A December to remember

THIS DECEMBER, our sector will come together in a way that is both inspiring and unmissable. Western Business Media is bringing two major events under one roof at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2025: the Cleaning Excellence Conference and the Cleaning Excellence Awards. Together, they create a unique platform for learning, recognition, and celebration – a day and night that promises to be a milestone for the cleaning and hygiene industry.

Carbon reporting: questions and answers

Calculating and reporting carbon emissions is an essential first step in the journey of reducing them, but it can be a complex process. To provide the information its members need, the CHSA hosted a webinar, addressed by Andrew Griffiths of Planet Mark, Greg Selfe of Nero and Ryan Stevens of Interface NRM. This column covers some of the questions posed by members and the answers the panel provided.

Respect at the heart of the cleaning industry’s future

At the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners’ Summer Court Lunch, Neil Spencer-Cook, group managing director at BICSc, called for the industry to build respect from within through training, professional recognition, and collaboration - ensuring cleaning operatives receive the value they deserve.

A critical juncture for UK manufacturing

THE LATEST Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey paints a stark picture of the trading conditions facing British manufacturers = and by extension, UK cleaning and hygiene suppliers who depend on them.

Recognising achievement, inspiring growth, and elevating standards

NEIL SPENCER-COOK explains why celebrating excellence in the cleaning sector is so important - and how awards ceremonies provide a powerful platform to recognise unsung heroes.

When reporting carbon emission, what do I count and how?

CARBON REPORTING is high on the agenda for businesses in our sector as they work hard to cut emissions. Accurate and meaningful reporting is crucial.

A new chapter for workplace waste

THE INTRODUCTION of Simpler Recycling represents more than just a regulatory update - it signals a profound shift in how businesses in England must manage their waste.

Shaping futures at the BICSc Youth Event

The BICSc Youth Event, set to unfold on Wednesday 9th July 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm at the IET Birmingham: Austin Court, is poised to be a groundbreaking affair, offering a plethora of career opportunities within the Cleaning Industry and Facilities Management (FM) sector. Neil Spencer-Cook shares what to expect.

Ethics matter

Following President Trump's recent announcement on tariffs, Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, discusses the impact they will have on supply chains - and the importance of ethics.

I'm a hygiene expert, here’s my spring cleaning advice

With Google searches for "spring cleaning" up 79% between 1 February and 1 March 2025, it's clear people are seeking expert guidance on deep cleaning. But beyond the usual dusting and decluttering, there are hidden hygiene hotspots that many overlook - areas where dust, bacteria, and allergens build up, potentially impacting health and air quality. Jamie Woodhall shares his insights on tackling neglected areas.