The global pandemic, coupled with the fallout from the UK Brexit deal, has had a huge impact on UK businesses.

The commercial cleaning sector is one such sector that has been hit hard by these major developments.

In this article, we will be outlining the impact that Brexit and COVID-19 have had on the commercial cleaning sector, before sharing how JMS Cleaning has been navigating this difficult period.

What impact has Brexit and COVID-19 had on UK companies?

According to the Office of National Statistics, in October 2021, 6% of UK companies permanently ceased trading.

Furthermore, the ONS figures show that the Administrative and Support Service sector (which includes commercial cleaning companies) has been one of the most seriously affected.

According to the ONS, 10% of companies in the sector ceased trading in October, which is significantly higher than the average rate across all sectors.

Although the pandemic has, naturally, necessitated that all companies improve their cleaning procedures, this hasn’t created an overall net increase in profits for professional cleaners.

In fact, a recent report from the British Cleaning Council revealed that:

“The service sector has not recovered to pre pandemic levels. As part of the service sector, the cleaning and hygiene industry is directly impacted by the operation of other sectors.”

Since 31% of all businesses had temporarily or permanently closed sites in March 2021, a staggering 50% of UK businesses stating that COVID-19 has increased their financial losses, and 1 in 5 UK businesses reporting that they experienced trade disruption, it is easy to see how the cleaning sector was heavily impacted by this nationwide fallout.

Since companies are rapidly closing their offices, some temporarily and others permanently, there is much less need for professional cleaning services.

According to a fascinating report by Savill’s, in the City of London, there has been a 50% decrease in the uptake of office spaces, as a direct result of the pandemic. And, with many businesses benefitting from the cost savings of reducing their office spaces and encouraging staff to work from home, it’s unlikely that office rentals will return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon.

Alongside the fact that COVID-19 has significantly cut many business’s profits, the pandemic has also caused major staffing issues (as many staff were either required to work from home, or were put on furlough) and has forced organisations to change their normal supply chain, due to transportation or supply issues.

The challenge of this period is two-fold, as organisations also have to cope with the long-term impact of Brexit.

Many UK companies, including those in the commercial sector, have had to quickly re-think their operations, in order to navigate new legislation and restrictions.

Firstly, the reduction in free movement of migrant workers, many of whom are employed in the cleaning sector, has caused significant staffing issues. Now, many of these workers will no longer have the authority to work in the UK, meaning commercial cleaning companies have to quickly find new talent to hire within the UK.  

Although some are of the opinion that this gives UK cleaners more opportunities for employment, there will inevitably be significant competition within the job market, amongst different hiring companies. This shortage of non UK workers caused by Brexit has driven up costs due to the competition to get the right cleaning staff

How are commercial cleaning companies navigating this period?

Although the situation is still complicated and challenging, the cleaning sector at large is adapting its practices and cleaning procedures, in order to respond to the situation in the best way possible.

Despite facing some of the greatest challenges of our generation, we are immensely proud to say that JMS Cleaning is still successfully overcoming these hurdles.

We have achieved this by innovating and adapting, re-thinking our services in order to provide a best-fit solution for the current requirements of our clients.

A key example of this is the flexibility of our service. We work with our clients to develop flexible cleaning schedules, which work around their requirements and working hours.

We also offer a wide range of contracted cleaning plans, including everything from daily schedules, to a one-off cleaning service. Furthermore, we can also tailor our services to fulfil the specific requirements of sites in any industry, of any size.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important to keep your business clean, sanitised and free of germs. Starting by creating the perfect cleaning routine, here at JMS Cleaning Services we get to work using up to date products and methods to keep your workplace sanitised. We also conduct fogging so that the entire space is deep cleaned. Fogging is a quick and efficient way to disinfect surfaces across large areas without missing anything. The fog produced is antimicrobial, eliminating traces of COVID-19 and other types of viruses for up to two months. It is utterly harmless to humans.

It is this flexibility, coupled with the outstanding quality of our service and our commitment to using the industry’s most effective cleaning products, that has enabled us to achieve a rate of repeat business of over 90%.

So, if you would like to find out more about any of our commercial cleaning services, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch with the JMS Cleaning team today.

The post The impact of Brexit & COVID-19 on the Commercial Cleaning Sector appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

Main entrance

The first thing clients see when they enter a building is the entrance and foyer. Make the best impression by investing in a spotless entrance, cleaned regularly by a professional.

• Windows must be cleansed of grease marks and water staining; for this, a specialist window cleaning fluid is applied to make for perfectly transparent glass.
• Doors in modern buildings are often made of sleek glass and stainless steel and therefore need cleansing of fingerprints and grime in much the same way as windows – with a specifically formulated cleaning detergent.
• Surfaces, such as coffee tables and reception desks, are important to keep clean and not just for appearance’s sake; cleaning these vital areas maintains a high standard of hygiene.
• Floor mats stop people from tracking mess into the rest of the building, and as such require a good vacuuming everyday; either before or after business hours is best.
• Refuse bins are crucial for maintaining a tidy appearance. Bin liners must be removed and disposed of appropriately on a daily basis to avoid unpleasant sights and smells.

Stairs

Stairs are busy areas in the building and require care and attention when cleaning. They are worth the time and effort, however, because so much traffic passes through the stairwell.

• Stair and landing carpets are a first port of call because these areas collect the most dirt from people’s shoes. A thorough vacuuming and the occasional stain removal can make a world of difference.
• Hard floors require mopping with a quick drying detergent, as well as using the correct safety signage while the floor dries; once completed, all the grime and dirt is gone and is replaced by an impressive sheen.
• Glass panels give a contemporary and clean look, but only when washed regularly with warm water and cleaning solution.
• Bannisters, railings and dado rails benefit from dusting and a wipe down with antibacterial solution, since these fixtures are regularly handled to aid people up and down the stairs.
• Light fixtures become conspicuous when they are dirty and any build up of cobwebs and insect debris must be removed to maintain a hygienic environment.

Lifts

If you have a lift in your building, it probably does a great job of making your business more accessible for everyone. Because of heavy foot traffic, you get the most from your lift when it is kept spotless. A lift is typically a small space, so its level of hygiene is always noticed quicker than any other larger space in the building.

• Keypads and buttons are pressed by hundreds of people over their lifetime; without a thorough scrub, they can become dirty and unappealing.
• Walls and ceilings, especially those made of glass, stainless steel and mirror fixtures require dusting and wiping down multiple times to remove dirt and avoid streaking.

JMS Cleaning Services deliver immaculate living and working environments in North West England. Our team are ideally located to provide domestic & commercial cleaning services in Crewe, Macclesfield, Manchester, Liverpool And Warrington, and will work around your schedule for complete convenience. Whether it is daily office cleaning, one-off deep cleaning of a new home, or floor-stripping after major building works, JMS deliver on the promise of a tidy, clean and hygienic space. Contact our friendly team today, or use our quick quote form at the top of this page!

The post Cleaning Entrances, Lifts and Stairways in a Commercial Building appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

If you manage a commercial property or are part of a business who needs regular cleaning services, here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about the cleaning of communal areas.

We offer daily cleaning visits and a range of services (including construction site cleaning), and have put together some of the most common questions we get asked by customers.

Especially during Covid-19, you need to make sure your communal areas are kept clean, and in most cases this is down to the landlord of the property to manage.

How much does a communal area clean cost?

We work hard to deliver a fantastic service at the lowest prices possible without affecting the level of service, and these vary depending on the size of the area to be cleaned and how often you require our services.

Contact one of our friendly advisors who will be able to help and supply a quote. Alternatively, you can use our quick quote form at the top of this page to receive your quote.

Give us a call on [ld_default] today!

What is included in communal area cleaning?

You can tailor cleaning tasks to your exact needs. Here is a typical list of jobs for the average communal area clean:

– Thorough dusting and antibacterial wet-wiping of fixtures, surfaces and woodwork

– Vacuuming of carpeted, wood and vinyl floors

– Mopping and rinsing of hard floors

– Buffing of vinyl and wooden floors (if applicable)

– Cleaning of coffee machines, kettles and appliances

– Cleaning of communal toilets and replenishment of toilet rolls, paper towels and soaps

– Removal of litter

– Spot cleaning of glass stairwells and entrance areas

Can I alter my cleaning schedule and tasks at anytime?

Yes. We are very flexible and cleaning schedules can be altered or upgraded at any time. Tasks can be added or removed as needed and the number of cleans can be increased or decreased.

Just contact one of our friendly staff to organise any alterations.

What times of the day do you clean?

It is important that cleaning does not affect your working day, so our cleaners are available to work around your business hours either before or after the working day. Whatever your preferences, you are guaranteed a perfectly clean communal working environment each morning.

Provide details of your requirements over the phone or on the quick quote form at the top of this page so we can tailor our services to you.

What areas do you cover?

We proudly serve businesses, residential properties, schools and more across Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

What other cleaning services do you provide?

We provide a range of services including;

– Contract Cleaning

– Office Cleaning

– Daily Cleaning

– One-Off Deep Cleaning

– School Cleaning

– Nursery Cleaning

– End of Tenancy Cleaning

– Builders Cleaning

Call us on [ld_default] for a quote.

What are your industry qualifications?

Aside from our experience cleaning for a range of clients, JMS Cleaning Services have acquired several accreditations for our industry leading practices.

We are members of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Constructionline. To read more about our accreditations, read about them in our post.

JMS Cleaning Services provide the finest cleaning services in the North West of England. From daily cleaning of offices, schools and residential buildings, to jet-washing and floor-stripping after building projects, we can provide a clean, tidy and hygienic environment.

Our team are experienced and accredited so you can be assured of the finest products and services. Contact one of our advisors today to receive a quote, or alternatively use our quick quote form at the top of this page.

The post Cleaning Communal Areas in Commercial Properties FAQs appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

With offices only growing in size, it’s becoming more and more important to maintain a high level of cleanliness. The more people moving in, out and around the office, the higher the chances of dirt, grime, clutter and general unpleasantness, and this can quickly add up to pose a serious health risk if left unchecked.

In this article, we’re looking at five of the main dangers that present themselves in an unclean workspace, highlighting the importance of a regular, meticulous cleaning schedule.

Looking for Office Cleaning services? We cover across Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

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1. Germs and bacteria

Lazy or sloppy cleaning practices can lead to the fast growth, and propagation, of germs and harmful bacteria in the office. Germs can potentially thrive anywhere throughout the working environment.

From stained desktops, carpets, tiled floors and door handles, to kitchen tops, cups and cutlery, failing to keep the entirety of your office clean means encouraging germs and bacteria to thrive, and this can cause widespread and prolonged illness for a large portion of your workforce.

Use antibacterial cleaning products to kill germs, and make sure to encourage healthy cleaning habits for all of your workers, in public kitchen and eating spaces and personal desk spaces, alike.

2. Mould

The growth of mould occurs when excessive moisture is left to accumulate, whether it’s from water vapour or from spillages that haven’t been cleaned up properly. Just like at home, mould in the office is more likely to develop in areas where water and moisture is common.

The kitchen and toilets are the main culprits, and these are two areas which office workers often fail to keep sufficiently clean. Mould poses many health hazards, from itchiness and skin/throat irritation, to  the formation of rashes, allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Prevent mould throughout your office by making sure that the kitchen and toilets are cleaned thoroughly, with any spillages or puddles wiped up immediately, and floors and walls wiped dry.

3. Clutter

It’s not just viruses and illnesses you have to watch out for in a dirty office, the presence of clutter can be just as harmful to employees.

Firstly, a cluttered office transmits an unprofessional and lazy atmosphere, which will be a detriment to your overall business reputation.

Secondly, strewn clutter along corridors, behind doors, next to desks, in meeting rooms and elsewhere creates serious trip hazards for employees. Clumsily-placed boxes, coats and bags can obscure fire exits and will make the entire office more difficult and more dangerous to navigate.

Clearing up clutter is a vital part of keeping your office clean and safe, and should never be overlooked.

4. Morale

Simply put, a dirty office is an unpleasant place to work. A clean working environment will go a long way towards keeping your employees happy, productive and motivated day to day.

Open plan office designs are incredibly popular nowadays, but they do come with the consequence of showcasing any unclean habits your employees might have.

Tidy workers will be dismayed if they are surrounded by dirt, clutter, spillages or stains, and a negative atmosphere can quickly circulate throughout the office if it isn’t kept regularly clean.

Sooner rather than later, you’ll see this affecting your business as a whole.

5. Sick leave

As we’ve said in previous points, there are a number of health hazards associated with an unclean office. From niggling irritations to more severe respiratory problems and outbreaks of flu, a dirty office environment can force large numbers of staff to take more sick days than they usually would.

Employee absence can bring any business grinding to a halt, particularly when it becomes a regular occurrence because you haven’t taken the proper steps to keep your workplace hygienic.

Professional, periodic cleaning of your office space will dramatically improve the base level of cleanliness in the workplace, keeping employees healthier for longer, so they can carry on working hard without risking their own personal health day after day.

Read more about our office cleaning services →

JMS Cleaning offer daily office cleaning and deep cleans throughout the North West. Our expert team of cleaners are fully equipped and experienced to carry out thorough and effective cleaning treatments to any office, covering every nook and cranny using high grade equipment and techniques.

To find out more about our office cleaning services don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.

Call us on [ld_default] for a quote.

The post The Top 5 Dangers of an Unclean Workplace appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

While we’re confident in the ability of all our staff members, it’s still nice to receive positive feedback, which is why we were delighted to hear about JMS cleaning operative Francine Shaw’s recent achievements.

Francine

During a period of contract work at Wigan Town Hall, where construction company ISG were undertaking £6.1 million worth of restoration, Francine was awarded Employee of the Month. Francine also received gift vouchers as a token of the consistently high standard of her work, presented by JMS operations director David Needham.

Francine Shaw, centre, with ISG project manager Tony Dougan (left) and JMS operations director David Needham (right).

“As a result of the excellent service that Francine provided, she received a record number of subcontractor nominations for our Employee of the Month award”, explained Tony Dougan, project manager at the ISG site. “We would like to express our gratitude to Francine for the excellent work she has been doing for us at Wigan Town Hall”.

As a Grade II listed building, it was crucial that those chosen for work at the Town Hall were fully up to the task, and we were confident in our selection of Francine.

So we’d like to congratulate Francine for all of her efforts – another JMS success story!

The post Francine Shaw: Employee of the Month appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.