Industry magazine «Cleaning» summed up the year

Main  Russian cleaning industry magazine «Cleaning» — summed up the results of 2013year. Editorial invited CEOs of leading cleaning companies. From City Cleaning was invited our CEO — Konstantin Gurkov:

«Before summing the results of 2013 year, I’ve read the results of 2012. Colleagues were talking about the same, with different words. Call it stagnation or fatigue, but today the results of 2013 are very similar to the previous year. I still see stubborn customers who do not associate the cost of cleaning with its quality. Short-sighted competitors who sign contracts at any cost and at any price. Growing market, which is updated with new inexperienced players… It’s all true, but also good enough.

For example, in 2013 we launched the large-scale outsourcing in public institutions. Moscow Department of Education has launched a global pilot project, starting cooperation with professional cleaning. Many companies, including City Cleaning took part in it. The work was difficult, unusual, low-budget, but interesting! You may ask us why. The fact is that since 2014 comes into force a new, federal law №44 that greatly complicates our relationship. Why it was «interesting» — we are interested in any new markets, any customers.

Speaking about customers. I did meet with decision makers, key customers. And were pleased to note that business owners, senior managers and junior management staff are not the same that were 5 years ago. If before the conversation begins by explaining why they need it, right now we are talking about optimization features and competitive advantages. And it is not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg — regions also actively «catching up.» Now the client can not only choose the cleaners, but also can understand what he pays for…

Finally, about us, about the guys from the cleaning industry. There are not so much companies in the industry, only 1,500. Market share, which we have now, is still extremely small. But increasing every year. We’re also growing up — numerically and professionally. Each year, summing up, I dream about only one thing that every CEO of every cleaning company in the new year at corporate meeting will say these words: «Dear Colleagues, I’ve been thinking, weighing the pros and cons and make a decision — we work in a civilized manner, do not lose the contract price below costs, do not save on quality, we will not disappoint!» Said, burned piece of paper with wishes, drank a glass of sparkling wine… Happy New 2014 Year!»

Read CLEANING №5 (31) page 10 (8). (download PDF — 8 Mb)