July - Acquisition for regional cleaning firm
(As reported in the East Anglian Daily Times - July 1st 2010)
ONE of the biggest independent cleaning companies in the East of England has expanded with the acquisition of Suffolk-based B&G Services Anglia Ltd.
Monthind, based in London Road, Copford, near Colchester, operates extensively in Essex and also has clients in Suffolk, Norfolk Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
It has now acquired the assets of B&G, including its portfolio of commercial clients in Ipswich and the surrounding area, including Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe and Stowmarket, together with its materials and vehicles.
B&G’s staff of around 70 have also transferred to Monthind, bringing its total workforce to about 870.
Tony Clarke, managing director of Monthind, said: “This is a significant step in the development of our business in Suffolk.
“We are particularly pleased that we have acquired not only the contracts but the staff that go with those contracts.”
B&G was formed in 1984 by Geoff Bennett and was originally based in Needham Market before relocating to Ipswich six years ago.
Mr Bennett said his decision to sell was age-related. “My partner retired from her full-time job last year, and it seemed a good time sell,” he added.
The deal for B&G, the value of which has not been disclosed, was completed last month.
Monthind, which was founded in 1975 and has been owned by Mr Clarke since 1999, serves a total of more than 250 clients.
Its work involves a wide range of properties, from conventional offices of all sizes to more challenging environments in the health, emergency services and utility sectors.
March - NVQ Certificates
Monthind employees Billy White and Mark Douglas have both been awarded Level 2 NVQ Certificates in Cleaning and Support Services (Caretaking). Billy is a Mobile Caretaker for our client Essex Cares, who have 82 buildings throughout the county accomodating people with a range of disabilities. Billy works in the Colchester area and is responsible for ensuring the buildings he looks after are maintained to the required safety and environmental standards. Mark is a General Assistant at our headquarters in Copford. His duties include preparing equipment and materials for new contracts, machine maintenance and repairs, managing in-house stores and general administrative support. Billy and Mark received the NVQ Certificates after both successfully passing in 7 modules, which included Reducing Risk to Health and Safety, Service Delivery, Grounds Maintenance, Basic Repairs to Electrical and Plumbing Services and Basic Repairs to Walls and Paintwork.
Mark Douglas and Billy White receive their NVQ Certificates from Penny Candler and Tony Felgate.
October - Essex Schools Success
Two separate schools in Essex have recognised exceptional performance by Monthind staff.
At Glebe School in Rayleigh, Head Teachers Monica Dimmock (Infant School) and Travis Martinson (Junior School) have gone out of their way to show their appreciaton of the work done by Caretaker Gary Harper. As a result, Gary has been presented with a special performance award by Monthind. “Nothing is too much trouble for Gary”, says Mrs Dimmock, “He will take on any job we give him and he goes far beyond the call of duty”.
At King John School in Benfleet, Bursar Katrina Bentley paid tribute to the outstanding job being done by Sylvia Kemp, Monthind’s On-Site Manager. Sylvia is in charge of the 14 cleaners who look after the 2000-pupil school complex. Says Mrs Bentley: “In the two and a half years Sylvia has been in charge of the contract, cleaning standards have got better and better. Her dedication and her customer service are second to none”.
Gary and Sylvia were awarded Certificates of Excellence by Penny Candler, Monthind’s Business Manager for Essex County Council.
A sunlit Sylvia Kemp with her team of cleaners from King John School, receiving her certificate from Penny Candler.
Caretaker Gary Harper with Head Teachers Travis Martinson and Monica Dimmock and Penny Candler, Monthind’s Business Manager.
September - Excellent Performance Recognised
Broadland District Council in Norwich are so impressed with their cleaner, Lindsey Smith, that they have written to Monthind’s MD, Tony Clarke, to tell him what a great job she is doing.
As a result, Lindsey’s excellent performance was recognised by a visit on September 3rd by Tony Clarke, who presented her with a bouquet of flowers and bonus Argos points.
“Nothing is ever too much trouble for Lindsey,” said Carolyn Betts-Roddick of Broadland DC. “She even goes over and above her duties and does work that is not expected of her. She always has a friendly smile and is a real credit to your company.”
Tony Clarke, Lindsey Smith, Carolyn Betts-Roddick, Jenny Harman and Jenny Barnett
June - Recognition of Achievement
On the 16th June a very special award was made to a member of our cleaning team at the Chelmsford Headquarters Site for the Essex Police Authority.
Presentations were made by both Essex Police and Monthind to Debbie Bright. The awards given were to recognise the exceptionally high standards of cleaning and the ongoing dedication to her role that Debbie has achieved.
Debbie has worked at the Chelmsford site since June 2000, but these awards have recognised her achievements within the FIR building, which is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A joint presentation was made to Debbie by Chief Superintendent Caton of Essex Police, and Tony Clarke, our Managing Director.
We’d all like to congratulate Debbie on her achievements - keep up the good work!
Debbie receiving her awards from Chief Superintendent Caton and Tony Clarke.
June - Training Success
During June we saw the successful completion of several training courses undertaken by employees within the company. A training awards lunch was held at the office on Tuesday 9th June to present training certificates to our flourishing NVQ candidates.
The NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading Certificate was awarded to:
Ian Oldfield - Contract Support Manager Suffolk
Della Frost - Site Manager, Chelmsford Borough Council
Sylvia Kemp - Site Manager, King John School
Pat Magner - Site Manager, James Hornsby School
Susan Blanchard - Site Manager, Essex Police Chelmsford HQ
Christine Bassett - Site Supervisor, Essex Police Chelmsford HQ
A big well done to everyone involved in the training sessions.
Candidates receiving their certificates from Tony Clarke, Tony Felgate and Simon Biggs