Case Study

Reduce your true cost of cleaning with Wightman and Parrish.

Smart, Safe, Sustainable: A Cleaning Transformation at The King’s School Canterbury

This transformation resulted in a "triple win," delivering enhanced cleaning performance while eliminating cleaning-related health issues for staff, significantly reducing plastic waste, and optimising costs through product rationalisation. The case study highlights the success of this collaborative partnership, which thrives on trust, tailored support, and a shared commitment to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable cleaning operation.

kings school case study

About The King's School Canterbury

The King's School is considered to be the oldest continuously operating school in the world, with a remarkable 1,400-year legacy of academic excellence. This prestigious independent school comprises three campuses in and around the historic city of Canterbury:

  • The Senior School: Students aged 13-18
  • Junior King's: Educating pupils aged 3-13
  • The King's School International College: For international students aged 13-17

As a co-educational institution offering both boarding and day schooling options, The King's School serves hundreds of students across its three sites and therefore requires comprehensive cleaning solutions to maintain the highest standards of health, safety, and hygiene.

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The challenge: Balancing cleaning performance with sustainability goals

Like many forward-thinking schools and colleges, The King's School faced a complex challenge. Their commitment to sustainability – both environmental and financial – was driving their search for eco-friendly cleaning alternatives. However, they needed solutions that would:

  • Maintain exceptional cleaning performance in diverse environments across the school sites
  • Reduce environmental impact without compromising on hygiene standards
  • Eliminate health concerns – cleaning staff had been experiencing headaches from harsh chemical products
  • Streamline product range to improve efficiency and reduce costs
  • Minimise plastic waste in line with their sustainability goals

The school had previously worked with multiple suppliers, complicating their cleaning operations. More critically, cleaning staff were experiencing headaches and other symptoms caused by harsh chemical-based products. They needed a trusted partner who could provide a comprehensive, sustainable solution that prioritised both environmental and human health.

The solution: Sustainable cleaning technology with BioHygiene

After more than 13 years of partnership built on trust and reliability, Wightman & Parrish proposed an innovative solution: BioHygiene, the UK's leading biotechnology cleaning brand. BioHygiene's enzymatic cleaning products offer a breakthrough in sustainable cleaning technology:

  • Beneficial bacteria and enzymes replace harsh chemicals, to remove even stubborn stains
  • Continuous cleaning action that works long after application, providing ongoing effectiveness
  • Biodegradable formulations that are safe for users and the environment
  • Concentrated products that reduce packaging waste and storage requirements
  • Versatile solutions suitable for multiple cleaning applications across different facility types

Implementation of sustainable cleaning products

We facilitated a trial of BioHygiene products at the International College in 2024, focusing on key cleaning products:

  1. Product demonstration by BioHygiene representatives on-site
  2. Strategic product selection replacing harsh chemical cleaners with biological-based enzymatic alternatives
  3. Staff training and support throughout the transition, including COSHH compliance training
  4. Performance monitoring to ensure cleaning standards were maintained without compromise

Outstanding results: Triple win for performance, health, and sustainability

The BioHygiene trial delivered exceptional results in terms of cleaning performance, environmental and health benefits, and cost optimisation:

  • Enhanced cleaning performance
    • Maintained the school's exacting cleanliness standards across all facility types
    • Continuous bacterial action provides longer-lasting results that work after application
    • Effective removal of stubborn stains through combined enzyme and bacteria action
    • Same great cleaning results with no compromise on quality

 

  • Environmental benefits
    • Significant reduction in plastic waste through concentrated products
    • Elimination of harsh chemical-based products from the cleaning process
    • Biodegradable formulations to support sustainability targets
    • Reduced carbon footprint through more efficient product usage

 

  • Improved staff wellbeing
    • Complete elimination of cleaning-related headaches and breathing issues previously reported by staff
    • Safer, more pleasant working environment with reduced exposure to harsh chemicals
    • Fewer risk assessments required due to product rationalisation
    • Enhanced job satisfaction among cleaning teams

 

  • Cost optimisation
    • Product rationalisation reduced the number of different cleaning products needed
    • Concentrated formulations delivered better value per application
    • Streamlined ordering and inventory management

What The King’s School says…

"The King's School Canterbury has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Wightman & Parrish for over 13 years. As The Head of Domestic Services and Staff Moves at our independent school, I can attest to the strength of our relationship. It is characterised by open communication, mutual development, and a flexible approach. W&P consistently accommodates our needs without pushing for a hard sale.

This personalised approach has been key to our long-standing collaboration. W&P listens to our concerns, proactively resolves issues, and finds effective solutions. We regularly explore new products and integrate them across our three sites. Training sessions, including COSHH training, have been conducted as needed, and we have discussed new legislation and updates thoroughly.

Additionally, W&P provides detailed product data, including quantity, cost, and location, upon request. This information is crucial for managing our spending and chemical usage. They also ensure compliance by sending updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS)."

— Stephen Collins, Head of Domestic Services and Staff Moves, The King's School Canterbury

Why this partnership works

 The long-standing relationship between Wightman & Parrish and The King’s School Canterbury thrives on shared values, trust, and a deep understanding of the school’s operational needs. Rather than a transactional supplier-client relationship, this is a true partnership built on collaboration and continuous improvement. We focus on listening to the school's specific challenges and proactively identifying tailored solutions.

Training and compliance support are key to the partnership’s success. From expert-led COSHH training to keeping the school informed on legislative changes and best practices, Wightman & Parrish provide comprehensive, up-to-date guidance. In addition, detailed product usage and cost data support smarter decision-making and better budget control.

Innovation is another pillar of the partnership. New product trials, regular evaluations, and an openness to change ensure the school benefits from the latest sustainable cleaning technologies – without disrupting daily operations.

Partnering with the right supplier of cleaning and hygiene products can help your school or college achieve your sustainability goals without compromising on performance or budget. By choosing Wightman & Parrish as your preferred hygiene supplies partner, you can:

  • Protect student and staff health through safer cleaning products
  • Lead by example in environmental responsibility
  • Optimise operational efficiency and cost management
  • Focus resources on your core educational mission

If you’re looking for a dependable supplier who can support you in meeting your sustainability goals, get in touch with us today.

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