Doncaster cleaning firm set up by coronavirus protester blasted for fake adverts by industry watchdog

Phillip Anthonty Hartley, who was arrested in Hyde Park in London last month at a protest where demonstrators claimed coronavirus was fake, has set up a firm to offer deep cleaning for homes and businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facebook posts for the business, DN1 Deep Steam, said the business was accredited to cleaning industry firm BICS – The British Institute of Cleaning Science.

But now the organisation has hit back and said the pandemic has brought those which wish to profiteer ‘out of the woodwork.’

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that this individual is not a member of The British Institute of Cleaning Science, and should not be using our logo or claiming to be trained to deliver BICSc skills.

“The use of our logos comes with a strict set of rules, genuine members are issued with a ‘click to verify’ logo. The use of our logos is reserved for Corporate Members and Accredited Training Members only. The logo being used in these advertisements is not the same as those what would be issued to a member.

“Those who have received our training would be in possession of a certificate or skills card. Unfortunately, we are in an industry with no legislation where some claim to be specialists or ‘accredited by BICSc’. The COVID-19 pandemic has sadly brought those who wish to profiteer from the situation out of the woodwork. Being a member of the Institute does not automatically mean you are accredited.”

Mr Hartley, who said he would give 20% of his profits to charity, responded in a video and remained unrepentant.

He said: “To clarify, I am certified by BICS. I’m not a member of their organisation. Some posh suit posted to their wall saying I’m not a member of their group.

“I’m certified, therefore I can advertise that. I know I’m not a member of their organisation, I don’t want to be. But I’m certified.”