Bee Services Director, Bill Johal
It’s a tough climate to be doing business. Rising operational costs and squeezed margins are taking their toll. At the same time, there is pressure to maintain standards and unlock opportunities to secure competitive advantage. For the commercial cleaning sector, the key challenge is delivering exceptional service levels whilst purse strings tighten, and customers become more discerning. At Bee Services we have spent four decades developing a proposition that has helped us build resilience and stand out from the crowd.
Prioritising value
Since we established our business in 1984, we have experienced the full spectrum of economic cycles. We have enjoyed the boom years and endured recessions, adapted to pandemic disruption, navigated inflationary pressure and continually responded to market conditions.
We understand the cost pressures businesses face in a challenging commercial landscape. In times such as this we often see a race to the bottom. In a bid to remain competitive, may in the commercial cleaning sector slash prices, compromise quality, or cut corners in service delivery. The inevitable result is diminishing returns, eroded brand reputation, and unsustainable business models. In contrast, companies that choose to compete on value rather than price alone position themselves for greater resilience and long-term success.
At Bee Services it has always been our philosophy to lead on value and differentiate our business through an unwavering commitment to customer service. It has served us well in building a loyal customer base.
From the foundations of exemplary service standards, we develop strong relationships that mean we have a deep understanding of customer requirements and can respond to their changing demands. They know that while we will keep our pricing competitive, we will not compromise on cleaning standards, and they can rest assured that our experienced staff will maintain clean and hygienic environments that are aligned with their brand values.
Bridging the gap
Of course, we can only meet their exacting requirements with the right calibre of cleaning staff. Our sector is grappling with a significant skills shortage. The classification of cleaning roles as ‘low skill’ under post-Brexit immigration rules has also limited access to overseas workers and it is proving challenging to fill vacancies. According to The British Cleaning Council, only 9% of sector staff are under 25, while 27% are over 55, indicating a potential future decline in available staff.
Industry leaders recommend addressing the challenge by increasing pay, improving working conditions and offering career progression. In April 2023, Bee Services became an accredited Living Wage employer, committing to pay all staff a wage that reflects the true cost of living. This initiative not only supports employees in meeting their everyday needs but also helps us attract and retain top talent in a competitive recruitment market. Around half of our clients are paying the rate and we are in talks with many others.
Beyond fair compensation, we are also investing in talent through professional development. New hires undergo a comprehensive induction programme to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality service. Additionally, all employees participate in annual refresher training, with full-time staff completing approximately 20 hours each year.
This commitment to training ensures that staff remain up to date with industry standards and health and safety practices, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. It is critical that employees feel valued and are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential. Our approach has resulted in strong retention rates and a dedicated skilled workforce to ensure our customers receive the best levels of service.
Post-pandemic reset
The commercial cleaning sector is also still dealing with the repercussions of Covid-19. It has led to heightened expectations for cleanliness and hygiene. Businesses and consumers alike now demand more rigorous cleaning protocols, particularly in high-traffic areas such as offices, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.
As a service provider we have responded by increasing specifications and doing more secondary cleans during the day to check areas after use. People demand higher standards, and we have responded by raising the bar and ensuring we have the right people in the right place to keep spaces looking their best.
Changes in working patterns post-pandemic has also meant that we have reassessed requirements. For instance, if fewer people are coming into the office, we can increase the frequency of cleaning tasks without having to incur any increased costs. Flexibility is the key issue here in ensuring we keep adapting to different trends and requirements. The fact that we form strong relationships with our customers makes this far easier to negotiate.
Demonstrating credentials
Another trend we have been quick to respond to is paying closer attention to environmental impacts. Like most organisations, our customers are under pressure to take a more responsible approach to operations that serve the needs of people and planet.
We are actively supporting customers in enhancing their sustainability credentials through a comprehensive and transparent approach. Central to this effort is our ISO 14001 accreditation, which underscores a robust environmental management system focused on continuous improvement and regulatory compliance. Our 2025 Sustainability Plan highlights our commitment to best practice and implementing an action plan that not only helps us manage our own impacts but support customers in making more responsible choices.
Four decades of change have not only tested our resilience but also sharpened our ability to adapt, innovate, and stay relevant. This long-term perspective has taught us that consistent process improvement and a forward-thinking mindset are essential to surviving and thriving through every phase of the economic cycle.
Get in touch with our team today to learn about how we can help your business. Call 0203 011 4670 or email [email protected].