Scaling new heights
February 1st 2008

With fewer specialists operating in the high access market,Advance Cleaning sees a niche to be filled.Under the stewardship of new MD,Peter Smith, formerly head of Strand, the firm is setting its sights high

The window cleaning industry and particularly high level access has seen changes over the past two decades with previous specialists in the market such as Ramoneur and New Century no longer trading. However, with the access challenges posed by today's architecture undiminished,Advance Cleaning Services says this leaves an opportunity for specialists in the field.

For professional window cleaners, cleaning at height is a process that carries a huge amount of risk and therefore safety should consistently be at the forefront of everyone's mind. With a highly skilled team,Advance Cleaning Services provides high level cleaning, abseiling and maintenance services.

Launched in 2001 the firm has gained and maintained prestigious contracts at 30 St Mary Axe and a number of sites managed by Broadgate Estates.

With over 200 staff and employing a full time team directly employed IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) access technicians, the company plans to become one of the few specialist high level cleaning organisations with full IRATA membership. IRATA provides a safe and efficient means of access to undertake a wide variety of tasks and its principal aim is to ensure that work carried out by its members using industrial rope access techniques, is done in a safe and high quality manner.

Advance has a firm belief in the value of its people and that all business is operated on a team basis. By way of example, the company has abolished the historic payment of window cleaners by the 'piece work'method. It already has National Britannia accreditation for Industrial Rope Access, setting itself apart from many competitors, and strongly believes that the safety and well-being of the team is paramount to the success of its business.

With Peter Smith, previously MD of Strand Cleaning now alongside the established team of three directors at Advance, the firm will to continue the company's expansion and develop new technology, such as electronic sign off and real time data under his stewardship.

In addition, the company has relocated its headquarters to central London where the majority of its clients are based in order to continue to provide the highest customer service.

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