Duct cleaning and Legionella risk experts Swiftclean are marking 40 years since the foundation of the company by Managing Director Gary Nicholls. Across its 40 years, Swiftclean has grown to provide a range of expert services which help businesses to achieve and maintain compliance, with clients throughout the UK. The team have won multiple awards for their portfolio of services, outstanding delivery, and exceptional customer service, frequently working in close partnership with clients.
Over the years the company has helped to shape the industry's best practice, and even its regulation. Gary Nicholls has served as a member of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) steering committee formed to draft the guidance documents concerning the hygiene and fire safety of ventilation and kitchen extract ductwork. As a co-author, Gary initially participated in the creation of the first guidance document in the form of TR/17, which was later replaced by TR/19 and, more recently, by TR19® and TR19® Grease, the latter being a specification in its own right. The steering committee is currently revising TR19® which will be issued shortly as the new TR19® Air specification.
Gary's expertise has been called upon on many occasions as an expert witness, particularly in legal proceedings concerning fires in ventilation and kitchen extract ductwork. Swiftclean is a founding member of the Vent Hygiene Elite (VHE) scheme, administered by the Building Engineering Services Competent Assessment (BESCA) arm of the BESA. Gary continues to serve as Chairman of the user group for the VHE, a position which he was invited to take up at its inception.
Swiftclean has also achieved an outstanding track record in Legionella control, providing remedial services, testing and prevention. The team assist clients in ensuring that they comply with The L8 Approved Code of Practice, issued by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). It has been a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) for many years, membership requiring annual vetting and confirmation.
Gary Nicholls is delighted to be marking the 40th anniversary of the company which starts the New Year in its fifth decade. He said, "It has been rewarding and exciting to see the company grow frow very small beginnings, when Paul and I felt there was a niche need that we could fill, to an award-winning team which delivers critical services across the UK. It has also been extraordinary to mark so many industry firsts. The introductions of new guidance on best practice, which has led to a legally binding specification has been particularly noteworthy, as has the formation of the VHE. Our work has not only helped to forge a path for our own industry, it has also helped to ensure that thousands of people are safer in both their workplaces and their homes. We look forward to making further great strides as we head towards our 50th anniversary."
Gary originally began the company in partnership with colleague and close friend Paul Argles, who sadly died in a road accident in the company's early years. Gary encouraged Paul's widow Julia Argles to take on Paul's mantle and assist in building the company's reputation as a leading ductwork hygiene and Legionella control expert. Julia has since retired and relinquished her share of Swiftclean, but the next generation of the Nicholls family are now very much involved in the running of the business. Gary's daughters Chloe Nicholls and Abbey Maxwell occupy key roles.
Based in Southend in Essex, with regional offices in Leicester, Swiftclean remains involved with its local communities, sponsoring local sporting teams and actively encouraging Swiftclean team members to take part in charitable and community activities.
www.swiftclean.co.uk
info@swiftclean.co.uk
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