BUILD Q2 2018

Build Q2 2018 8 leanology is a family-run business that focuses on clients who manage offices, venues, retail and co-working spaces. Customers tend to be high profile businesses, with Harrods, Hermes, and the Good Housekeeping Institute ranking among the company’s 500 contracts. CEO, Dominic Ponniah, whose mother launched the company, says Cleanol- ogy’s mission is to be London’s leading provider of premier cleaning services. He explained: “Focusing on specific business areas allows us to excel. We believe in training and incentivising staff and, through ISO:9001 (2015), we make sure we are independently assessed and audited.” Innovation is a keystone in company performance. In recent years, Clean- ology has invested in a Skyvac high-level cleaning system, introduced the industry’s first portion-controlled, chemical-free sachet solutions, and offers robotic cleaning systems. As larger, more unwieldy organisations seem to be facing problems, Ponniah says that Cleanology’s size gives it a competitive edge. “We are seeing a renaissance in clients working with smaller, more agile businesses. Whereas previously, people viewed large organisations as a safe bet, these days, they feel equally, if not more comfortable with a smaller player. “Resourcing is a big issue for cleaning businesses and we are able to adapt quickly, to respond to tighter budgets. In London, particularly, the Living Wage has created a two-tier employment system. Our accreditation to the London Living Wage helps us to retain staff, and we also implement longer shifts, a greater number of full time roles, and the opportunity for career advancement to help us build staff loyalty and offer competitive rates for customers.” Environmental credentials have played an important role in reducing over- heads. On the surface, contract cleaning is all about keeping the client’s work environment free from litter, germs and visible dirt. Throw in a paper recycling bin for good measure, and many will think they are doing their best for the environment. In fact, however, cleaning businesses have a much greater opportunity to make a difference, both at their own premises and at clients’ sites. As well as bringing in standard recycling and energy efficient light bulbs, Cleanology runs a 100 per cent hybrid fleet, and has even commissioned special cleaning sachets to tackle dosage and portion control. Although the company had always tried to be green, in 2012, it decided to standardise environmental activities. Ponniah said: “We wanted to ensure that all our employees followed the same procedures, and to demonstrate that we take the environment seriously.” As a result, Cleanology signed up to ISO 14001. It is now fully accredited and attributes the environmental management system (EMS) with helping it to look for new, innovative ways to improve. A key element of the EMS is recording and monitoring performance. Setting clear targets and working towards them helps to motivate staff and demonstrate what is expected. At Cleanology, all employees are trained on environmental initiatives and both contracted and sub-contracted staff are expected to follow them. As well as legislative requirements, such as improving energy efficiency under the Energy Act, or reducing pollution under the Hazardous Waste Regulations, Cleanology has audited all of its daily activities. Possibly the most visible of the resulting initiatives is the introduction of a 100 per cent hybrid car fleet. Cleaning staff need to travel to clients’ sites, and the hybrid vehicles have helped Cleanology to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Staff are encouraged to car share, or to pay for public transport with a company Oyster card, and future plans include a switch to hybrid vans and the use of electric bicycles. Payslips are emailed to staff, and office staff are expected to reuse all paper before recycling, use recycled products wherever possible, and to donate used printer cartridges for recycling. Where Cleanology excels, however, is in its wider mission to reduce its im- pact on the enviroment. Site surveys on energy usage take place at all client sites, and head office. Three-quarters of all light bulbs are already energy efficient and the roll out of this programme continues. When it comes to cleaning, the focus is on portion control and on pollutants. Ponniah said: “For many years, cleaning was reliant on strong chemicals to guarantee hygiene levels. Today, we have other methods available, and we need to be mindful that people spend long hours working in the environments we provide. This is true for our own staff, and the employees that work in the areas we clean. Cleanology – A Leading Provider of Premier Cleaning Services Staying at the top of your game is no easy feat, but London-based cleaning services provider Cleanology has applied a strategic approach which is paying off. C