Who’s cleaning up now?

A company set up in a first-floor flat by two brothers in Purley celebrated its 20th anniversary with a fun day for employees.

Gary and Paul Jeal began Chequers Contract Services as a window cleaning company in 1987, with a Morris Marina as their company car.

Their sister Kate Ward later joined the family business and it expanded into a building and maintenance company which, combined with the cleaning company, now has an annual turnover of £4.9m.

“We especially wanted to thank our staff, who have been both loyal and hardworking. Much of our success can be attributed to them and we certainly could not have been so successful without their help.”
Kate Ward

They celebrated the anniversary on Sunday with a fun day at Parsons Pightle in Coulsdon Road, Old Coulsdon, attended by more than 200 people.

Kate said: "We especially wanted to thank our staff, who have been both loyal and hardworking. Much of our success can be attributed to them and we certainly could not have been so successful without their help."

They also raised more than £1,000 for the Glass Slipper Appeal, part of the Royal Marsden's Cancer Campaign.