Latest News from BPCA

25 March 2025

Cleankill signs up to Armed Forces Covenant

PRESS RELEASE

After discussions with ex-services employees, BPCA member Cleankill Pest Control has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant - a promise to support the Armed Forces community.

cleankill-sign-armed-forces-covenant-icon

Around 9 percent of Cleankill’s staff once served in the UK’s Armed Forces. This highlighted to the company that individuals who have trained and served their country share similar characteristics with the role of pest control technician. 

Cleankill Director Clive Bury explains: “We considered what features the roles shared, how their training made them so compatible for a role in pest control and how we could best support current and future ex-services employees.

"We are delighted to have signed the pledge and hope it will encourage more ex-forces personnel to join us and start a new career in pest control.

“The Covenant is a pledge to support those who serve or have served, support their families and ensure they are fairly treated. It is a show of support not just to ex-service personnel and veterans but also to our customers, staff, contractors and the general public that we are serious about helping ex-service people.”

The key qualities that both services share are:

  • Punctuality
  • Trustworthy
  • Excellent training
  • Problem solving
  • Taking instructions
  • Well-presented
  • Organisation
  • Teamwork
  • Planning.

Someone who demonstrates all these qualities is Cleankill Service Team Leader Neil Parker. Neil is a shining example of someone who is excelling in his new career and finding it extremely rewarding.

Neil served for 12 years in the Royal Artillery as an Air Defence Gunner, operating and then commanding the Rapier short-range Air Defence missile system. He left with the rank of Bombardier - the equivalent of a Corporal.

Neil entered pest control by accident while working in the wine trade. 

He said: “I started as a technician which suited me as it gave me an opportunity to transfer skills from the military that I hadn't used for a while. I now manage a team of technicians after being promoted to team leader. I really love my job and find it incredibly rewarding.

“I believe that the role of pest control technician is ideal for an ex-forces individual, particularly someone who likes to operate within a team and use their mental resources.”

Neil Parker and Pest Control Technician Wayne Baron, Cleankill’s Armed Forces Champion who also served in the Royal Artillery, joined Director Clive Bury and Lt Col Darren Johnston for the official signing on the Armed Forces Covenant in the Duke of Wellington’s conference room inside Horse Guards Parade, London.

Cleankill Pest Control is currently recruiting for technicians in the South East.

Cleankill Pest Control specialises in providing commercial and residential pest control services across London, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Bucks, Bristol and the rest of the country.

Source:

Highlights View all news

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Consumer vulnerability: recognising the signs, reducing the risks with Louise Baxter MBE

Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Non-Executive Director at TrustMark, explores what consumer vulnerability really means in 2025 and how it affects the work you do every day.

Read more

30 October 2025

Latest news

BPCA launch new careers hub, video and Open Doors Charter

Rosina Robson shares how the Association’s new pestcareers.org.uk hub, recruitment film, Open Doors Charter and social media campaign are helping to attract a more diverse, skilled and inspired workforce into pest management.

Read more

29 October 2025

Latest news

Government guidance on Awaab’s Law issued for social landlords

On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law entered into force. Applying to social landlords, their tenants are now protected against emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards.

Read more
Latest View all news

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Consumer vulnerability: recognising the signs, reducing the risks with Louise Baxter MBE

Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Non-Executive Director at TrustMark, explores what consumer vulnerability really means in 2025 and how it affects the work you do every day.

Read more

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Duty of care: an employer’s guide | BPCA Quest HR support

In this clear and practical session, Hema Mistry, Head of Service at Quest, breaks down what every business owner needs to understand about their legal and moral responsibilities towards staff.

Read more

31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: How we support our colleagues at Pelsis

SPONSORED. In this session, Sophie Thorogood, Technical Training Manager at Pelsis, shares how the business is leading the way in supporting staff wellbeing across its UK sites.

Read more