East Midlands-based Harrison FM has become the first commercial cleaning company in the UK to gain accreditation in a global awards scheme.
Following an independent audit, the company won certification with honours from the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). The certification is valid for two years. The company demonstrated high standards of professionalism and offered ‘operational excellence’ to customers, according to the ISSA assessors.
Established in 2014, Harrison FM is a cleaning services contractor, delivering services to around 40 sites in the North and East Midlands regions of England. The company is led by Russell Harrison, Group Managing Director, and Directors Tom Marples and Dave Allen.
To earn CIMS certification, Harrison FM underwent a comprehensive assessment by a third-party CIMS-accredited auditor. During the audit, Harrison FM demonstrated to have in place the processes, policies, and management style needed to be professional, reliable, profitable, and sustainable in the long term, as well as the appropriate structure to deliver operational excellence.
Pete Gowers, CIMS auditor, said: “During the two days I spent on the audit I met all of HFM’s directors who are passionate about the company and also its clients. We have highlighted areas that the company could further enhance. The result has been successful, and I am pleased to confirm HFM has achieved CIMS Certification with Honours.”
Harrison FM’s Russell Harrison said: “We’re delighted to achieve recognition by the ISSA and believe we are the first in the UK to achieve it. We see accreditation as a mark of excellence and recognition of years of work to develop and hone service standards to achieve excellence and consistency.
“When a client chooses a CIMS certified company, they are ensuring that they are partnering with a services provider that has proven to deliver consistently high level of services. This is especially important in today’s world, where cleaning and disinfecting require specific, measurable protocols.”
The CIMS scheme has been developed specifically for the cleaning industry and works to raise standards across the world. ISSA says they built the standard following consultation with scores of industry experts.
CIMS is divided into five sections of management best practices and outlines the primary characteristics of a quality, customer-focused cleaning service organisation. With an emphasis on quality systems, service delivery, human resources, and health and safety, CIMS provides a tried-and-true road map for the development and operation of a successful cleaning organisation.
