SMEs: how to compete in a busy marketplace

Sharing Experience: Mark Robinson, WPM cleaning services

As the founder and director of WPM, a commercial cleaning business, I have applied four key elements to our business which continue to set it apart in the marketplace.

1. We care about our clients.

We want to do a good job – it’s as simple as that. There may occasionally be a bump in the road, however working closely with partners enables us to be proactive rather than reactive and in turn this keeps our services both consistent and reliable.

2. We offer a bespoke service for each client.

Each business we partner with is unique – there’s no such thing as one size fits all. After meeting with one of the senior team, we agree on a bespoke service that fits their budget and requirements. Ongoing communication is key. We are poised to work with partners to meet the changing needs of their business.

3. A clear staffing strategy.

I’ve structured the business with systems in place to ensure we can deliver a consistent, reliable service. This is only possible with a good team and I’m proud that every member of our management team has grown with the business. Every team member is supported through focused training for both their personal and business knowledge.

4. We give back.

I’m a great believer in giving back to the community and I’ve partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) delivering workshops to assist those who have struggled to get into employment. Sometimes people need a little support to find their path. We have helped team members with debt payment plans and arranged contract placements to support employees with mental health issues.

WPM has also become a Disability Confident employer – an initiative by the DWP encouraging employers to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.

Staying on mission

Since its launch in 1999, these key elements have allowed WPM to grow into the business it is today, with more than 60 members of staff. We are ISO 9001 accredited and audited every year to make sure our quality management systems are in place. Similarly, we have health and safety checks to make sure we’re compliant with every current legislation.

Whether it is our staff or contracts, we are always competing with larger companies. But we continue to find success by staying focused on our core mission – to provide a healthy and safe working environment for all employees and an efficient, high standard of service for our partners.