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.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we are proud to announce that all of our Operations Managers and Divisional Directors are now IOSH Managing Safely certified. This significant achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our team and clients. By completing this globally recognised qualification from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), our leadership team is equipped with the expertise to maintain the highest standards of safety across all our sites, ensuring we continue to deliver meticulous, expert, and safe cleaning services.

What is IOSH Managing Safely?

The IOSH Managing Safely course is designed to provide managers with the practical knowledge they need to effectively manage health and safety within their teams. This training covers critical areas such as risk assessment, hazard identification, incident investigation, and proactive prevention. By completing this course, our leadership team has strengthened their expertise in maintaining a safe working environment and protecting both our staff and clients from potential risks.

Why This Certification Matters

We take a meticulous approach to every aspect of our work, and health and safety is no exception. Achieving IOSH certification ensures that our Operations Managers and Divisional Directors are not only skilled in maintaining compliance but are also passionate about driving continuous improvement in safety standards.

With this certification, our team is better equipped to:

• Identify hazards before they become a risk
• Conduct thorough risk assessments that ensure the safety of our workplaces
• Investigate incidents effectively to prevent reoccurrence
• Take a proactive approach to health and safety, focusing on prevention as much as resolution

This expert knowledge allows us to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring smooth, safe operations across all of our cleaning sites.

A Milestone Achievement for JR&Co

This certification marks a significant milestone for our team, with all of our Operations Managers and Divisional Directors now IOSH certified. It demonstrates our dedication to fostering safe, compliant workplaces and highlights our passion for setting the highest standards in the cleaning industry.

Our personal touch is what sets us apart, and this achievement further empowers us to deliver services that are not only meticulous but also safe and reliable. Our clients can have peace of mind knowing that their spaces are being maintained by a team that is fully certified and committed to best practices in health and safety.

Setting a New Standard for the Industry

At JR&Co, our passion for excellence drives us to raise the bar for health and safety within the cleaning industry. Our IOSH-certified team demonstrates our commitment to not only meeting industry standards but exceeding them. This certification reinforces our position as leaders in health and safety, ensuring that our meticulous attention to detail translates into safer environments for everyone.

By investing in our team’s professional development, we ensure that our clients benefit from the highest level of expertise. Our personal approach means we tailor our safety practices to each site, recognising that every space has unique challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Celebrating Our Team’s Success

We extend a huge congratulations to everyone who completed their IOSH certification. While some of our team were already certified, this final group of Operations Managers and Divisional Directors has now joined them, ensuring that our entire operations leadership team is IOSH Managing Safely certified. Their hard work and commitment to excellence have helped JR&Co achieve this milestone, strengthening our ability to deliver safe, compliant services across all our sites.

Looking Ahead

At JR&Co, we remain passionate about maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across every client site. Our expert team, now fully IOSH certified, is committed to upholding meticulous safety protocols and offering a personal, bespoke approach to each of our clients. We look forward to continuing our mission of delivering exceptional cleaning services that put safety and well-being at the forefront.

If you would like to learn more about how our commitment to health and safety can benefit your business, please get in touch with us today.

At JR&Co, we’re always enhancing our services to meet the highest standards.

Our Training Academy just received a significant upgrade, with new flooring surfaces that reflect the latest trends in our clients’ environments. This update ensures that our teams train in real-world conditions, staying sharp and prepared to deliver the meticulous and expert service we’re known for.

Just as we completed this upgrade, we passed our BICSc Annual Audit and successfully renewed our BICSc Assessor Licence until 2025! The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) is the industry’s leading body for professional standards and education, and their annual audit ensures we maintain our commitment to best practices and safety.

Annie Bove, HR Officer, and Jessica Carranza, Mobilisation and Project Manager, who played a key role in leading us through the audit process, are now ready to continue training our teams to the highest standards. With the renewal of our BICSc Assessor Licence, we can confidently maintain our focus on developing cleaning professionals who are equipped to create cleaner, safer environments in line with industry-leading practices.

At JR&Co, our values – meticulous attention to detail, deep expertise, a personal touch, and a passion for creating clean and safe spaces – guide everything we do. The refreshed academy and our continued BICSc certification reaffirm our ongoing dedication to providing the best service possible.

We’re proud of the strides we’ve made and are excited to keep pushing forward for our clients!

We are thrilled to announce that JR&Co, in partnership with Sylvia Young Theatre School (SYTS), has been named a finalist for the PFM Partnership Awards 2024 in the “Partners in SME” category. This prestigious recognition highlights our dedication to delivering outstanding cleaning services and fostering a safe, sustainable, and innovative learning environment.

A Partnership Built on Excellence

Our collaboration with SYTS began in 2022, driven by a shared vision of creating an meticulously clean educational setting. Leveraging our extensive experience with esteemed institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance, we tailored our services to meet the unique needs of SYTS. Our commitment to excellence and mutual goals has solidified a partnership built on trust and results.

Commitment to Safety and Security

Safety is the cornerstone of our operations. We employ rigorous security measures to ensure that only highly vetted and qualified personnel work at SYTS. Our comprehensive recruitment and vetting process includes airport-style security vetting, biometric checks, and real-time attendance tracking using facial recognition tablets. These measures have resulted in a flawless safety record, with zero security breaches.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. Our commitment to eco-friendly practices includes using biodegradable cleaning agents, eliminating single-use plastics, and minimising water usage. These efforts have significantly cut carbon emissions and enhanced SYTS’s corporate social responsibility profile. Innovations like OdorBac cleaning fluid and pulse mopping systems have boosted productivity and maintained high cleanliness standards, directly contributing to elevating student wellbeing.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

Our ability to adapt to SYTS’s dynamic needs sets us apart. Whether managing fluctuating student numbers, special events, or emergencies, we deliver tailored solutions with precision and speed. Our Corrective Action Procedure guarantees immediate resolution of issues, enhancing overall service delivery.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

This recognition as a finalist for the PFM Partnership Awards 2024 is a reflection of our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. We are proud of our journey with Sylvia Young Theatre School and look forward to continuing our collaboration to create an environment where creativity and talent can truly thrive.

Thank you to Sylvia Young Theatre School for their trust and partnership. Together, we are setting new standards in facilities management within the educational sector.

Stay tuned for more updates and wish us luck at the awards!

Walking into the modern office, one might notice a vibrant change: greenery is taking over, adorning desks, windowsills, and communal areas. This trend, known as biophilic design, isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a healthier, more engaging environment. In a recent article published by Knight Frank’s “Office Insights” team, the benefits of biophilic design are clearly set out and were spearheaded by the tech giants in their bid to attract and retain top talent. Amazon’s head office in Seattle includes rope bridges and treehouses, streams and green walls; it includes thousands of plants strategically placed to encourage employees to think creatively.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co., we’ve observed this shift and adapted our premium cleaning services to support it.

Understanding biophilic design

In simple terms, biophilia is the human need to connect with nature. Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built environments, aiming to connect people more closely with nature. This approach has numerous advantages:

Reduced sickness and absenteeism and improved staff retention Greenery in the office has been linked to lower rates of sickness and absenteeism. By creating a healthier atmosphere, plants help reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. In terms of employee retention, improving the office environment is said to boost staff loyalty across all generations, with this being even more evident among younger employees (Raconteur)​.

1. Reduced stress and enhanced wellbeing Plants in the workspace are proven to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing. The presence of greenery helps create a calming environment, making employees feel more relaxed and at ease (MDPI).
2. Increased productivity, creativity, and happiness Studies have shown that plants can boost productivity and creativity. Employees working in green environments report higher levels of happiness and job satisfaction, leading to improved performance and innovative thinking (Knight Frank).
3. A more inviting environment Plants and flowers make the office more inviting for both employees and visitors. A green, vibrant workspace is more welcoming and can positively influence the first impressions of clients and guests (Planteria).
4. Improved air quality Plants improve air quality and reduce allergens by cleansing the air. They filter out toxins, which can decrease symptoms of fatigue and discomfort, leading to a healthier indoor environment (Built | The Bluebeam Blog). According to research by the US Joint Commission, 40 percent of all sickness absence is due to indoor air pollution or poor air quality. As Philippe Pare, design director at architecture and design consultancy Gensler, says: “Improved air quality has to be up there as one of the biggest benefits of biophilic design as it plays an important role in reducing absenteeism, which is a huge business cost.”
5. Branding and Image A biophilic design not only enhances the physical workspace but also strengthens the company’s brand. A commitment to a green office reflects a company’s dedication to sustainability and employee wellbeing, which can attract talent and clients alike (Raconteur)​.

We recently marked a significant milestone – 30 years as an incorporated company – at our JR&Co Summer Party. Held at the beautiful Battersea Park, the event was a wonderful gathering of our employees, their families, and friends, all coming together to celebrate our journey.

A Day Full of Joy

The party was filled with delicious food, lively music, and plenty of fun activities. From the moment everyone arrived, the park was filled with laughter and excitement. It was a perfect day to unwind, enjoy great company, and make new memories.

One of the best parts of the day was seeing our JR&Co community come together. Our team members, along with their loved ones, enjoyed every moment, reflecting the personal and passionate spirit that defines us. The event truly captured the essence of our values – meticulous planning ensured everything went smoothly, and our expert team made sure everyone had a fantastic time.

For those who couldn’t make it or just want to relive the fun, we’ve put together a video highlighting the best moments from the day. From the vibrant interactions to the amazing performances, this video showcases the energetic spirit of the JR&Co family.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re filled with gratitude for the support and dedication of our team and partners, and the trust of our clients. This celebration wasn’t just about looking back – it’s also about looking forward with optimism and enthusiasm for the future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so special. Here’s to many more years of success and togetherness at JR&Co!

Our JR&Co team recently spent three days in Amsterdam attending the Interclean exhibition.

This event is a key gathering in the cleaning industry, and it gave us a great opportunity to explore the latest trends and technologies in cleaning.

Leading in Sustainability and Safety

At Interclean 2024, we saw many familiar innovations, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and safety in our cleaning practices. The event focused on eco-friendly and efficient cleaning solutions, which aligns with our goal to lead in these areas.

Attending events like Interclean helps us stay current with the latest developments in the cleaning industry. By learning about new technologies and best practices, we can continue to offer top-notch, expert services to our clients. Our meticulous approach ensures we always have the best tools and knowledge to meet our clients’ needs.

Our Interclean Experience

We created a video to share our experience at Interclean 2024. It showcases some of the innovative solutions and technologies we encountered. From sustainable products to advanced cleaning methods, the event was full of useful information and ideas.

We are excited to bring these new practices into our work, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, sustainable cleaning. At JR&Co, we believe that staying informed and engaged with industry trends is key to delivering the best service.

At Julius Rutherfoord & Co, we believe in the transformative power of appreciation.

Our JR&Co Stars Awards is more than just a recognition programme; it’s a testament to the passion, dedication, and meticulous care our team brings to every space they clean. This year alone, we’ve received over ten nominations for our cleaning teams with remarkable stories of empowerment, outstanding service, and the profound impact our people have on the environments they tend.

Established over 30 years ago, the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ Golden Service Awards are renowned as the ultimate accolade of excellence for cleaning teams.

Covering diverse sectors such as office and education, they are often dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Cleaning Industry’. These awards not only acknowledge outstanding performance and innovation but also establish the benchmarks that will guide industry standards in the coming year.

At JR&Co, our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence to each of our clients is a daily practice, and we couldn’t be happier to announce that our QEII team has been shortlisted as finalists for the ‘Cleaning Team of the Year’ Award.

The judging is carried out independently by The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), and we will now be submitted to the next stage, which will include site visits.

The judges have announced there was a 30 percent increase in entries this year. The winners will be announced on Thursday the 23rd of May 2024 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

This achievement is testament to our incredible teamwork, combining our forces and ensuring exceptional services for our clients. Congratulations to this expert and passionate team and a huge thank you to everyone involved!

Just like any other day, our cleaning teams are always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

They work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that our clients’ spaces are not just clean, but meticulously so. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, but that is not the case here at JR and specially not on Thank Your Cleaner Day.

Thank Your Cleaner Day is a special occasion dedicated to recognising the hard work and commitment of cleaning staff worldwide. This year, we at JR&Co took the opportunity to celebrate our incredible cleaning teams in grand fashion once more.

 

a day filled with appreciation

The day was filled with surprise visits, tokens of appreciation, and heartfelt moments of gratitude. Our Head Office Centres of Excellence left their desks to visit our on-site teams, showing appreciation and celebrating their exceptional work. The benefits of these visits were immediately apparent – a boost in morale, stronger teamwork, and a deepened connection between our support teams and those who make our cleaning services extraordinary.

 

more than just colleagues

At JR&Co, we’re more than just colleagues; we’re a family. Thank Your Cleaner Day served as a reminder of the unity that makes us truly extraordinary. Our cleaning heroes are the heart of our operation, turning chaos into order with their expertise and meticulous attention to detail. They’re not just cleaning spaces, they’re creating inspiring environments that make every day sparkle a little brighter.

 

capturing the highlights

To commemorate this special day, we’ve put together a short video capturing some of the day’s highlights. From laughter to heartfelt moments of gratitude, this video is a testament to the incredible spirit of our cleaning heroes.

Thank Your Cleaner Day was a great success, and we look forward to continuing to recognise and appreciate our amazing cleaning teams throughout the year. After all, they’re not just keeping our spaces clean; they’re making a difference every day.