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In a strategic move that signals growth and diversification within the facilities and property services sector, LBC Exterior Cleaning has announced the acquisition of a major stake in Avisan, a rope access and maintenance company.
The investment positions LBC to significantly expand its capabilities in providing high-level cleaning and maintenance services, responding to increasing demand from property managers for more comprehensive, safe, and efficient building maintenance solutions.
LBC Exterior Cleaning, known formally as London Bin Cleaning, has been serving property managers, freeholders, and facilities management companies since its founding in 2011. Traditionally specialising in exterior cleaning — including pressure washing, façade cleaning, and waste area maintenance — the company has built a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism, and responsive service.
The decision to invest in Avisan represents a calculated step towards broadening the range of services it can offer its growing client base. Rope access techniques, often used to reach challenging parts of a building’s façade or roof, have become an essential method in modern building maintenance. Unlike traditional scaffolding, rope access provides a faster, more cost-effective and less intrusive way to carry out inspections, repairs, and cleaning at height.
Conan Sammon, Founder and Managing Director of LBC Exterior Cleaning, commented:
"Our clients are increasingly asking for full-service solutions that include both access and maintenance. By partnering with Avisan, we can better meet these demands, ensuring that we can access any part of a building safely and effectively."
Avisan is a rope access and exterior maintenance firm based in London, providing specialist access solutions to commercial and residential properties. The company is led by Josh Simpson, an experienced IRATA Level 3 rope access technician, who continues to oversee operations and service delivery.
Simpson, who has been recognised as one of the youngest fully qualified pest control professionals in the UK, brings a unique skill set to the partnership, combining expertise in difficult access techniques with knowledge of building maintenance and pest management.
Since its founding, Avisan has steadily grown a portfolio of projects across the capital and beyond, completing work ranging from façade cleaning to remedial repairs and safety system testing.
The partnership between LBC and Avisan aims to create a more streamlined service offering for property managers, block managers, and landlords seeking external maintenance solutions.
Rather than working with separate contractors for access and repair work, clients will now be able to benefit from a more integrated approach. According to LBC, this will not only simplify project management but also help ensure that works are completed more efficiently and safely.
In recent months, the two companies have already successfully collaborated on a number of high-profile projects, including cleaning and restorative works at The Old Bermondsey Town Hall in London — a Grade II-listed property — and external maintenance at The Edwardian Hotel in Manchester.
Sammon noted:
"These projects demonstrated the natural synergy between LBC and Avisan. By combining our expertise, we can deliver projects faster, with minimal disruption, and at a high standard — which is exactly what property managers are asking for."
The acquisition also reflects a broader trend within the facilities and property management industries, where there is growing demand for contractors who can offer flexible, specialist services alongside traditional maintenance works.
With increased regulatory pressure on building owners to maintain the safety, appearance, and functionality of their properties — particularly since the introduction of new building safety regulations — access to skilled maintenance providers has become more critical than ever.
Rope access in particular has seen a rise in popularity for ongoing maintenance tasks, not only because of its cost-effectiveness compared to scaffolding, but also because it allows essential repairs to be carried out without long periods of disruption for residents or tenants.
According to industry reports, demand for multi-service contractors — capable of providing both the means of access and the maintenance work itself — is expected to grow significantly over the next five years.
The partnership between LBC and Avisan places both firms in a strong position to respond to this shift.
Despite the acquisition, both LBC Exterior Cleaning and Avisan will continue to operate under their existing brand names. Day-to-day operations at Avisan will remain under the leadership of Josh Simpson, ensuring continuity for existing clients and maintaining the high standards the company has become known for.
However, the two businesses plan to collaborate closely on larger projects, with shared resources and expertise allowing for a more comprehensive approach to building maintenance challenges.
Both companies emphasise that health and safety remain at the core of their operations, with all rope access work performed in accordance with IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) standards, and all staff trained to industry best practices for working at height.
Looking ahead, LBC Exterior Cleaning sees the acquisition as part of a broader strategy to futureproof the business against changing market demands and to offer greater value to clients managing increasingly complex portfolios.
"Our focus has always been on helping property managers maintain safe, clean, and welcoming environments," said Sammon.
"With Avisan on board, we’re able to handle more complex and challenging projects, and we’re excited about the new opportunities this creates for both companies."
The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
As the property management sector continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between LBC Exterior Cleaning and Avisan suggest that businesses willing to innovate and invest in specialist skills will be well placed to meet the needs of the next generation of building owners and managers.