“There were no shared standards regarding what a domestic cleaning service should actually be offering, what service levels to work to, or what the client could expect if anything went wrong. We also had highly professional, responsible service providers competing with unreliable and uninsured cash-in-hand operators.
“After more than a decade working in the industry and several years of research, I founded the DCA as I wanted to create a level playing field and set some industry benchmarks which were previously non-existent.
“For example, there is currently no law which says a cleaning business has to have any sort of insurance, but we insist all members prove to us upon application that they have a public liability policy in place. Further, once accepted as a member, their full company details are listed on our website for all to see – including the taxman.”
DCA celebrates fifth birthday
British Cleaning Council (BCC) member the Domestic Cleaning Alliance (DCA) is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
Founded in 2014 by Stephen Munton, the DCA’s mission is to support the needs of the people and businesses who provide cleaning services within other peoples’ homes.
THE DCA's services and benefits – including training, business advice, discounts and networking oppurtunities – were inspired by Stephen's vast experience within the sector.
Stephen said: “I started my cleaning business back in 2003 and found the UK domestic cleaning industry to be fragmented, unregulated, and with a ‘wild west’ culture that didn’t really benefit professional service providers or their customers.
“No matter what the size of a cleaning business or how long it’s been trading, so long as it’s legal and insured, the owner can apply for membership. Five years on, we’re growing all the time, and I would like to thank the British Cleaning Council for its support since we joined them in 2015.”
Stan Atkins, Chair of the BCC, said: “Stephen has done an incredible job to shine a spotlight on an industry sector which was previously working in the shadows. Stephen’s commitment to ongoing professional development and raising standards within domestic cleaning should be also applauded in what is a rapidly growing and economically significant sector of the cleaning industry.”
Stephen celebrated the DCA’s birthday with a special BCC branded cake which was presented to BCC Chair Stan Atkins at a recent BCC members’ meeting.
www.domesticcleaningalliance.co.uk
Servicing and repairs operation launches for
Host users Following the recent closure of Host UK Ltd (t/a Host von Schrader), Managing Director Mike Egerton has announced that he and his team will be opening a brand new, independent business to provide a
nationwide repair and servicing operation.
MIWEST Services will be based in Clayfield Industrial Estate, Neston, and will offer all existing and new Host users a dedicated repair and servicing operation run on a day-to-day basis by Steve Parker and Wendy Mangan, who have both joined Mike in the new venture.
Mike explained: “Over the years this is the team that has successfully grown the Host Dry Extraction Cleaning system within the UK marketplace and a close and fruitful relationship has been built up by Wendy and Steve with all
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
UK users and distributors – they will continue to supply the level of service and commitment to their customer base in the same reliable and friendly manner – something which we know will be appreciated by our customers following a somewhat disturbing month or so of trading this year. We all look forward to getting started and MIWEST’s doors will open on Monday 1 July.”
Over the past few months, Host in the USA has experienced severe trading difficulties and, as a consequence, has been unable to supply the UK market with enough equipment and product. Reluctantly, after seeking legal advice, Mike Egerton and the team had no option but to cease trading despite having had a full and profitable order book.
Mike continued: “We have already received a huge amount of support from our customers who are delighted that their machines can be kept in the best possible condition and that, importantly, they can continue to provide their customers with the levels of service and carpet cleaning capabilities that only the Host system can deliver.”
www.miwest.co.uk WHAT’S NEW? | 17
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