Tenders by trade · Written by Wallis Tenders · Reviewed 1 October 2026
Look beyond the word cleaning
Office cleaning, school cleaning, window cleaning and specialist deep cleans can appear in different notices. Some buyers bundle cleaning into a wider facilities management contract. Start with cleaning, then try a separate search for the particular service you provide. Several keywords narrow a search rather than create alternatives.
Check the staffing commitment
Read the site list, opening hours, cleaning frequencies and cover requirements before pricing. A small annual value can still mean early starts across several buildings. Check whether consumables, equipment, waste disposal or specialist treatments are included. Ask the buyer about any staff-transfer information in the documents rather than assuming a new team can start from scratch.
Make a realistic shortlist
Compare travel time, supervision, sickness cover and the service start date with your current workload. Check any safeguarding, security and insurance requirements in the specification. A local lot may fit a smaller business even where the whole procurement value looks large.
Your quick checklist
- Which buildings and hours are included?
- Who supplies equipment and consumables?
- Is a site visit or clarification question due before the bid?
- Does the value cover one year, the full term or several lots?