Birmingham-based Art Cleaning has brought home two awards from the UK’s annual Cleaning Show, 2017.

Robert Baker 66, from Walsall, was presented with the UK’s Window Cleaner of the Year Award and Art Cleaning achieved the second position as runners-up in the Window Cleaning Company of the Year category.

Robert Baker won the Window Cleaner of the Year award for his 51-year commitment to the industry and for overcoming many challenges to continue doing the job he loves.

After winning the award, Baker said: “I love the industry. If I had to go back in time, I would do it all again and I was honoured to win the award for Window Cleaner of the Year.”

Robert joined Art Cleaning in 2005 and has worked as a window cleaner since the age of 15. He comes from a long line of window cleaners, with his grandfather and father both working in the industry.

At the end of 2008, Robert was diagnosed with two forms of cancer and throughout 2009, underwent aggressive treatment to beat the disease. After just nine months, and by walking four miles every day to build his fitness levels back up, Robert returned to the job he loved. In 2015, at the age of 65, Robert was promoted to Works Foreman and to this day he has no intention of retiring.

Art Cleaning was also runner-up in the category for Window Cleaning Company of the Year Award. The judges recognised the business’ ongoing commitment, innovation to the industry, investment in employee training, strong client retention record and their ongoing contribution to the community.

Art Cleaning Managing Director, Simon Hart, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised by the Federation of Window Cleaners in both categories. Firstly, it was a great achievement for Art Cleaning to have come such a close second in winning Cleaning Company of the Year – we will make sure we get that top spot next time.

“Then for Robert to have won Window Cleaner of the Year was fantastic. Robert is an asset to the Art Cleaning team and after 51 years in the window cleaning industry, this award is incredibly well deserved. Every company needs a Robert, and the day he hangs up his bucket will be a very sad day indeed.”

The Window Cleaner of the Year and Cleaning Company of the Year awards were held on the 14th March at London ExCeL, as part of the UK’s annual Cleaning Show.

www.artcleaning.co.uk