News

All JR&Co Operations Managers and Divisional Directors Now IOSH Certified

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:15:00 GMT

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.

JR&Co Training Academy Upgrade Aligns with BICSc Audit Success

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:29:02 GMT

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.

Julius Rutherfoord & Co Welcomes New HR Director

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:34:07 GMT

JR&Co, a leading provider of premium cleaning services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicola Willox as the new HR Director. With over nine years' experience in the HR field, Nicola brings a wealth of knowledge in talent development, engagement, and comprehensive training programs.

Julius Rutherfoord & Co was incorporated in 1994 by two brothers-in-law and has now sales at over £25m. With 1,200 staff across all of its sites, Julius Rutherfoord provides close to 30,000 hours of cleaning services each week.

Nicola’s expertise in fostering an inclusive culture and optimising efficiency aligns perfectly with JR&Co’s mission to ensure every team member thrives and reaches their personal best. Her innovative approach to nurturing talent and implementing effective training programs will be invaluable as we continue to grow and excel in our industry.

"We are thrilled to have Nicola join our team," said Chris Jarvis, Managing Director of Julius Rutherfoord & Co. "Her dedication to developing people and enhancing organisational culture will play a crucial role in driving our success forward."

Nicola added, "I am excited to join Julius Rutherfoord & Co and contribute to a company that values its people and strives for excellence. I look forward to working with the team to build a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their best."

Nicola’s appointment underscores JR&Co's commitment to investing in its people and maintaining a supportive, collaborative environment. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make within our organisation.

JR&Co and Sylvia Young Theatre School: Finalists for the PFM Partnership Awards 2024

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:55:04 GMT

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!

Why every office needs a touch of green

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:30:22 GMT

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).
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).
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).
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).
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.”
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).

The role of cleaning in a green office

Maintaining a green office presents unique cleaning challenges. Dead leaves need timely removal to keep the space tidy, and watering can lead to spills that must be promptly addressed to prevent damage to office flooring and furniture. If not professionally managed, plants can also attract insects, requiring vigilant cleaning to avoid infestations. At Julius Rutherfoord & Co., we use eco-friendly products and meticulous techniques to ensure that both your office and your plants thrive. We have established clear processes for proper cleaning around plants and conduct a toolbox talk on this subject for all employees on a regular basis.

While we can assist with tasks such as removing dead leaves, periodically cleaning dust and other residues, and watering the plants, Planteria is our preferred partner when it comes enhancing your spaces and transforming them into greener, healthier places to work and play. Planteria also offers top-tier ongoing maintenance for your office plants.

The future of the workplace

As workplaces evolve, they are becoming more social and sustainability-conscious. Integrating plants into office spaces is a beautiful step forward, promoting both mental health and environmental responsibility. This trend is more than a short-lived tendency; it reflects a growing understanding of the holistic benefits of nature in our daily lives.

As noted by Katie Le Chevalier, Business Development Manager at Planteria, "The lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased people's desire for more greenery in their lives, including their workspaces. A green office space is now seen as essential for both mental and physical wellbeing. Businesses that want employees to return to the office have had to make these spaces destinations that people look forward to coming into."

With our expertise and the right partnerships, maintaining this green haven becomes effortless. Our specialised cleaning services are designed to cater to the unique needs of green offices, ensuring that your workspace, your plants, and your people are well cared for.

Celebrating 30 Years at the JR&Co Summer Party

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:40:23 GMT

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.

JRCo Team Visits Interclean: Advancing Our Sustainable and Safe Cleaning Practices

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:20:25 GMT

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.

Shining Bright: Celebrating Our JR&Co Stars

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:50:53 GMT

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.

Some of the lovely things our clients have said:

"João is super friendly and he is honestly the best cleaner I have ever experienced. This is the cleanest office I have ever been in and there is never any mess."

"I just wanted to give you feedback on Maria. She does a fantastic job cleaning the art room. It really helps me out a lot and it is absolutely spotless and so clean. Thank you so much!"

"I would like to nominate Carl and his team (Sandra, Daniel, and Rosario) for their work all year long. It means a lot to us that they take care of our labs! They are also part of the success of the institute."

On this Employee Appreciation Day, this resonates deeply within the company. Our people are our oxygen, the life force that drives the excellence we're known for. The JR&Co Stars Awards is our way of saying 'thank you,' acknowledging the hard work and commitment our cleaning teams exhibit daily. But it's more than that — it's a celebration of the empowerment that comes through cleaning. Each award represents a story of someone taking pride in their work, leading to personal growth and enriched client experiences.

As we continue to celebrate our stars, we're reminded of the impact that thoughtful recognition and empowerment can have on individuals and communities alike. The JR&Co Stars Awards isn't just about celebrating achievements; it's about acknowledging the value of every person and every space we're entrusted with.

Finalists for the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ Golden Service Awards 2024!

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 09:54:00 GMT

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.

THANK YOUR CLEANER DAY 2023: CELEBRATING OUR UNSUNG HEROES

Julius Rutherfoord & Co — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:18:00 GMT