• Why Initial Services
  • Who is Initial
    • History, Values and Culture
    • People Matter
    • Our Approach
  • Global Yet Local
  • Building Trust
  • Environment and Society
  • Leadership and Innovation
• Working with You
• Benefits of Renting
• Your Business
• Washroom Services & Products
• Washroom Consumables
• Sharps Disposal
• Washroom FAQs
• Servicing, Delivery & Installation
• News
• Careers
• Contact Us

History, Values and Culture

History

Initial began trading in 1903 when an American, Mr. A.P. Bigelow, started a towel rental service for London businesses. Each customer had their initials embroidered on their towels – and so the Initial Towel Supply Company was born. In time the business grew and expanded into many other countries. Acquired by the Rentokil group in 1996, it was renamed Rentokil Initial. Rentokil added international know-how and business acumen to the group’s operations, and today the two businesses still trade separately under the Rentokil and Initial brand names.

We initially began the Washroom Service approximately 25 years ago in Trinidad doing only the Sanitact Service. Shortly afterwards we then expanded to the Medical Service for hospitals and for many years that was all we did.

Approximately 18 years ago, we introduced the Sharps Disposal sales and service and the Soap dispenser service using all of the 3 liquids. We then introduced the Air Freshening service with initially only one fragrance, however a few years later, at the request of our clients, we introduced additional fragrances. Two years later we then began the Sanitizer service immediately going into both the Central and direct dosing service to accommodate all clients hardware.

The last service to be introduced was the Toilet Seat Cleaner 6 years ago and we now also sell the Initial paper towel dispenser.

Last year we introduced the Elite and Chrome Models of all of these services and finally we have put things in place to introduce the ATM service,

Culture and Values

Initial’s lean central management devolves operational responsibility to the local level. We invest in recruitment, training and technology. Empowering employees through development programmes improves customer service. All employees follow our Code of Ethics and we also follow Employment Good Practice guidelines.

This means:

• Putting customers first.
• Doing least possible harm to the environment in our operations.
• Being fair and open in all dealings with staff and customers.