza. In our hospitals, 'superbugs' like MRSA and Clostridium Difficile are responsible for thousands of patient deaths each year. Also, there are new threats emerging like Avian Flu and SARS. The most effective way to offer protection from these threats is by thorough cleaning and disinfection. Not Just Cleaning have found that the best cleaner and disinfectant you can use is STERI-7.

STERI-7 is available in handy spray bottles and wipes as well as in sachets for dilution in water. This removes the need for cleaners to carry heavy containers. The product is also safe to use, being non-toxic, non-corrosive, food safe and environmentally friendly. This means that cleaning protocols do not need to be changed. Just replace the products currently used with STERI-7 and continue cleaning as usual.

STERI-7 uses an innovation called RBT (Residual Barrier Technology) to provide two levels of protection against the contamination of the treated area by bacteria, spores or viruses. When applied to a worktop, floor, wall, door, sink or even a fabric, the biocide in STERI-7 kills the germs present. At the same time , a lasting barrier is created that ensures that germs subsequently introduced to it will also be killed, just as effectively, for up to 7 days. If an area is missed by cleaners, which can happen from time to time, RBT will provide protection until that area is cleaned the next day.

The clear benefits of using STERI-7 are:

1. kills bacteria, spores and viruses in minutes


2. no need to rinse a treated area after application
   
3. goes on working when the liquid has dried


4. continues to kill germs for up to 7 days


5. keeps treated areas safe between cleans


6. cleaning protocol can remain the same
   
   

Contact NJC on 0118 930 4466 for more information.

Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside,
London EC2V 6BT
http://www.notjustcleaning.com/
Email: rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
Tel: +44(0)207 600 1956

London living wage campaign - Fair pay for cleaners

Not Just Cleaning is a supporter of the London Living Wage Campaign to end poverty wages in London. The campaign was started by pressure group 'London Citizens' and trade union UNITE.

London Citizens are devoted to "A fair day's pay for a hard day's work". They describe the Living Wage as "the level of pay and conditions that enables a full-time worker to make ends meet for themselves and their family". Over 50% of cleaners in London are members of the trade union UNITE formed from the merger of Amicus and the TGWU.

London Citizens state that cleaners in London should be at least:

Paid a Living Wage (£7.20/hour).
Eligible for 10 days full sick pay.
Eligible for 28 days paid holiday (inc. bank hols).
Given access to a recognised trade union.

London is an expensive city. The principle London Weighting, that wages should reflect these higher costs, is long accepted. The statutory minimum wage does not take this regional variation into account. According to London Citizens, due to the high costs of living in the capital, the national minimum wage keeps 400,000 Londoners below the poverty line.

The combined London Citizens and UNITE campaign has brought increased wages to cleaners at the London offices of HSBC, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank, RBS, KPMG, PWC and Lovells. With this growing number of victories, they are now pursuing Living Wage Zones in Canary Wharf and the City of London to "make sure that no-one cleaning in that area has to suffer poverty wages".

Not Just Cleaning Ltd

127 Cheapside,

London EC2V 6BT

http://www.notjustcleaning.com/

Email: rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com

Tel: +44(0)207 600 1956

BIFM Good Practice Guide to Procuring & Running Cleaning Contracts

Not Just Cleaning were very proud to be chosen by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) to write their Good Practice Guide to Procuring & Running Cleaning Contracts.

The guide comprises some 6000 words divided into 4 main sections. It explains good practice in the procurement, delivery and management of cleaning services. For simplicity and ease of reference, the guide includes over 40 specific hints and tips in the form of DO's and DON'Ts relating to each part or section.

Author of the GPG and Director of NJC Reuben Heppelthwaite commented at the TWM exhibition, "The Guide itself went through three drafts and now that it's been published, we are really pleased with the positive feedback it's received. More importantly, we are sure that it will prove to be a useful industry manual for anyone involved in the commercial cleaning process."

BIFM members can receive the guide free of charge. Non-members of BIFM can buy the guide for just £10.


Not Just Cleaning Ltd
127 Cheapside, London EC2V 6BT
http://www.notjustcleaning.com/
Email: rheppelthwaite@notjustcleaning.com
Tel: +44(0)207 600 1956