About Us - Ideal Services Group

Four generations

Founded in 1946, Ideal Services Group are a family-owned business now in its fourth generation. Originally a chimney sweeping company, we have expanded into a comprehensive Commercial Cleaning and Facilities Management organisation. Our growth has been shaped by our family values, strong customer relationships, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, value-for-money services. We maintain a close partnership with our customers, tailoring our offerings to meet their unique needs. Over the decades, we have listened to feedback and evolved accordingly. Our staff, often with us for 30 to 40 years, are our most prized asset. We hire locally, promote from within, and provide a supportive environment, cultivating a pipeline of talent for future leadership.

History of Ideal Services

Shortly after WW2 George Newell started Ideal Cleaning Services which began as “Ideal Chimney Sweeping Company”, the first to utilise vacuums for such operations. The company developed the Movac dry waste extraction system which would eventually lead to boiler and power station cleaning.

1946

We became a limited company and changed our name to Ideal Cleaning Services.

1951

The company prospered under George and his brother Arthur but they soon enlisted the help of George’s son in law Dennis Dring who was brought in to oversee the growth of Ideal’s window cleaning business and introduced office cleaning services which led to a rapid increase in business and the company extended its geographical coverage.

1950s
& 60s

Dennis Dring became Managing Director of the company.

1969

Our BMS Janitorial Department was formed to fill a gap in the market for customers wanting to purchase good quality cleaning equipment and materials.

1970

We extended our expertise into industrial services. Already coming a long way from the early days of chimney sweeping, Ideal began to develop a very good reputation as specialists in the industrial field. Boilers and power stations were a major source of business.

1970s
& 80s

Our Hygiene Department was formed. Through the foresight of George Newell in 1989 a young Philip Taylor, a micro biologist, was interviewed and joined Ideal to form our Hygiene department. It was a natural extension to our ever-growing list of services we could provide to our customers. Legionella testing/treatment, professional cleaning of water cooling systems and all areas where intensive cleaning and microbial control is required.

1989

David Dring, Dennis Drings son, joined Ideal as Assistant General Manager, using his experience from previous job roles to help develop the company.

1990

After decades of contributing to the company’s growth and success, Dennis Dring decided it was time to retire from his role as Managing Director. His son, David Dring, succeeded him as Managing Director. Leveraging his experience and the mentorship of his father, David took on the critical responsibility of steering the company into the new millennium.

1996

Ideal mourns the passing of its founder George Newell aged 86

1998

David Dring tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday 3rd September aged 42 leaving his wife and 3 children. His death had a profound impact on the Ideal team.

2006

Philip Taylor assumed the role of Managing Director. Chris Dring, David Dring’s son, and later Adam Dring, joined the family business, bringing a positive outlook that Ideal would continue to operate with members of the family working within it.

Late
2006

During the Covid Pandemic Ideal continued operating throughout the country delivering support to all its customers who had remained open. We provided rapid-response fogging disinfections, minimising downtime for clients affected by outbreaks. Our staff helped ensure NHS surgeries and hospitals continued to function, supermarkets remain open and other essential services for the public continued to run throughout the pandemic.

Covid

Chris Dring became the first family member to join the company board since his father David did so in 1994.

2020

Ideal Celebrates 75 Years!!

2021

Chris Dring was promoted to the role of Managing Director, Philip Taylor was appointed Chairman of the company.

2022

The company is adopting new technologies and eco-friendly products and the life long tradition of expanding our services to support our customers continues with the opening of our Hard Facilities Management Department.

2023
& Beyond