When it comes to choosing a commercial cleaning contractor, you need to go beyond looking for the lowest quote.
Finding the right provider requires you to assess numerous factors, including their professionalism, reputation, experience, training and more.
Assessing your options could be the difference between maintaining a clean, safe and professional working environment, and having to deal with inconsistent or sub-par standards.
So whether you’re looking for a brand new cleaning contractor for your site, or reviewing the services of an existing contractor, here’s a summary of all the key questions that you should consider.
Does the service suit your business?
Every business and workplace has its own specific cleaning requirements. After all, a healthcare setting and a manufacturing facility will have dramatically different cleaning needs, schedules, techniques and levels of necessary cleaning specialisms.
So, ensure your chosen contractor offers a flexible service, tailored to your specific site type (rather than a one-size-fits-all package).
A good contractor will be able to tailor their offering to suit your premises. For example, this may involve including or excluding daily cleaning for high touch-point areas, washroom hygiene, deep cleaning, consumable replenishment or periodic services (e.g. carpet or window cleaning).
Then, as your business expands or evolves, your contract should be flexible enough to adapt in parallel.
Do they have the relevant accreditations?
Industry accreditations are proof of the fact that a contractor is consistently attaining recognised quality and safety standards. They also illustrate that the contractor values industry best practices and continuous service improvements.
For example, two key credentials to look out for are:
- CHAS accreditation – Demonstrates compliance with key health and safety standards.
- BICSc membership or accreditation – Denotes adherence to professional cleaning industry standards (including training and other best practices).
Do they have suitable insurance and compliance?
Double check that your preferred cleaning contractor has the right insurance cover.
Ensure they can share proof of public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance (at the very least). Note that, for businesses in some industries, additional insurance types may also be required.
Then, ask the contractor to confirm how they ensure ongoing compliance. This should include risk assessments, method statements, COSHH procedures and other industry-specific requirements (where applicable).
Can they prove staff vetting and training?
Ask your preferred contractors about their staff training and recruitment processes. After all, those are the people who’ll be doing the actual cleaning!
Ask them to confirm their employee vetting procedures and what staff training programmes they have in place. You can also ask how their performance is monitored, and what the process would be for them to handle any issues during the contract (should they arise).
Will they conduct a site survey?
Any reputable commercial cleaning contractor will conduct a site survey before they provide a quote.
This is because, by conducting a site survey, they can accurately assess:
- The building layout
- Floor types and finishes
- High-traffic areas
- Washroom facilities
- Security requirements
- Cleaning frequencies
- Access arrangements
Then, this information will form the basis of a detailed written specification. This specification confirms expectations and requirements (for both parties).
Are they a local contractor?
While large national providers may seem like an obvious choice, local cleaning companies often provide a more tailored, responsive and attentive service.
Not only are locally based contractors typically able to respond more quickly to urgent requests, but they are also more focused on building strong, long-term relationships with their clients.
Plus, you’re more likely to get a direct point of contact (rather than having to go through a long support communication channel).
Choosing the right cleaning partner
Ultimately, choosing the right commercial cleaning contractor for your business is about finding a provider that can accommodate your specific requirements, is dependable and committed to achieving a consistently high standard, and provides sufficient flexibility to work with you for the long term.
JMS Cleaning Services are a fully accredited and highly experienced company, serving clients across Manchester and Cheshire. We offer free site assessments to clients across the region. To find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.