Stronger together: The CHSA vision

We cannot ignore the immediate pressures of global instability, rising costs, pressure on margins, sustainability demands, new regulations and trying to keep up with the extraordinary pace of change being brought about by artificial intelligence. 

The interconnected supply chains in our sector means few organisations can successfully navigate this environment on its own. To succeed, businesses need good products and services, talented teams and efficient operations but they need to be able to do more than just claim this. They must be able to prove it. They also gain by being part of something bigger that has their best interests at heart. Run by our members for our members, this is exactly the focus of the CHSA. Our strategy centres on creating value for our members and, importantly, being proactive and creative in how we go about it. We take a broader, more strategic perspective, looking holistically at the market. Creating value for our members is crucial. Helping them understand and create real value for their customers elevates the whole industry. 

Our approach is built on four key pillars. 

Strengthen members’ competitive advantage

Our Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and hygiene products are at the heart of all we do. They provide an independently verified mark of quality that sets Accredited Members apart in the marketplace. 

Accreditation gives our members competitive differential, supporting them to build a stronger market position. For their customers, it provides confidence that the products they purchasemeet the standards they expect, crucially reducing risk and providing reassurance.

As we say: Our Standards, Your Guarantee.

Support members’ growth

Members need value beyond compliance and accreditation. Our aim is to help members understand their markets better, identify opportunities sooner, and build stronger commercial relationships. We are introducing a programme of strategic events designed both to provide access to key commercial sectors and deliver valuable market intelligence. These events will support strategic planning, commercial decision-making and business development.

We are also harnessing the collective strength of our manufacturing members to tackle rogue business practices, helping to protect the market from unfair competition. This provides a point of difference for our members and gives their customers the reassurance they need. 

Representing members’ best interests

Whether engaging with industry groups, amplifying the voice of our sector, or ensuring members are informed about policy developments and regulatory changes, we make sure members are heard and equipped with the information they need.

Creating an opportunity to give something back

Supporting businesses means also supporting their people. We are very proud of the Bursary Programme. Every year, we award £6,000 each to four young people, the children of employees working for our member companies who are beginning their university career. 

This is the message I will share at the Cleaning Excellence Conference on 3 December. In a world defined by uncertainty and complexity, organisations will increase the likelihood they thrive by engaging, connecting and collaborating. Excellence is achieved when an industry comes together, raises standards together and builds success together.

Nick Thompson is chair at the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA)

For more information, visit ​www.chsa.co.uk

Tel: 0800 243 919