CanDo Laundry Services

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What is a Linen Hire Contract?

In the dynamic world of laundry services, understanding the essence and benefits of a linen hire contract is crucial for businesses and consumers alike. This blog post delves into the intricacies of a linen hire contract, a key element in the textile care industry. Let’s explore what a linen hire contract is, its benefits, and why it’s a preferred choice for many businesses.

Understanding a Linen Hire Contract

A linen hire contract is an agreement between a laundry service provider and a client, where the provider supplies linens, such as towels, sheets, tablecloths, and more, for a specified period. This contract is not just about providing clean linens; it encompasses a comprehensive service that includes the delivery, collection, laundering, and maintenance of these items.

Why Choose a Linen Hire Contract?

  • Cost-Effectiveness: One of the primary advantages of a linen hire contract is its cost-effectiveness. Businesses save on the initial capital outlay of purchasing linens and ongoing costs like laundering and maintenance.
  • Quality Assurance: With a linen hire contract, businesses are assured of high-quality linens. Professional laundry services have the expertise and equipment to maintain the quality and hygiene of linens, which is crucial, especially in industries like hospitality and healthcare.
  • Convenience and Efficiency: Opting for a linen hire contract means delegating the responsibility of linen management to experts. This convenience allows businesses to focus on their core activities, enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Flexibility: A linen hire contract offers flexibility in terms of changing linen requirements. Businesses can adjust their linen inventory based on seasonal demands or changing business needs without the hassle of managing excess stock.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Professional laundry services often employ eco-friendly practices. By choosing a linen hire contract, businesses contribute to environmental sustainability, reducing water and energy usage compared to in-house laundering.

Key Elements of a Linen Hire Contract

A typical linen hire contract includes several key elements:

  • Duration of the Contract: Specifies the length of the agreement and renewal terms.
  • Scope of Services: Details the types of linens provided, laundering, delivery schedules, and any additional services like linen replacement.
  • Quality Standards: Outlines the quality and hygiene standards that the service provider must adhere to.
  • Pricing Structure: Provides a clear understanding of the costs involved, including any variable costs based on usage or special services.
  • Terms of Service: Includes provisions for handling damages, loss, or service disruptions.

Choosing the Right Service Provider

When selecting a service provider for a linen hire contract, consider the following factors:

  • Reputation and Experience: Look for a provider with a strong reputation and experience in your industry.
  • Quality of Linens: Assess the quality of linens they provide and ensure they meet your standards.
  • Service Flexibility: Choose a provider that can adapt to your changing business needs.
  • Environmental Practices: Consider providers who employ eco-friendly laundering practices.
  • Customer Support: Good customer support is essential for addressing any issues or concerns promptly.

Summing Up a Linen Hire Contract

A linen hire contract is a strategic choice for businesses seeking cost-effective, high-quality, and efficient linen management solutions. It offers the convenience of professional laundering services while ensuring flexibility and adherence to quality standards. When choosing a service provider, consider their reputation, the quality of linens, service flexibility, environmental practices, and customer support. Embracing a linen hire contract can significantly enhance the operational efficiency of businesses, contributing to their overall success.

Why Choose CanDo Laundry Services?

At CanDo Laundry Services, we specialise in providing top-tier linen hire contracts tailored to the unique needs of your business. With our commitment to quality, flexibility, and sustainability, we ensure that your linen management is in expert hands. Contact us today to discover how we can enhance your business operations with our comprehensive linen hire solutions.

FAQs

Yes, most contracts are flexible and can be tailored to meet specific business needs.

Absolutely, it’s an efficient solution for businesses of all sizes.

It promotes eco-friendly laundering practices, reducing the environmental footprint.

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Valuing Hospitality Linen: Industry Action Needed

Hospitality Linen

A Guide to Valuing Hospitality Linen: Helping Linen Last Longer

A Collaborative Effort by Textile Services Association, UK Housekeepers Association, and UK Hospitality to begin valuing hospitality linen.

Introduction

In a recent survey conducted within the hospitality sector in 2023, 80% of hotel general managers expressed an interest in bolstering sustainability awareness, especially concerning hospitality linen textiles. A working group of hotels, laundries, and representative trade bodies have put together this comprehensive guide, aimed particularly at housekeeping and laundry operator teams, to bridge this gap. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance your environmental sustainability while fostering a synergistic relationship with your laundry providers.

Key Insights

  • Only 10% of linen products are rejected because they are worn out.
  • An alarming 50% of products last less than three months.
  • Lost, damaged, or stolen linens contribute to significant financial and environmental costs.

The Life Cycle and Importance of Hospitality Textiles

Hospitality linen textiles, which range from towelling to bed linens, are often undervalued. Losing or damaging these linens imposes unnecessary demands on limited planetary resources and the financial balance of both laundries and hospitality businesses. With 40% of linen items disappearing from the process and only 10% wearing out, there’s a critical need for change.

Environmental Impact

The carbon and water footprint of textiles begin long before they reach a laundry for the first time, making up 50% – 70% of their total environmental impact. Therefore, extending the lifespan of these products can result in significant resource conservation.


Strategies for Helping Linen Last Longer

Prevent Loss or Theft

  • Secure the linen room.
  • Maintain accurate stock levels.
  • Rotate linen room stock regularly.
  • Keep linen out of public spaces.

Minimise Physical Damage

  • Avoid using linen to prop doors open.
  • Be cautious when loading dirty linen into cages.
  • Handle pillows and duvets carefully to prevent ripping.

Address Stains Effectively

Stains like rust, mildew, and lipstick may require specialized treatments that can degrade linen quality. Basic preventive measures include:

  • Not using linen as cleaning cloths.
  • Ensuring a dry and well-ventilated linen room.
  • Advising guests appropriately about linen care.

The Pasha Initiative: A Real-World Example

To make this guide more relatable and engaging, we introduce “Pasha the Pillowcase.” This initiative includes a short video that traverses the life cycle of a pillowcase, emphasizing the importance of proper care. The Textile Service Association has produced two video tailored for the hospitality sector and the commercial laundries themselves. To access both videos click on the links below:


Support Materials and Training

A suite of support materials is available from the Textile Service Associations website to communicate this important message across various departments. These resources are particularly useful for housekeeping induction programs and can be customised to fit your brand.

The challenge of valuing hospitality linen extends beyond simple cost considerations. It encompasses environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. By implementing these best practices, you can make a meaningful difference on multiple fronts.

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Switching Your Laundry & Linen Provider: A Step-by-Step Guide

Switching Your Laundry and Linen Provider: A Comprehensive Process

In today’s competitive market, it’s essential to ensure that your business partners align with your values, deliver top-notch services, and offer cost-effective solutions. One crucial partnership for many hospitality, healthcare and industrial providers is their laundry and linen service. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to switch your provider seamlessly and highlight the key attributes you should look for in your next partner.

1. Assess Your Current Laundry & Linen Situation

Switching to a new laundry and linen provider can be a significant decision with long-term implications for your business. Thus, the first step in any decision-making process is a thorough assessment of your current situation. Delving deep into the specifics of your existing partnership can help you pinpoint the challenges and recognize the areas that require improvement. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to guide you through this assessment:

Are your current provider’s costs escalating?

  • Cost Analysis: Begin by examining the financials. Are you witnessing an unexpected surge in costs? Compare the invoices from the past few months or years and check if there’s a consistent rise in charges. Are these increases justified by inflation or other market factors? At CanDo we typically fix our costs over a 3 year period.
  • Value for Money: Evaluate whether the services provided align with the costs. Are you getting the quality and reliability that matches the price you pay?

Is the quality of the linen deteriorating?

  • Linen Examination: Check the linens you receive. Are they consistently clean, fresh, and well-pressed? Review your reject rates. At CanDo we boast a reject rate on average less than 1% (which is world-class standard).
  • Feedback from End-Users: If you’re in the hospitality industry, feedback from your guests can be invaluable. Have there been complaints or compliments regarding the linen’s quality? If you’re in the industrial sector, feedback from your team members will be a great pulse check. 

Are they failing to meet delivery timelines?

  • Delivery Track Record: Monitor the punctuality of deliveries. Has your provider been missing deadlines, causing disruptions in your operations? Things happen, but an established operator will have tracked vehicles and be in a position to provide you with a live ETA.
  • Emergency Response: Consider how the provider handles unforeseen circumstances. Do they have a contingency plan in place for unexpected delays or issues? Is this communicated to you?

Is customer service lacking?

  • Responsiveness: How quickly does your provider respond to queries or concerns? A delay in response can often hint at deeper organisational issues. At CanDo we typically respond within 2hrs-4hrs.
  • Problem Resolution: When issues arise, as they inevitably will, how are they addressed? Is the resolution process smooth, or is it fraught with complications? How it’s resolved is more important that how it went wrong.
  • Flexibility: Assess how accommodating your provider is. Can they adjust to sudden changes in demand or special requests? Communication in this requirement is key to the success.

2. Research Potential Providers

Start by seeking recommendations from peers or industry contacts. While there are many providers out there, CanDo Laundry Services stands out for its commitment to quality, reliability, and unmatched customer service. Don’t just take their word for it, reading reviews and case studies can also give you a comprehensive view of potential partners. CanDo Laundry Services scores an amazing 4.9* on google reviews. 

3. Request Proposals

Once you have a list of potential providers, request detailed proposals. This will give you a clear picture of their service offerings, costs, and terms. Make sure to compare them on the same parameters for a red apples-to- red apples comparison. Most often or not new providers try to beat your existing costs at all costs to only walk your price up 3 months later after striking a deal. Be aware.

At CanDo Laundry Services, this would never happen – we’d fix the costs throughout the agreement.

4. Visit Facilities

A site visit can provide invaluable insights into a provider’s operations. Observe the cleanliness of their facility, the efficiency of their processes, and the quality of the linens they produce. Remember, a well-maintained facility, like CanDo Laundry Services, is often a reflection of the quality of service you can expect.

If you walk in to a chaotic and messy laundry, expect nothing but chaos from the service.

5. Review Contracts Carefully

Before finalising any agreement, review the terms and conditions thoroughly. Look for any hidden fees, understand the service level agreements (SLAs), and ensure there are clear terms for dispute resolution.

6. Plan the Transition

Coordinate with your new provider to ensure a smooth transition. This may include:

  • Aligning delivery and pickup schedules
  • Informing your staff about the change
  • Setting up new billing and communication processes
  • Organising the new textiles a couple of days before the last collection of your incumbent provider.

Work together through this process. Communication is key. 

7. Monitor Performance

Once you’ve switched, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the performance of your new provider. Regularly assess the quality of linen, adherence to delivery timelines, and responsiveness to feedback.

8. Foster a Strong Relationship

Building a strong relationship with your new provider will ensure long-term success. Regularly communicate your needs, provide feedback, and collaborate on improving service quality. Schedule a monthly or quarterly meeting to keep communication lines open and positive.

In conclusion, switching your laundry and linen provider is a significant decision that can have lasting impacts on your operations. By following this guide and focusing on quality providers like CanDo Laundry Services, you can ensure that you make the best choice for your business.

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CanDo Laundry Services Acquires Telford Laundry Ltd

CanDo Laundry Services Acquires Telford Laundry - Embracing New Opportunities with a Customer Focused Approach

In a significant development for both companies and the local community of Telford, CanDo Laundry Services acquires Telford Laundry Ltd. This strategic move not only marks a milestone in the growth of CanDo Laundry Services but also ensures job security for 60 local employees in the region. The acquisition aims to bring Telford Laundry into the fold, fostering a seamless transition period and embracing new opportunities for capitalizing on innovative ways of working. CanDo Laundry Services has been working on the transition with Telford Laundry over the last two and a half years. With a strong commitment to maintaining customer satisfaction and operational excellence, this deal sets a promising path for the future of both companies.

Securing Jobs and Smooth Transition

One of the primary objectives of the acquisition was to safeguard the livelihoods of the dedicated workforce at Telford Laundry Ltd. The decision to continue operating the factory as usual demonstrates CanDo Laundry Services’ sincere concern for the employees and their families. The experienced team at CanDo recognises the invaluable expertise of Telford Laundry’s personnel and intends to foster a collaborative environment during the transition period. 

During the transitional phase, both companies will work hand in hand to identify opportunities for synergies and streamline operations, ensuring that the integration is seamless and efficient. CanDo Laundry Services believes in nurturing a culture of mutual respect and open communication to make this process a success, benefiting both the employees and the overall business. Over the course of time, both sites will be referred to as ‘CanDo Laundry Services’ and detailed regarding location specifics such as, Port Talbot and Telford.

Customer Focus: Driving Success

At the core of CanDo Laundry Services’ ethos lies an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With the inclusion of Telford Laundry into the company, this commitment is set to be strengthened further. Customers can expect a broader range of services, improved delivery timelines, and enhanced quality standards. The pooling of resources and expertise will empower CanDo Laundry Services to cater to a more diverse clientele with tailored textile rental and laundry solutions to meet their laundry needs.

The customer-focused approach will extend beyond the quality of service. CanDo Laundry Services aims to engage with its customers actively, seeking feedback and suggestions to continuously improve their offerings. This strategy ensures that the company stays responsive to the evolving demands of the market and maintains its position as a preferred choice for laundry services.

Capitalising on New Ways of Working

The acquisition of Telford Laundry Ltd opens the door to exciting new opportunities for CanDo Laundry Services. With the addition of a well-established company to their portfolio, CanDo gains access to a broader network of clients and partners. This expanded reach provides fertile ground for exploring innovative ways of working and driving growth.

The integration of Telford Laundry’s technology and expertise into CanDo’s existing infrastructure will pave the way for operational efficiencies and cost optimisation. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and data analytics, the company can optimize production processes, minimize waste, and reduce its environmental footprint.

FAQs

The acquisition ensures job security for the 60 employees at Telford Laundry Ltd. CanDo Laundry Services is dedicated to maintaining normal factory operations and fostering a collaborative environment during the transition, thus benefiting the local community and its workforce.

The acquisition is expected to enhance the quality of services. CanDo Laundry Services is renowned for its customer-focused approach, which will be extended to Telford Laundry’s offerings. The integration of expertise and resources will result in improved service quality and a broader range of options for clients. This solidifies the relationship both companies have established over the last two and a half years.

Customer relationships are a top priority. CanDo Laundry Services will continue to uphold its customer-focused approach, ensuring minimal disruption to existing clients. Any changes in operations will be communicated transparently, and customer feedback will be actively sought to improve the overall experience.

The acquisition presents exciting opportunities for both companies to explore new ways of working. The pooling of technology, expertise, and resources will lead to operational efficiencies, improved service delivery, and potential innovations in the laundry services sector.

Any potential changes in pricing or service packages will be communicated well in advance. CanDo Laundry Services is committed to maintaining competitive pricing while offering enhanced value to clients through improved services.

Both CanDo Laundry Services and Telford Laundry Ltd are dedicated to sustainability. By integrating best practices from both entities, there is potential to optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and implement eco-friendly practices, contributing positively to sustainability goals.

Existing contracts and commitments will be honoured. CanDo Laundry Services will work diligently to ensure a seamless transition for all clients, with minimal disruption to ongoing services.

The integration process has taken place over the last two and a half years and will involve collaboration between teams from both companies. Regular communication, comprehensive planning, and a focus on shared goals will facilitate a smooth transition, benefiting employees, clients, and stakeholders alike.

Yes, as part of the integration process, Telford Laundry Ltd will undergo a rebranding to align with the CanDo Laundry Services family. This change will be executed thoughtfully, taking into consideration the heritage of both companies while presenting a unified and strong identity to clients and the market. Rest assured, the essence of quality and service that Telford Laundry represents will be preserved and enhanced under the new branding.