Industry News
190 cleaning firms braced for takeover
The cleaning services indus- try should brace itself for takeovers as a series of curi- ous circumstances begin to shape the industry, argues a newmarket report from ana- lysts Plimsoll Publishing. The study warns that a
combination of stock piling cash, difficult growth, low in- terest rates and ageing di- rectors has left these 190 companies ripe for acquisi- tion as the sector consoli- dates, evolves and starts to prosper again. David Pattison, senior ana-
lyst on the project, said: “On one hand, 16 cash rich com- panies have been stockpiling cash and their problemis that the built up cash could give thema real headache. Low interest ratesmean this
cash will be sitting idle on the balance sheet and not generating a return. It really needs to be put to good use and an acquisition seems an obvious option.” Findings from the Plimsoll
Analysis found that: • Almost 25% of directors will be over 60 by the end of the year. • 16 companies have over £5 million of cash on their bal- ance sheet. • 171 firms are still operat- ing as independents. • 57%of organisations did not increase in sales. • One in three companies are running at a loss. • 136 of the 978 businesses analysed have seen their debts increase. Pattison continued: “Then
on other hand, 190 busi- nesses in the cleaning serv- ices market are showing classic acquisition criteria. They are all declining in fi- nancial strength, many have an aging board and are still privately owned. These com- panies will need the support of their current owners or in- vestment to ensure they have a future and many have ac- quisition potential. Given the circumstances, it’s quite possible that perhaps some of the directors will be look- ing to retire or even consider a sale.” The Plimsoll Analysis,
which is also available in an online format, provides an individual profile of each of the UK’s top 978 cleaning services companies.
New BIFM Level 3 qualifications in FM launched
The start of the new year marked the first develop- ment in 2013 for the British Institute of Facilities Man- agement’s (BIFM) qualifica- tions. On 1 January 2013 BIFM launched the new BIFM Level 3 Qualifications in Facilities Management. The qualifications have been approved by the industry’s sector skills council, Asset Skills, and are accredited on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Linda Hausmanis, head of
awarding organisation at BIFM, said: “The launch of the Level 3 qualifications
completes the range of qual- ifications developed and awarded by BIFM. We have Level 2, (level example is equivalent to GCSE A*-C) catering for new entrants to the industry, right through to Level 7 (level example is equivalent to a Masters De- gree) challenging experi- enced strategic FMs. This cements BIFM right at the heart of an FM’s career with opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and com- petence at whatever level or whatever stage of an individ- ual’s career. This is a great start to 2013, and we have
more exciting developments planned over the next 12 months.” Delivered through BIFM
recognised centres, Level 3 qualifications are suitable for new recruits into the indus- try, first line managers and supervisors in FM. There are four Level 3 qualifications available: • Level 3 Award: This com-
promises two mandatory units only totalling 11 cred- its, giving the learner a suc- cinct overview of basic skills and knowledge. • Level 3 Certificate
(knowledge-based) and Level
3 Certificate in FM practice (competency-based): With a total of 28 credits
required, these certificates provide learners with a more comprehensive coverage of subjects. They also form part of the Advanced Apprentice- ship in FM. • Level 3 Diploma: After
studying five mandatory units (26 credits) and achiev- ing 22 credits from optional units, the learner will have a comprehensive range of skills, knowledge and under- standing at this level. www.
bifm.org.uk/qualifications
Award rewards commitment to young people
Kier Group has gained an award that acknowledges its commitment to improving the employment chances of young people leaving care. Awarded by the Catch22 Na- tional Care Advisory Service, the From Care2Work Quality Mark was presented to just nine organisations, with Kier being one of only three pri- vate sector businesses to be recognised. Kier has a his- tory of supporting children in care and care leavers.
www.kier.co.uk
Kärcher Academy Cleaning Tips: Using a compact scrubber drier instead of a mop
Traditional wetmopping may seemlike a low cost method of floor cleaning but over time it can actually cost a lot more than invest- ing in floor cleaning ma- chines. Besides the extra time taken to clean floors effectively, mop and bucket cleaning leaves floors wet, encouraging bacteria to spread and creating slip hazards. Emptying, filling andmoving of open mop buckets poses a health risk to cleaning staff, and dirty water is often reused. By investing in a profes-
sional BR 30/4 C floor scrubber-driermachine
4 l C&M l APRIL 2013 l
www.cleaninghub.net
from Kärcher, consistent cleaning results are guaran- teed, and floors are left in- stantly dry and reusable without risk. Because floor cleaning is so much faster than with a mop, cleaning staff can be deployed else- where and therefore whole life costs can be dramatically lower than mopping. The BR 30/4 only uses
clean water for cleaning, and ensures that operators don’t come into contact with dirty water or detergents during filling and emptying. The BR 30/4 C is available with mains or battery power, and it scrubs and dries floors in a
single pass, saving time, giv- ing better results and in- creasing safety when compared to mop and bucket cleaning.
Deep ormaintenance clean fromonemachine - and at any time
The 30/4 gives consistently high quality cleaning results on a variety of hard floor sur- faces and is ideal for loca- tions such as wards, kitchens, WCs and even re- ception areas. With powerful lithium-ion batteries, the BR 30/4 C battery-powered model can be used at any
time of day without posing a safety risk, as there is no mains cable to pose a trip hazard. The machine also features
a vacuum-off function for deep cleaning of very dirty floors or stubborn stains, as well as a range of quick- change brushes to best suit each floor type - including Kärcher’s unique microfibre roller pad which gives an in- credibly thorough, hygienic clean with little or no deter- gent. For further information on
how Kärcher can make a difference to your business visit:
www.karcher.co.uk
Olympic legacy lingers on Such is the reliability of
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the products that, through- out the duration of the Games, people using the washroomfacilities always had access to toilet tissue, paper towels and soap. Emma Wood,marketing
manager, Disposables UK, said: “We are immensely
proud to have had this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to provide our Bay West prod- ucts to the 2012 Olympics. It is a massive accolade for the Bay West brand and we are thrilled to be able to say that we were a supplier to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.” www.disposablesukgroup.
co.uk
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