International Logistics Cleaning Case Study

TCFM working in partnership with this international courier across their eCommerce network

• Sector: Distribution & Logistics
• Location: Nationwide
• Number of sites: 7
  
  
• This international courier is a well-known global logistics and distribution provider, offering a broad spectrum of services tailored to diverse requirements.
  
  
• Characterised by an extensive national infrastructure, sophisticated tracking systems, and integrated e-commerce capabilities, this international courier represents a significant entity within the UK logistics sector, enabling the efficient movement of goods domestically and internationally.
  
  
• Building upon its core function, this international courier distinguishes itself through its commitment to technological innovation and customer centric solutions.
  
  
• This international courier’s significant investment in infrastructure, encompassing strategically located hubs and a substantial fleet, underpins its capacity to deliver reliable and timely services across the United Kingdom.
  
  

Services we deliver

• Warehouse Cleaning
• Offices
• Kitchenettes/Canteen
• Toilets & Locker room
• Control room
• Stairs
• Window Cleaning
• Nano Coating of Chutes
• Paint Spillages
• First Aid Room
• Carpark & Smoking area
• Carpet Cleaning
  
  

Challenges and Resolutions

• Contract Development
  
  • 2022 Awarded Ryton
    
• Vetting Checks
  
  
  • Ensuring cleaning colleagues have the right to work in the UK can present a significant challenge due to the necessity of navigating complex immigration regulations and conducting thorough checks.
    
    This process demands meticulous attention to detail, adherence to specific document verification procedures, and ongoing monitoring of work permissions to avoid legal repercussions.
    
    However, TCFM effectively addressed this challenge by our management collaborating closely with our dedicated recruiting team.
    
  • This integrated approach allowed for streamlined right to work checks as part of our recruitment process, ensuring compliance from the outset and mitigating the risks and administrative burdens associated with verifying the work status of cleaning colleagues.
    
• TUPE Colleagues
  
  
  • For sites with TUPE considerations, we provided dedicated and proactive support to ensure a smooth transition for affected colleagues.
    
    We recognise that TUPE can be a source of uncertainty, so we worked closely with our HR team to provide transparent guidance and reassurance throughout the process.
    
    To address any concerns promptly and transparently, we established clear and direct lines of communication to our people team.
    
    In addition, we organised face to face consultation meetings, creating opportunities for colleagues to engage directly with TCFM’s teams.
    
    These sessions were designed not only to provide detailed information about the transfer process but build trust and allow colleagues to familiarise themselves with TCFM’s values, culture and leadership.
    
  • As a result of our TUPE process, all colleagues felt heard, informed and supported during this change.
    
• 2023 Awarded additional 2 sites
• 2024 Awarded additional 4 sites
• 2025 Awarded entire UK eCommerce estate for launch in November 2025
  
  

Specialist Cleaning

• To meet this courier’s specific operational needs, TCFM strategically identified and engaged trusted, specialised partners. For the essential task of chute cleaning, TCFM onboarded a specialised chute cleaning partner who diligently provided weekly services for 12 weeks and is now positioned to offer a long-term maintenance solution.
  
• For boom machinery, while our team initially supported the cleaning during shutdown periods until March 2025, we facilitated a smooth transition by enabling them to establish a PPM with another of our trusted partners, ensuring ongoing expert maintenance.
  
• Finally, when an urgent situation arose at Ryton due to a significant paint spillage, TCFM quickly mobilised an experienced spillage team, demonstrating our ability to access reliable partners for specialised, time sensitive requirements.
  
• By proactively engaging trusted external expertise, TCFM was able to respond effectively and efficiently to their varied facility requirements.
  
• This approach ensured streamlined service delivery, while providing them with the convenience and clarity of a single, dedicated point of contact overseeing all aspects of the operation.
  

24/6 Operations

• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in a 24/6 operational site requires a considered and structured approach that supports continuous activity whilst allowing for thorough and effective cleaning.
  
• To meet the needs of the site, we have divided our teams into three distinct shifts.
  
• The morning team who are primarily responsible for early day duties and deep cleaning tasks during quieter early morning hours.
  
• The afternoon team who focus on maintaining cleanliness during one of the busier periods of the day.
  
• The nigh team who ensure the site remains clean and presentable for the start of each new day and manages ongoing cleanliness during overnight operations.
  
• Across all shifts, our structure is designed to ensure adequate supervision and coordination.
  
• There are three supervisors who oversee operations throughout the day and night who report into our Site Manager.
  
• This structure enables us to deliver a consistent and reactive service over a full 24 hour period.
  
• For any issues or escalations outside of traditional business hours, the presence of supervisors across all shifts provides immediate oversight and decision making capabilities, even when our Site Manager is not present.
  
• This ensures continuity of service and maintains high responsiveness, regardless of the time of day.
  
  
• Due to less clearly defined “out of hours” periods, we identify and utilise the quietest times within the operational cycle to carry out deep clean tasks.
  
  
• This tends to be times where the site although still operational is less busy.
  
  
• To minimise disruption we maintain an ongoing dialogue with the courier to understand the flow of their daily activities.
  
  
• This allows us to adjust our schedules in a way that does not interrupt core business functions.
  
  
• Our team is trained to work around their colleagues and operations with no interference, and our supervisors ensure any unforeseen issues are addressed immediately.
  

Operational Highlights

• Site Move
  
  
  • When their Birmingham site transitioned from its previous location to a new facility, our team played a key role in supporting both the closure of the old site and the launch of the new one.
    
    We completed a full deep clean of the old site to ensure it was left in good condition and met all exit requirements.
    
    At the same time, we worked closely with the onsite team to prepare the new site for opening, ensuring the environment was safe, hygienic, and ready for colleagues and operations.
    
    We coordinated our work carefully around the move schedule, helping to ensure that the transition was smooth and without disruption.
    
  • Our aim was to make the handover as straightforward as possible, allowing the new site to become operational without any delays.
    
• TCFM Standard Innovation
  
  • Producing a full audit trail with robust vetting and right to work checks that cannot be overridden to provide an additional layer of security.
    
• Supporting the Launch of new Facilities
  
  
  • We have successfully partnered in the launch of two brand new facilities for them, supporting every step from the final phases of construction through to operational readiness.
    This included one site that achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating, highlighting its exceptional environmental and sustainability standards.
    Our involvement began during the construction phase, where we provided comprehensive builder’s cleans to remove debris, dust and residue left behind by building works. As the sites approached completion, we carried out detailed sparkle cleans to deliver a polished, high standard finish across all areas, ensuring every surface, fitting and space was spotless and ready for use.
    We worked closely with all stakeholders to coordinate our services with construction timelines and operational plans.
    This careful planning and execution ensured that both sites were handed over in pristine condition and fully prepared to welcome colleagues from day one.
    Improved reporting and accountability with joint sign offs and clear next steps.
    
  • A geofenced application that ensures the correct colleague is in the correct place at the correct time.
    
• Driving Innovation Through onsite Trials
  
  
  • Improved reporting with clear lines of accountability
    
    As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we have partnered with the courier to conduct multiple onsite trials and live demonstrations of innovative cleaning technologies.
    
    These trials have included advanced solutions such as RotoWash for steam cleaning, Dryft for floor scrubbing and Window Buddi for safe and efficient window maintenance.
    
    Each innovation was tested in a real operational environment, allowing us and the customer to assess performance, practicality, and impact under the working conditions they would be subject to if they were implemented. This hands-on approach has helped us make informed decisions about how new technologies can be integrated into day-to-day operations to improve efficiency, consistency and quality.
    
    We continue to identify opportunities to present to the customer proactively.
    
    By trialling new solutions in real world settings, we ensure that technology is applied in ways that genuinely support the needs of the business and its people.
    
  • for resolution and trend monitoring for proactive adjustments and corrective action.
    
• Audit Compliance
  
  • Throughout the duration of the contract, we now continually score an average 95% on audit compliance.