Contrary to what the title of this post may suggest, I do not believe that London is the centre of the universe. But the Big Monster sets its own rules, even in the tenancy cleaning industry, and if you want to neglect them, you will do so at your own peril. I have cleaners in my team who have worked all over the UK, and the three features I want to talk about today are an excerpt of their experience. 

Transportation

Navigating the London jungle is not for the meek. When you work against the clock and have cleaning appointments in opposite corners of the city, choosing the best route or mode of transportation might prove the difference between success and disaster. 

How do I help my cleaners? My number one advice for non-Londoners is to study the map carefully and always have their smartphone fully charged. Google Maps is your ally, and Destinations is your weapon! 

Another possible solution is to have your crews located in different corners of London. If a tenancy cleaning team has an appointment in Croydon and a few hours later – another in Barnet, you have set these people up for failure due to poor planning. No other city in the UK poses similar transportation challenges, so you have to bring your A-game when scheduling and planning are concerned.

Dealing With Estate Managers

Some managers in the industry consider this an advantage, and others think it is a nuisance. Due to the specifics of the London property market, many apartment and housing complexes are run by property management agencies. The big advantage is that once you build a working relationship with them, you understand the rules of the game and can adjust your performance accordingly. 

I find it more helpful to deal with estate managers with their professional outlook and comprehensive set of rules than some capricious landlord who doesn’t even know what he wants. 

Foreign Customers

Of course, foreigners also live in other big UK cities – but you are not likely to get a quote request from a Saudi petrol mogul in Birmingham or Manchester. I’ve had some of my funniest and most hair-raising cleaning experiences when dealing with non-English speakers, and I’ve got only one thing to say – God save Google Translate!