Innovation. A term that is often bandied around in the cleaning sector, but one that is so much more than a marketing buzzword. For many, innovation equals a technological development – a ground-breaking invention or digital development, for example.

However, the concept is far wider than that. In fact, innovation comes in all shapes and sizes. As well as the creation of something new, it can refer to a change made to an existing product, idea, or way of working. At Jangro, we believe it can also be about thinking outside the box to do things better or adapting and improving processes. A change in behaviour or practice can be just as innovative.

This is something that our industry has had to get to grips with since the outbreak of coronavirus and that’s why, throughout the pandemic, we have kept innovating to help support cleaning businesses and their staff.

Professional cleaning staff have had to quickly learn new techniques, such as how to implement a deep clean properly, so we enhanced our award-winning Jangro Learning Management Solution (LMS) by adding a task card dedicated to this subject.

Staff in other industries have also had to adapt, for example teachers and teaching assistants have found themselves responsible for hand and surface hygiene. A role for which they have not been trained. That’s why we developed a deep clean product guide  specifically for education settings.Pandemic aside, sustainability is another area that drives innovation at Jangro. Our Enviro Water Soluble Sachets, for example, use smarter packaging to help minimise landfill burden and reduce the use of plastic. 100% bio-degradable and phosphate-free, these sanitising sachets are easier and safer to use than traditional plastic bottles. They provide controlled dosage (saving wastage and money), and because there is less packaging, there are lower transportation costs, lower emissions and a reduced need for storage space too.

Of course, the adoption of modern technological solutions will grow in the future, and if they are affordable and deliver benefits, then why not? It’s not an area that we are strangers to, in fact, we have a selection of wall charts available bespoke to you… visit digital wallchart creator to create yours!

After all, at its heart, innovation is about doing things better – be that easier, quicker, more sustainably or cost saving.

For more information or advice, please call our friendly distributors on 01204 795 955 or visit Jangro.net.

Talking about tax is something best left to accountants. It’s a minefield that can often cause much confusion. However, in April, the chancellor announced an exciting new policy, which we think cleaning and FM businesses really need to hear about – the super deduction scheme.

Under the scheme, companies can claim 130% capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery investments made between 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2023. This means that businesses can cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they spend, making an investment in new equipment much more attractive.  Any UK limited business that is subject to corporation tax and intends to keep the newly purchased machinery is eligible.

The policy has been introduced to encourage investment and promote UK industrial recovery from the pandemic and is an initiative that we hope will provide a boost for the cleaning and FM industry. We know that while some businesses have thrived over the past year, there have been others struggling, unable to afford the new machinery that they require. This super-deduction tax relief should help make these assets much more affordable.

What equipment qualifies for this scheme?

According to HMRC, this scheme applies to brand new plant and machinery, making it an ideal investment for cleaning and FM businesses. We offer a range of capital equipment that is perfect for use in a range of sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, education, leisure, retail and many more. Below are the types of equipment that may qualify:

• Floorcare machinery, such as scrubbing and stripping machines, scrubber dryers, and rotary machines
• Kitchen equipment, like dishwashers
• Laundry care, for example, washing machines and tumble dryers
• Healthcare apparatus, like beds and mobility equipment

This policy really does make it an excellent time to upgrade or buy new machinery required for business purposes. However, we encourage anybody wishing to take advantage to consult their accountant for advice to confirm that their intended purchase qualifies. For more information about the scheme, visit HMRC guidance.

For more information or advice about Jangro equipment and supplies, please call our friendly distributors on 01204 795 955 or visit Jangro.net.

Sustainability – an issue so frequently spoken about, but with varying definitions. Put simply, environmental sustainability is responsibly interacting with the planet to maintain natural resources and avoid jeopardising the ability for future generations to meet their needs.

However, the varying interpretations often lead to questions about the role humans should play in protecting the planet. It’s clear to us, at Jangro, that as an industry, we have a huge responsibility to minimise our impact. After all, the day-to-day products and processes implemented in the cleaning and hygiene sector inevitably have an effect, from the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into waterways and plastic packaging polluting our oceans, to transportation and CO² emissions.

Sustainability is something we are passionate about and believe should be an integral pillar of every business. But the subject is so wide-ranging, it can be difficult to know where to start when implementing policies and practices, and how far to go. There’s also the question of cost – sustainable options must be affordable if they are to be applied.

That’s why we are delighted to be working with the CHSA (Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association) to tackle this very issue. We recently joined its new sustainability committee, which has been formed to focus on how the sector can adopt more environmentally friendly processes and systems.

The initiative covers product, packaging, transportation, wellbeing, and ethics, as well as a corporate approach to emissions, waste, and water. The intention is to provide CHSA’s wide range of members with practical advice, guidance, and examples of good practice to encourage their businesses and supply chains to have a balanced approach to sustainability as well as supporting continuous, identifiable improvements over the long term.

A roadmap towards sustainability is essential for our long-term future. Together, with representatives from all areas of the CHSA membership, we are working to define the way forward. This will, ultimately, help all businesses to achieve the minimum standards and progress on their journey to do more.

At Jangro, we take our responsibility seriously and are committed to helping our customers do the same. That’s why you’ll always find a wide range of options that offer efficacy, value for money, and which make for a more sustainable purchase. Our Enviro collection, for example, was designed with a sensible, lifecycle approach to the environment in mind and we even have a catalogue dedicated exclusively to eco-friendly supplies.

For more information or advice, please call our friendly distributors on 01204 795 955 or visit Jangro.net.

 

The importance of handwashing and sanitising has been spoken about a LOT over the past 18 months. Pre-pandemic, other than in healthcare settings, handwashing or sanitising facilities for visitors and customers were usually only found in washrooms. Today, people expect to be able to sanitise hands in shops, pubs, restaurants, leisure facilities, at school or college. In fact, anywhere that is open to the public should have an effective hand hygiene system installed.5th May marks the World Health Organization’s annual hand hygiene advocacy day. Since lockdown restrictions set to relax even further over the coming weeks too, here are five top tips to build a successful hand hygiene culture amongst your staff, visitors, and clientele.

1) Ensure hand washing or sanitising facilities are accessible. Ensure dispensers are positioned at the entrances / exits and high traffic areas, such as reception areas or
points of sale.

2) Given the frequency with which people sanitise hands, formulations must be dermatologically tested, but also effective at killing germs in fast contact times. Look for products that conform to key standards including EN 14476 and EN1276 for reassurance of their efficacy.

3) Consider investing in touch-free dispensers, which release the correct dose of product without making physical contact with hands. This enhances hygiene ratings.

4) Facilities occupied by children, such as schools or soft play centres, should consider installing equipment and supplies that have been designed with little ones in mind. For example, supply products that will engage and encourage hand hygiene practice, like our popular Jangronauts range. Dispensers and basins should also be positioned at a lower height to enable ease of use.

5) Place notices at key hot spots. These remind people, not only to wash or sanitise hands, but also the best techniques and the duration required for an effective clean. We offer a range of free, downloadable wall charts, guides and posters at Jangro.net.

At Jangro, we supply a wide range of hand hygiene equipment and products, including dispensers, perfumed and unperfumed liquid soaps, foams, sanitising gels and wipes. Details can be found in our Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies Catalogue.For more information about our innovative range for children, head to the Jangronauts website. For  more information or advice, please call our friendly distributors on 01204 795 955 or visit Jangro.net.