Case Study: Transforming Cleaning Standards Across Two Xaar Sites

Client

Xaar

Locations

• Huntingdon
• Waterbeach

Services Provided

• Daily Commercial Cleaning
• Clean Room Cleaning
• Daytime Janitorial Support
• Washroom & Consumables Management
• Team Management & Training
• Quality Auditing & Reporting
• Sustainability Improvements

The Challenge

In January 2026, Trinity Harper Cleaning took over the cleaning contracts at Xaar's Huntingdon and Waterbeach facilities.

The client had experienced ongoing issues with their previous provider, resulting in low staff morale, concerns around cleaning standards, and a growing number of service complaints.

Despite these challenges, Xaar wanted to retain the existing cleaning team rather than start again with new personnel.

The brief was clear:

• Improve cleaning standards
• Increase accountability
• Rebuild trust with the client
• Retain and develop the existing team
• Create a more positive working environment

Our Approach

Rather than replacing the team, we focused on investing in the people already on site.

Following TUPE transfer, we met individually with team members to understand challenges, identify training requirements, and establish clear expectations.

We asked the client for four weeks to implement improvements and demonstrate what the existing team could achieve with the right support.

Introducing Better Systems

To improve visibility and accountability, we implemented:

• Mobile clock-in and clock-out technology
• QR code site files for instant access to site information
• Monthly performance reporting
• Attendance and punctuality monitoring
• Detailed cleaning schedules for all operatives

Investing in Training

Every team member received:

• Task-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements
• Ongoing quality audits
• Individual training plans
• Regular coaching and performance support

Supporting Sustainability

To align with Xaar's environmental objectives, we introduced:

• Eco-friendly cleaning products
• Microfibre cleaning systems
• Regular cloth replacement programmes
• Cleaning processes designed to reduce environmental impact

Building Team Engagement

We believe great service starts with engaged people.

To improve morale and retention, we introduced:

• Birthday recognition
• High Performer of the Month awards
• Quarterly attendance awards
• Seasonal gifts and recognition
• Pay rates at or above the Real Living Wage

Meet the Team

Thomas | Day Cleaner & Site Supervisor

Thomas plays a key role in maintaining standards throughout the day and oversees the site's specialist clean room environments, ensuring procedures and safety requirements are consistently followed.

Deborah | Day Janitorial Support

Deborah keeps washrooms and kitchen facilities clean, stocked and presentable throughout the working day.

Mario & Isaura | Evening Cleaning Team

Working under Thomas's supervision, Mario and Isaura ensure the sites are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next day's operations.

Peggy & Kath | Waterbeach Morning Team

Peggy and Kath provide early morning cleaning support at the Waterbeach facility, helping ensure the workplace is ready before employees arrive.

The Results After Six Months

The outcome exceeded expectations.

The same team remained in place, morale improved significantly, and service quality was transformed.

The Outcome

This project demonstrates what can be achieved when people are given the right support, training and recognition.

By retaining the existing workforce, introducing stronger systems and investing in team development, Trinity Harper Cleaning transformed service delivery across both Xaar sites.

Six months on:

✅ The original team remains in place
✅ Employee morale has improved dramatically
✅ Cleaning standards have significantly increased
✅ Client complaints have been eliminated
✅ A strong partnership has been built with Xaar

For Trinity Harper Cleaning, the success of this project wasn't about replacing people. It was about unlocking the potential that was already there.

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Looking for a commercial cleaning partner that invests in both people and performance?

Trinity Harper Cleaning delivers reliable, accountable cleaning services across offices, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, clean rooms and commercial environments throughout Cambridge and the surrounding areas. Contact here.