Representatives from Merton Group’s Sales and Marketing teams visited the St Albans-based centre to present an award for the sites exceptional cleaning standards. Harpenden Leisure Centre emerged as the top performer across the large Everyone Active estate, which comprises over 220 sites nationwide. The victory followed a series of rigorous ‘Clean Audits’ conducted by MGUK, with Harpenden achieving an outstanding site score of 98.80%.
The audits evaluated hygiene standards across the facility recognising the site for maintaining superior levels of cleanliness for its 5,700 members and approximately 16,000 monthly visitors.
In recognition of this achievement, the team at Harpenden received an engraved award and a brand-new Numatic cordless automatic scrubber-drier machine. This equipment is designed to enhance the centre’s daily maintenance routines, particularly in large areas such as the gym and studios.
Recognising Excellence Across the Network
While Harpenden took the top spot, the competition was fierce across the Everyone Active network. MGUK is also proud to recognise the following sites for their exceptional standards:
- 2nd Place: Bourne Leisure Centre
- 3rd Place: Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre
- 4th Place: The Alban Arena
The runners-up also receive cleaning machinery to assist their teams in maintaining the high standards that saw them place in the top four out of more than 220 facilities.
A Culture of Clean
Chelsea Haney, Operations Manager at Harpenden Leisure Centre, commented on the significance of the recognition:
“We like to have a clean site anyway, and that’s why we set our own high standards. But the audits are a really good way of sites being recognised for their hard work. Sometimes when you’re spending all your time cleaning you can think no one is paying attention. To know there are people that will come and see how clean things are, it feels like we are appreciated for all that effort.”
The partnership between Merton Group and Everyone Active extends beyond the supply of high-quality chemicals and paper products. Chloe Ledger, General Manager at the centre, noted that the new machinery will provide vital support for their busy schedule, especially as the facility is open more hours than it is closed.
Speaking on the relationship with Merton Group, Chelsea Haney added:
“It’s nice to have the relationship with Merton Group, and you keep up with what we actually need. Knowing that there are people behind the products who can advise on which products to use or suggest new products as you develop them makes a real difference.”
The Merton Group Clean Awards were established to encourage high cleaning standards across large estate networks. By providing specialist support, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 approved manufacturing, and direct-to-site expertise, MGUK aims to add tangible value to its partners’ operations.
Lewis Howard, Merton Group Sales Manager, and Chris Ware, National Account Manager, presented the award to the Harpenden team, noting the pride displayed by staff across all sites visited during the audit process.