Our team, dedicated to cleaning for some of the world's most beloved and followed events, whether the Welsh rugby team or a Taylor Swift concert, plays a vital role in the success of these experiences. From cleaning up during and after the event to kitchen portering and lift operators, we are committed to delivering excellent service throughout, ensuring visitors' memorable experiences.

In September of this year, we began delivering a daily cleaning contract at the Principality Stadium, expanding on our existing event cleaning services. Here, we look at our new role and how we have improved the stadium's cleaning standards.

Strengthening a trusted partnership

For over 14 years, AQS (part of the Tudor Group) has been a trusted partner of the Principality Stadium, providing exceptional cleaning services at significant events and ensuring the venue looks its best for every visitor. We’ve cleaned after millions of people, playing an essential role in ensuring their visit is unforgettable. This new daily cleaning contract at the Principality Stadium is a testament to the trust we have built over the years, and we are committed to continuing to earn and maintain this trust through our reliable and high-quality services.

The task at hand

Embracing the entire cleaning contract management, AQS now oversees all the cleaning operations throughout the stadium. Under the leadership, this change promises a more efficient and comprehensive cleaning service, enhancing the overall stadium experience. Robin Kinrade, Director at AQS, highlights what the new daily responsibilities include:

“Under our new remit, the team are now responsible for the day-to-day cleaning across the stadium, which includes cleaning across all hospitality events, the shop, offices, their shops and retail.”

In addition to the new cleaning arrangement, eight existing staff under the previous management came across to work as part of the AQS team. A key part of the process was to integrate them into the team. Robin adds:

“Under the previous management, our large team worked alongside the eight-person team during events, adhering to their established methods. Since they joined our team, we’ve implemented a process to integrate them.”

Improving standards across the stadium

AQS takes pride in developing exceptional service by crafting a tailored cleaning schedule that meets each client's unique needs.

Tasked with running events, the Principality Stadium management team’s expertise is in running and managing the stadium, not cleaning, which requires a professional approach. Through our trained managers, who are accustomed to cleaning on this scale, and our professional training that focuses on cleaning techniques and safety measures, and an approach that emphasises attention to detail and efficiency, we’ve been able to plan each cleaning activity with precision. As a result, productivity has increased, and the result is significantly improved standards across the stadium.

Robin adds:

“This extra productivity has allowed the team more time to focus on improving the cleaning standards. We appreciate their hard work and dedication in achieving these improvements.”

Darren Crossman, Facilities Manager at the Principality Stadium, comments on the standard of work the AQS team have delivered:

“I walked around the stadium today on a pre-event inspection, looking at everything. Irrationally, I had my reservations about how it would go.”

“I can honestly say that Mark Williams (Stadium Manager) and I are extremely pleased with the standard, and it is higher than it was when the cleaning regime was under our staff. This is an excellent start to the contract, and I hope it sets the bar for the future.”

“A huge thank you and well done on I to you and the team. The stadium looks excellent, and we still have 2 days to go. This proves that outsourcing the contract to AQS was absolutely the right move.”

The vital role of the experienced AQS team

None of these improvements would have been possible without a strong team. Chris Williams, Operations Manager, has many years of experience working at the stadium, having begun her journey at AQS back in 2012 during the London Olympics. Chris oversees, plans, and manages the team, and her invaluable expertise alongside a great team, including Operations Support Manager Kasia Stepnik, has been crucial in creating a smooth transition to managing the new contract. Robin adds:

“A lot of the great work put in has been down to the experienced team delivering the cleans. Our amazing team is the beating heart of everything great we do at AQS. They understand the standards required and the process involved to deliver a high-quality cleaning service in a high traffic environment”

“If a new team were to come in and take on the contract, they wouldn’t have the benefit we have of understanding the stadium's unique requirements. Chris’ expertise has enabled us, alongside our meticulous processes, to hit the ground running and implement a plan quickly and efficiently.”

Building on the initial foundations

The initial few months have been about laying the foundations and building the right management structure. Heading into 2025, daily activities will now include waste and consumable management responsibility. Robin concludes:

“Thanks to the collective efforts of the entire team, from the beginning of next year, we'll be integrating and adding hygiene services along with other related aspects.”

“The brilliant work we’ve achieved and the ongoing work we deliver at the stadium and across other venues cements our place within the event arena in South Wales and the West of England.”

If you would like to know more about our stadium and event cleaning services, or would like to speak to us about your unique requirements, please get in touch on 01443 217000 or email info@aqualityservice.co.uk.