One of the original founders of Cleankill Pest Control is retiring after building the company into one of the South East’s leading pest control businesses.
Paul Bates joined Cleankill in 1997 after a 16-year career with Rentokil, where he progressed from technician to sales, service and branch management.
Cleankill was founded with a clear aim: to provide high-quality pest control delivered by well-trained, motivated staff who genuinely care about customers. The directors wanted to build a company that they would want to work for.
Three decades later, that vision has helped Cleankill grow into a multi award-winning business employing 58 people, with turnover approaching £6 million and thousands of customers across London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the wider South East.
The company is the only pest control company in England to achieve and retain Gold Investors in People three times in a row.
Commenting on his retirement, Mr Bates said: “Cleankill has been a huge part of my life and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved. When we started, we wanted to create a pest control company that did things properly – looking after customers, investing in staff and building long-term relationships. Seeing the company grow and helping so many people develop to their careers with us has been one of the greatest privileges of my working life.
“I’ll miss the people and the day-to-day involvement, but I know Cleankill is in a strong position for the future. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, continuing my community work and, of course, cheering on Crystal Palace.”
Cleankill director Clive Bury added: “Paul has made an extraordinary contribution to Cleankill and to the pest control industry. He combines technical knowledge, commercial understanding and a genuine concern for people, which has shaped the culture of the business from the beginning.
“Paul has never been the kind of managing director who stays behind a desk. He has always been willing to get involved, support colleagues and lead by example. His values, including professionalism, integrity, customer care, environmental responsibility and community commitment, are woven into what we call the Cleankill Way.
“Everyone at Cleankill wishes Paul a long, happy and very well-deserved retirement.”
