BBC’s Decision about Dry Cleaners Fulham
An investigation by the high court into whether or not the fleet of Dry Cleaners Fulham was guilty of any trading standards office has been delayed. This is because, despite being promised to the inquiry, the BBC failed to produce a full report that it claims it will present to the inquiry. This is despite the fact that it was one of the companies involved in the audit. The BBC did however publish the findings of the inquiry in a detailed and confidential report. This report was highly critical of the cleaners and their operation during the period of the audit.
The BBC made the decision to delay the audit because of concerns that the firm in question may have contravened accounting rules. The company has already been fined a sum of pounds five thousand by the BBC for failing to meet its obligations relating to the handling of confidential material. In addition to this fine, the BBC is also awaiting a referral from the high court in London in relation to its decision regarding the validity of the firm's accounts. The BBC has also received a letter from solicitors acting on behalf of Mr. Justice Leggatt requesting that the BBC should not carry out the original audit.
BBC's policy on the dry cleaning company
The original audit was stopped working as soon as the BBC revealed that one of the two cleaning companies in question had contravened a number of BBC policies. These policies were set out in a document known as a" BBC policy" which details all of the obligations which are legally obligated for any company that undertakes work for the BBC. One of these obligations relates to the method that dry cleaners are supposed to use when cleaning an apartment block.
According to the BBC's policy on the dry cleaning company should "ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the use of a dry cleaner in the area". However, it seems that this was not the case. It is also believed that the company did not take any notice that its employees should not be able to handle the pressure of cleaning a large site in one go. This breach of policy has resulted in the suspension of the firm from using the BBC studios' site. It is believed that this was because one of the cleaners had allowed a machine to go backward when cleaning a certain part of the building.
BBC has to make Decision about Using Property
The BBC informed the dry cleaning company involved that it was "aware that this particular breach of policy occurred whilst the items being cleaned were in the final stages of the job, and it was subsequently agreed that action would be taken against the company". A spokesman for the BBC confirmed that no decision has been made regarding the probe. He said: "The BBC does not own or manage any of the properties and is not involved in any way with the maintenance or servicing of the flats. We are satisfied that the actions taken were appropriate and professional." The BBC decided to suspend the firm following the claims given to it by one of its cleaning clients. The BBC's Service Provider Subordinated Services previously had its contract with Dry cleaners Fulham ended on 30 December. At the time of ending the contract, it had been using the premises as a base for some of its contracted works. A member of the Dry cleaners' staff was found to have gone onto the property unauthorized on several occasions. The BBC understands that it will need to provide a full inspection of the premises and a full report to the BBC by the end of the month. This will allow the BBC to make a decision about whether it wishes to continue using the facility.
BBC has decided not to Renew Any of its Dry Cleaning Contracts
The BBC has also decided not to renew any of its dry cleaning contracts with the owners of five units in Fulham. The owners of two properties, situated close to each other on Wellesley Street, have been told that they have up to six months to work with the BBC before the lease ends. According to the BBC, the owners of the three additional units have told them that they would like to continue running their laundry services. The BBC is yet to carry out any checks on these owners. The BBC has also decided not to proceed with a plan to expand its dry cleaning operations to accommodate a second laundry service. This move comes after the first business, on Wellesley Street, signed a contract to operate a Laundromat in the area in October 2021.
A spokesman for the BBC said that "a final decision hasn't been taken as regards to where the BBC would buy the unit, however, it is hoped that the laundry market in Fulham will continue to prosper and there may be an opportunity to buy a stake in a smaller firm". The BBC understands that negotiations are underway to find a buyer for the Dry cleaners fulham broadway business. A spokesman for Dry cleaners Fulham Broadway added, "It's always good to hear that the BBC is looking to expand and take on more premises. We've seen a lot of success in the past for our business and we look forward to working with the BBC." A spokesman for the BBC said, "No decisions have been made but we'll look into it".