Reflections from the female directors of JR&Co for International Women’s Day and B Corp Month

Earlier this year, as B Corp Month and Women’s History Month coincided, we paused to reflect on progress—not just in our own business, but across the industry we are proud to be part of.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action, called for urgent, meaningful steps towards gender equality. It encouraged companies like ours to look inward. To ask whether we are doing enough. And to listen to the women within our business who are helping to shape its direction.

At JR&Co, women hold four of the nine leadership roles, including three out of five positions on our Senior Leadership Team. That puts us ahead of the FTSE 350 average, where women make up 42.1% of directors—and well above the representation typically seen across the cleaning and facilities sector, where leadership remains overwhelmingly male.

Data from the British Cleaning Council (BCC) highlights a significant gender disparity between the operational workforce, which is predominantly female, and those in management roles. According to the report, 79% of cleaning and hygiene operatives are female, yet only 38% of managers and senior officials in the cleaning industry are women.

But progress is not just about numbers. It is also about culture. We sat down with our four female leaders—Caroline Hutchins, Lauren Hanley, Nicola Willox and Breheny Jenkins—to understand their journeys, hear their perspectives, and explore how we can do more to support women at every level of our business.

This article brings together those conversations. It explores the progress we have made, the challenges that remain, and the actions we are taking to keep moving forward.

An industry of women, but not always for women

The cleaning industry is often described as female-heavy, but that only tells part of the story. Women are highly represented at the frontline, often working as part-time cleaning operatives, as reported by the BCC. These roles offer two or three hours of work a day, often in the early morning or evening. For many, these work arrangements provide stability but also the flexibility they need to fit around other commitments. These roles are essential, both to our clients and to our communities.

But while women are strongly represented at the frontline, their visibility fades as we move further up the structure. In operational management, men still occupy the majority of roles. This is not a question of capability, but often of perception with operational leadership roles seen as requiring long hours, reactive working patterns and unsociable shifts that are harder to reconcile with other commitments.

These barriers are not just practical; they are also cultural. Deeply rooted beliefs, preferences and stereotypes about gender roles continue to shape how opportunities are perceived and who feels encouraged to step forward (Source: IFS). In the cleaning industry, where irregular working patterns are particularly common, these challenges can feel even more acute.

While we are committed to supporting change, the challenges we see are backed by recent data. A 2023 study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, drawing on data from the UK and other high-income countries, reveals a sharp pattern, echoing what is often observed: men tend to spend more time in paid employment outside the home, while women continue to take on a greater share of unpaid domestic work.

The same study notes that differences in how unpaid work (including childcare, other care responsibilities, and housework) are shared between men and women continue to drive many of the unequal outcomes we see in the labour market.

These patterns, though persistent, are not fixed. Research shows that the division of paid and unpaid work is strongly responsive to the social, cultural and policy environment. Where conditions shift, whether through workplace structures, leadership culture or wider societal change, participation patterns can shift too. It is also important to recognise that not all women align with traditional expectations around caregiving or external commitments, and their experiences and priorities are as varied as the individuals themselves.

Examining the composition of our teams within JR&Co, we see these patterns reflected, but also some notable variations.

Our operational management team is predominately male.

However, at the JR&Co head office, roles in areas like customer services, HR and finance are in contrast predominantly held by women. These positions offer more structured hours, clearer expectations and a clearer separation between work and home life, factors that, as the research showed, disproportionately affect women. (How we intend to address this at JR&Co will be discussed later).

At the very top, however, the pattern begins to shift again. JR&Co’s leadership team is evenly balanced between men and women. But balance alone is not enough. True progress is measured not only in representation, but in societal and company culture. It is about how people lead, how they are heard, and how they make space for others to rise.

To understand this progress in practice, we sat down with the four women on JR&Co’s leadership team to hear their stories and learn how they have navigated complexities and reached their positions. Their experiences offer valuable insights into the pathways to success and the qualities that drive progress, as well as highlighting where we need to continue to improve.

Different paths, shared purpose

Our four female leaders arrived at JR&Co from very different walks of life and have successfully forged their paths to leadership. Their individual journeys serve as powerful examples of resilience, adaptability, and the diverse expertise that is essential for driving change.

Caroline Hutchins, our Operations Director, started in retail before moving into cleaning. Her first experience in the industry was, in her words, “not the best.” But she stuck with it, learned from the ground up, and now leads our operational delivery across London. Caroline is one of only a handful of women in a senior operations role in the capital. “It’s still very male-dominated,” she says. “But that’s changing slowly. And the more we show what’s possible, the more it will change.”

Caroline’s own path, learning the operational complexities first-hand and excelling in a demanding, male-dominated arena, sets a powerful example of what’s possible.

Lauren Hanley, now our Business Support Services Director, also came from a career in retail, where she honed her organisational and customer service skills. She began at JR&Co as a Customer Services Manager, and through drive, clarity and consistency, worked her way up. “Customer service is customer service, wherever you go,” she reflects. “What mattered was applying what I knew, and building something that worked for our clients.”

Lauren’s experience and skills were directly transferable and valuable in cleaning industry leadership, offering an alternative pathway to operational management.

Nicola Willox, our HR Director, joined JR&Co after building her career in premium consumer goods. She brought with her a fresh perspective and a belief in structured growth and support—and was surprised these weren’t universally available in the cleaning industry. “In my previous roles, I was used to seeing employee resource groups, career coaching, mentoring,” she says. “We don’t have that in the cleaning industry yet, but we could and should. And we will have.”

Breheny Jenkins, our Business Development Director, known to most as Bree, has been with JR&Co since 2010. With a background in sales, music retail and design, Bree’s journey into cleaning was anything but conventional. What kept her here was not just the role, but the culture. “JR&Co actually does what it says it will do,” she explains. “That’s rare. And when you believe in what you’re selling, and the people behind it, you want to stay and build something.”

Together, these four leaders bring clarity, strength and care to the business. They each bring their own style and perspective, but what unites them is a shared commitment to purposeful, people-focused leadership.

Qualities that shape leadership

In conversation with JR&Co’s women leaders, certain themes emerged again and again. Organisation. Initiative. Empathy. Vision. These are not qualities exclusive to women. But they are often undervalued in industries that reward speed over thoughtfulness, or visibility over substance.

These leaders understand what it means to be responsible not just for results, but for people. They understand how it feels to juggle competing demands, and how hard it can be to speak up when you feel unseen. They bring that understanding into the way they manage, support and develop their teams.

Their leadership is not about perfection. It is about presence. And in a business like ours—one that depends on people, every hour of every day—presence matters.

The barriers that still remain

None of our female leaders believe that progress is complete. Each of them sees the gaps, the friction points and the missed opportunities.

One of the most consistent themes was internal progression. While some cleaning operatives are content with their current hours and routines, many want to grow.

Although numerous female cleaning operatives made the leap to roles in our head office, few have make the leap into supervision or operations. There are structural reasons for this, like shift patterns, language barriers and cultural expectations. But part of the challenge lies in visibility. Women rarely see others like them in these roles, and so often struggle to imagine themselves stepping into them.

As Lauren put it, “There’s so much untapped potential within our cleaning teams. But if women don’t see others like them progressing into leadership, it becomes harder to picture that path for themselves.”

Nicola highlighted the need for more structured development. “We need to move from conversations to action,” she said. “We’re starting to map performance against potential, to see who is ready for more. That’s a good start. But we need to keep going.”

Caroline proposed something simple but powerful: hands-on exposure. “We should run experience days, where women who are interested can shadow an operations manager, see what the job really involves. That’s how we make it feel real, not abstract.”

Bree added, “There’s so much talent within our teams. What’s exciting is that we’re starting to have the right conversations, not just about where people are now but about where they could go. The potential is there and we’re in a great position to nurture it.”

What matters most is that we are having these conversations openly, honestly and with intent. Progress will not come all at once. It will come through small, deliberate steps. By creating space, offering support and showing what is possible, we can help more women see a future for themselves in leadership if that is the path they choose.

Addressing inequalities and moving forward

At JR&Co, we know that creating a fair and inclusive workplace is about more than just talking about leadership. It’s about addressing inequalities at every level. One of the most significant challenges in our sector, and across many industries, is the gender pay gap. We recognise that this is an area where we must continue to focus and improve.

As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to transparency and accountability. That is why we publish our Gender Pay Gap Report annually. In our most recent report, Managing Director Chris Jarvis acknowledged the progress we have made but also stressed the importance of continuous improvement:

“Our aim is to ensure that JR&Co is a place where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed. We are working hard to close the gap and are committed to building a culture where talent and hard work are recognised and rewarded fairly.”

David Gajlewicz, our Finance Director, adds:

“We’re a people-first business, and fairness is at the heart of everything we do—not just in how we pay our people, but in how we help every individual thrive. At JR&Co, we’re committed to turning that principle into action, from equitable rewards to the everyday support our people receive. When colleagues feel valued and supported, they bring their best—and that’s what makes us stronger together.”

While gender presents specific challenges, we also recognise that individuals from diverse national, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds may face unique barriers to career progression. These can stem from factors such as language, unfamiliarity with formal development pathways, or differing expectations around opportunity and advancement. A truly inclusive approach means identifying and addressing these barriers too.

To achieve this, we’ve committed to several practical initiatives:

• Transparent career progression: Introducing structured pathways for growth, directly addressing the lack of clear pathways, so employees know what is required to advance to supervisory and leadership roles.
• Targeted training and development: Committing to helping all our staff build the skills needed to progress, with a particular focus on women in operational roles.
• Creating visibility: Offering experience days and mentoring opportunities to give employees firsthand insights into what leadership looks like at JR&Co.
• Inclusive leadership training: Equipping our current leaders with the tools to recognise and nurture potential, regardless of background or previous experience.

Chris Jarvis puts our commitment clearly:

“We have made strides, but we know there is more to do. Our goal is to be a leader not just in cleaning, but in fair and progressive employment practices. We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we are determined to build on it with purpose and integrity.”

Culture change starts at the top

The presence of four women on JR&Co’s leadership team is not accidental. It reflects the evolution of the company and a deliberate effort to broaden perspectives at the highest level.

It also changes the tone of conversation. When leadership includes different voices, decisions are made with more consideration. When people see themselves reflected at the top, they begin to believe in the possibility of their own progress.

Managing Director Chris Jarvis summarised it best when he said:

“Great leadership isn’t defined by gender, but by character. At JR&Co, we’re proud to have leaders who bring empathy, clarity and drive to the table. We’re committed to building a business where everyone can grow, thrive and be heard.”

A better future, built together

There is still a long way to go. But it is encouraging that the conversation has started and it is not going away.

We are listening even more closely to our people. We are asking better questions. We understand that one-size-fits-all solutions are rarely fit for purpose, and that equity sometimes means giving people different tools to reach the same goal.

And perhaps most importantly, we are making space for all out people to shape the future of our business, not just contribute to its present.

At JR&Co, we believe that cleaning deserves undivided attention. So do our people. And that includes the women, at every level of our company, who continue to show up, speak up and lead the way.

Want to hear more? Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest news, insights and stories from the people driving better cleaning across London.

We’re excited to share that Julius Rutherfoord & Co. (JR&Co) has been named a finalist in the Environmental (ESG) category of the 2025 BICSc Awards.

This shortlisting recognises the practical, day-to-day ways we’re working to clean responsibly and reduce our impact. Over the past year, we’ve introduced paperless site files that have cut waste and improved efficiency, transitioned our head office to 100% renewable energy, and completed the move to an electric fleet across our operations. We’ve also looked at the bigger picture – working closely with local suppliers and supporting circular economy initiatives to reduce single-use plastics.

We know that sustainability isn’t a box to tick; it’s part of every decision we make. Being a finalist in the BICSc Awards feels like recognition for everyone here at JR&Co who’s helped us keep that promise.

We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony later this year – and to sharing more about the ways we’re bringing sustainability into the everyday.

The UK’s independent school sector is facing a period of significant change, not least due to the recent VAT reforms. While these changes may seem daunting at first, they also present a valuable opportunity for schools to reassess their operations and explore cost-effective solutions.

In a sector where reputation is crucial, and first impressions are paramount, this re-evaluation is more important than ever. When prospective parents and pupils visit your school, a pristine environment speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence. Every detail matters – from sparkling floors and spotless classrooms to well-maintained washrooms and communal areas.

Outsourcing your cleaning services is gaining traction as a strategic move with numerous benefits, including significant financial advantages and a higher standard of cleanliness. This can be a key strategy in ensuring your school always makes the best possible impression.

Understanding the New VAT Rules

From 1 January 2025, all private schools in the UK became subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%. This includes services such as cleaning, which were previously exempt. However, independent schools can now reclaim VAT on outsourced cleaning services, making this option financially more attractive than ever before. This creates a significant opportunity for schools to optimise their budgets and allocate resources more effectively.

Why Outsourced Cleaning Makes Sense

Beyond the VAT reclaim benefits, outsourcing cleaning offers a multitude of advantages:

• Focus on Core Activities: By entrusting your cleaning needs to specialists, your school can dedicate more time and resources to its primary mission: providing an outstanding education.
• Enhanced Expertise: Professional cleaning companies bring a wealth of specialised knowledge, highly trained staff, and the latest cleaning technologies to ensure a truly high-quality clean.
  

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we have a long history of providing premium cleaning services to schools. We support our team to provide their undivided attention to your premises, and we think you’d notice the difference.

• Improved Efficiency: Outsourcing can lead to improved productivity and cost savings through optimised cleaning schedules and the use of advanced equipment.
• Reduced Liability: Outsourcing allows schools to minimise their responsibility for employment regulations, staff training, and health and safety compliance, freeing up valuable time and resources.
• Enhanced Safeguarding: Reputable cleaning companies prioritise the safety and well-being of your pupils and staff. They implement robust security measures, including thorough background checks, DBS checks, and even advanced technologies like facial recognition and biometrics where appropriate, to ensure that only authorised personnel access your premises. This provides an additional layer of security and allows school leaders and staff to focus on their core responsibilities with greater peace of mind.

Elevating Cleaner Welfare

Contrary to some perceptions, outsourcing can actually improve cleaner welfare: providing not just jobs but fulfilling careers with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and clear pathways for advancement.

Strong Management & Experienced Teams

Effective cleaning goes beyond the efforts of individual operatives; it requires a robust management structure to ensure consistent, high-quality service. Many providers overlook this, offering low-cost solutions that are actually more costly in the long term.

At JR&Co, we invest in strong management structures and experienced teams who are dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Our managers provide regular on-site supervision, quality control, and ongoing support to ensure our team achieve consistently high standards.

Beyond Savings: Quality and Sustainability

Outsourcing doesn’t mean compromising on quality. In fact, professional cleaning firms often deliver a higher standard of cleaning due to their expertise and access to advanced technologies. Many also prioritise sustainability, using eco-friendly products and practices to minimise their environmental impact.

We go several steps further than most and, as a certified B Corp, we’re proud to be able to say we’re a force for good in business.

The Next Steps for Independent Schools

If you’re considering outsourcing your cleaning services, here’s what you should do:

• Assess your needs: Clearly identify your specific cleaning requirements and priorities.
• Research potential partners: Look for companies with a proven track record in the education sector and a strong commitment to quality.
• Request proposals: Compare quotes and service offerings from different providers to find the best fit for your school.
• Check references: Gain valuable insights by speaking to other schools that have used their services.

Finding the Right Cleaning Partner

Choosing the right cleaning partner is crucial. Look for a provider who actively listens, communicates clearly, and provides a comprehensive contract that reflects your needs and expectations.

At JR&Co, we pride ourselves on our attentive approach and collaborative spirit, working closely with our clients to ensure a seamless, high-quality cleaning solution. We empower our teams through comprehensive training and support to give your premises their undivided attention. We think you’ll notice the difference.

Conclusion

The new VAT rules, combined with the numerous benefits of outsourcing, make this an opportune time for independent schools to reconsider their cleaning arrangements. By partnering with a reputable cleaning provider, schools can achieve significant cost savings, enhance cleaning quality, and free up resources to focus on what they do best: delivering an excellent education.

The landscape of waste management is changing. By 31 March 2025, the Simpler Recycling legislative reforms will be in full swing, requiring businesses across England to adopt standardised recycling practices. This isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a sustainable future and avoiding potential penalties. Let’s break down what these changes mean for your business.

Download Your Simpler Recycling Checklist Here: JR&Co - The Simpler Recycling Checklist

What You Need to Know

The Simpler Recycling reforms are being phased in, with larger businesses required to comply first. The goal is to ensure consistent recycling practices nationwide. At a minimum, your business will need to segregate the following materials:

• Dry Mixed Recycling: Including glass bottles and jars, metal cans and tins, plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays, and paper and cardboard.
• Food Waste: All food waste, including peelings, plate scrapings, and out-of-date food.
• General Waste: For non-recyclable items.

It is important to remember that these are minimum requirements, and more specific waste streams may be required.

How This Impacts Your Business

The Simpler Recycling reforms will necessitate significant operational adjustments for your business. To comply, you’ll need to:

• Implement Segregated Waste Streams: Provide clearly labelled, separate bins for dry mixed recycling, food waste, and general waste.
• Establish Collection Protocols: Ensure these materials are collected and processed through appropriate channels, including recycling, anaerobic digestion, or composting.
• Invest in Staff Training: Conduct comprehensive training programs to educate employees on proper waste segregation procedures.
• Allocate Resources: Prepare for the financial and logistical demands of new waste management infrastructure and processes.
• Mitigate Compliance Risks: Understand that non-compliance can result in substantial fines and potential business disruptions.
• Enhance Brand Image: Recognise the positive impact of effective waste management on your brand reputation and potential to attract environmentally conscious customers.

Planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.

Remember that failure to comply could result in fines, so it’s important to get this right. At Julius Rutherfoord & Co. we’d be happy to help you achieve that.

JR&Co’s Role in a Cleaner, Compliant Environment

Beyond avoiding penalties, maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is essential to employee well-being and productivity, and these new regulations directly impact this. By ensuring proper waste segregation and collection, we help you maintain both compliance and a healthy work environment. At JR&Co, we’re here to ensure your business makes a smooth and compliant transition.

We will ensure:

• Expert Guidance. We provide expert advice on designing and implementing efficient waste segregation systems, tailored to your specific needs.
• Guaranteed Sanitary Conditions: We will ensure your waste disposal areas are kept consistently clean and sanitary, preventing health hazards and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Proactive Bin Hygiene: We provide deep cleaning of bins and bin areas, eliminating odours and bacteria, and ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
• Productive Workplaces: We will help ensure your workplace is a clean, productive, and compliant environment, enhancing your brand image and customer perception.

Next Steps

Don’t wait until the last minute. The 2025 deadline is approaching and early preparation is crucial—so give this your undivided attention now! Book a free consultation with our team to discuss your specific waste management needs and ensure your business stays compliant.

Download Your Simpler Recycling Checklist Here: JR&Co - The Simpler Recycling Checklist

At JR&Co, we believe that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We’re constantly improving, adapting, and innovating to minimise our environmental impact. This pursuit of progress led us to The Sustainability Expo at Olympia last week, where we joined other businesses and sustainability leaders seeking practical insights and innovative solutions.

Vania Borges, our Quality, Sustainability & Environment Manager, said: “The event was a great opportunity to step back, listen, and learn. It will help us refine our own approach to sustainable and responsible cleaning.”

Here’s what Vania took away from the event and how it will shape our work at JR&Co.

1. Sustainability is about action, not intention

There’s no shortage of businesses talking about sustainability, but the real impact comes from turning words into action. The event highlighted how organisations across industries are moving beyond “quick wins” to make deep, lasting changes that prioritise people and the planet.

Many of the discussions reinforced the idea that it is not grand, unrealistic promises, but small, meaningful changes and consistent effort that truly drives progress.

This resonates deeply with our approach at JR&Co. We don’t just focus on individual sustainable actions; we embed sustainable thinking into every facet of our business. It’s not enough to just set targets; we integrate sustainability into everything we do—from the products we use to the training we provide our teams.

Here are some examples of significant steps we’ve already taken:

• Our Head Office is powered by 100% renewable energy, and we’ve electrified 95% of our fleet.
• Replaced paper site-files with digital QR codes, saving 14 trees each year.
• Invested in circular economy cleaning products, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
• Continuously exploring new, non-toxic cleaning products that maintain hygiene without harming the environment.

3. AI and sustainability: two fast-changing worlds

Another topic that stood out was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainability. Both fields are evolving at an incredible pace, and AI is increasingly being used to analyse sustainability data, optimise resource management, and improve decision-making.

“The rapid progression of both Sustainability and AI is creating new opportunities for integration. AI is already making data analysis more reliable, and in the future, sustainability reporting might be held to the same level of scrutiny as financial data.” – Vania

This has exciting implications for the cleaning industry. As AI-driven solutions continue to develop, they could help us further refine our sustainability strategies by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and ensuring even greater transparency.

5. Collaboration is the key to progress

The Sustainability Expo reinforced a crucial truth: no business can tackle sustainability alone.

Whether it’s through partnerships, industry collaboration, or sharing knowledge, we all have a role to play in pushing sustainability forward.

We believe that working together is the most powerful way to drive change. That’s why we actively engage with:

• Suppliers: We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to environmental and ethical values.
• Clients: We’re committed to helping our clients achieve their own sustainability goals.
• Industry Networks: We actively participate in industry events and sustainability networks to stay informed about the latest innovations and best practices.

When businesses come together with a shared purpose, the impact is far greater than what any of us can achieve alone. By working together, we can amplify our impact and create a more sustainable future for everyone.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, achieving B Corp certification was more than just a milestone; it was a reflection of who we are as a business.

In a recent interview with FM Director Magazine, our Managing Director, Chris Jarvis, and Business Support Services Director, Lauren Hanley, shared their thoughts on the journey, the challenges, and what it means to use business as a force for good.

From sustainability to community impact, here’s a closer look at how JR&Co is shaping the future of ethical and responsible cleaning.

A business built on accountability and responsibility

Since day one, JR&Co has been driven by a commitment to fairness and quality. This foundation naturally aligned with the principles of B Corp certification, which prioritises accountability, transparency, and positive impact.

Reflecting on this alignment, Chris Jarvis explained:

“The founding value of the business was the desire to create a fairer, higher quality cleaning company, and to ultimately impact the industry in a positive way. That aligns very well with B Corp’s values, which revolve around accountability and responsibility.”

Beyond certification: real action, real impact

For JR&Co, the B Corp framework has helped enhance initiatives that have long been part of our DNA—particularly in giving back to the community.

Lauren Hanley highlighted the increase in volunteering hours as one example of how we’re turning values into action.

Innovating for a changing industry

The cleaning industry faces growing challenges, from rising costs to shrinking workforces. For Chris, the answer lies in innovation, particularly in how technology can make cleaning smarter and more sustainable.

“The challenge in the cleaning industry now is about how to become more productive and how to do more with less resources. You have to look to technology to solve that problem,” he explained.

One such innovation is data-led cleaning, which leverages smart building technology to align cleaning tasks with actual usage. While still in its infancy, Chris sees it as a major opportunity:

“These technologies are still in their infancy, but I definitely see more of this in the future of cleaning.”

Looking ahead: raising the bar

As a B Corp-certified company, JR&Co is committed to continuous improvement. With recertification required every three years, the focus is on embedding the values of B Corp into everything we do, both internally and externally.

Lauren outlined her vision for the year ahead:

“For this year, I think for me it’s about just strengthening the understanding across the business and clients of what it actually means. I want to make sure we keep having these conversations to ensure that eventually our staff live and breathe the values and standards of the certification.”

Chris added:

“We are always looking for opportunities to improve by thinking outside the box and considering what more we can do as a business to have that positive impact on the community around us.”

Explore the full interview

To read more about our journey to B Corp certification and the insights shared by Chris and Lauren, check out the full interview in FM Director Magazine or on FM Business Daily.

JR&Co recently scooped not one, but two Green Apple Environment Awards. We sat down with Vania Borges, Quality Sustainability & Environment Manager, to find out more about the winning projects and JR&Co’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Firstly, for those who don’t know, what are the Green Apple Environment Awards?

The Green Apple Environment Awards are a big deal! They’re an annual international campaign to recognise and promote environmental best practice around the world. They’ve been running since 1994 and are one of the most popular environmental campaigns globally. They have both international and national awards, and we applied for two national awards.

And you won! Tell us about the projects.

We did! We won Silver for the QR codes/site files project and Bronze for fleet electrification.

What were the main challenges?

The biggest challenge was overcoming resistance to change. Some of our cleaning teams were hesitant to use technology. To address this, we held training sessions and made sure we had a comprehensive roll-out plan. Our operation managers were trained on how to access the site files and taught their staff how to do the same. Managers don’t update the site files themselves – they are maintained centrally to ensure consistency and accuracy.

What are the benefits?

This project has significantly reduced our carbon footprint and ensured our cleaning operatives always have access to the most up-to-date information. It’s also far more efficient. Our managers no longer need to travel to update or check files, which means they have more time to support our teams to provide clients’ premises with their undivided attention.

What are the benefits?

This project benefits everyone. Whether our team is fixing machinery, delivering equipment to site, or simply travelling between sites, they’re doing it in electric vehicles, which drastically reduces our carbon emissions. It also sends a clear message to our clients that we care about our shared environmental impact.

What’s next?

We’ll be replacing that last van this year. We’re also looking at ways to make our transport operations even more efficient. By using data, we can optimise our operations, which benefits the company, our clients, and the planet.

Looking further ahead, what are your plans for 2025 and beyond?

Our main sustainability goal is to bring forward our net-zero targets. We originally aimed for 2050, but we’re planning to be even more ambitious. We’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability, and we’re determined to keep pushing ourselves.

We recently became a certified B Corporation, and we’ll be doing some more work to build on that certification throughout the year. Certifications like this push us to continually improve, as the guidelines evolve annually, ensuring we follow stricter best practices for sustainability every year.

We’re constantly exploring how we can improve, even beyond the scope of awards and certifications. It’s important to us to find ways to make a real difference.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we are proud to have achieved B Corp certification, a significant milestone that has already sparked insightful conversations across our community. While the certification itself is an honour, we see it as so much more than an accolade. It is a testament to who we are and what we stand for as a company — and a call to action for the future.

Our Managing Director, Chris Jarvis, recently shared his thoughts on what this achievement means for JR&Co., and his words echo the heart of our mission:

“I’m very proud to announce that we are now a Certified B Corporation. This achievement recognises our commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. As a B Corp, we carefully consider the impact of every decision we make, not just on our clients, but also on our teams, our communities, and the planet.”

Watch Chris’s full message in the video below:

Living our values

For JR&Co, becoming a B Corp is not a destination but a journey. The certification process challenged us to examine every aspect of our operations, from our environmental footprint to our relationships with staff, clients, and suppliers. It reinforced the importance of sustainability, ethical leadership, and creating positive impacts wherever we operate.

Chris highlighted that this ongoing commitment is what drives us: “We’re dedicated to providing exceptional service whilst positively contributing to society and the environment.”

What it means for our clients and team

For our clients, B Corp certification is a promise. It’s the assurance that JR&Co operates with integrity, transparency, and a focus on long-term value. We’re here to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be a trusted partner who shares your vision for a sustainable future.

For our team, this certification is a reflection of the culture we’ve built together. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated staff, who consistently bring passion and undivided attention to everything they do. Their efforts make a real difference, not just for our clients but for the broader community.

Looking ahead

While we celebrate this milestone, our focus is firmly on the future. The B Corp certification has given us a roadmap to continue improving and innovating. Watch this space for more updates as we take further steps to enhance sustainability, support our team, and positively impact the community.

As Chris puts it, “Together, we’re working towards a cleaner, more responsible future and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this path. Together, we’re proving that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world. If you’d like to learn more about our journey or discuss how we can collaborate on shared goals, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to a brighter, more sustainable future!

October saw us proudly celebrating Thank Your Cleaner Day, a special occasion dedicated to recognising the incredible individuals who are the backbone of clean, safe, and welcoming environments across London. At JR&Co, this is a day we value, as it shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes who bring our ethos of undivided attention to life.

A day to reflect and celebrate

From bustling offices to busy schools, every clean space is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our cleaners. Thank Your Cleaner Day gave us the perfect opportunity to pause, connect, and show our gratitude in person.

Our Head Office Centres of Excellence joined forces with the operations teams, visiting sites across London to share their appreciation and offer small tokens of thanks to our on-site teams. From the early-morning starts to late-evening finishes, their focus and expertise never go unnoticed.

Capturing the spirit of the day

The day brought genuine moments of connection, with on-site recognition and thoughtful conversations highlighting the impact of our teams’ hard work.

Take a look at the highlights from the day in our Thank Your Cleaner Day video. It perfectly captures the energy, gratitude, and team spirit that define JR&Co.

Why we celebrate

Cleaners do so much more than keep spaces tidy—they create environments where people can feel comfortable, productive, and safe. At JR&Co, we see this every day. We know the importance of empowering our cleaners with excellent training, fair wages, and the recognition they deserve.

But Thank Your Cleaner Day goes beyond JR&Co. It’s a reminder for everyone to take a moment to appreciate those who ensure our spaces are ready for whatever the day brings.

Thank You to our JR&Co Heroes

To all our cleaners: thank you. You are the heart of everything we do. Your commitment and care make a tangible difference, not just to our clients but to everyone who steps into the spaces you keep so meticulously clean.

Every clean desk, every shining floor, and every spotless restroom is a reflection of your dedication. We are proud to have you as part of our JR&Co family.

Here’s to you, our cleaning heroes. Thank you for all that you do!

Julius Rutherfoord & Co (JR&Co), one of London’s largest independent cleaning companies, is proud to announce its official B Corp certification. This recognition underscores JR&Co’s commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices, placing it among a global community of companies dedicated to using business as a force for good.

B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. As a certified B Corp, JR&Co now joins a prestigious group of businesses focused on creating positive impacts across their operations. The certification is a testament to JR&Co’s ongoing commitment to aligning its practices with broader societal values, ensuring that each decision considers the wellbeing of clients, employees, communities, and the environment.

For JR&Co’s clients, partnering with a certified B Corp means choosing a provider that not only delivers exceptional cleaning but also prioritises sustainability and ethical practices at every level. By upholding the values embedded in the B Corp certification, JR&Co sets a new benchmark for responsible business in the cleaning industry.

For more information about JR&Co’s B Corp certification and its continued dedication to responsible business, please visit www.juliusrutherfoord.co.uk.

About Julius Rutherfoord & Co

Founded in 1994 by two brothers-in-law, Julius Rutherfoord & Co is one of London’s largest independent cleaning companies, known for its attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality cleaning services. JR&Co serves a range of commercial clients, transforming spaces to support productivity, health, and wellbeing.