A NORTH-EAST industrial cleaning business, which secured the backing of TV Dragon Duncan Bannatyne, has won a major contract with private healthcare firm Bupa.

UK Commercial Cleaning Services (UKCC) has been awarded the three-year contract to provide services to 304 Bupa care homes across England, Wales and Scotland, beating a large number of other firms from the commercial cleaning sector.

It is the latest success for the Washington-based firm, which won £100,000 backing on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den.

Tony Earnshaw, 26, started the business by buying a window cleaning round for £300 when he was 19, turning it into a company with a turnover of more than £1.5m.

He said: “We are really looking forward to working alongside Bupa over the next few years. Cleanliness is important in any public setting, but it is a paramount necessity for a respected company such as Bupa.

“We pride ourselves on giving the best customer service and working to the highest standards.

“I believe this is why we won the contract.”

Gary Reed, head of property finance at Bupa Care Services, said “We are committed to ensuring our homes are as clean and well presented as our residents and relatives expect. UK Commercial Cleaning Services demonstrated a professional approach and the ability to cope with our extensive, nationwide portfolio of homes.”