About Palmer & Co

Palmer & Co has been part of Glasgow’s commercial building services sector since 1932. Today, we specialise in commercial window cleaning, high-level cleaning and access-led maintenance for managed buildings, complex sites and difficult-to-reach areas across Scotland.

Our work is built around practical problem solving, directly employed teams and a clear focus on safe, dependable delivery. We support managing agents, facilities managers, building owners and commercial clients who need work carried out properly, with the right access method and careful planning behind it.

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A Long-Established Glasgow Contractor

Palmer & Co has changed with the buildings, clients and access methods used across the industry, but the core purpose has stayed consistent: helping commercial clients keep buildings clean, safe and well maintained. Our work now spans commercial window cleaning, façade cleaning, gutter cleaning, building maintenance and specialist access-led tasks.

Being established for over 90 years gives the business a strong understanding of Scottish commercial buildings, city-centre constraints, managed properties and the importance of turning up with a plan that works for the site.

Our Company Timeline

1932Humble Beginnings
Hugh Palmer founded the business, selling supplies and workwear to local businesses and offering window cleaning services for local commercial properties.
1969Next Generation
Hugh Palmer passed away at the age of 53, leaving the business in the hands of his son and namesake, Hugh, who took over running the business.
2005Fresh Energy
Nicholas Palmer joined the family business, bringing a fresh perspective and energy. In 2011, marking a significant milestone in its growth, the company became a limited entity and Nicholas took on a director role.
2006 onwardsSafety First
Palmer & Co focused on achieving the highest health and safety standards: 2006 SafeContractor, 2018 ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditations, 2013 IRATA full member operator company, 2016 IPAF member, 2021 Palmer Access became IPAF rental accredited, 2022 ISO 45001 accreditation.
2013Landmark Project
24,000 glass panes cleaned at Waverley train station, Edinburgh.
2016Access Growth
Palmer & Co invested in its first 56m truck-mounted access platform in 2015. Following its success, Palmer Access Ltd was established in 2016. The business moved to bigger premises at 70 Lancefield Street.
2017Commercial Experience
Following a successful corporate career, Graeme Palmer joined the company, bringing his commercial experience to the family business.
202290 Years
Celebrated 90 years in business.
2024New Heights
Palmer & Co reached new heights, cleaning its highest building to date at 18 storeys.
2026Scaling Ahead
Today: Palmer & Co is ready to scale new heights.

Our Values

These values reflect how Palmer & Co approaches high-level cleaning, access-led maintenance and work around commercial buildings.

We Work It Out

With each request and every condition, we encounter different challenges. We remain unfazed. We push ourselves and always find a way.

We Get It Done

Our work is unpredictable and demanding. We persevere, going above and beyond to deliver, whatever it takes.

We Do It Right

Whatever the ask, we’re on top of our game to complete our work safely and to the highest standards, representing the family name of Palmer & Co.

We Do It Together

The work we do is high risk, so we depend on each other. Everyone plays a crucial role in delivering safely and successfully.

Directly Employed Teams and Practical Experience

Palmer & Co uses directly employed operatives, with training and experience shaped around the type of work we carry out. That includes working at height, rope access, powered access, rescue planning and safe delivery around occupied commercial buildings.

This matters because clients need more than labour. They need a contractor that can understand the site, assess the access, plan the method and carry out the work with clear communication. That approach runs across our health and safety process and the way we support managing agents and facilities managers.

Trusted by Commercial Clients Across Scotland

Client feedback helps show the trust placed in Palmer & Co by managing agents, facilities managers and commercial clients who need safe, reliable work carried out with minimal disruption.

Excellent

Based on 13 reviews

3 months ago

It has been a pleasure doing business with Palmer access for over ten years, they consistently provide high quality units which are always well presented, highly recommended!

Ian Broon

5 months ago

Great for all your Window Cleaning tools Freindly service also price match was in today got some stuff... Will be back

Adam Carpenter

6 months ago

Great service from a reputable family business. Would highly recommend.

Suresh IPW

2 years ago

Was on the market for a water fed pole for my new softwash set up, the boys there sorted it out and had everything in stock. Also got a chemical injector nozzle and a free brush head when purchasing the pole. All the stuff is on display so you can actually get hands-on to what you are wanting to buy.

Connor

2 years ago

I visited the store for a telescopic pole and water backpack. I've got no firm knowledge of the window cleaning trade, but the team at Palmer assisted me tremendously, providing the necessary fitments and assembly of the product. Great service. Great business. Great people. Thank you.

Rizwan

3 years ago

these guys really helped, leaving 5 stars for their service

Gemma Dryden

7 years ago

Story time On one dreichet day in the capital, my flatmate and I sat, staring out of the window waiting for inspiration to strike, when around the corner pulled up a fleet of Palmer and Co vans and a truck. We were stunned. The workforce stepped out, gleaming in the January drizzle and set to work cleaning the windows of the opposing building to us. We were in awe as three daring souls stepped into the capsule and were sent heavenward to the windows in the sky. Bravery. We realised we only had one chance to get this right as we entered onto the Spotify app. S Club 7 began to ring in all its glory, giving them the confidence to ‘Reach for Stars’... and the windows, they certainly sparkled like constellations on that day. Peace out.

3 Spires Safety

8 years ago

Having audited this company at length, we have found them to be professional, diligent and they have the ability to demonstrate key attention to detail. 3Spires observed Palmer & Co.'s workforce perform their day to day functions window cleaning at height and it became apparent that not only do the management possess positive culture but it transcends through the work force too. We would recommend them to all.

Interested in Working With Palmer & Co?

We are always open to hearing from people who like the sound of what we do and want to be considered for future opportunities. If you have relevant experience, a strong work ethic or an interest in commercial cleaning and access-led maintenance, we invite you to get in touch.

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