Meet the Swift Office Cleaning Team: Katie Ashwood
We’re very proud of our people at Swift Office Cleaning Services.
We would like to take you behind the scenes of our company and introduce you to the people who work here. You’ll find out more about the company and what it is like working with us.
First up, it’s Katie Ashwood.
Katie joined us in 2011. With her positive attitude, drive and care for the customers, she has become our top Estimator.
So, without further ado, meet Katie!
Tell us Katie what are your responsibilities at Swift Office Cleaning Services?
I am an Estimator at Swift Office Cleaning Services Limited, responsible for bringing in new business to the company. I’m lucky enough to be able to see the complete picture. From booking appointments with potential new clients, visiting their offices and sites, to then recommending the best cleaning solution to fit their budget.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No day is typical! I’m fortunate that my days are varied and interesting. I can be visiting prospective clients all over the country one day, and then the next day I am looking for new business and telephoning potential new clients from our head office. I also spend time reviewing proposals and meeting with our account managers to introduce them to new clients.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m very lucky that my days are so totally different as are our clients. I could be meeting with Office managers, Barristers, Finance directors to a multi national clients in the West End. The people and industries are varied but the common denominator is that every business needs cleaning!
What has been the most bizarre thing that you have been asked by a customer?
I once had a client request for us to clean a broom cupboard! They had a very important Royal visitor who was likely to be looking into the cupboard during their visit. Strange!
Do you have cleaning contracts with other businesses near our offices?
Clients will often ask if we have other contracts in the area. We have many of contracts throughout the UK who are always very happy to provide references for us.
What is the length of the contract?
Our contracts run on an annual rolling agreement with a twelve-week notice period. This offers clients the most stable, cost effective workforce. From an account management point of view, it also ensures new cleaners realise the commitment shown to them by both the client and us.
What happens with our existing staff and TUPE?
Here at Swift, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards when we are appointed as a Clients’ cleaning contractor. Often if a new client is unhappy with the cleaning or management of a previous supplier, they feel that a new cleaner would solve the issue. However, in our experience, we find that this is not always the case. Our cleaners and all TUPE transferred cleaners are trained, managed and monitored by their account manager.
We are fully aware of our employee liability under TUPE regulations and cleaners are taken on under their existing terms and conditions. Working with the cleaners, training them and showing them they are valued members of the team helps improve their standard and in turn ensures our new client is happy.
If a TUPE transferred cleaner or any of our cleaners do not perform to our required standards we will follow the correct dismissal procedure. Regular site visits and performance reviews are carried out by the nominated account manager and this helps ensure standards are improved and maintained for continued client satisfaction.
So now you know Katie!
If you would like to work with us or would like more information on office cleaning services in London, Essex, Harlow and Hertfordshire please contact Katie on 01279 413641 for a free quotation.