Navigating change, driving standards

The cleaning industry has never been more important, or more visible, than it is today. Once often considered a background function, it is now firmly recognised as a cornerstone of public health, workplace wellbeing, and organisational performance. Across the UK and globally, the sector continues to evolve at pace, shaped by rising expectations, technological innovation, and a rapidly changing economic landscape.

At its core, cleaning remains an essential service, one that supports safe environments in healthcare settings, enables productivity in workplaces, and underpins confidence in public and commercial spaces. The industry’s contribution to the UK economy is significant, employing over a million people and generating tens of billions in value each year. 

Yet, while demand is strong and the industry’s profile is rising, organisations across the sector are facing a growing number of challenges that require strategic thinking, innovation, and strong leadership.

A changing landscape

One of the most notable shifts in recent years has been the increase in expectations from clients and end users. Cleanliness is no longer simply about appearance, it is directly linked to health, safety, and trust. The legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact, with heightened hygiene standards now embedded across sectors.

In parallel, clients are increasingly seeking transparency and measurable outcomes. Data-driven cleaning, real-time reporting, and evidence-based service delivery are becoming standard expectations rather than differentiators. 

This shift positions cleaning professionals not just as service providers, but as strategic partners, playing a key role in risk management, compliance, and overall building performance.

The cost challenge

Perhaps the most immediate pressure facing the industry is the rising cost of doing business. Inflation, increased energy prices, and higher wage demands are placing significant strain on margins. A large proportion of industry professionals identify cost pressures as the most significant challenge currently impacting operations. 

At the same time, customers are placing greater emphasis on value for money, often expecting higher standards at lower or static costs. This creates a complex balancing act: maintaining quality, investing in workforce and innovation, while remaining commercially competitive. 

Workforce pressures

Alongside financial challenges, workforce issues continue to affect the sector. Labour shortages and high turnover remain persistent concerns, impacting service delivery and operational consistency. Factors such as shifting workforce demographics and the perception of cleaning roles contribute to the difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled individuals.

In response, organisations are increasingly focused on enhancing the value and recognition of cleaning roles. Investment in training, professional development, and clear career pathways is essential, not only to improve retention but to elevate the status of the profession as a skilled and vital industry.

Sustainability - from expectation to requirement

Sustainability has moved firmly from aspiration to expectation. Clients now require cleaning providers to demonstrate environmental responsibility using eco-certified products, waste reduction, and alignment with broader ESG commitments. 

However, achieving these goals is not without its challenges. The availability and cost of sustainable products, combined with the need to maintain cleaning efficacy, can create tension between environmental responsibility and operational practicality. Furthermore, while sustainability is widely valued, not all customers are prepared to absorb the additional costs involved. 

Innovation and opportunity

Amid these challenges, there is also significant opportunity. Technology is playing a transformative role across the industry, enabling smarter, more efficient service delivery. From robotic cleaning equipment to IoT-enabled facilities and digital audit platforms, innovation is helping organisations improve productivity, consistency, and transparency. 

Automation offers a practical response to labour shortages, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks while maintaining standards in large or repetitive environments. 

At the same time, there is growing demand for specialised services, from infection control and healthcare cleaning to post-construction and high-risk environments, creating new avenues for growth and professional development.

Leading the future of cleaning

The cleaning industry stands at a pivotal point. The challenges it faces are real and complex, but they also present an opportunity to redefine its role and value.

Success in this evolving landscape will depend on several key factors: embracing innovation, investing in people, maintaining high standards, and demonstrating clear value to clients. Above all, it will require strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As the industry continues to adapt, one thing is clear: cleaning professionals are not just maintaining environments, they are shaping safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces for everyone.

Neil Spencer-Cook is group managing director at BICSc

For more information visit www.bics.org.uk