The secret of our success at Bee Services lies in forging trusted partnerships with our clients through consistent service excellence and proactive approach. One of our longest-standing relationships is with the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) in the heart of London. For 18 years, we have supported this world-renowned centre by ensuring its prestigious facilities meet the highest standards of cleanliness and provide comfortable safe spaces to support constructive discussion.
Established in 2000, IDRC is a globally respected venue for alternative dispute resolution, hosting mediations, arbitrations, training events and public inquiries. Its modern, fully equipped premises span four floors at 1 Paternoster Lane, overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. With more than 100 rooms, including 15 large hearing suites, the centre caters to some of the world’s most high-profile legal proceedings and attracts visitors from across the globe.
Given the calibre of its clientele and the sensitive nature of the proceedings that take place within its walls, maintaining exceptional standards of hygiene and appearance is essential. Bee Services has been entrusted with this responsibility since 2007.
“Before Bee Services came on board, we changed cleaning companies every couple of years,” explains Mike Jenkins, IDRC’s Operations and Facilities Director. “We were so fortunate to have then found a team that can deliver consistently at the very highest standard.”
Our dedicated cleaning team works between 3am and 7am, covering all public and private spaces before clients arrive. With such a narrow window of opportunity following hearings that can continue until late evening, our team works with precision and efficiency. Every morning, rooms are vacuumed, sanitised, bins emptied, and surfaces disinfected. The exterior is also kept immaculate to uphold IDRC’s professional image.
“It’s all about making the right impression,” says Mike. “Our high-end clientele demands the best. Bee Services helps us meet those expectations day in, day out.”
Reliability, relationships, and responsiveness
The strength of the partnership is built on more than just high-quality cleaning. Mike speaks highly of the relationship that has developed over the years: “We’ve had just two or three different head cleaners in 18 years. That continuity really matters because they understand our needs, and we get consistency of service with no surprises.”
Bee Services’ Director, Bill, regularly visits IDRC, maintaining a close relationship with the operations team, while Key Account Manager Camilla stays in frequent contact via email and WhatsApp to respond to any queries or adapt to new requirements.
Mike says: “The personal touch makes an enormous difference. If ever there is an issue – which is rare – you never have to ask twice. That responsiveness really sets them apart from other providers.” He adds: The cleaners are always cheerful and polite. It’s lovely to be greeted by the same friendly faces in the mornings. It makes a real difference to the atmosphere in the building.”
When IDRC expanded to cover four floors a year ago, Bee Services quickly adapted to the increased workload, maintaining the same high standards without disruption. This ability to scale up while preserving service quality has reinforced the centre’s trust in the team.
Values alignment
Bee Services’ sustainability strategy is another important factor in the relationship. As IDRC embraces more sustainable practices, including the use of hybrid facilities to reduce international travel and a push to reduce paper use, it is vital that suppliers share the same ethos.
“Attitudes are shifting across our client base. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an expectation,” says Mike. “We value the fact that Bee Services is proactive in this space. In line with their commitment to ethical employment, IDRC also supports Bee Services’ Living Wage policy. “If there’s a price increase because of it, we’re fully behind it. It’s the right thing to do.”
A relationship built to last
IDRC has hosted some of the UK’s most high-profile public inquiries and serves hundreds of leading law firms every year. It operates in a world where professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail are paramount. That we have been its cleaning partner since 2007 is a testament to the strength of the partnership.
Mike concludes: “Many organisations select a cleaning provider based purely on cost. But the reality is, switching because you’re unhappy with service levels is far more costly in the long run. With Bee Services, we’ve found consistency, quality and a genuine partnership. They make us feel like their number one client and that’s invaluable.”