Doing Things Properly Since Day One: Six Years of Unify

Six years ago, Unify Cleaning started with a simple idea: to do things properly, and build a business we could be proud of.

Unify launched in April 2020, not exactly the easiest time to start a business! Like many, we were faced with the immediate impact of COVID-19, including furloughing members of our team almost as soon as we’d started. It was a tough start, but it also shaped who we are. Looking after our people when it matters most became part of our foundation, and it still shapes how we work today.

Back then, we had one customer, Bruntwood, and a small team focused on commercial office cleaning. Since then, we’ve grown into a team of more than 600 people, delivering across 375+ locations from Manchester to Birmingham. Our work now spans offices, restaurants, labs, universities and even TV productions. As we’ve grown, we’ve strengthened our systems and expanded our reach, but we’ve stayed focused on consistency, quality, and doing the job properly.

We value practical commitments, not just words. As a Real Living Wage employer and a founding member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, we prioritise fair pay, secure work and inclusive environments. We actively listen to our teams through regular engagement surveys, open conversations and on-site visits, making sure that feedback genuinely shapes how we improve.

The impact of that approach is clear. Our engagement scores have steadily grown, reaching the high 80s, and our employee Net Promoter Score sits well above industry averages. More importantly, it’s reflected in the pride our teams take in their work and the consistency they deliver every day. In an industry often known for high turnover, we’ve created an environment where people can stay and build long-term careers.

What began as a small operation with a clear way of working has grown into something we know works. A business built on doing the job properly, looking after our people, and delivering for our customers. 

Now, we’re focused on what comes next, growing across our regions, building new partnerships, and expanding into new environments. Our work with organisations like Turning Point and Salford Innovation Forum is a great example of this, supporting spaces where quality, trust, and attention to detail really matter.

If you’re new to Unify, that’s who we are. And if that sounds like the kind of partner you’re looking for, we’d love to have a conversation.

Here’s to the next chapter!