Cleaning Matters, Paws for thought

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Latest Poll

In terms of winning business, do you think price will continue to dictate in 2012?

This is an anonymous poll for statistical purposes only

Last Month's Poll

Are people's fears about poor hand hygiene in public spaces founded

Yes, many public places have very poor levels of hand hygiene : 31.33%

No, as long as you take sensible hygiene measures such as hand washing yourself you do not need to worry : 36.14%

Not sure : 32.53%

Paws for thought
December 16th 2009

A pet cat has become an online star in China because it can use a toilet made for humans. Owner Fang Deng, 32, posted a clip of his ginger cat Miao Mi showing off her special trick.

"If the toilet is occupied she will wait patiently until it is free before going in," Deng told the Chongqing Business News.

"Then she squats on the edge of the loo - just like we do - and does her business.

"Afterwards, she takes a peek at what she's done and then flushes the toilet with her paw."

Internet users have left comments about Miao Mi's intelligence - and are also asking Deng for toilet training tips.

More articles from Cleaning Matters:

New Cleaning & Hygiene zone at Health & Safety South (31st January 2012)

For the first time, Health & Safety South, will host a new Cleaning & Hygiene Zone, aimed at providing the latest information for health and safety professionals who are also responsible for specifying and purchasing cleaning products and services...

From Newsletters

Firm fined over lack of hygiene facilities for workers (30th January 2012)

A Bristol building firm has been fined after a court heard it failed to provide basic washing and welfare facilities for workers despite enforcement action at another of its sites...

From Newsletter Stories

Cleaning boss jailed for laundering £250K of NHS money (30th January 2012)

A man who had £250,000 of stolen NHS money paid into his bank account, and spent over £100,000 of it, has today been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. (Woolwich Crown Court, Friday 6 January 2012)...

From Newsletters

Do you give good shake? (10th January 2012)

One of the highlights of this year’s Loo of The Year Awards which took place on Friday the 2nd December (full story page 14) was a talk by TV presenter and body language expert Judi James called ‘Do you Give Good Shake?’

From News

WFBSC secures observer status at UN Commission (10th January 2012)

The World Federation of Building Service Contractors (WFBSC) has secured observer status at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe GHS subcommittee in Geneva. This subcommittee is responsible for global policy on the regulation of chemical products including cleaning chemicals.

From News

Hospital Hygiene (10th January 2012)

Good hand hygiene achieved through hand washing is considered to be the single most important practice in reducing transmission of infection as hands harbour over 150 species of bacteria.

From Hospital hygiene

Cleaning up for charity (10th January 2012)

In October, Bert Bourchier held a charity night at the Blundelhill’s Golf Club that raised £3000.The proceeds will be split between Whiston Hospital Children’s Ward and Alderhey Hospital ITU and High Dependency Ward, where the money will be spent on Christmas presents for the children on Christmas morning.

From Industry update

Toilet innovation celebrated (14th December 2011)

The British Toilet Association (BTA) Innovation Awards which recognise innovation in three key areas of ‘away from home’ toilet provision: New Products, New Services and Efficiency Improvements were presented during the 2011 Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 2nd December at the Chesford Grange Hotel near Kenilworth...

From Newsletters

Soft textiles a significant source of bacterial infections, finds study (1st October 2011)

A new study published in the September 2011 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (vol. 39 No. 7 pps 555-559) has confirmed that soft surface textiles are significant sources of bacterial contamination in healthcare settings, with 63% of physician and nurse uniforms testing positive for pathogenic organisms, including those that are multi-drug resistant (11%).

From News

Doing the maths (1st October 2011)

Portraying the value of investing in cleaning and cleaning operatives to the people with the purse strings is a challenge that has long plagued the cleaning industry.

From News

New law to bring about major changes for temporary workers (29th September 2011)

Many companies are still unprepared for the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR) as the start date looms, according to Pertemps Recruitment Partnership...

From Newsletters

Office worker receives compensations for insect bite (30th August 2011)

A tax credit advisor has received compensation after she suffered a septic insect bite at work when her employers failed to keep her offices clean...

From Newsletters

Making businesses aware as new legislation date approaches (22nd August 2011)

On the 1st of October 2011, the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR) will come into force across the UK...

From Newsletters

Exploding toilet injures man (25th July 2011)

A member of the Royal Australian Air Force had to be treated for severe burns in a Brisbane hospital after an explosion in a portable toilet at Rockhampton airport...

From Newsletters

St. Paul's restored to its former glory (22nd June 2011)

Workers taking part in a £40m cleaning and restoration project of St. Paul's Cathedral have been praised by the Cathedral's dean for helping to bring the landmark back to life....

From Newsletters

Government outlines plans to promote recycling (22nd June 2011)

The Government has revealed plans to help people to do the right thing by reducing waste and increase recycling.....

From Newsletters

Train and educate to retain staff (21st April 2011)

Staff retention is a key issue in any industry or sector and the contract cleaning sector is no exception.The sector has a reputation of high staff turnover with some statistics showing as high as 70% annual turnover of staff within the industry.With the correct tools and methods of staff training and education this can be significantly reduced says John Blasco

From Training & Education

The eyes of the world are on us (1st April 2011)

With a Royal Wedding approaching and the Olympic Torch due to arrive in London in May 2012 the eyes of the world are now on Britain.

From News

Grime crime tool launched (1st April 2011)

The Mayor has urged Londoners to help spruce up the capital by reporting ‘grime-crime’ such as graffiti, litter and fly-tipping using internet and mobile phone technology.The innovative system enables users to track progress of clean-ups whilst also delivering financial savings for boroughs.

From News

Convicted offenders help to ensure London sparkles for Royal wedding (1st April 2011)

Convicted offenders have been drafted in to help make Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding day a sparkling event according to reports in The Mirror.

From News

A burning issue (1st April 2011)

According to Cancer Research, outdoor workers such as window cleaners receive on average 3 to 4 times more UV exposure each year than people who work indoors. Louise Carter explores some of the risks associated with working in the sun and looks at how workers can be protected

From Health safety and workwear

The Cleaning Show 2011 (1st April 2011)

The Cleaning Show is done and dusted for another year with the show’s regular visitors reporting that the 2011 show had a different feel to it than previous years. The absence of some of the industry’s bigger players allowed smaller companies to shine with the Green Zone and the Innovation Awards proving good forums through which to do so. Georgina Bisby reports fom the event

From Events

Shades of green (1st February 2011)

One thing that you may notice in this issue of Cleaning Matters is the number of references to an accreditation scheme called the Ecolabel – a voluntary scheme established to encourage businesses to market products and services that are kinder to the environment.For anyone who isn’t familiar with the scheme Mark Jankovich explains what it’s all about on page 12.

From News

Laws questioned after immigration arrests in London’s West End (1st February 2011)

A cleaning contractor operating in London’s West End has reportedly been the latest business to fall foul of immigration legislation, as seven people were arrested during a morning raid targeting suspected illegal immigrants.

From News

Improved manufacturing sector activity welcomed (1st February 2011)

Activity in Britain's manufacturing sector ended 2010 on a 16-year high, according to a data released by Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

From News

Apprentices seen as better value than graduates (1st February 2011)

A survey has indicated that employers find apprentices worth more to their businesses than university graduates.

From News

Help for SMEs wishing to trade overseas (1st February 2011)

Government measures to help smaller businesses sell their products and services overseas have been welcomed by a leading business group.

From News

NEWS IN BRIEF (1st February 2011)

Blogger wanted to create compelling litter-ature Keep Britain Tidy is looking for a talented writer to pen a new feature on its website called ‘The Secret Diary of a Litter Hater’.

From News

New insurance scheme for the cleaning industry (17th December 2010)

January 2011 will see the launch of GLEAMING INSURANCE, a new insurance broker, offering specialist advice and quotations for all types of cleaning businesses...

From Newsletters

Cheque Guarantee Cards to be withdrawn (13th December 2010)

Does your business accept cheques guaranteed with a plastic card? If the answer is yes now’s the time to get ready for next summer when the UK’s Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme is being withdrawn..

From Newsletters

Brits not so keen on keeping toilets clean (6th December 2010)

Most Britons do not clean their toilets anywhere near enough, a survey mark has revealed...

From Newsletters

A brighter outlook for the cleaning industry? (1st December 2010)

The cleaning industry has been through a tough few years, with cleaning budgets among the first to be slashed when Britain hit turbulent economic times, and decisions such as the cancelling of the school refurbishment programme doing little to help the industry get back on its feet.

From News

Pub chain scoops top prize (1st December 2010)

D Wetherspoon has won the much coveted UK Overall Winners Trophy in the 23rd Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards competition to find the very best ‘away fr om home’ toilets in the UK.

From News

Investment in cleaning coincides with fall in MRSA cases (1st December 2010)

According to the government’s latest annual Hospital Estates and Facilities Statistics report, the NHS spent an additional 10% on cleaning hospitals in the past year.The newly released comprehensive estate management data for 2009-10 revealed that spending on hospital cleaning services rose from £820m to £900m, an increase of 9.7%.

From News

Minimum wage policy praised (1st December 2010)

A survey of political experts has named the minimum wage as the most successful government policy of the past 30 years.Researchers at the well-regarded Institute for Government polled 159 members of the Political Studies Association for the project, as the policy beat other popular initiatives such as Sure Start children’s centers and the Northern Ireland Peace Deal.

From News

Deadline for changes to EU chemicals legislation looming (1st December 2010)

Deadlines for recently introduced changes to EU chemicals legislation on hazard assessment and labelling are fast approaching but many SMEs may still be unaware of their obligations, according to Sypol, the provider of risk management services. To be compliant, companies will have to navigate this new, more complicated system.

From News

News in brief (1st December 2010)

Most Britons do not clean their toilets anywhere near enough,a survey has revealed. The poll of 16 to 64-year-olds showed that 78% of the nation do not clean their loos every day - and 6% only wipe round the bowl when it is visibly dirty. The survey was commissioned by the charity Toilet Twinning which works to improve sanitation in some of the world's poorest communities.

From News

Cameras catch messy dog walkers (30th November 2010)

A private detective agency is using spy cameras to catch dog walkers who can't be bothered to clean up after their pets, according to reports in the Daily Mirror...

From Newsletters

Film released to mark World Toilet Day (17th November 2010)

We've all been there - gone to the loo, to find - no loo paper...and now, the situation has been made into a short film - Bog Standard - aimed to focus attention on World Toilet Day and the global sanitation crisis...

From Newsletters

Revealed: The most common and bizarre objects to be found down the toilet (5th November 2010)

If you were to dwell on the contents of a blocked loo, a live gerbil is probably not the first thing that would come to mind. But that is just what one engineer found when he was called out to unblock a toilet...

From Newsletters

Call for deposit scheme for drinks containers (4th October 2010)

Making consumers pay a refundable deposit for plastic and glass bottles and aluminium cans would increase recycling rates and reduce litter, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has claimed...

From Newsletters

Equality Act starter kit to download (1st October 2010)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an online starter guide to the Equality Act 2010 to coincide with most of the legislation coming into force...

From Newsletters

Seize the day (1st October 2010)

As the nation digests the details of the government spending review the cleaning industry must wait to see how it will be affected.With cleaning budgets often the first to be cut, the industry is under no illusion that it will escape pain free

From News

Study claims restaurants engaged in poor hygiene practices (1st October 2010)

The Health Protection Agency has claimed that restaurants and takeaways are using cleaning cloths contaminated with potentially dangerous bacteria

From News

BCC and CSSA pledge support for living wage (1st October 2010)

After an investigation by London’s Evening Standard Newspaper revealed that University College London have refused to pay their cleaners the London living wage of £7.85 an hour,both the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and the Cleaning Support Services Association (CSSA) have urged UCL to open a dialogue with their cleaning contractors.

From News

News in brief (1st October 2010)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an online starter guide to the Equality Act 2010 to coincide with the legislation coming into force.Download the guide here:www.equalityhuman rights.com/ea2010

From News

Time for the UK to clean up its act (1st August 2010)

As a relative newcomer to the cleaning world my experience so far has been bittersweet. In a short time I have been lucky enough to meet lots of enthusiastic members of the industry who are passionate about what they do, but sadly this seems to be at odds with the value being placed on cleaning by those outside of the industry.

From News

Cost of cleaning Britain’s streets tops £858 million (1st August 2010)

Keep Britain Tidy has launched a campaign with local authorities up and down the country designed to encourage everyone to ‘Get Behind Keep Britain Tidy’ and do their bit to clean up the place in which they live. The launch comes as the chairty reveals the bill to clean up England’s streets now exceeds £850 million/year.

From News

Rochdale cleaner's crush death prompts £140,000 fine (1st August 2010)

A Rochdale plastics manufacturer has been fined £140,000 after a Portuguese cleaner was crushed to death by a pallet of bags weighing nearly one and a half tonnes.

From News

News in brief (1st August 2010)

Cleaning Conference:

From News

Bin the sound of music (30th July 2010)

Charlie Cavey, 31, sings and plays guitar while squeezed inside a tiny metal bin in Cambridge. But while inside the tiny bin, the Suffolk busker can't keep an eye on his money so he has employed an eight-year-old Jack Russell called Obi to stand guard.

From Newsletters

Litter bill tops £858 million a year (19th July 2010)

Keep Britain Tidy has revealed that the bill to clean up England’s streets now tops £850 million a year as it launches a campaign to encourage people to bin their litter...

From Newsletters

Correction (1st July 2010)

From Newsletters

RWM looks at council waste (30th June 2010)

The Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition is at the NEC, Birmingham 14 to 16 September 2010. MRF quality, public consultations, food waste, collecting from high rise flats and many other challenges facing today’s council recycling officer will be tackled in the free seminars at the exhibition this autumn.

From Newsletters

Would you let a Quo fan make your council cuts? (30th June 2010)

Brighton and Hove City Council has splashed out on a website based on Status Quo in a drive to recruit a new team of highly-paid executives. The council is trying to make £45m of cuts, and is reported to have paid consultants around £10,000 to design SayNoToStatusQuo.co.uk.

From Newsletters

England team cleaned out by cleaners (30th June 2010)

Five cleaners have been jailed for three years after stealing items worth £7,000 from the England team players, including underwear.

From Newsletters

Valuing resources (1st June 2010)

The link between big business and the environment can be fraught, as is currently being highlighted by the BP oil spill.With high media coverage, these kinds of disasters only add more fuel to the fire in terms of commercial corporations being seen as evil,money grabbing bodies who will stop at nothing to take all they can from the earth to make a profit.

From News

Is cleaning dirty work for asthma sufferers? (1st June 2010)

Cleaning sprays, chlorine bleach and disinfectants may be contributing to the rise in asthma at home and work, according to Dr Jan-Paul Zock, an expert in occupational asthma.

From News

New standard (1st June 2010)

Asthma UK and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) has announced the launch of a product certification programme that has achieved global support from asthma and allergy sufferers by alerting them to products scientifically proven to limit their exposure to allergens.

From News

News in brief (1st June 2010)

Don’t forget the Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham 14 to 16 September 2010

From News

Innovation is the way forward (1st June 2010)

The 2010 Interclean Innovation Awards showed the road ahead for cleaning. Gerardine Coyne reports

From Events

Sausage machine bites back (28th May 2010)

A cleaner at DiLuigi Sausage Co. in Danvers, Massachusetts was taken to hospital on 20 May after he was partially sucked into a sausage seasoning machine reports Salem News.

From Newsletters

Global asthma & allergy friendly product certification programme (28th May 2010)

Asthma UK and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) have announced the launch of a product certification programme that has achieved global support from asthma and allergy sufferers by alerting them to products scientifically proven to limit their exposure to allergens.

From Newsletters

Deadline extended for the Green Business Awards 2010 (28th May 2010)

UK companies that are pushing boundaries to help save the planet have an extra two weeks to enter the Green Business Awards. The deadline for entries is now Wednesday, June 2.

From Newsletters

Newly formed British Bio Recovery Association (23rd April 2010)

The British Bio Recovery Association (BBRA) represents professional practitioners and organisations, both large and small specialising in the recovery, remediation and management of biological hazards and contamination within the outdoor and built environments. It has been formed in response to industry and commercial demand with a view to developing and promoting professional standards and recognised training and education.

From Newsletters

Money, money, money (1st April 2010)

The current poll on the CM website asks ‘Do you think that Government policy should support business:

From News

Come and celebrate cleanability (1st April 2010)

The 2009/2010 Building Cleanability Awards scheme culminates with a prestigious Presentation Luncheon on Monday 12th July in The Great Hall of London’s famous Guildhall.

From News

New association (1st April 2010)

The British Bio Recovery Association (BBRA) represents professional practitioners and organisations, specialising in the recovery, remediation and management of biological hazards and contamination within the outdoor and built environments.

From News

Spring into action for HMRC changes (1st April 2010)

April has arrived and new rules for businesses who want to reschedule large tax debts under HMRC’s Business Payment Support Service (BPSS) come into effect this month.

From News

Cleaning ‘key to economic growth’ says report – but skills may not be up to scratch (1st April 2010)

The business services sector, including facilities management and cleaning, has been highlighted by the government as an emerging ‘key sector’ for future economic growth.

From News

Wasting away (29th March 2010)

Top fashion photographer Matilde Incorpora has launched a project to illustrate the environmental damage caused by the collapse of Sicily's refuse industry

From Newsletters

Streamlined maintenance contracts save London Underground over £100m (2nd March 2010)

London Underground’s (LU) maintenance section has let four new main service contracts following the restructure and rationalisation of nearly 100 separate contracts.

From Newsletters

Modern art is rubbish (23rd February 2010)

A property developer who admits he doesn't like modern art is planning to paint over one of Britain's biggest Banksy artworks. The mural in question is a 30ft tall painting of a rat holding a machine gun, wand can currently be seen on a former Liverpool pub.

From Newsletters

Still waiting for a show of clean hands (1st February 2010)

We put our lives in doctors’ hands when we fall ill, yet once

From News

Looking good on improved figure (1st February 2010)

New figures from Keep Britain Tidy show some improvement in the amount of litter found in Britain's streets, parks and public spaces but there is still more work to do.

From News

Chris the champ (1st February 2010)

Chris Evans’ interest has been engaged by the British Toilet Association’s recently announced ‘Where can I go?’campaign.

From News

Scottish doctors told to clean up their act (1st February 2010)

Doctors in Scotland have been criticised for putting their patients at risk by not washing their hands enough on hospital wards.

From News

Company fined for cleaner’s death (1st February 2010)

A retail company has been fined £40,000 after a cleaner was crushed to death by a ten-pin bowling machine.

From News

News in brief (1st February 2010)

BICSc has announced the launch of new Accredited Cleaning Systems Standards for cleaning equipment and systems manufactured and/or marketed by Corporate Members of the Institute.

From News

When I’m cleaning windows (and carpets) (1st February 2010)

Carpex/Windex 2010 brings together the window cleaning and carpet cleaning industries. It runs from 18th –19th March in Coventry

From Window cleaning

Selection of seminars (1st February 2010)

The two free seminar programmes are organised by the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) and Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC).

From Floorcare

Celebrating the crapper (29th January 2010)

Thomas Crapper, the Victorian plumber and sanitaryware manufacturer whose name has become synonymous with the water closet, is commemorated in a new edition of Flushed With Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper to mark the centenary of his death on 27 January 1910.

From Newsletters

Sign up to toilet twinning (16th December 2009)

The cleaning industry is being urged to sign up to the first global Toilet Twinning Campaign by linking Britain’s public loos with their very own ‘twin’ latrine deep in the African bush. The scheme is the brainchild of UK international charity CORD which works in Africa and Asia with the victims of war and violent conflict.

From Newsletters

News in brief (1st December 2009)

The overall winners of the Tidy Wales Award were the Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association’s Eco Watch Rangers.

From News

‘Postcode lottery’ for council suppliers says FPB (1st December 2009)

A major study by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has revealed vast differences in the amount of time British councils take to pay their suppliers

From News

BCA deadline extended (1st December 2009)

The entry deadline for the 2009/2010 Building Cleanability Awards has been extended until 31st January 2010 to allow more time for building contractors and designers to prepare their applications.

From News

Smells like clean spirit (1st December 2009)

The odour in a room is enough to elicit a stronger impulse towards fairness, researchers from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University have claimed.

From News

Twin your toilet for charity (1st December 2009)

The cleaning industry is being urged to sign up to the first global Toilet Twinning Campaign by linking Britain’s public loos with their very own ‘twin’ latrine deep in the African bush.

From News

Keep standards not seats up (1st December 2009)

This year’s Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) received 1548 separate entries from all over the UK

From News

Why toilets are so engaging (1st December 2009)

In December I attended my second Loo Of the Year Awards, and as usual all my friends were jealous.Quite a few of them wanted to attend,why?

From News

Smells like clean spirit (24th November 2009)

The odor in a room is enough to elicit a stronger impulse towards fairness, researchers from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University have claimed. They believe their research proves there is a correlation between hygiene and decency and that by improving our environment we can improve our behaviour. The research found an increase in ethical behaviour when the scent of a fruit-scented cleaner fills a room

From Newsletters

Kimberly Clark Professional and CSSA Golden Service Awards 2009 - and the winners are... (24th November 2009)

The winners of the 2009 Golden Service Awards were announced at the Lancaster London hotel during a glittering ceremony on Friday 30th October 2009.

From Newsletters

An appetite for dog mess (24th November 2009)

Fed up with dog mess littering the streets, Islington Council in North London is tackling the problem with its new Poover.

From Newsletters

Soap dodgers shamed up (29th October 2009)

People are more likely to wash their hands when they have been shamed into it, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, looked at responses to electronic hygiene messages displayed in UK service station toilets.

From Newsletters

Empty out before you take off (29th October 2009)

Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) is asking passengers to visit the bathroom before boarding in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions.

From Newsletters

Be prepared, be very prepared (1st October 2009)

I had to laugh when I saw the recent news story about prison inmates drinking alcohol based hand cleansers that had been brought into the prison as a Swine Flu protection measure

From News

News in brief (1st October 2009)

The UK Cleaning Products Industry Association (UKCPI) has appointed Philip Malpass as its new director general, with effect from 1 September 2009

From News

Helpline for vulnerable workers (30th September 2009)

Vulnerable workers will be able to seek advice about their workplace rights and report abuses of those rights through a new helpline launched by business minister Pat McFadden on September 22.

From Newsletters

Purely medicinal (29th September 2009)

Alcohol hand gel brought in to a prison to help protect against swine flu has been banned after inmates started drinking the stuff and then getting into drunken fights.

From Newsletters

Taking a leak in the shower saves water (27th August 2009)

According to the Metro newspaper, new television ads in Brazil are encouraging people to save water by urinating in the shower.

From Newsletters

What do you think about this flu? (1st August 2009)

And still the main topic of conversation wherever one goes is Swine Flu – who’s got it, who’ll get it and what are the best ways to prevent it. Having spoken to a few people in the industry, opinions differ.

From News

Condemnation of cleaning cuts (1st August 2009)

WH Smith’s decision that retail staff take responsibility for cleaning stores as part of their general duties has been condemned by both the British Cleaning Council and the Cleaning and Support Services Association.

From News

Strictly business lunch with MP (1st August 2009)

In July, representatives from the cleaning industry met for a network lunch with Ian Lucas, the newly installed Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform.

From News

Strengthening facilities management skills (1st August 2009)

Asset Skills is working to ensure facilities management (FM) has a highly skilled workforce through the development of new qualifications.The work builds on the 2008 publication of the first ever National Occupational Standards for FM produced by Asset Skills which set out the responsibilities expected of someone working in the field.

From News

Glistening gold (1st August 2009)

The organisers of the Golden Services Awards 2009 have announced that this year’s programme has attracted 138 entries for the fifteen categories.

From News

Getting down and dirty at work (1st August 2009)

New research suggests dirty, badly organised and unsafe work premises are costing UK companies vital business and reducing the productivity of their workforce.

From News

News night (1st August 2009)

The BCC has responded to the BBC’s newsnight report on hotel hygiene on the 30th of July.Allegations were made against Hotelcare that cleaners employed by them to work at the Park Plaza Hotel London have been paid less than the minimum wage, received poor training and equipment and were forced to work in unacceptable conditions.

From News

FM Corporate Social Responsibilty (25th June 2009)

Facilities management is doing well in its social responsibility activity, according to the seventh Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index run by Business in the Community.

From Newsletters

Commercial Vehicle Operator Show 2010 (25th June 2009)

The Commercial Vehicle Show Partnership has announced after several weeks of consultation with transport sector suppliers, that spring 2010 will see the launch of the 'Commercial Vehicle Operator Show', to be held from 13-15 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

From Newsletters

Golden Service Awards attract entries (25th June 2009)

The organisers of the Golden Services Awards 2009 have announced that this year’s programme attracted an impressive number of entries from both large and small, in-house and contract cleaning companies throughout the UK.

From Newsletters

Keeping cleaning kosher (1st June 2009)

The swine flu scare has urgently increased the demand for thorough and more regular cleaning, requiring skilled professionals working their hardest and top notch products.

From Contract cleaning

Just like that (1st June 2009)

CM recently attended a press conference at the HQ of The Magic Circle near Euston station, London. It is a fascinating place and has a museum filled with posters and memorabilia of conjurors and illusionists past and present.

From News

Britain’s got litter – search begins (1st June 2009)

Keep Britain Tidy is looking for a celebrity ambassador to help give England a face-lift.

From News

Government approves new £5.80 minimum wage (1st June 2009)

The government has announced new National Minimum Wage rates to take effect in October.

From News

Fast tracking FM apprenticeships (1st June 2009)

A new apprenticeship is being fast-tracked that will enable thousands of young people to be taken on in facilities management (FM).

From News

Tight squeeze in train loos (27th May 2009)

According to The Daily Telegraph, poorly designed, cramped lavatories are the biggest source of train passenger discontent, alongside a lack of luggage space on long-distance trains.

From Newsletters

Virtual meetings save real money (27th May 2009)

On May 14th almost half a million businesses participated in Virtual Meeting Day and showed how the British economy could save billions of pounds.

From Newsletters

Jeremy Clarkson becomes prisoner of a portaloo (23rd April 2009)

A video of Jeremy Clarkson trapped inside a portable loo has become a hit on YouTube.

From Newsletters

No comradeship in space (23rd April 2009)

According to Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, a Russian astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) has been banned from using the US toilet and exercise bike.

From Newsletters

News in brief... (1st April 2009)

Fifteen local authorities taking part in the 2008 Chewing Gum Action Group campaign have successfully reduced chewing gum litter in their areas by 43%, according to figures published in March.

From News

Tax guidance (1st April 2009)

Guidance on the new tax appeals and review system has been published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

From News

Stopping the litterbugs (24th March 2009)

Earlier this month Think Tank Policy Exchange and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) launched a new report – Litterbugs – to highlight the blight of littering in Britain, and to propose new means of cracking down on those responsible.

From Newsletters

A song and dance about portaloos (24th March 2009)

Bob Dylan is reportedly making himself unpopular among his Malibu neighbours because of smells from a portable toilet on his property.

From Newsletters

Name and shame litter louts (24th March 2009)

By writing children's names on sweet wrappers, a Gloucestershire shopkeeper has cut down litter in her village by 40%.

From Newsletters

Sit back and have a nice cup of coffee – on the loo (23rd February 2009)

Coffee shop bosses in Vienna have installed loos around the walls of the cafe to help male customers relax.

From Newsletters

Accessible toilets for all (23rd February 2009)

Mencap will be calling for fully accessible toilets for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities as part of its Learning Disability Week (22–28 June 2009).

From Newsletters

Luxury loo paper can damage environment (23rd February 2009)

Green campaigners, reports The Guardian, are pointing the finger at Americans who insist on using extra-soft, quilted and multi-ply products when they use the bathroom. The campaigners claim that luxury products are even more detrimental than cars, fast food or huge houses.

From Newsletters

BFA Franchisor of the Year Awards 2009 open for entries (3rd February 2009)

The British Franchise Association’s (bfa) ‘Franchisor of the Year Awards’, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC, is now open for entries.

From Newsletters

The Cleaning Show (1st February 2009)

Cleaning Matters is looking forward to seeing exhibitors, visitors and readers for a catch up at the NEC. We want your news, opinions and any plans for the year ahead, so drop by the stand or fill us in as we’re walking around.

From News

100 free BSC examinations (1st February 2009)

Accredited by the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator in the National Qualifications Framework, the BSC Level 1 Certificate formalises health and safety induction training as a nationally recognised qualification

From News

Commercial Vehicle Show cancelled (1st February 2009)

The Commercial Vehicle Partnership, comprising the SMMT, RHA and SOE, and the CV Show Committee, has agreed to cancel this year’s CV Show scheduled for 28-30 April at Birmingham’s NEC.

From News

Delay tax pay (1st February 2009)

Over 20,000 businesses have delayed paying more than £350 million of tax after contacting HMRC's Business Payment Support Service (BPSS).

From News

News in brief (1st February 2009)

ISSA and its global tradeshoworganiser partner,Amsterdam RAI, have announced revised dates for ISSA/INTERCLEAN Amsterdam 2010.

From News

Machines prepare to do battle (1st February 2009)

The Cleaning Show 2009, is inviting cleaning professionals to test their skills in a battle of the machines. Looks like it’s time to say “hasta la vista,baby”

From Events

Caught short in shop (27th January 2009)

A German shopper was given a lifetime ban from a bathroom shop when he used a toilet without realising it was purely for display.

From Newsletters

News in brief (1st December 2008)

The Team Clean Challenge organised by Asset Skills was jointly won by Initial Integrated Services’ cleaning team at BP Hull, and TC Contractors.

From News

New toilets delivered to space station (25th November 2008)

On November the 17th the international space station was outfitted with new facilities, including a new toilet , delivered by astronauts onboard the Endeavour shuttle. A major part of the new equipment is a purification machine that can turn urine into water

From Newsletters

Gold all the way for UK Cleaning team (30th October 2008)

Congratulations to the UK team at EuroSkills, the vocational skills competition. At the event held in Rotterdam last month all the team won gold with every single member winning their category

From Newsletters

The age of hoover consent (29th October 2008)

Karl Walker (16) was told by a cleaning firm that he is not old enough to use hot water, washing up liquid and furniture polish or to empty bins, reports The Daily Telegraph.

From Newsletters

Boris' betrayal of tube cleaners (29th October 2008)

On October 15th Mayor's Question Time had to be adjourned twice as activists protested Boris Johnson's failure to follow up on his promise of a Living Wage for tube cleaners.

From Newsletters

Look at the state of your hands (1st October 2008)

The results of a recent study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine made for a stomach-churning read.

From News

£5million investment (1st October 2008)

In a bid to further improve productivity, service delivery and employee retention rates, contract cleaning specialist TC Contractors has announced plans to invest some £5 million in high performance commercial cleaning equipment.

From News

Colleges need more cleaning assessors (1st October 2008)

As the importance of effective cleaning and hygiene is finally being realised, the Government is encouraging anyone working in cleaning to complete training up to NVQ Level 2.This has led to Further Education colleges across the country experiencing a huge demand for cleaning courses.

From News

Radio listeners enthralled by urinals (1st October 2008)

In September millions of curious radio one listeners tuned in to the Dick and Dom Show to hear what special guest Mike James, MD of Bio Productions had to say about urinal blocks. Listeners were invited to phone in and question James on what presenter Dom described as his “very odd job”.

From News

Entries a plenty (1st October 2008)

Mike Bone, MD of Loo of the Year Awards, says “A record number of entries have been received for this year’s awards – in excess of 1700 – a 17% increase on 2007 despite the ‘Credit Crunch’”

From News

The toilet that talks back (1st October 2008)

Chances are that a toilet will soon be talking back to you. After a ‘number one’ or a ‘number two’, this toilet will perform a ‘number three’ – a spoken message.

From News

News in brief (1st October 2008)

SCF Technologies has launched ShineOn, a self-cleaning product for windows.The company says evaluated under an EU project self-cleaning test procedure it has a value of 90±5%.

From News

Eating on the loo (23rd September 2008)

Modern Toilet is a restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan with a modern decor and a full-on toilet theme. All 100 seats in the crowded diner are made from toilet bowls.

From Newsletters

Branson and Young tell business to ‘Make a Difference’ (23rd September 2008)

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson and TV’s Apprentice finalist Claire Young want local and national businesses to encourage their employees to volunteer for CSV Make a Difference Day on Saturday 25th of October 2008.

From Newsletters

Here today, gone tomorrow (2nd September 2008)

removed. But the London Borough of Hackney is making steady progress and now removes 97 per cent of reported graffiti within 24 hours. Cleaning Matters saw area environmental manager Glen Whitby and his team in action

From Graffiti, gum & grime removal

See cleaning’s future here (2nd September 2008)

European Cleaning Products conference, held 16 – 18 September 2008 in London, promises a global perspective of the effect of going green in the European cleaning products industry, with speakers from the major firms sharing their knowledge

From Green cleaning

London cleaners now on £7.45 an hour (30th July 2008)

Mayor of London Boris Johnson is increasing the Living Wage for London to £7.45 per hour - almost 35 per cent higher than the national minimum wage. The previous Living Wage for London was £7.20 an hour.

From Newsletters

NHS wants your ideas - and products (30th July 2008)

The NHS is asking for the cleaning industry's input – its Smart Solutions programme offers business the chance to have their products assessed by a team of experts with a view to supplying it across the NHS.

From Newsletters

Elevating safety standards (1st June 2008)

As well as supplying powered access equipment, AFI-Uplift also provides training such as IPAF-accredited Powered Access Licence courses.Cleaning Matters editor, Brendan Coyne, completed a one-day operator course at AFI's West London Depot

From Work at height

Show me the money (1st June 2008)

A boon to equipment manufacturers, the weak pound is causing contractors a headache.A Cleaning Matters poll in May (via our e-newsletter), showed 56 per cent are noticing a labour shortage.

From News

Cleaning Matters readers think... (1st June 2008)

Our May e-newsletter question highlighted a worrying industry trend.

From News

Clean Britain Awards open for entries (1st June 2008)

The search is on for the cleanest places in Britain. Entries for the Clean Britain Awards are being accepted until 31 July, recognising the efforts made by authorities, organisations and voluntary bodies in maintaining high standards of public space cleanliness.

From News

News in brief (1st June 2008)

LPM Group has acquired InterCity Group, taking its combined turnover to some £35m

From News

Cleaning Matters at Interclean (18th April 2008)

Cleaning Matters will be exhibiting at this year’s ISSA/Interclean in Amsterdam (May 6-9). We welcome all readers, manufacturers and suppliers to our stand. See stand number 01.227H

From News

Turn sub-prime times to your advantage (1st April 2008)

The new tax year begins and with it the annual financial juggling act. Although ‘uncertain financial outlook’ is now something of a cliché, the coming year probably will be pretty tough as firms, mirroring the banks, reign in their own sub-prime account customers.

From News

Deep is meaningful for NHS (28th March 2008)

Not everyone thinks the government's NHS deep clean announcement is a

From Newsletters

Cleaning Matters readers think... (1st February 2008)

Recent polls of Cleaning Matters e-news readers suggest they agree with the CSSA and others on the NHS deep clean issue.Our January poll asked:‘Would you feel safer in a hospital that had just been deep cleaned or one that had a thorough cleaning regime?’

From News

Award winning electric street sweeper (20th December 2007)

The future of street sweeping is pollution-free, low noise and high economy, said judges at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management when they awarded Vehicle of the Year 2007 to Industrial Cleaning Machines’ new electric street sweeper...

From Newsletters

Industry ‘legend’ makes clean break (1st December 2007)

Cleaning Matters’ group sales manager and self-proclaimed ‘industry legend’Andy Wilson (pictured centre) leaves the magazine this month after seven years dedicated service to head up the family recruitment business.

From News

Flood recovery not up to scratch? (30th October 2007)

The National Flood School says complaints about shoddy restoration work have poured in since the recent floods. To avoid getting lawyers involved, the NFS says all involved should familiarise themselves with the PAS 64 document that it helped the BSI produce...

From Newsletters

NHS surplus to be ploughed into cleaning (25th September 2007)

The government has launched an initiative to give every ward in Britain a ‘deep-clean’ to rid them of superbugs such as MRSA health minister Alan Ward has said...

From Newsletters

Where've you wheelie bin? (29th June 2007)

As thousands of criminals are about to be released early across the UK, fears are rising in Peterborough that the wheelie bin crisis could deepen: One of 2,000 missing bins turned up in Bulgaria last week...

From Newsletters

Barclays to pay cleaners £7.50p/h (28th June 2007)

After campaigning by The East London Communities Organisation (TELCO) and the T&G section of Unite, Barclays will pay all its cleaners in the City of London and Canary Wharf £7.50 per hour...

From Newsletters

No ifs, no butts, it’s banned (28th June 2007)

Cigarette litter is already found on 80 percent of England’s streets. Keep Britain Tidy fears that, as of next week, this will rise if local authorities aren’t prepared. The charity is running workshops for local councils throughout July to help their street cleaning teams beat the butt blight...

From Newsletters

Canary Wharf cleaners demand more cash (29th May 2007)

Canary Wharf cleaners rallied outside the offices that they are paid too little to clean last week – calling for the banks to respect their right to earn a living wage of £7.20ph, as announced by Mayor of London...

From Newsletters

Obituary – Bill Brindley (29th May 2007)

It is with sadness that we report the death of Vileda Professional’s National Accounts Manager, Bill Brindley. Bill died at the age of 60, on April 6th, following a lengthy illness.

From Newsletters

Free half day safety seminars from HSE (30th April 2007)

The HSE is intensifying its activity in the cleaning industry. Alongside a new dedicated website www.hse.gov.uk/cleaning, it will also hold a series of free half day seminars between May and July...

From Newsletters

Mayor calls for London ‘Living Wage’ (30th April 2007)

To the applause of workers and unions, London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has urged employers in London to make £7.20 the capital’s minimum wage. Cleaning Matters’ Claire Jackson reports...

From Newsletters

Where to draw the line? (30th April 2007)

Fans of world-renowned graffiti artist Banksy were disappointed to hear cleaners in London have whitewashed a piece of his art estimated to be worth around £250, 000...

From Newsletters

Cleaning Show a massive hit (30th March 2007)

The organisers of this month's Cleaning Show report record attendance, with initial figures suggesting 13,677 visitors flocking to get the low-down on the latest products and services.

From Newsletters

Essential Hand Hygiene conference & exhibition (30th March 2007)

The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology is holding a hand hygiene conference and exhibition at Pride Park, Derby, in April. Learn about latest developments and technologies fomr some of the industries foremost experts.

From Newsletters

Healthcare conference: Book now and save (16th January 2007)

Operational managers and supervisors lead the front line in the fight against health associated infections – with many of them members of the Association of Domestic Management. The ADM's annual conference takes place in Blackpool in April and early bird discounts are still available.

From News

Choose your future business! (15th January 2007)

If you're serious about starting your own business, head for Manchester and the British Franchise Exhibition on 26 & 27 January. It could change your life...

From News

Read it and wipe: Cops finally run out of loo roll (18th December 2006)

Police in the Swedish town of Hagfors have finally run out of toilet paper – 20 years after 'somebody' bungled an order and ticked the box for pallets instead of packets.

From Newsletters

Win £150 Graffiti Box (1st December 2006)

Sign up for Cleaning Matters' e:newsletter and you could win graffiti removal kit worth £150 thanks to Solution UK Think of it this way, the call comes in to remove some graffiti: it's on a shop front, and can you get there s

From Graffiti, gum & grime removal

Window cleaner caught napping (29th November 2006)

A window cleaner in the US caused panic when it appeared he'd fallen asleep on the job – at the top of a sky scraper!

From Newsletters

CSSA launches National Cleaning Awards (9th November 2006)

The Cleaning & Support Services Association is launching what it hopes will be the UK’s premier awards for the cleaning industry. Taking place on 14 June 2007 at London’s Savoy Hotel, the awards will recognise best practice and outstanding achievement across the sector’s spectrum.

From News

‘Show the world how good we are’ (28th September 2006)

Skills levels have never been higher, yet the public still perceives cleaning as a “boring, low paid, unhealthy girl's job". According to the public at Alton Towers surveyed for this month’s British Cleaning Industry Conference. So the big cheeses say we have to show the industry’s professional face to change attitudes. Read on to find out how.

From Newsletters

I know, let's use petrol! (30th August 2006)

A Scunthorpe man demonstrated an original interpretation of ‘giving it a bit of elbow grease,’ blowing up his house while attempting to clean glue off his kitchen floor...

From Newsletters

T.W.O. takes service gong (1st August 2006)

T.W.O. Services, specialist in hygiene deep cleaning of kitchens and ventilation systems, has won the Excellent Customer Service award at this year's Basildon District Business Awards, held in Essex in July.

From News

Krcher tidies tide marks (1st August 2006)

Following its contribution to a cleaner Nelson's Column, Krcher is involved in another unusual cleaning job in London. Rather than a head for heights, this time it's a knowledge of the tides that is required to clean the Rive

From News

Buildings dry in a couple of days (1st August 2006)

Fire and flood specialists The Revival Company has launched a new kind of speed drying system which it says cuts drying times from weeks to days saving companies thousands of pounds in lost business, and lessening the burden

From News

Dirty dozen? Not for BMA contract (1st August 2006)

MacLellan International has been awarded the contract for the British Medical Association's London headquarters for the twelfth year running. The Tavistock Square contract was granted to Ramoneur in 1994 before its integratio

From News

Breakfast meetings in your area to shape industry future (1st August 2006)

Want to shape the future of cleaning, network with peers and improve your workforce to gain commercial advantage? Asset Skills' FREE regional breakfast session roadshows (complete with complimentary bacon butties) are heading

From News

LCC reaps Golden award rewards (1st August 2006)

LCC Support Services has won a 1m+ contract to provide cleaning services to Bournemouth College on the back of its 2005 Golden Service Award for Best Cleaned Premises in the Education Sector for Cambridge Regional College.

From News

New height training course (1st August 2006)

The External Resource Bureau has offered training programmes ranging from BICSc certification to Response Biohazard courses. for over 20 years. In response to recent HSE working at height regulations, ERB is now offering Ladd

From News

Zen and the art of facilities maintenance (1st August 2006)

A recent psychological study claims that cleaning can reduce stress levels by up to 25 per cent and can be more effective at improving wellbeing than meditation.

From News

When sponsorship takes the p*ss (31st July 2006)

Offical sponsorship rules at the ongoing fiasco otherwise known as the new Wembley Stadium have seen hundreds of urinals returned to Armitage Shanks – because they bore the manufacturer's name.

From Newsletters

Drought ban ‘could be worse’ (11th July 2006)

After fears window cleaners and other businesses could be crippled under a blanket ban, it appears water companies have backed down from their initial hard line stance. Cleaning Matters editor, Brendan Coyne, spoke with Sutton & East Surrey Water, The Federation of Window Cleaners’Steve Lowe and Omnipole’s Glyn Howard

From News

World's most expensive chip (29th June 2006)

Litter wardens look set to replace parking attendants as the nation's favourite enforcers. Doncaster Council is spearheading the popularity drive with its zero tolerance litter policy: last week Pauline Oakley was fined £75 for throwing a bad chip ou

From Newsletters

Piano found on Ben Nevis (18th May 2006)

A team of volunteer litter pickers cleaning up Ben Nevis stumbled across something that wouldn’t quite fit into a bin bag earlier this month – a piano!

From Newsletters

Achieve Brilliance with stainless steel surfaces (18th May 2006)

A new stainless steel cleaning wipe is about to hit the UK market. Non-toxic, oil impregnated Brilliance wipes result in easier cleaning, better results and longer lasting surface protection, according to Judy Blyth, who invented, developed and broug

From Newsletters

Drought ban could have been worse (18th May 2006)

Environment Minister Ian Pearson last week granted Sutton and East Surrey Water’s request for a drought order, paving the way for further bans across the South East. However, what initially appeared a disaster for many small businesses may not be as

From Newsletters

Drought ban could cripple South East businesses (1st April 2006)

Window cleaners, car washers, facilities and maintenance workers across the South East could be facing a summer of discontent if plans for Drought Orders – being considered by several of the regions’ water companies – are given the green light by th

From Newsletters

DEFRA wants cleaner local environments as opportunity knocks (14th February 2006)

The expansion of the Local Environment Quality Survey for England (LEQSE) and DEFRA’s ambition to encourage cleaner local environments could be good news for cleaning contractors.

From Newsletters

Free entry to Carpex and Windex events (14th February 2006)

Window cleaners and carpet and upholstery cleaners can pre-register for FREE entry to next month’s cleaning exhibitions (16 & 17 March, ExCel, London).

From Newsletters

Free Hospital Hygiene exhibition (14th February 2006)

The FREE Hospital Hygiene Exhibition at ExCel, London from 16 to 17 March is aimed at everyone involved in keeping the UK’s hospital’s clean and safe.

From Newsletters

Wage victory for Parliament cleaners (13th February 2006)

Cleaners servicing the houses of Parliament have won their battle for better pay and improved conditions.

From Newsletters

Fines the ‘only answer’ for those who don’t keep Britain tidy (20th December 2005)

A survey published last month by Keep Britain Tidy has thrown up mixed results – and suggests ample opportunities for cleaning professionals and litter wardens alike.

From Newsletters

No Xmas solution to Parliament cleaners dispute (20th December 2005)

The ongoing pay dispute between cleaners working in the Houses of Parliament looks likely to rumble on well into the new year, despite strike action and union pressure to raise wages and receive sick pay and pensions.

From Newsletters

Clean sweep for staff restaurant (1st May 2005)

A Shropshire staff restaurant has been singled out from 120 staff restaurants nationwide to receive the Charlton House Clean Kitchen Award 2004.

From News

Will your loos make the news? (1st May 2005)

Entries are now being received for the 2005 Loo of the Year Awards – the annual competition to find the best places to ‘go’ throughout the UK and, for the first time this year, the Republic of Ireland.

From News

Reducing costs by not buying cheap (1st May 2005)

Many people think that cleaning contracts should not be awarded on the basis of lowest price but on the quality of the work done. But it is also important to bear this type of thinking in mind when purchasing cleaning equipment. It is natural to go f

From News

Guaranteed rise for 1.3 million workers (1st May 2005)

More than one million low paid workers will benefit from a guaranteed pay rise announced by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

From News

Is noise becoming a cleaning issue? (1st May 2005)

Bob Robinson Sr, President of Kaivac and ISSA Board Member comments. In today’s cleaning industry, as facility service providers continue to mechanise cleaning tasks to improve productivity and efficiency, concerns about noise are mounting as well.Th

From News

Good practice (1st February 2004)

Professional Cleaners Organisation (ProCLEAN) is organising training for Carpet Cleaners...

From News

Labour market intelligence available from CINTO (1st February 2004)

In July 2003, the Cleaning Industry National Training Organisation (CINTO) commissioned Pye Tait to update their Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) for the cleaning industry. This research has now been completed and the results were presented to cleaning organisations at a conference held at Northampton University on 26th November.

From News

Getting the competitive edge (1st February 2004)

There has been a lot going on recently in the cleaning industry with many awards and conferences and there has been talk about why they are not better attended. For many people the cleaning industry is a good profession to be involved in. It has grow

From Events