Understanding the importance of a strong business mission

A clear mission is the driving force behind every successful organisation. Neil Spencer-Cook explores why purpose matters so deeply in the cleaning and FM sectors, and how BICSc’s mission to raise standards via education and accredited training delivers real impact for the industry.

Building safer cleaning workplaces with an OSHA compliance course

CLEANING PROFESSIONALS work in environments where safety risks are part of everyday tasks. Chemical exposure, wet floors, electrical equipment, and physical strain can all create hazards if not managed correctly. Strong safety awareness helps protect workers, clients, and facilities while supporting smooth daily operations.

Building trust: The critical role of independent inspection

The cleaning and hygiene sector is an industry built on long-term relationships. Over years and often decades people have built relationships with colleagues that have underpinned mutual commercial success. As Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, observes trust is at the heart of these relationships and when that trust falters, so does the relationship. 

From insight to inspiration

THE CLEANING Excellence Conference and Cleaning Excellence Awards, held on 3 December 2025 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, demonstrated in the clearest terms the strength, professionalism and momentum of the cleaning and hygiene sector.

An industry united in excellence

THERE ARE moments in every industry’s calendar that remind us just how far we’ve come - and how far we can still go. 

The unsung backbone: The importance of the UK’s cleaning and hygiene sector

The UK’s cleaning and hygiene industry is a vital force behind public health, innovation, and sustainability. As Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), explains, maintaining ethical standards, embracing smarter technologies, and driving genuine sustainability are key to ensuring the sector continues to deliver trust, transparency, and excellence in every clean.

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.

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.

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.