Eastbourne University Cleaning Case Study | Expert Results

The Scope


Nicola Whitnall, Site Manager for the University of Brighton’s Eastbourne campus has fifteen buildings to manage. They are scattered around the area, and range in style from period properties dating back to the 1800s through to buildings from the mid 1900s. Three thousand staff, students and members of the public use the facilities daily.


In terms of window cleaning, Nicola says “these are not always the easiest to access. Some of the older properties have ‘penny stamp’ windows which need to be handled with care”. Though the buildings are no more than three stories high, some windows are beyond the reach for traditional ladder cleaning. In addition, some of the roof aspects make a number of windows particularly difficult to reach. Without the budget for cleaning using scaffolding, some windows used not to get cleaned. With the advent of pole cleaning it has become practical and cost-effective to clean all windows.



 “I was particularly pleased with the minimal amount of management required from our end”



The Work


Nicola needed to get the campus’ windows cleaned inside and out. She approached several suppliers, looking for a contractor who could get the job done with minimal inconvenience, and who offered high access pole cleaning services. Window cleaning is done as and when funds are available, and, as a public institution, the most cost-effective service would win the work. Astound Cleaning came in with the most attractive offer and work commenced at the agreed time.


The Results


Astound did the work professionally, with high quality and in good time. “Astound’s customer service was excellent, dealing with any concerns very skilfully and effectively” said Nicola. Health and safety is always a concern, not only for the contractors but also to avoid having to deal with an accident. Astound’s people worked safely and made sure the work was carried out with the minimum disruption. Nicola commented “I was particularly pleased with the minimal amount of management required from our end”.


“Overall I’m completely satisfied with the work carried out, and will certainly be in touch with Astound next time we need window cleaning”.

“I was particularly pleased with the minimal amount of management required from our end”


We deliver precision cleaning including an organised spring cleaning programme:

  • Hard floor maintenance programme
  • Carpet cleaning maintenance inc. spot cleaning
  • Telephone sanitising each week
  • Dusting and wipe down
  • Wall washing and redecorating if neccessary
  • Blitz cleaning before and after launch functions
  • Cladding cleaning
  • Jet washing to carparks
  • Heated window and frame cleaning
  • Supplies management
  • Agreed cleaning programme
  • Regular weekly quality control visits working with the cleaners
  • Regular meetings with account manager



“Professional, high quality service with excellent customer relationship”

The Astound Standard Ten Point Guarantee:

  • Personal consultation with our Operations Manager to define your needs and expectations
  • Flexible agreements to suit your business, we work with you to create the best option for you
  • Out of hours contact service to a real voice to assist in your requirements
  • Unique online reporting system access available, keeping you ‘in view’ of your contract records 24 hours a day
  • Friendly team manner means we are extremely approachable to answer any questions you may have
  • Clear communication channels, as standard
  • Astound quality control assured with regular review quality control reports
  • CRB checked staff is standard
  • Online GPS tracking system technology synchronised with Google Maps as standard
  • Exceptional professional standards guaranteed

Astound Cleaning News

by Kevin Lawton 20 August 2025
How to Clean Outside Windows You Can't Reach Cleaning windows on tall buildings across South East England presents unique challenges that require specialised solutions. When traditional methods fall short, professional rope access window cleaning provides a safe and efficient solution for maintaining the cleanliness of high-rise buildings throughout London, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. This comprehensive guide explores the methods, training, and expertise needed for cleaning hard-to-reach windows. Rope Access Window Cleaning High-rise window cleaning has evolved significantly across the South East, with rope access becoming the preferred method for maintaining tall buildings in urban centres like London, Brighton, and Canterbury. This technique combines advanced safety protocols with efficient cleaning methods to ensure pristine results even at extreme heights. Modern rope access cleaning offers several advantages: • More cost-effective compared to traditional platforms • Minimal disruption to building occupants • Quick setup and completion times • Access to previously unreachable areas • Environmentally friendly approach Commercial high rise window cleaning requires extensive training and certification to meet UK safety standards. Professional teams use specialised equipment and techniques to deliver exceptional results while maintaining the highest safety standards required by British regulations. Rope Access Training Before anyone can perform [high rise window cleaner] duties in the UK, they must complete comprehensive rope access training. This training typically includes: Basic Training Requirements: • IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certification • UK Working at Heights qualification • First aid and rescue training • Equipment inspection and maintenance • Risk assessment procedures compliant with UK HSE guidelines Advanced Skills Development: • Complex access techniques • Emergency procedures • British weather assessment • Team coordination • Equipment management Abseiling Window Cleaning Abseiling window cleaning companies throughout South East England utilise sophisticated techniques that combine traditional cleaning methods with advanced rope access skills. This specialised approach requires: Equipment Requirements: • Industrial-grade ropes and harnesses meeting British standards • Certified anchor points • Professional-grade cleaning tools • Safety backup systems • Communication devices Safety Protocols: • Regular equipment inspections following UK guidelines • Weather monitoring specific to South East England conditions • Team coordination procedures • Emergency response plans • Continuous risk assessment What is Abseiling Window Cleaning? How to choose a high rise window cleaning company starts with understanding the process. Abseiling window cleaning, also known as rope access cleaning, involves: Technical Aspects: • Use of double-rope systems meeting British safety standards • Industrial-grade anchoring points • Specialised cleaning equipment • Safety backup mechanisms • Weather monitoring systems The Process: Site Assessment Building structure evaluation Anchor point inspection Risk assessment completion Weather condition check Access point determination Equipment Setup Rope system installation Safety equipment checks Cleaning equipment preparation Communication system testing Emergency equipment positioning Cleaning Operation Systematic descent procedures Professional cleaning techniques Regular safety checks Progress monitoring Quality control measures Professional Considerations When dealing with high-rise window cleaning in South East England, several factors must be considered: Weather Conditions: • Coastal wind considerations • British rainfall patterns • Temperature effects • Visibility levels • Seasonal variations Building Characteristics: • Local architectural styles • Listed building considerations • Access points • Safety systems • Building usage Legal Requirements: • UK insurance requirements • British safety certifications • Local council regulations • Work permits • HSE risk assessments Quality Assurance Professional rope access window cleaning services maintain high standards through: Regular Training: • Updated UK safety protocols • New equipment familiarisation • Emergency procedure practice • Team coordination exercises • Technical skill enhancement Equipment Maintenance: • Regular inspections to British standards • Replacement schedules • Documentation requirements • Testing procedures • Storage protocols Client Communication: • Progress updates • Safety briefings • Schedule coordination • Quality feedback • Maintenance recommendations Future Developments The rope access window cleaning industry in South East England continues to evolve with Technological Advances: • Improved safety equipment • Enhanced cleaning tools • Weather monitoring systems • Communication devices • Training simulators Industry Standards: • Updated UK safety protocols • Environmental considerations • Equipment specifications • Training requirements • Quality benchmarks Choosing Professional Services When selecting a rope access window cleaning service in South East England, consider: Company Credentials: • IRATA certification • UK insurance coverage • Safety record • Regional experience • Local client testimonials Service Quality: • Equipment standards • Training protocols • Safety procedures • Communication methods • Quality guarantees Conclusion Professional rope access window cleaning in South East England combines advanced technical skills with rigorous safety protocols to provide effective solutions for maintaining high-rise buildings. The success of these operations depends on proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to British safety standards. When choosing a service provider, ensure they meet all necessary UK qualifications and maintain high professional standards while understanding the unique challenges of working in the South East region.
Three window washers, in safety vests, rappelling down a glass-walled high-rise building, cleaning windows.
by Kevin Lawton 18 August 2025
Discover professional rope access window cleaning methods and training requirements in South East England. Learn how experts safely clean unreachable windows using specialised techniques.
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