A Cleaning Firm That Springs To Mind & One That Will Eventually Fall

Ready to give the Burton Mail offices a brighter look are Sean Stronach, Matt Kyles, Ryan Slater and Carl Crockford.

The one cleaning firm that Springs to mind every time: Every business wants to stand out from the rest – and Burton-based Springs Commercial Cleaning Limited is no exception. This independent commercial window and solar panel cleaning company knows why it stands out in a competitive market. Company director Carl Crockford explains the big difference. "Professionalism," he says. "It's something that in our industry is all too rare."

A family business, Springs was established in 2007 with a very clear vision of how a commercial cleaning company could demonstrate professionalism across all aspects of the business. "It's not just about cleaning windows or solar panels properly," Carl said. "Promptness, reliability, courteous staff, timely and accurate administration, transparency when it comes to pricing… there are so many ways in which we strive to 'raise the bar' and excel."

Professionalism is an enduring business philosophy that has enabled Springs to build an enviable reputation and a growing client base across the Burton, Derby, Tamworth and Stoke areas. "We service all commercial sectors and have the skills, capabilities and commitment to offer genuine value," Carl says. "Springs takes pride in providing premium, yet affordable services with focus on customer care," said Carl. "Our team are all highly trained, we are fully insured to £10m and accountability is something we take very seriously."

All Springs staff are qualified, well-equipped and work in line with health and safety best practice, ensuring the wellbeing of all personnel and visitors on site. The company also provides detailed risk assessments and method statements for all clients. "I try to put myself in a client's shoes," said Carl. "If I were a facilities manager or the person within an organisation responsible for arranging commercial window, solar panel cleaning and the maintenance of guttering and fascias on site, I know what I'd expect from my supplier."

"Our standards may be high, but they're shared by those who appreciate a more professional approach and true value for money. "Choose Springs and you can look forward to tailored service contracts, quality monitoring, cleaning conducted out-of-hours to minimise disruption and a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee on all work."

"The Pure Water system de-mineralises and de-ionises tap water to remove impurities and requires no chemicals or detergents," says Carl. "It's powerful, consistently removing stubborn residues and drying to leave a streak-free finish on glass and surfaces, whilst being gentle on the environment. The results are better and longer lasting."

While clean windows provide a positive first impression, keeping solar panels clean is important if optimal return on investment is to be realised. "Regular cleaning makes sound business sense because dirt can reduce photovoltaic efficiency," Carl said. "We've heard of reported energy yield increases of more than 30 per cent after cleaning, so an annual clean is a small price to pay in the long term." Springs has continued to invest in its staff and is the only local cleaning company competently trained in cleaning solar panels.

Seen & Heard: Window Washers Risking Death - April 30, 2015 • New York City  ••• This has to stop. (The reader who tweeted it said not to credit.)

Window Cleaning News...& Some Art?

Warning over rogue tradesmen in Caversham: Police fear rogue traders are preying on people in Caversham – ‘cleaning’ their gutters for free and then demanding £16,000 for the job. The conmen targeted a home in All Hallows Road off Henley Road, on Thursday, December 10, and police believe they might have visited elsewhere too – focusing on vulnerable people. Inspector Penny Mackenzie, who leads the Caversham neighbourhood team, said: “Please be aware cold callers and/or rogue traders attended an address in All Hallows Road at approximately 3.45pm on Thursday, December 10. “The males said they would clean the homeowners’ guttering for free. “When they had done this they said the guttering was rotten and they would replace it for £16,000. “Although the householder refused to pay – they may be targeting elderly or vulnerable individuals. Please keep an eye on your neighbours.”

Gwen Richins, 73, of Ordish Street, said staff at the nearby Asda store, in Orchard Street, where she is a regular shopper, had called to check on her welfare while her window cleaner had offered to shop for her. She told the Mail: “I can’t get out at the moment unless family come and pick me up as it’s like a skating rink out there. “People say there’s no community anymore but this just proves there is. I think it’s absolutely brilliant that people take the time to help.”

Wagtail makes its appearance in Russia, thanks to window cleaner Vadim. Vadim Bokhanovitch of MoemGorod started the first water fed pole window cleaning service in Saint Petersburg, 370 miles north of Moscow. Read more about Vadims Russian takeover in a previous blog here.

York window-cleaner Jonathan Millea worked “hell-for-leather” before Christmas to ensure York’s only windmill, Holgate Mill, started 2010 with money in the bank. Selling raffle tickets to his customers, Jonathan raised £430 for the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, which works hard to preserve and promote the important historical building. The money will pay for the painting of the windmill’s exterior. Jonathan said: “I’ve always been interested in historical buildings and the Holgate Windmill is an important, unique landmark for York. It provides excellent information to visitors regarding engineering methods and plenty of fun for youngsters.” Bob Anderton, society chairman, said: “The society is always busy in their quest to restore the Holgate Windmill to its former operating status and is doing a marvellous job.”

Dutch art?

Emigrates holidays wanted to give office workers a new spectacular view out of their windows. They created giant canvas posters and attached them to window cleaning units with a simple message: "Change your view. Emigrates holidays." As the unit moved around the building, office workers had a pleasant surprise. This simple & spectacular idea created a massive buzz around the region, picked up in newspapers & discussed on blog sites. As always click the pictures to enlarge.

In the name of transparency, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson is publishing all payments above £1,000 on the Greater London Authority website. Good for him. But it does lead him open to criticism for some items. The list for November last year has now been released and it comes to a total of £3.7 million. There are numerous charges for consultancies, media training, Bupa health screening, agency staff and lawyers. Some £812,000 was handed over to marketing firm Jack Morton Worldwide. Even the City Hall window cleaning was five figures, at £13,314.

Roofing inspector Duncan Hastings enjoyed a night on the tiles after being crowned John Smith's People's Darts champion. The Scot beat window cleaner Mark Petchey 3-1 at the Lakeside to scoop £15,000 for his nominated charity, the Strathcarron Hospice. Hastings, 43, nicknamed 'Big D' and representing Pennies Bar in Falkirk, nailed double 10 for victory - but will be back at work up a ladder tomorrow. "It feels special to be standing here as a People's Darts champion," said Hastings. Petchey, 45, will also be back up a ladder this week with his bucket and chamois leather, but did the Royal Oak in Basingstoke proud. He picked up £5,000 for Sport Relief.