Author: Lærke Cecilie Ditlevsen

Every year, Cleanmanager hosts an industry day event for the cleaning industry in collaboration with BoConsult. In 2025, the topic was AI, robots and digital tools. And the message was clear:  If you haven’t already started using technological solutions, now is the time to get on board. But what does it mean in practice? And how do you start your digital journey when your day-to-day is packed? In this blog post, you’ll learn why cleaning technology is no longer optional in the cleaning industry. The Challenges in the UK Cleaning Industry Your business operates in a complex reality.  Labour shortages make it difficult to staff tasks and maintain stable operations. Rising expectations from clients – including demands for documentation, flexibility, and transparency – are placing an increasing administrative burden on management. Tighter deadlines and growing competition are pushing the need for efficient planning and well-defined processes. Sustainability targets and new regulations require more documentation and insight than ever – and many companies are still working with manual systems that are not equipped to handle it. The challenges are not only practical, they are structural. More tasks need to be handled with fewer people and at a higher standard, which easily […]

We’re now four months into the Simpler Recycling 2025 legislation, and businesses across England are adjusting to the new workplace waste management. But compliance doesn’t happen on its own, it depends on the people handling the bins every day. That includes your cleaning team. In this blog, we’ll recap what the 2025 waste legislation require, explain what they mean for cleaning companies like yours, and show how your staff play a key role in keeping clients compliant. You’ll also get practical tips to avoid common mistakes, and turn the regulations into an opportunity to add value. Need a Refresher on Simpler Recycling? Start Here Simpler Recycling for businesses is a legal requirement that came into effect in England on 31 March 2025. It says that all workplaces must separate their waste into three key streams before it’s collected: Dry recyclables: paper/card, plastic, metal, and glass Food waste: even if there’s only a little Residual waste: anything that can’t be recycled Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees have until 31 March 2027 to comply, but everyone else must already be following the rules.  If waste is mixed incorrectly or contaminated, it may be rejected or incur extra fees. That’s why […]

More than ever, clients, staff, or partners expect businesses to operate ethically and transparently. In 2024, a research report showed that 70% of Brits are committed to buying from ethical small and medium-sized businesses. This is what governance is all about. It is the way a business is managed and structured, but governance is not just one part of ESG—it’s the foundation that supports both environmental and social sustainability. Without clear strategies, ethical leadership, and accountability, no business can achieve long-term success. Strong governance ensures that environmental and social initiatives aren’t just promises—they become real actions backed by clear policies and responsible leadership. So, what exactly does the G in ESG stand for, and how can your cleaning business use strong governance to build trust, improve operations, and secure long-term success? This article explores the role of governance in ESG and provides practical steps for implementing it in your cleaning business. What Does “Governance” Mean, and Why Is It Important for Cleaning Businesses? ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance—three key areas used to evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical impact. ESG reports help businesses track progress, improve performance, and demonstrate results to clients, staff, and investors. The G, Governance, […]

Digitalisation has transformed the cleaning industry, making operations more efficient through smart devices, digital job management, and interconnected tools. With these advancements come new risks—how vulnerable is your business to cyber threats?  According to Markel Direct, half of UK businesses experienced a cyberattack or security breach in 2023, with small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) being particularly vulnerable. Shockingly, 49% of SMEs admit they wouldn’t know how to respond to an attack. As a cleaning business, you may think you’re too small to be a target, but cybercriminals often look for the easiest way in—and cleaning companies, which handle sensitive client data and access credentials, are attractive entry points to larger organisations. Why Your Cleaning Company Is at Risk for Cyberattacks Cyberattacks can do more than just shut down your systems—it can cost you clients, delay payments, and disrupt daily operations. Around 75% of SMEs in the UK worry about cybersecurity. For your cleaning business, this is something you can’t afford to overlook, as you handle highly sensitive information, including: Client details (names, addresses, and billing details). Access codes and security credentials. Contract details and internal records. Employee payroll and personal data. A breach can lead to financial losses, contract cancellations, […]

Leading a cleaning business isn’t easy, and 2025 will bring both new opportunities and challenges. Between managing employees, handling customer expectations, and keeping up with rules, leadership can feel overwhelming. But with the right tools and strategies, you can reduce stress, improve efficiency, and spend less time on paperwork. Here’s a simple guide on how to make your business run smoother in 2025. Cleaning Trends that Will Define Leadership in 2025 In 2025, successful leaders will be those who embrace the latest trends and stay ahead of industry changes. However, great leadership is not just to follow trends— great leaders strategically adapt them to fit their business needs, rather than diving head first into the evolving landscape. Stressless Leadership with Technology Many leaders are already exploring how technology can support their teams and improve daily operations. If you’re considering automation, here’s how you can start: Management Steps for Technology and Digitalisation 1. Begin Your Automation Journey Invest in cleaning robots to handle repetitive tasks and reduce the physical strain on employees. 2. Start Using Digital Planning Simplify scheduling and resource management with tools like CleanManager. 3. Simplify Complex Tasks Use AI systems and drones to manage large-scale or difficult cleaning […]

The Cleaning Industry is facing a series of significant changes and trends in 2025. New laws, technological advancements, sustainability, health, and employee well-being are top factors that bring both challenges and opportunities. Here is a rundown of the 2025 trends so you can be ready for the future of cleaning. New Legislations You Should Know From 1 April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise by 6.7%, increasing the hourly rate to £12.21 for adults. Young workers will also benefit: 18–20-year-olds: A 16.3% increase to £10/hour. 16–17-year-olds: An 18% increase to £7.55/hour. This change may necessitate adjustments to cleaning company budgets and possibly higher service prices to accommodate the increased payroll costs. Also, starting 31 March 2025, all workplaces in England will be required to separate waste under the Simpler Recycling legislation. Micro-firms will have until 2027 to comply. Non-compliance could result in enforcement actions, such as compliance notices. Cleaners may require additional time to manage multiple waste streams, potentially impacting scheduling. Read more about Simpler Recycling in our blog article, Your Cleaning Company’s Role in Simpler Recycling 2025. How to Stay Ahead 1. New Minimum Wage Adjust your cleaning company’s budget and service price if some of your cleaners […]

Many cleaning businesses start small — with just a bucket and sponge, ready to get to work. While there’s nothing wrong with this, if you at some point wonder why some clients choose you and others don’t, it may be time to consider a marketing strategy. Don’t worry; developing an effective marketing strategy doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. Understand Your Target Audience: Who are Your Clients? Your business’s survival depends on your clients, so it’s crucial to understand your target audience when creating a marketing strategy. Are your clients private individuals or businesses? If both, you’ll need to adjust your approach for each audience. Factors like demographics, age, and location can also influence the tone of voice you should use in your marketing materials. Example Margaret runs a cleaning business in London with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Her team of ten employees travels to cleaning jobs by bike or electric car, servicing homes and flats within a 10-mile radius of central London. Most of her clients are wealthy families who view professional cleaning as a luxury, allowing them more time to enjoy life without the hassle of household chores such as vacuuming and sweeping floors. These […]

The competitive cleaning industry requires clear, targeted advertising to ensure that clients choose your service over hundreds of others. But where should you advertise, and what will resonate most with potential clients? While traditional methods like newspaper ads once sufficed, today the digital market offers endless opportunities. Keep reading to explore the best online and offline advertising methods for your cleaning business. 6 Digital Ways to Effectively Promote Your Cleaning Business 1. Create a Website  The first and most essential step to advertise your cleaning business is creating a website. This allows potential clients to find your company online. Your website serves as your platform to showcase everything from prices and contact information to your business story.  Ensure your website text includes keywords that people are likely to use when searching for cleaning services in your area. This practice, known as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), involves using relevant keywords and producing quality content to make your website easier to find. Another tip is to include videos on your site, as Google’s algorithm favours video content, and clients often find it more engaging. Videos can convey more than text alone, so get creative and highlight the qualities of your cleaning service […]

The cleaning industry is a significant and growing sector in the UK, fuelled by increased health awareness following Covid-19. It’s also highly competitive, with frequent price bidding, which makes it important to stand out. While clients often look for good prices, they also appreciate great service and shared values. Anyone can offer low prices, but true growth and competitiveness lie in identifying and effectively communicating your cleaning business’s unique strengths to clients. Factors and Trends that Make Your Cleaning Business Stand Out Documentation and Credibility Documenting your cleaning service as a safety net for both you and your staff, providing evidence in case of issues or disputes. It also offers added value to clients, allowing you to show progress and results. This goes hand in hand with quality control, where you ensure that your business consistently meets the standards agreed upon with the client. Consistent documentation and quality control enhance your professionalism and demonstrate your commitment to responsible practices — key factors that make you stand out from the competition. ESG and Sustainability ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It’s a standard measure of a company’s impact on the environment, society, and its credibility. By prioritising these initiatives, your […]