Co-CEO of NJC, Reuben Heppelthwaite reflects on a year of progress for the business and shares how NJC is approaching growth, culture and people as it looks ahead to 2026.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has made the past year at NJC so important. Growth, change and ambition are words often used in business, but for us, they are only meaningful when they are grounded in people.
2025 has been a year of real momentum for NJC. We’ve grown, we’ve evolved, and we’ve strengthened our position as a UK cleaning and facilities management business. But more importantly, we’ve continued to shape a workplace where our colleagues feel supported, valued and part of something they can be proud of.
The progress we’ve made in 2025 didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of listening more closely, being braver in our decisions, and staying focused on what matters most, our people.
Over the past year, we’ve introduced meaningful changes that reflect our commitment to colleague wellbeing, development and inclusion. From enhancing benefits and financial wellbeing support, to investing in leadership, culture and clearer career pathways, our People & Culture agenda has continued to evolve alongside the business.
These changes haven’t just improved how NJC operates, they’ve strengthened trust, engagement and connection across the organisation. And that matters, because when our people feel supported, they do their best work.
2025 has also been a year of exciting growth. We’ve expanded our capabilities, welcomed new colleagues into NJC, and taken on opportunities that reflect both our ambition and our confidence in the future.
That growth is powered by the dedication, talent and resilience of our teams. Every success we’ve had, every milestone reached, has been driven by colleagues who care deeply about what they do and the standards they set.
As Co-CEO, I’m incredibly proud of how our people have embraced change, supported one another, and continued to deliver with professionalism and purpose.
Looking ahead, our aspirations for 2026 are clear.
We want to continue growing, but sustainably and responsibly. We want to keep investing in our people, ensuring NJC remains a place where colleagues can develop, feel secure, and build long-term careers. And we want to deepen our culture of openness, inclusion and trust, where every voice matters.
In 2026, we’ll continue to:
Growth will always be important, but it will never come at the expense of our values or our people.
None of what we’ve achieved in 2025 would have been possible without the commitment and energy of our colleagues. I want to say thank you to them for their hard work, their ideas, their adaptability, and their belief in NJC.
As we move into 2026, I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. Not just because of where we’re going as a business, but because of who we’re going there with.
Together, we’ll continue building an NJC that grows, evolves and succeeds, with our people firmly at the heart of it.
Reuben Heppelthwaite,
Co-CEO