As one of the UK’s rapidly growing full fibre network providers, AllPoints Fibre Networks has undergone significant organisational change in recent years. Following the consolidation of several regional fibre businesses and a strategic shift away from network construction towards wholesale connectivity, the company reduced its national property portfolio from more than 20 sites to just three.
Throughout that period of rapid change, Archway Facilities provided commercial cleaning services across multiple Devon locations, supporting everything from a busy operational depot to the company’s flagship £2 million Exeter headquarters.
Although the contract ultimately ended as part of the company’s wider property consolidation programme, Property Manager Justin Doulin describes the relationship as “100% positive from cradle to grave”, highlighting not only the quality of the service, but the professionalism with which it was concluded.
Managing commercial property across a growing national organisation leaves little time to oversee day-to-day contractor performance.
When Justin reviewed the cleaning provision at AllPoints Fibre’s Honiton operational site, he found that the existing contractor simply wasn’t managing its own staff effectively. Standards had become inconsistent, issues were reaching the client rather than being resolved proactively, and there was little visibility of performance.
For Justin, who oversees supplier performance across multiple categories, that represented a fundamental problem.
“We’re paying for a contractor to manage their people. If issues are reaching me, something’s gone wrong.”
The company wanted a partner that could operate independently, provide accountability and give confidence that standards were consistently being maintained without requiring management intervention.
Archway first came onto the shortlist through local recommendations and a reputation for working with larger, premium organisations.
What immediately stood out was the professionalism of their approach.
Rather than simply quoting for the work, Archway carried out a detailed site survey, demonstrating clear operational processes and presenting a far more structured service than competitors Justin had previously worked with.
As the relationship developed, several aspects continued to distinguish Archway:
Justin also valued Archway’s broader business credentials. As part of AllPoints Fibre’s procurement process, suppliers are assessed against governance criteria including Modern Slavery compliance, sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Archway were able to demonstrate both documented policies and visible evidence that these values were genuinely embedded in the business, from staff wellbeing through to investment in electric vehicles.
Following the successful delivery at the Honiton site, Archway was appointed to maintain AllPoints Fibre’s flagship Exeter headquarters, a modern three-storey office following a £2 million refurbishment.
Even as the business evolved and two floors became largely unoccupied, Archway adapted their service to support changing operational needs, maintaining vacant areas to protect the building while flexing cleaning schedules around reduced occupancy.
Throughout the relationship, Justin says he rarely needed to become involved. Regular audits, proactive supervision and effective staff management meant issues were identified and addressed long before they became management problems.
“I’ve dealt with several cleaning contractors over the years and Archway are the best I’ve worked with.”
For Justin, the value wasn’t simply cleaner offices; it was removing operational workload and allowing his team to focus on higher-value priorities.
A relationship that ended well
As AllPoints Fibre restructured nationally and exited multiple offices, the Exeter contract came to a natural close for reasons entirely unrelated to service quality.
Having recently completed Supplier Relationship Management Practitioner training, Justin believes the way suppliers handle the end of a contract says as much about them as the beginning.
Archway responded with professionalism, understanding and flexibility throughout the transition, working collaboratively around notice periods, discussing rolling extensions where required and maintaining a positive relationship throughout.
“The whole contract lifecycle -from cradle to grave – has been a really positive experience.”
“If the ending had left a sour taste, I probably wouldn’t recommend them. Instead, I’d absolutely use Archway again.”
That confidence has already translated into referrals, with Justin personally recommending Archway to another significant commercial property client in Exeter following the contract’s conclusion.
Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club is home to one of the UK’s leading Premiership rugby teams and operates one of Devon’s largest conference and events venues. Alongside elite sport, the stadium hosts corporate events, hospitality, conferences and community activities throughout the year.
Archway Facilities has provided commercial cleaning services to Exeter Chiefs for around three years, supporting the club’s demanding operational schedule with consistent, high-quality service.
Harbour Schools Trust is one of Devon’s largest Multi Academy Trusts, operating 36 schools across the county. As the Trust has expanded, maintaining consistently high standards across dozens of sites has become increasingly important, while also reducing the operational burden placed on school leaders and the central estates team.
Archway has worked with the Trust for more than five years, providing commercial cleaning services across a growing number of its primary schools and becoming a trusted long-term facilities partner.
As one of the UK’s rapidly growing full fibre network providers, AllPoints Fibre Networks has undergone significant organisational change in recent years. Following the consolidation of several regional fibre businesses and a strategic shift away from network construction towards wholesale connectivity, the company reduced its national property portfolio from more than 20 sites to just three.
Throughout that period of rapid change, Archway Facilities provided commercial cleaning services across multiple Devon locations, supporting everything from a busy operational depot to the company’s flagship £2 million Exeter headquarters.
Although the contract ultimately ended as part of the company’s wider property consolidation programme, Property Manager Justin Doulin describes the relationship as “100% positive from cradle to grave”, highlighting not only the quality of the service, but the professionalism with which it was concluded.
A long-term partnership built on trust, professionalism and consistency
Michelmores is one of the UK’s leading law firms, providing legal services to businesses and private clients from its Exeter headquarters. As Facilities Manager, Andy Heard is responsible for ensuring the firm’s offices remain immaculate, welcoming and secure for both employees and visiting clients.
Archway Facilities has provided Michelmores’ commercial cleaning services for almost a decade, delivering a consistently high standard of service backed by responsive communication, dependable people and long-term continuity.
