Elevating standards and sustainability in the cleaning industry

Showcasing a lineup of distinguished industry leaders and experts, this event served as a catalyst for driving discussions on elevating standards, embracing sustainability, and fostering professionalism within the cleaning industry.

The event, which was sponsored by 2 Pure, also boasted an additional conference hosted by the British Institute of Cleaning Sciences (BICSc) and a large exhibition area, with double the attendees to the previous year. 

The Cleaning Excellence conference kicked off with Paul Ashton, CEO of Birkin and chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), setting the tone for the day. His vision of stimulating impactful transformations and benchmarking standards resonated throughout the audience. Ashton's focus on creating a robust support network and uplifting the industry's collective profile set the stage for a day of insightful discussions.

James Lee from the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) unveiled a groundbreaking report aimed at aiding buyers in discerning authentic sustainability initiatives from misleading greenwashing practices. His emphasis on maintaining ethical standards and promoting sustainable solutions echoed the industry's growing commitment to environmental responsibility.

Nick Winstone of Biovate Hygienics captivated attendees with his unwavering dedication to revolutionising the industry through sustainable, biological cleaning products. His collaborative approach and vision for a greener future showcased the power of collective action in achieving sustainability goals.

Neil Spencer-Cook, group managing director of BICSc, stressed the importance of skill enhancement and apprenticeships, emphasising their value in nurturing talent within the cleaning domain.

Mike Jenkins, clerk to the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), highlighted the significance of professional recognition and career advancement within the cleaning industry through the Chartered Practitioner’s Register.

In an incredible lively presentation Natalie Bungay from the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) shared her invaluable insights into identifying and managing common pests in premises, imparting knowledge crucial for effective pest control practices. Natalie changed her talk at the last minute as a number of delegates had asked her opinion on the problem of bed bugs which has been recently hitting the headlines. 

Daniel Cross, UK Marketing Manager at Tennant UK, provided a glimpse into the future by examining the evolving role of robotics in professional cleaning, shedding light on its potential impact. Following Daniel's talk Duncan McLaren, director of sales at Taqt, outlined the transformative potential of digitisation and IoT in optimising resource management and sustainability efforts in the cleaning industry.

Headlining the conference, Delia Cannings, chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC), emphasised the criticality of education, addressing COVID variants, and professional development within the industry.

The conference seamlessly transitioned into The Cleaning Excellence Awards, celebrating exceptional achievements and innovations within the industry. It was a momentous occasion, acknowledging trailblazers and their contributions toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

As the day concluded, networking drinks sponsored by The Hill Club provided an opportunity for attendees to forge connections, fostering collaborations that would further propel the industry towards greater heights.

The Cleaning Excellence Conference & Awards 2023 wasn't just a convergence of industry professionals; it was a testament to the collective commitment to elevate standards, embrace sustainability, and pave the way for a brighter future in the cleaning and hygiene sector.