Teamwork and communication are key to ensuring a high standard of cleanliness on the malls. Claire Elliott speaks to two of this year’s ACE Award winners

Shopping centres across the UK are upping their game when it comes to the cleanliness of their malls. Westfield Merry Hill and McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet were both congratulated for the cleanliness of their malls at this year’s BCSC ACE Awards.

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McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet also won an ACE Award this year. Again the judges commented on the extreme cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere of the malls.

Nick Poole, facilities manager at Swindon Designer Outlet, explains that the high standard is maintained as a result of a number of procedures. Every morning before the centre opens, he and the cleaning manager inspect the entire complex. There are then hourly radio checks by cleaners into the control room to ensure the toilets are up to standard.

"There are regular patrols in the mall for security, cleaning and maintenance. If there are any problems they report immediately to the cleaning manager," says Poole.

At any one time there are 16 members of staff on duty, with the first cleaning team starting at 5am when there is a detailed cleaning specification that must be adhered to.

"All members of cleaning and maintenance work together and help each other out, so there’s no battle between teams," Poole explains.

"Once a week an open forum is held so all the teams can voice any concerns and talk through the procedures. McArthurGlen realises that without the cleaning and maintenance teams the centre would not be able to operate. I often thank every team member when a good job has been done."

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk, 16 June, 2008