The Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) has launched its inaugural industry awards in partnership with the prestigious Loo of the Year Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement of its members across the UK’s washroom sector. The six new IWSA Awards will be presented for the first time during the next annual Loo of the […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Can Targeted Hygiene Help Keep Children And Teachers in the Classroom? By Jim Melvin, British Cleaning Council (BCC) Director for Government Lobbying. […]

The cross-party meeting organised by the Textile Services Association (TSA) in Westminster was a big success that has helped to increase awareness of how the TSA can support the Government and collaborate to help them achieve many of their priorities, as well as highlighting the importance of the laundry industry to the UK’s economy among […]

The cleaning sector has a story to tell. The Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) Innovation Showcase is where it gets told. There is no shortage of innovation in the cleaning sector. Walk through any major contract, speak to any forward-thinking operator, and you will find companies developing new service models, adopting technology that transforms […]

The 2026 Laundry Open Week organised by the Textile Services Association (TSA) was a great success, according to feedback from participants. It aims to showcase the work the industry does, raise its profile and highlight the career opportunities to local communities across the UK. Laundry Open Week is a collaborative initiative organised by the TSA […]

The finalists for this year’s British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) awards have been revealed after another record-breaking number of entries were submitted. The prestigious BICSc annual awards, which will be staged in September, saw another significant increase in nominations across numerous categories with outstanding entries highlighting how standards continue to rise industry-wide. The esteemed […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Public toilets are essential infrastructure the country can no longer ignore  By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC). (This […]

Primary schools and trusts across the UK are being invited to express interest in potentially taking part in a pilot project starting in the Autumn term which aims to reduce absence rates using targeted hygiene. The industry body for the UK’s £72bn cleaning, hygiene and waste sector, the British Cleaning Council (BCC), working with sector […]

The wide-ranging protections provided by professional pest management in relation to public health, reducing the likelihood of disease outbreaks, foodborne illnesses and environmental contamination, have been set out in a new report focused on the industry. Commissioned by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA),  the No Small Matter report by Pragmatix Advisory found that the sector functions as a form of preventative public health intervention, helping to […]

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) has launched an exciting new bursary programme, offering meaningful financial support to young people whose parents or guardians work in the cleaning industry. The initiative is part of a wider social mobility strategy introduced by the WCEC’s new Master, Kevin Meighan, at his installation in March 2026.  Furthermore, […]

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) governing council has elected Lorcan Mekitarian as a Life Vice President in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the association and the wider cleaning and hygiene industry. Lorcan was initially elected to the CHSA’s council at the 2018 AGM and went on to serve as Chair of the […]

This July, cleaning and facilities management professionals from across the higher education sector will come together at the BACHEFM annual conference, hosted at Harper Adams University. Taking place on 6-7 July, the conference theme, People, Performance and Practical Solutions, will focus on sharing best practice, developing professional networks and exploring practical approaches to the challenges […]

Thinking about starting a carpet cleaning business or improving your current one? The National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) free open day is designed to help you understand how the industry really works before you invest. During the day you can:  see live cleaning demos  speak directly with industry experts  and learn what actually works in […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Act now to secure place on the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship By Jim Melvin, British Cleaning Council […]

Leading lights from the global cleaning community will be showcased at the annual British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) awards as the institute announced it had extended the deadline for award entries to 15 May 2026. Companies and organisations are invited to nominate those from the cleaning community who deliver excellence and are dedicated to […]

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has appointed a new Chair, Nick Thompson, who will lead the organisation as it moves into the next phase of its development. The appointment marks a step change for the CHSA: it is the first time the association has committed to a permanent role. Nick Thompson takes up […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Government recommends businesses join EIDA By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This column first appeared in […]

Kevin Meighan has  been officially installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners in an event celebrated at a glorious banquet at Mansion House. He succeeds the former Master, Darren Marston. Kevin is a Sales Director at NIC Services Group. He has been a member of the WCEC since 2007. He is proud […]

The breadth of knowledge and expertise required to protect public health from pest risks was on full display at British Pest Control Association’s (BPCA) PestEx 2026 trade show, held at Excel London. With more than 100 exhibitors from the UK, Europe and across the world alongside a packed programme of expert speakers and panel debates, […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Research report reveals key industry facts and figures By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This column […]

Following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, the British Cleaning Council has issued the following statement. David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council, which represents the £72bn cleaning, hygiene and waste sector, said: “We are extremely disappointed to hear of the planned defunding of […]

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s (CHSA) 2026 bursary is now open for applications. The bursaries will be awarded in September this year, following a tough selection process. Successful applicants will receive £6,000 during their university career. They will receive £2,000 at the start of each academic year or the first three years if the […]

Hospitality professionals looking to find out more about protecting their businesses, colleagues and customers are invited to attend the UK’s biggest pest control trade exhibition and conference this spring. PestEx 2026, hosted by national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), will showcase the latest innovations and expertise at Excel London in March. The event […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Industry research and employment are key Cleaning Show topics By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This […]

The value of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry continues to grow, reaching almost £72bn according to latest figures, with the number of staff employed and number of  businesses also on the up. The rise from £67.7bn in 2022 (the figure has been revised up) to nearly £72bn in 2023 for the amount the sector […]

Now in its 11th year, Keep Britain Tidy’s mass litter-picking campaign, the Great British Spring Clean, is back. Last year people up and down the country came together to clean up nearly half a million bags of litter and show they love where they live. The nationwide event, from 13 to 29 March, aims to […]

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) is marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating staff who have passed the cleaning industry’s Level 2 apprenticeship and also   encouraging more sector businesses to take the opportunity to participate in the scheme. Two years on from its launch in January 2024, uptake of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative (CHO) […]

Pest awareness among cleaning operatives is crucial to preventing issues with pests, as cleaners are often best placed to spot the initial signs of infestation across residential, commercial and industrial environments. Early intervention is key to preventing infestations becoming established, which means cleaning operatives who are trained in spotting the signs of pest activity and […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Join us in stamping out modern slavery By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This column first […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues The year in review: A platform for success in 2026 By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. […]

The world is changing, becoming more complex and challenging. It’s easy for business ethics to be a casualty but at the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association  (CHSA), we argue they have never been more important. Ethical businesses operate with integrity, fairness and respect for people, communities and the environment. Rooted in the organisation’s publicly stated […]

The Cleaning & Support Services Association’s (CSSA) Clean Start initiative has delivered an inspiring multi-school presentation to more than 450 pupils from six Bolton-based primary schools, aiming to transform young people’s perceptions of the cleaning industry and highlight the breadth of career opportunities available within the sector. The special event brought together three industry leaders […]

The UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA) has become the largest housekeepers’ association in Europe, serving as a prominent platform for sharing knowledge and fostering career development. The UKHA is dedicated to supporting the professional status of housekeeping professionals and has partnered with Lycette Associates to deliver a free housekeeping scholarship in early March 2026. UKHA members […]

As flu continues to circulate through the UK, industry experts have called for clear and effective national cleaning standards across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to help save lives, limit damage to the economy and reduce disruption to hospitals, schools and workplaces. The body representing the £67bn cleaning, hygiene and waste industry says […]

Key cleaning and hygiene industry leaders have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition. The British Cleaning Council (BCC) invited a number of its association members and business leaders to join it and lobbying experts for an initial meeting to scope […]

The Manchester Cleaning Show has unveiled its full 2026 conference programme, offering the industry’s most comprehensive platform for insight, innovation and future-focused discussion. Returning to Manchester Central on 18–19 February 2026, the show will bring together sector leaders, innovators and operational experts to explore the issues shaping the future of cleaning, FM and the wider […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Brushing up our cleaning standards will limit winter illnesses By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This […]

The Manchester Cleaning Show, the UK’s second-largest cleaning and hygiene trade event after the London edition, will return to Manchester Central on 18–19 February 2026, bringing together the brightest industry innovators and decision-makers from across the North. Attendee registration is now open, but organisers are also encouraging suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers to secure their […]

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has urged its member associations and organisations across the cleaning, hygiene and FM sector to take action on modern slavery. Modern slavery occurs where someone is forced into working in conditions where they are exploited and their rights are breached, often involving trafficking, coercion or sexual exploitation. While all businesses must beware […]

As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget, a new nationwide survey reveals that 92 per cent of the British public is calling for increased government funding for public toilets. The survey, led by the British Toilet Association (BTA), has published the results on World Toilet Day as part of its ongoing ‘Legalise Loos’ […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Let’s get behind Thank Your Cleaner Day By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This column first […]

Industry experts are calling for clear and effective cleaning standards to be introduced across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to build on the newly-published World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Handwashing Standards. Welcoming the hand washing standards as a firm foundation for providing safe and healthy facilities, the body representing the £67bn cleaning, hygiene […]

The leading lights of the professional cleaning and hygiene industry celebrated their success as the winners of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Awards 2025 were announced at this year’s glittering ceremony. The annual awards shine a spotlight on the global cleaning community toasting the achievements of individuals and teams, recognising their dedication in […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues AI revolution will transform rather than take cleaning jobs By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This […]

As it celebrates 50 years of commitment to excellence in healthcare cleaning, the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP) is marking the milestone with the announcement of a new era of leadership: senior facilities management professional Karen Pryor has been appointed National Chair. Karen brings with her over 39 years of NHS service, including more […]

  The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) have successfully completed a groundbreaking project aimed at exploring the future of cleaning. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the cleaning industry, reflecting a shared commitment to embracing innovation with confidence. In 2024, BICSc and CSSA embarked on […]

Four talented young people have been selected to receive the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s (CHSA) 2025 bursary. The bursary is open only to the children of CHSA members’ employees. Following a panel interview, chaired by David Garcia, Vice President and Treasurer of the CHSA, Ruby Burgess, Thomas Baker, Lottie Harrison and Rose Lewis were […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Let’s work together to attract more young people to the industry By David Garcia, Chair of the British Cleaning […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Bringing the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector together By David Garcia, Chair, British Cleaning Council (BCC) I’m delighted and […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Saying ‘thanks’ and ‘farewell’ after two very positive years By Delia Cannings, former Chair of the British Cleaning Council […]

The British Cleaning Council (BCC), which is the voice of the UK’s cleaning, hygiene and waste sector, officially elected a new Chair at its recent Annual General Meeting. David Garcia, who has served as Deputy Chair for two years, has taken over from Delia Cannings. David has been in the industry for over 50 years […]

Cleaning industry figures have paid tribute following the passing of Gill Hallsworth, a key figure in raising the profile of the industry, an esteemed honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (FBICSc) and the author of A Cleaner’s Handbook. Gill contributed significantly to the image of the cleaning industry and was Midlands BICSc […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Encouraging progress for the BCC’s lobbying campaign By Jim Melvin, Immediate Past Chair, British Cleaning Council (BCC). (This column […]

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has hailed ‘an extremely encouraging’ response from the Government to its campaign to put cleaning and hygiene at the heart of the national agenda. The BCC has recently received confirmation that the Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK report is being considered as evidence by the Government in the […]

Darren Marston has been officially installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) at the iconic Mansion House, London. Darren’s installation marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career and years of dedication to the cleaning industry’s livery company. A business owner with over 30 years of experience and Executive Chairman of […]

The British Cleaning Council has voted unanimously to accept the Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) as its latest member. The IWSA is the nationwide, non-profit making trade association for independent providers of washroom services within the UK and Ireland. All IWSA members sign up to a code of conduct to ensure they meet high standards […]

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced a new event aimed at encouraging the next generation to consider careers within the professional cleaning industry. For the first time, the industry-leading institute will host its inaugural BICSc Youth Event which will take place on July 9, 2025. The one-day event will shine a spotlight […]

The British Cleaning Council and members write monthly columns for both Cleaning and Maintenance and Tomorrow’s Cleaning. You can read recent columns below. To read the columns as they originally appeared, please visit https://cleaningmag.com/columnists and https://www.tomorrowscleaning.com/back-issues Website launch will showcase training opportunities By Delia Cannings, Chair of the British Cleaning Council. (This column first appeared in Tomorrow’s Cleaning […]

The TSA has launched its Global Laundry and Rental Emissions (GLARE) carbon calculation platform, which has been designed to help commercial laundries in the UK – and around the world – measure their carbon footprint. This will enable them to meet their carbon reporting requirements and will play a vital role in the TSA’s roadmap […]

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has appointed a new independent inspector of its highly regarded accreditation schemes: David Luffman. For three months, David will work alongside the current inspector, Martin Yates, who retires at the end of June 2025. The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes for Manufacturers of Soft Tissue, Plastic Sacks, Cotton Mops and […]