With a workforce of more than 3,500 employees and an office in almost every state, there’s no denying SECUREcorp has successfully expanded its footprint outside of its hometown in Victoria. Now, an established multi-service provider, the company is responsible for some of the country’s largest retail complexes and buildings. INCLEAN assistant editor Lizzie Hunter spoke to SECUREcorp’s national director of strategic development cleaning services, Norman Schroeder, about the company’s cleaning division SECUREclean, and what’s in store for the integrated services provider for 2017.
First registered in 1998, SECUREcorp initially only provided risk management and security services in Victoria. However, soon after realising “significant opportunities” for integrated delivery solutions, SECUREcorp merged with Australian Guarding Services and Link Property Services to offer an integrated service approach to its customers in 2003.
“One of our first cleaning contracts, Knox Shopping Centre, remains as a valued client today,” said Norman, who explained the company traditionally had a strong commitment to the retail sector.
Today, SECUREcorp services a diverse customer base, including, but not limited to, large retail precincts, commercial, sporting venues and public spaces, distributed national clients, airports and government facilities. The aviation sector remains one of the company’s key targets for 2017.
“In late 2014, we won the cleaning contract for Brisbane airport in the lead-up to the G20 event,” said Norman. “The airport is a multi service and mixed use precinct, at which we service a diverse range of retail, entertainment and public space facilities, commercial buildings and office spaces, terminal buildings and associated infrastructure areas, including roadways and parking.”
The company also has plans for further expansion in Australia, both from within the business in terms of its systems and platforms, but also in target markets in Western Australia and Queensland.
“We’re focusing on winning more contracts in these areas to expand our portfolio, grow our diverse client base and develop long-term partnerships.”
As a multi-service provider, SECUREcorp is able to tailor its solutions to meet client demands. The company currently provides cleaning services, along with security, customer service and training solutions, maintenance and project management, in-house hygiene services and other specialist service solutions.
According to Norman, Australia’s cleaning industry continues to provide a transient workforce, which is why staff retention is another of SECUREcorp’s key areas of focus for 2017.
“Reducing staff turnover is a critical requirement these days to maintain cost,” said Norman. “The cost of employing staff – which includes everything from induction training, testing and supplying uniforms – all adds up and can be an expensive endeavour.
“Our own reviews show that if staff have the ability to grow within an organisation, they are more likely to stay. So to improve our own staff retention rates, and therefore reduce costs, we offer more development opportunities for our staff.”
As SECUREcorp is a registered training organisation (RTO), it provides courses, including induction training, management training, Cert. 2 and Cert. 3 for its cleaners.
Norman says that value for money demands from cost-conscious clients requires cleaning companies to come up with innovative, yet cost-effective solutions – something that SECUREcorp continues to do as they to move into 2017.
“I don’t want to give too much away, but we have developed various task management, data logging and reporting tools that add significant value, especially considering that compliance and knowledge transfer capabilities have become critically important for clients.
“Where our cleaners would traditionally use radios, they’re now using mobile devices so everything is now instantly communicated between cleaner and manager.
“We are installing recording devices that can manage the maintenance of our equipment and also provide reports on when rooms need to be serviced. Our cleaners, for example, don’t have to walk into a washroom to check if the hand soap needs replacing, or if the bin needs emptying. Sensors in these facilities instead send automatic reports when they need to be restocked or emptied.”
Looking to the future for SECUREcorp, Norman says the company remains committed to delivering a high standard of compliance and servicing, and utilising innovative task management and reporting tools.
“As a national service provider, SECUREcorp is well positioned to service all clients and looks forward to expanding its existing footprint in all states.”