Sureclean recently reported an unprecedented 48% growth in turnover to a record level of £8 million.  Following successful trade missions and market evaluation trips to regions in the Middle East and North Africa, Sureclean now has representation in several overseas locations.

John Barron, managing director of Sureclean, said: "In 2007 we won a large amount of new contracts resulting in all of our service areas delivering an increase in turnover, with UHP coatings removal, vacuum transfer and waste management services showing the biggest upturns.  2007 was also a record year for Sureclean in terms of recruitment, reflecting the business expansion.  We created 15 new jobs, in our Aberdeen and Alness branches, with 3 of these being senior management appointments.  On the capital front we invested more than £1.5 million in the business."

"Perhaps one of the most challenging facets in our industry today is the skills shortage of both senior and ground level staff, leading to a greater focus on training and development of our people.  Following review by OPITO, our Competence Management System (CMS) was recognized as being to OPITO-approved standards in November 2007.  Prior to this ten of our staff successfully completed training as assessors, with five progressing to achieve verifier status.  We are relentless in our pursuit of continuous improvement, focusing on ensuring that each employee has the ability to perform tasks correctly and can clearly demonstrate a level of knowledge and understanding appropriate to each aspect of the various activities we undertake."

"Our aim is to develop the already high standards of competence of our operatives to ensure all have relevant and up-to-date skills ready to meet the increasingly demanding needs of the market and clients.  In summary we wish to maintain and improve the competence and versatility of our workforce, positively influencing retention levels which will procure vital and valuable contributions to the company including enhanced performance in terms of safety and efficiency." 

John continued: "In addition to our growing domestic business, we have seen an increase in demand for our services abroad.  This is a very promising and exciting area for long-term growth, and we are targeting to at least double our foreign trade over the next two years".

"Our ongoing investment in people, equipment, processes, systems and procedures is vital as we seek continuous improvement in all that we do.  We are also looking to develop new business strands utilising innovative, technical solutions.  In this regard, we are currently collaborating with an acclaimed academic institution in an R&D project focussed on identifying proprietary waste treatment processes.  Further announcements will, hopefully, be made later this year - watch this space."