Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Commercial Cleaning Services in London
City & Essex is a family-owned commercial cleaning company with over 50 years of experience serving London and surrounding areas. Founded on the principle of caring for our people to ensure exceptional customer service, we have built long-term partnerships with clients and colleagues through dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Our team combines industry-leading expertise with data-driven solutions to redefine service standards while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility and community impact.We specialise in commercial cleaning, window maintenance, specialist cleaning solutions, and support services tailored to diverse sectors including offices, retail, hospitality, and listed buildings. Our accreditations include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and CHAS certification, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. With a culture of trust, adaptability, and passion for excellence, we prioritise both occupier experience and staff well-being while delivering cost-effective, technology-driven cleaning solutions.
Services
Commercial Cleaning
Window Cleaning
Support Services
Specialist Cleaning
Waste Management
Pest Control
Towel Laundering
Graffiti Removal
Event Cleaning
Hard Floor Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in commercial cleaning services
- Our ISO-certified processes ensure quality and environmental compliance
- We provide innovative solutions using smart technology and data analytics
- Our staff receive continuous training and professional development
- We maintain partnerships with leading property management firms in London
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- CHAS
- SafeContractor
- BICSc
- CSSA Gold Membership
- Living Wage Foundation
- Race at Work Charter
- Mental Health Charter
What people say
Exceptional service standards
Reliable and professional team
Innovative technology integration
Strong sustainability commitment
Long-term partnership focus
Services
Commercial Cleaning
We maintain clean, safe environments for offices and workspaces using industry-leading practices. Our services include daily cleaning, floor maintenance, and washroom sanitation tailored to client schedules. With 50 years' experience, we ensure compliance with health and safety standards while minimising disruption to business operations.
Window Cleaning
Our certified technicians clean windows and external facades using rope access and water-fed pole systems. We handle landmark buildings and high-rise structures with specialist equipment. The service includes regular maintenance schedules and defect management through our digital tracking platform.
Support Services
We provide comprehensive support including waste management, pest control, and towel laundering. Our smart locker system ensures towel availability while tracking usage data. These services integrate seamlessly with primary cleaning operations to maintain building standards and occupant satisfaction.
Specialist Cleaning
Our team handles event cleaning, building handovers, and graffiti removal with specialist equipment. We offer kitchen deep cleaning and carpet maintenance using advanced extraction methods. These services are available on-demand or as scheduled maintenance to meet specific client requirements.
Innovation Solutions
We develop digital platforms for task scheduling, waste tracking, and access control. Our innovations include real-time compliance monitoring and data analytics tools that enhance operational efficiency. These solutions integrate with client systems to provide transparency and measurable performance metrics.
People
Ian Hookway
Managing Director
With over 50 years in the cleaning industry, Ian leads City & Essex with a focus on people-first values. He champions innovation and sustainability while maintaining family business principles. His leadership has driven long-term client relationships and industry recognition.
Sue Hookway
Financial Director
Sue oversees financial operations with expertise in business sustainability. She ensures responsible financial management aligned with company values. Her strategic approach supports growth while maintaining ethical standards and client trust.
Bruce Herbst
Executive Operations Director
Bruce manages operational excellence across all service lines. With extensive experience in service delivery, he implements best practices for quality assurance. His leadership ensures consistent service standards and client satisfaction across diverse projects.
Dylan Harper
Commercial Director
Dylan drives commercial strategy and client partnerships. He focuses on innovative solutions that meet evolving market needs. His expertise in contract management and client relations strengthens City & Essex's position as industry leaders.
Cameron Watson
Head of ESG
Cameron leads sustainability initiatives and ethical practices. He ensures environmental compliance while developing carbon reduction strategies. His work on the ThinkGreen system demonstrates commitment to measurable sustainability outcomes for clients.
Questions
What areas do you cover?
We primarily serve London and Essex, with capabilities extending to nationwide commercial projects.
Are your cleaning methods environmentally friendly?
Yes, we use sustainable products and have ISO 14001-certified environmental management systems.
Do you offer emergency cleaning services?
We provide scheduled services but can arrange urgent cleans for specific incidents.
How do you ensure service quality?
Through ISO 9001-certified processes, staff training, and digital performance monitoring systems.
Can you handle listed buildings?
Yes, our specialist team has experience maintaining historic and protected structures.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, CHAS, and SafeContractor certifications.
Reviews (2)
M. B.
Apr 02, 2022
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City & Essex provided my office's daily cleaning service from 2019 until 2022 (terminated only due to my office moving away), and they did a phenomenal job. Quick upstart to services and immediate responses from the team throughout our entire contract. They also would respond within an hour or less when we had emergency cleaning requirements (coffee spills, etc.). Critical highlight for City & Essex - they did a fantastic job in navigating our cleaning/safety needs during the entire pandemic.
They provided deep cleans on a moment's notice, and helped ensure the ongoing daily safety of our office space - throughout hard lockdowns, soft lockdowns, changing COVID rules, etc., which we are extremely grateful for.
They provided deep cleans on a moment's notice, and helped ensure the ongoing daily safety of our office space - throughout hard lockdowns, soft lockdowns, changing COVID rules, etc., which we are extremely grateful for.
Lelde Kurme
Nov 18, 2020
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Cleaners are treated nicely by company they clean. but are not treated as human beings by City &Essex bully supervisor and manager.
