10 Questions with... Simon Mercer
Each month we ask a cleaning industry professional the
Tomorrow’s Cleaning 10 Questions. This month, we chatted to Simon Mercer, Managing Director at Signo NanoCare UK Ltd.
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WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Commercial Sales Executive at Desso Floorcoverings, dealing with architects and specifiers.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CLEANING INDUSTRY? I became involved in the industry as a direct result
of new technology. Working with surface solutions to enhance performance – reducing the need for cleaning and enhancing the cleaning product regime. I’ve worked with different solutions to reduce perpetual cleaning costs and reduce harsh cleaning chemical use since the outset of the technology in the UK since 2005.
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WHICH THREE WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
On front foot.
IF YOU COULD VISIT ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHY?
Chile: I’ve not yet explored South America, and this country holds a lot of appeal. A fascinating capital in Santiago; beautiful coast; and some of the world’s best wine production.
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IF AN INTERN WERE TO START TOMORROW, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?
No matter the task, always carry it out with enthusiasm – and where possible, convey that enthusiasm to those around you – and make it fun.
IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY TOMORROW, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR FORTUNE?
Set up a fund to support and sponsor worthwhile individuals without finance or support in start-ups or further education and training. Also, get hold of a tidy Aston Martin.
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IF YOU COULD HOST A DINNER PARTY AND INVITE ANY PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THEY
BE AND WHY? Rob Bryden, because he has the best dry humour of any comedian in the country and could do impressions of anyone else you’d like to be there. Jerome Garces, French rugby referee, in order that he could be plied with wine in order to frankly explain some of his bizarre decision during last year’s RWC final. And Aretha Franklin to knock out some belting post-dinner singalongs, and also to ensure I maintained RESPECT for Mr Garces.
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HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE CLEANING INDUSTRY?
I’d draw as much attention as possible to the benefits of surface protection technology – long term easy-clean surface coatings. There’s relatively low-level awareness of the enhancement in surface performance that nano-technology coatings based on SiO2 can provide. Permanent coatings provide the industry with a means of reducing the use of harsh chemicals. Paramount in the current pandemic climate is the need for a constant anti-microbial kill when microbes make contact with surfaces, and our Liquid Guard permanent bond coating provides just that. As 80% of infection is estimated to be spread through hand-surface-hand contact, moment-in-time sanitisers may not provide the protection to reassure the public. The mushrooming of fogging activity will contribute to a post-pandemic perception that the industry needs to offer better value and clarity of performance.
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WHAT, DO YOU THINK, IS THE FUTURE OF THE CLEANING INDUSTRY?
The use of permanent surface protection technology – where users become aware of its benefits in terms of cost reduction and environmental benefits within any cleaning regime.
John Shonfeld, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, asks:
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HOW DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY WILL LOOK IN A YEAR’S TIME, AND WHAT CHANGES
WILL HAVE BEEN MADE? The industry will have grown in terms of value, but will be a patchwork of winners and losers – with a shift of activity across sectors involving changes of structure within large and SME contractors. End users will have evaluated their cleaning contracts after having been faced with extraordinary cleaning premiums in some circumstances. New technologies will be at the forefront of discussions around budgeting and cost.
www.nano-care.co.uk
Check out next month’s issue to see what Simon asked our next industry professional...
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