Do you remember 'Phonotas'

[iluvcatz]

Anyone remember a company called 'Phonotas'? When I was working in offices back in the 70's, uniformed people used to come around the offices once a week and clean all the phones. Are they still going? In this day and age when everyone seems to be so scared of germs its a wonder there are'nt armies of them marching through offices cleaning phones (they could do mobiles as well).

[Buenchico]

Most companies have realised that it's a lot cheaper to provide concerned staff with phone cleaning equipment (e.g. a spray can and/or a few treated wipes) than to pay outside contractors to do the job. (That's how my employers cover themselves with regard to health & safety issues).

Having said that, a quick web search shows that, until recently, there was a company called Phonotas Hi Technology Care based in Manchester. The company was (and remains) part of the Rentokil group but has now been rebranded as Rentokil IT Hygiene.

Chris

[lady_p_gold]

That is so spooky we were only talking about them today at work when someone was spraying some vile stuff all over their phone to clean it. I remember them well .. wore blue coats I seem to recall.

[iluvcatz]

lady_p_gold - I thinks that is really spooky too. I don't know what made me start thinking about it. Weird how these things happen.

[graham07966]

I am pleased to annouce that Phonotas is alive and thriving. We are part of the Rentokil Initial group and are changing our name at the end of this month to ProTech IT Hygiene.
I am the Managing Director and we we have about 500 staff protecting customers from the harmful effects of bacteria in the workplace. Notably this involves phone sanitisation( our Phonotas service) but we also cater for desktop computers, Computer server rooms and ATMs.
Our head office is In Dudley, West Midlands. You can see us under our old name for the time being at www. rentokil-ithygiene.com.
Please contact me if you would like any further information.
regards Graham

[Charmingtoff]

I have just googled "Phonotas" and got this link. My greatgrandfather started the company in 1911 and my Grandfather and Father ran it unitl 1987 when i decided to become a barrister instead. It used to clean 1million phones a week dont know how it does now. A management buy out team bought it from my family but then sold it on to Initial within a year which was not what my ever envisaged and he never got over it. The Times did an obit on my Father,Basil Becker on 18th August 2001 following his sudden death,it has a picture of Phonotas operator doing her stuff. Great to read that it is still going strong

[cowpee]

Graham. Such a small world. I've just retired and for several years, many years ago, I worked for Phonotas. I am currently looking for some part time work and my hubby suggested I look up Phonotas. After much searching around I found this site! Great job, shame the kids came along. All the Best!

[Charmingtoff]

I would be interested to know how Phonotas is doing these days.

Timothy Becker
(Great Grandson of Founder)

[Valgriffiths]

My mum worked for Phonotas Manchester during the 1940s.. She loved her job

[Shirazsue14]

My a Dad worked for Phonotas as a rep for many years until about 1982. His office base was Hackins Hey in Liverpool. I remember meeting Basil Becker at a Christmas party.

[BerniB]

My mum worked for them for quite a few years. I remember her brown uniform and get case with all get equipment In.. This was in London late 60's early 70's.

[chickadeedg]

Yes! I worked for Phonotas in Grimsby in the 1970's. I had to take training in Leeds, after which, armed with my brief case and sterilization tools I went off on my rounds; note! we did not "spray" the phones as someone has stated. It was one of the most interesting jobs I have had on account of the people I met and the many different business I learned about.