Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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April in Portugal proves productive for Gary
Janitorial Express, one of London's leading janitorial supply houses and a member of the Jangro Group, has won the Best Turnaround Business Award at the European Business Excellence Seminar held in Lisbon, Portugal. The Awards ceremony followed the EMEA Business Excellence Forum with keynote speakers Sir Clive Woodward and Brad Sugars.
The business started in 1991 in a small shop on Caledonian Road, Islington near Kings Cross. Today Janitorial Express employs over 25 staff and is a key supplier to over 600 businesses throughout Greater London and the Home Counties.
In 2009 due to the downturn in the economy the company lost 35% of its turnover in the space of seven months - making a third of its staff redundant and reducing staff salaries by 10%. For a business that had seen substantial growth year on year since its inception in 1991 it was a bitter blow.
With the business struggling and staff morale at an all-time low the managing director Gary Fage injected a rescue plan. Temporarily abandoning his job as CEO, Gary took on a sales role, determined to build strong relationships with existing key accounts and forge new relationships with high growth businesses.
With the help of a business coach, hard work and long hours, determination and high levels of customer service, the company increased its gross profit by a remarkable 83% in three years, culminating in it winning the ActionCOACH Best Turnaround Business Europe award, despite being up against 16 other finalists.
After receiving the award in front of 250 assembled guests at a dinner at the Miragem Hotel near Lisbon, Gary announced: "It's been emotional - what a great honour it is to receive this excellent award, I feel truly humbled."
The trophy is displayed at the company's new offices in Brewery Road, Islington, for all to see.
T: 0207 700 3322
W: [email protected]
11th April 2013