Over 300 guests attended a special celebratory lunch at the Savoy, held in honour of two important milestones for the UK cleaning industry.

The CSSA is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and it was joined for the luncheon by the BCC who is holding a series of events throughout the year to mark its 35th anniversary.

CSSA Chairman, Doug Cooke, got proceedings underway and thanked everyone for battling the UK’s highest temperatures of the year to reach the central London venue.

He said: ” Since relaunching the CSSA last year the organisation has gone from strength to strength, and the turn out here today is further proof of that.”

He praised all the finalists in the recent CSSA awards, and emphasised that the organisation wants to gain members from right across the sector, and said membership fees would remain very competitive to attract as many new companies as possible.

Guests enjoyed a four course luncheon before former MP and TV celebrity Gyles Brandreth took to the stage to deliver a humorous and well received after dinner speech.

All BCC members were given the opportunity to attend the luncheon, and many did take up the offer. Amongst those in attendance from the board was outgoing Chairman, Simon Hollingbery, his successor, Stan Atkins, and secretary Pat Wherton.