Cleaner
Introduction
So you've decided you want to run a contract cleaning business. Maybe you're looking for a change of career or you want to be your own boss. Whatever the reason, this guide will take you through the issues you need to consider and give you practical pointers on getting started.
Sector trends
Demand for contract cleaning services grew steadily from the early 1990s onwards for a variety of reasons:
- many firms which previously used to employ their own cleaning staff decided to "outsource" the cleaning work to external cleaners
- the public sector has been obliged to put out to tender many services, including building cleaning
- the introduction of stringent hygiene standards in the food industry has created demand for specialist cleaning firms
- any organisation providing care - such as hospitals, hospices and nursing homes - must maintain very high standards of cleanliness
- the appearance of business premises of all types has become increasingly important, so regular cleaning is essential
- demand has grown for specialist firms able to remove chewing gum and graffiti, or to undertake the cleaning of hospital operating theatres and so on
- domestic householders have less and less time to devote to cleaning
However the industry has remained very fragmented, with many small businesses, often operating from home. Competition has kept rates low and, as this is a very labour-intensive industry, staff wages also have remained low. This has led to problems recruiting and retaining able employees. There are many illegal workers in the contract cleaning industry and you should be aware that employers face hefty fines if they employ unauthorised workers - and employers who knowingly employ illegal workers face a prison sentence.
Recent years have seen the industry attempting to improve standards and raise the status of the cleaning industry through education and training for employees. Some larger firms have introduced a range of other services for customers such as security, building maintenance, porterage and so on.
Although the contract cleaning market as a whole is forecast to grow in the long term, be aware that the current downturn in the economy has affected demand. Business customers have closed down or reduced the amount they spend on cleaning services.
The interests of the contract cleaning sector are represented by the Cleaning and Support Services Association. Members must comply with the CSSA Code of Practice.
The British Institute of Cleaning Science is not a trade association, but an independent body with members from all areas of the cleaning industry. It sets the standards for a range of qualifications in cleaning and support services.
The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers promotes high standards in the bin washing industry.
