Putting a sustainable shine on The Square

Putting a sustainable shine on The Square

As part of Q3’s commitment to working sustainably, the company has adopted an environmentally friendly cleaning technology across many of its large contracts, including The Square shopping centre in Camberley.

The Toucan Eco system is used for virtually all hard surface cleaning across the shopping centre, replacing several conventional, chemical products that were used historically.

The cleaning solution is created on site using a special Active Plus device which produces 20 litre batches of water-based cleaner, at a time. This is then distributed around the site in re-usable bottles or containers – an approach that drastically reduces both the use of single-use plastics, and the carbon cost normally associated with shipping ready-mixed chemicals to site.

Once mixed, the solution has a shelf life of about a week, cleaning and sanitising surfaces and killing up to 99.999% of all germs. The same solution used for wiping hard surfaces is also used through the scrubber-drier that operates along the floors of the shopping centre. One product does everything, so there is no opportunity for someone to accidentally using the wrong product for any particular application.

The cleaning operatives like Miriam love it too because it’s virtually harmless, so there’s no risk of chemicals being inhaled or spills causing skin conditions. It’s made the wearing of PPE superfluous.

Speaking about the benefits of Toucan Eco, Q3 Operations Director, Luis Lopes, said, “This innovation has delivered a revolution in the way we work, reducing costs, improving health and safety, while reducing carbon emissions and plastic waste. It’s a winner all round!”

Maximus helps solve Q3’s recruitment challenge

Q3 recently announced an extension of its facilities management contract with Maximus to 2028, extending across some 160 locations.

In an interesting twist, Maximus, the specialist health and employability service organisation has in turn, been supporting Q3 on its cleaning contract with the London Borough of Redbridge.

When our own recruitment efforts could not identify a suitable candidate for the challenging role of Cleaning Supervisor at Aldersbrook school in Wanstead, Rona Nicoll, Maximus’s Engagement Advisor for Adult Skills Funding, stepped in.

Working with Chris Finch the Q3 Contract Manager, Rona placed an advert for the role, screened suitable applicants and came up trumps with prime candidate Dorota Jazebek. Dorota has already settled quickly into her new role and is now a valued and much-liked member of the team.

Rona explained, “Maximus works directly with the London business community to open doors to meaningful employment for people with disabilities, by enhancing their skills through our fully funded courses. Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Q3, helping their employees gain new skills and access to opportunities. Q3 shows both a strong dedication to inclusion and disability support and a commitment to employee development, which suits us perfectly.”

Chris Finch of Q3 said, “Rona and Claire Roberts, Maximus’ Operations Director, have been so helpful and have a wealth of knowledge on the resources available to help disadvantaged people into employment. We have always sought to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our workforce, and this is a value that Maximus and Q3 share. This is certainly a partnership we want to build on!”

 

Contract extension for Q3 at Alhambra

Q3 is pleased to announce an extension to its contract with the Alhambra Shopping Centre in Barnsley.

The Shopping Centre in the heart of Barnsley Town Centre, is a community hub with around 40 leading retail brand units and an annual footfall of over 6 million visitors.

Alhambra was the first contract secured by Q3 following its formation in 2018. Originally covering provision of cleaning services, the contract was later expanded to include security in 2021.

The contract moved to Barnsley Council in 2023 when the council bought the lease to the centre, and it is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the onsite team of 20 Q3 people that the Council has now granted this contract extension through to February 2025.

Stuart Bellew, COO at Q3 said” We have a great team at the Alhambra, and I congratulate them on their effort and dedication in recent years, which will now ensure a continuation of the high levels of service to the client and the Barnsley public.”