The J36 is a smart commercial cleaning robot built for retail spaces. It tackles low cleaning efficiency, high labor costs, and poor maintenance head-on.

Commercial cleaning has always been hard to manage well. Staff shortages are common across the industry. Machines wear out quickly or fail to adapt to different floor layouts. The J36 brings smart commercial cleaning solutions to spaces that need reliable, daily performance without added complexity.

Built for retail cleaning - ready for everyday commercial spaces

The J36 Professional Cleaning Robot is a mid-sized intelligent system designed to balance performance with operational simplicity. Its design focuses on integrating smoothly into daily workflows without adding complexity.

It works in supermarkets, shopping malls, and retail chains. It also fits hotels, offices, schools, and nursing homes. It cleans on epoxy, PVC, tiles, terrazzo, polished concrete, and low-pile carpets. As a commercial robot, it adapts well to most commercial floor environments.

This wide adaptability matters for operators running mixed-use or multi-floor spaces. One robot covers different surface types across the same site. There is no need to buy separate machines for each floor zone.

Core features and technical capabilities

The J36 uses a modular design with five cleaning modes. It can sweep, scrub, vacuum, mop, and push dust. Teams can choose the right setup for their floor type and cleaning schedule.

It uses AI-powered navigation with multi-sensor fusion technology. A side TOF camera handles precise edge detection. Key capabilities include:

• 360° obstacle avoidance system for safe navigation around people and objects
• Side TOF camera for precise edge detection
• AI path planning with dynamic route adjustment
• Mapping capability of up to 5000 sq. m.
• Access through narrow aisles as small as 700mm

Millimeter-level edge cleaning ensures coverage along walls, display bases, and shelving units.

The J36 delivers a cleaning efficiency of up to 1,600 sq. m. per hour under optimal conditions. Its self-cleaning docking station supports up to 72 hours of maintenance-free operation. A resume cleaning feature picks up from the exact point where a task was stopped.

A cloud-based fleet management platform handles scheduling, monitoring, and reporting across all units. A dedicated app gives managers full control from their phone. OTA updates keep every unit current without needing a technician on site.

Operational advantages that matter at scale

The J36 lowers reliance on manual cleaning staff directly. It runs routine tasks on its own so that people can focus on other work. Tool-free disassembly makes upkeep quick. The self-cleaning dock reduces hands-on maintenance time significantly.

"True intelligence is when you don't notice it — but everything runs perfectly."
— BIB ROBOTICS

Maintenance costs become easier to predict over time. The retail cleaning robot cleans its own dock between cycles. Moreover, unexpected breakdowns caused by missed maintenance have now been greatly reduced.

The  J36 commercial cleaning robot is currently undergoing CE certification and is expected to obtain official certification by the end of May 2026. The product has been developed in strict accordance with the IEC 63327 international standard for service robots.

Its data processing framework is fully built in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Featuring a low-noise design, the J36 can operate during retail store business hours without causing disturbance to customers or staff.

Seamless integration into daily operations

"J36 is a purpose-built robot that integrates seamlessly into daily operations."
— BIB ROBOTICS Product Team

The management platform gives facility teams real-time visibility. They can assign tasks, check progress, and pull reports from one dashboard. For chain store operators, all locations are managed from one place. No separate check-ins per site are needed.

Data from the platform shows cleaning gaps across locations. Teams can schedule maintenance before issues arise. This makes managing a large cleaning operation much simpler.

The platform also tracks usage hours and cleaning coverage per unit. This data helps teams improve efficiency over time.

"Bringing commercial cleaning back to everyday simplicity."
— BIB ROBOTICS

Availability and industry presence

The J36 Professional Cleaning Robot is available from April 14, 2026. BIB ROBOTICS will display it at the Interclean exhibition. Facility managers and B2B buyers can see the robot working live there.

The BIB cleaning robot J36 brings wide coverage cleaning robot technology to markets worldwide. It is made for real retail conditions — actual floor space, real dirt, and daily operational demands.

As cleaning labor becomes harder to find, intelligent automation is no longer optional. The J36 gives retail and commercial operators a practical, proven answer.

For more information, visit www.bibrobotics.com

 

Introduced in 2024, the apprenticeship was designed to professionalise frontline cleaning roles and create a clear entry route into the industry. Backed by employers and training providers, it enabled learners to gain practical, on-the-job skills alongside a recognised qualification, while allowing businesses to invest levy funding directly into workforce development.

By early 2026, the programme had demonstrated clear momentum. Hundreds of apprentices had enrolled, with many achieving high grades upon completion. Employers across the sector had begun integrating the qualification into their training strategies, supported by improved access to funding and resources. Recent changes - such as removing mandatory English and maths requirements for adult learners - had also helped broaden participation.

Structured to reflect real-world demands, the apprenticeship combined core cleaning competencies with specialist pathways in healthcare and commercial environments. This flexibility made it relevant across a wide range of settings, from hospitals and schools to offices and public spaces, helping to raise professional standards across the sector.

However, despite this progress, the apprenticeship has now been included in a list of standards set to lose funding under wider government reforms aimed at reshaping the apprenticeship system. The move is intended to redirect investment towards younger learners and streamline provision, but it has sparked concern within the industry.

Responding to the announcement, David Garcia, chair of the British Cleaning Council, said: “We are extremely disappointed to hear of the planned defunding of the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship.

“This is an alarming step backwards for one of the biggest industries in the UK, a sector which underpins public health and safety, and national resilience.”

Garcia stressed that the apprenticeship had been the result of sustained industry effort to create a recognised starting point for careers in cleaning.

“The industry lobbied for this entry-level qualification for years, partly to help attract young people to work in the sector,” he said.

“Removing this foundational pathway strips new entrants of a vital professional route, undermines workforce capability at a time of acute labour shortages, and
signals a devaluation of the essential skills that keep workplaces,
schools, hospitals, and communities safe.”

The decision comes at a time when the sector continues to face recruitment and retention challenges.

Apprenticeships have been widely viewed as a key tool for addressing these issues, offering structured training and helping to elevate the perception of cleaning as a skilled profession.

Garcia highlighted the programme’s early success as evidence of its importance: “Just over two years after the apprenticeship was approved, 88 learners have been certified, 245 apprentices are currently on the programme, and 25 employers and 15 training providers are taking part.”

He also raised concerns about the impact on businesses contributing to the apprenticeship levy system.

“It is deeply unfair that we face once again being in the situation where the cleaning and hygiene sector spends millions of pounds annually in Levy payments but businesses do not have a dedicated cleaning and hygiene apprenticeship to invest those funds in,” he said.

While the Government’s reforms aim to increase opportunities for younger workers and improve efficiency, industry leaders warn that removing established programmes could have unintended consequences for sectors reliant on structured, entry-level training. For the cleaning sector the loss of the Level 2 apprenticeship risks creating a gap in workforce development at a critical time. Without a dedicated pathway, employers may struggle to attract new entrants and maintain consistent training standards.

Despite the setback, the British Cleaning Council has pledged to continue challenging the decision. “We are working with organisations across the sector to actively explore options to challenge this decision,” Garcia confirmed.

As the sector awaits further clarity, what had been a promising step forward now faces an uncertain future.

As the FM industry navigates staffing bottlenecks and rising operational complexities, KEENON is deploying a professional cleaning fleet designed for high-performance autonomy:

• KLEENBOT C55 | One Robot. Twice the Power. Engineered for spaces exceeding 3,000m², the C55 features a double-capacity advantage in water tank volume, battery life, and coverage. It integrates scrubbing and sweeping into a single pass, effectively doubling the output for heavy-duty factories and logistics hubs while ensuring total operational control.
• KLEENBOT C40 | Triple Brushes. Twice the Efficiency. This 4-in-1 masterpiece combiningsweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and dust-pushing in one compact platform, features an exclusive triple-brush system, dry-wet separation, and Instant-Dry tech. Covering up to 4,500m², it is a critical asset for retail stores and supermarkets, delivering spotless results with minimal resource consumption, setting a new benchmark for commercial versatility and eco-efficiency.
• KLEENBOT C30 | One Partner. Simply Smarter. For premium environments like hotels and offices, the C30 delivers quiet perfection. This 3-in-1 dry cleaning specialist utilizes Water-Free CleanTech, offering flawless care to spaces up to 2,500m² with everything from delicate marble to high-traffic carpets, serving as a silent, intelligent partner for modern FM teams.

With a comprehensive portfolio spanning cleaning, delivery, and humanoid robots, KEENON's Multi-Robot Collaboration capability allows diverse robot fleets to work together seamlessly, solving complex operational challenges beyond single-machine reach. Fleet scheduling is where this capability truly shines. From 10 to 20+ robots operating in single venues to a mixed fleet of 8 robots across 6 types at facilities like Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, KEENON delivers proven multi-robot efficiency.

Proven Global Trust, Local Commitment

With 16 years of robotic innovation and the No.1 global market share in commercial service robotics (IDC), KEENON stands as a trusted ally. Having deployed 100,000+ robots across 60+ countries, KEENON’s track record across delivery, cleaning, and humanoid robotics, enables over 5,000 businesses to redefine service standards through reliable, large-scale automation.

Vision for Human-Robot Collaboration: 10 Billion + 1 Robots

KEENON strives for a world of 10 Billion and 1 robots, where every human is empowered by a robotic partner. KEENON bridges the gap between imagination and operational excellence. The European market serves as the vanguard of this transition, together unlocking a future where robotics truly serves humanity.

Join KEENON Robotics at Booth 08.203 from April 14–17 to witness the evolution of the KLEENBOT ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.keenon.com

With around 900 exhibitors from 45 countries and more than 30,000 expected visitors, Interclean Amsterdam continues to demonstrate why it remains the sector’s leading international meeting point. But beyond the scale, what truly sets the event apart is its role as a catalyst for industry progress.

Across four days, the exhibition will showcase the technologies, ideas and conversations shaping the future of professional cleaning. From robotics and artificial intelligence to sustainable chemistry, infection prevention and data-driven facilities management, the programme reflects an industry undergoing an unprecedented transformation.

The show floor itself has been redesigned to enhance the visitor experience, while the four Experience Centres - covering healthcare, hospitality, robotics and outdoor cleaning - offer hands-on opportunities to see innovations working in real-world scenarios. For many attendees, these practical demonstrations are where the real value of Interclean lies.

Equally important is the knowledge-sharing that runs throughout the event. The Main Stage and specialist education tracks developed with industry partners explore critical topics such as workforce development, digitalisation, sustainability and healthcare hygiene. These discussions highlight how the role of cleaning professionals continues to evolve - becoming more skilled, more technologically enabled and more central to the wellbeing of the environments they protect.

Recognition also plays an important part. The Amsterdam Innovation Awards celebrate breakthrough ideas across sustainability, digitalisation, hygiene and ergonomics, while initiatives such as the Cleaner’s Choice Award and national Cleaner of the Year honours help place the spotlight firmly on the people behind the profession.

In an industry increasingly defined by technological change and rising expectations, Interclean Amsterdam always provides something invaluable: a place for the global cleaning community to meet face-to-face, exchange ideas and explore solutions together.

Cleaning Matters will be following developments closely throughout the event - and looking forward to discovering first-hand the innovations that will shape the next chapter of professional cleaning.

See you there!

“2Pure customers already benefit from the fact that OdorBac Tec4 literally does it all, from cleaning to deodorising, and our company was established with the principles required to be a measurably sustainable business, so we are proud to announce that all our products are fully carbon neutral,” says 2Pure Products Director James Law.

“Understanding the pressing need to reduce carbon and properly understand the environmental impact of our products, we employed independent experts McGrady Clarke and Metsims to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to cover every stage of each products’ journey.

“Following the requirements of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards for Life Cycle Assessment to ensure our evaluations met globally recognised best practice, we were able to focus specifically on greenhouse emissions throughout the life cycle and identify ’Hot Spots’ to make changes.”

For OdorBac Tec4 and OdorBac Air, the total cradle-to-grave footprint is 0.063 kg CO₂e per litre of concentrate. For OdorBac Toilet & Scale, the total cradle-to-grave footprint is 0.121 kg CO₂e per litre. For all our products, the main emissions hotspots are the formulation and ingredients, packaging and transport. It should be noted that these figures exclude the use phase.

Sustainable by design

“Ever since we started the business, we ensured that we have operated as sustainably as possible. Manufactured in the UK using renewable energy sources, all of our 100% recyclable plastic containers are made from 100% recycled plastic using 88% less energy, 59% less water and 71% less CO2.

“All 2Pure Products are also designed to be used in our LoopBox™ reusable container system that allows packaging to be collected, washed, and refilled in a continuous cycle. This doesn’t just stop plastic waste; it also cuts carbon emissions associated with producing and transporting new containers.”

Neutralising the carbon impact

“We have committed to reducing our carbon impact by at least 5% per year and we have partnered with Gold Standard to offset the remaining emissions with verified environmental and social value projects,” says James Law. “We are therefore proud to announce that all 2Pure products are carbon neutral (excluding the use phase).

Addressing the use phase to achieve carbon-neutral certification

“We believe that responsible manufacturers should also account for the ‘in-use’ phase of the life cycle for all its products,” says James Law. “We will therefore add extra Gold Standard carbon credits for the use cycle, making our products carbon negative at point of purchase.

“Customers that partner with us can receive annual carbon retirement certificates in their own business name for the use cycle. This means they receive an auditable retirement record linked to the Gold Standard Impact Registry which supports their Scope 3 reporting under ‘Purchased Goods and Services’. We will be issuing these evidence packs, useful for ESG, CSR and procurement submissions, for the first time in January 2026 and cover the whole of their purchases for 2025, and annually thereafter.

“We are looking forward to exhibiting at the biennial Interclean show which positions itself as the premier hub for sustainable cleaning, so it is the perfect place to announce that all 2Pure products are now fully carbon neutral.

“We are proud to be delivering meaningful impact where it matters most, with measured, certified change. And we’re doing it today, not promising for tomorrow.”

For more information, visit https://2pureproducts.com

Tel: 0191 217 1717

Stand 12.302​

ICE IS the UK's largest independent provider of professional cleaning machinery and comprehensive service solutions. With almost 60 years of experience, we specialise in supplying and maintaining a wide range of cutting-edge cleaning equipment for diverse sectors. Our expansive customer base spans retail, healthcare, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, and education.

In recent years, ICE has emerged as a clear leader in robotic cleaning solutions. This isn't a title we claimed overnight; we have been pioneering autonomous floor care for well over a decade. This experience is critical because it has allowed us to move past the "trial and error" phase that many newcomers are currently navigating. We have significant experience in what works - and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. 

This experience has culminated in the ICE Co-Botics Next Gen range - a range of advanced autonomous vacuums, scrubber dryers, and sweepers that represent the pinnacle of collaborative cleaning. By taking over repetitive and mundane tasks, the robots allow cleaning operatives to focus on more intricate and specialised cleaning duties. This boosts overall productivity and ensures a level of consistency that manual labour alone struggles to maintain. Because the robots are situated on-site, can operate 24/7, and require no breaks, they empower existing teams to focus on specialist areas, directly improving employee wellbeing and general job satisfaction. 

The Next Gen range features twelve distinct machines, making it the most comprehensive range currently available on the market. This variety is critical because we recognise that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is fundamentally flawed in the world of professional cleaning. By offering twelve unique models, we ensure that we can cater to every specific environment and scenario.

Cleaning robots: Moving from a novelty to a necessity

In the world of commercial facility management, the "cleanliness gap" is widening. With labour shortages hitting the cleaning sector harder than almost any other industry, the reliance on traditional, manual cleaning methods has become increasingly unsustainable. 

We have moved firmly into the Co-Bot Era, where robots are no longer seen as a novelty but are recognised as operational necessities. No longer a futuristic concept, autonomous cleaning robots are busy cleaning our shopping centres, grocery stores, transport hubs, leisure, education and healthcare facilities, and distribution centres. A robot doesn't call in sick, it doesn't require holiday pay, and it cleans with 100% consistency every single time.

But the real story isn't just the machine; it’s the intelligence behind it. In 2026, the value of a robotic cleaning machineis no longer calculated solely by its brush speed or tank capacity; instead, it is measured by the intelligence of its "brain" and the quality of the data it provides. It gives a level of transparency and accountability that was previously impossible, allowing facilities managers to prove their cleaning regimes through factual data.

How robots navigate and support cleaning teams

At the heart of every ICE Co-Bot lies a sophisticated AI brain that processes millions of data points per second to build a comprehensive 360-degree understanding of its surroundings that rivals and often exceeds human perception.

Using a combination of 2D or 3D LiDAR and cameras, the robot creates a digital model of its environment. By identifying fixed landmarks - such as pillars, doorways, or permanent shelving - the AI can pinpoint its location within centimetres. Crucially, this system is not reliant on a static, unchanging map. The AI is designed to recognise and adapt to temporary changes in the environment instantaneously. For example, if a pallet is left in a warehouse aisle or a wet floor sign is placed in a corridor, the robot’s internal map is updated instantly. This allows it to navigate around the obstacle without losing its place, and most importantly, it remembers to return to that missed area later once the obstacle has moved.

The AI contained within the machine not only detects that an object is in its way, it also identifies what the object is. When it identifies a human, the AI can predict their likely movement, and make sure it slows down or gives way, ensuring a safe and harmonious co-existence in public spaces.

AI also uses visual sensors to distinguish between floor types. It can "see" the transition from a tiled floor to a carpet for example, and automatically adjusts brush pressure, vacuum suction, and water flow without manual intervention.

The intelligence also extends to cleaning optimisation. Rather than following a rigid, linear path that might be inefficient, the AI calculates the most energy-efficient route to take, even using onboard cameras to detect specific debris or spills. If a spill is identified, the "brain" can interrupt its routine to perform a targeted spot-clean before seamlessly returning to its original cleaning path.

The AI continuously monitors the health of the machine - battery health, water levels, and brush wear - communicating through the cloud to ensure the machine returns to its docking station exactly when needed, maximising uptime and minimising the need for manual rescue.

Data and metrics: Proof of clean

Historically, cleaning has been an "invisible" service. You only noticed it when it wasn't done. Data-driven cleaningtotally changes this by providing transparent and tangible metrics. 

As the robots clean, they track coverage, efficiency, cleaning time, building a picture of how effective an area is being maintained. Creating valuable data from every job, a routine task is now a measurable process where you can provide proof of cleaning and productivity improvements. By analysing the data, teams can identify specific times of day when the machine can operate with minimal obstruction to achieve the highest possible standards.

Usage data collected allows tracking for more efficient maintenance. By tracking the usage data of consumables, the system can predict wear and tear before it leads to failure. This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance ensures that parts are replaced exactly when needed, eliminating unexpected downtime and protecting the machine from worn components.

Some models within the ICE Co-Botics Next Gen range offer sophisticated debris distribution heat maps. These provide an intuitive, visual breakdown of where dirt accumulates most frequently, and the types of debris identified. This allows managers to effectively plan the cleaning schedules and concentrate on certain areas with more debris.

Our robots are designed to operate effectively with water alone, but where chemicals are required, digital dosing ensures absolute precision. Every litre of water and every millilitre of solution is tracked, providing the evidence needed to validate a site’s environmental commitments and reduce its carbon footprint.

Real-life results: Sector-specific successes

The transition to a data-driven cleaning model means that we are no longer guessing at the effectiveness of a cleaning shift, we are measuring it with total precision. By tracking key performance indicators such as productivity rates, water consumption, and battery health, ICE provides facilities managers with a level of information that ensures every penny of their budget is being utilised effectively.

It’s important to look at real-life results across our current customer base to really see the difference that autonomous cleaning is making. In retail environments—spanning large shopping centres and supermarkets—we have seen a measurable improvement in floor conditions, validated by gloss meter readings and positive feedback from store colleagues. These deployments have demonstrated a 59% Return on Investment (ROI) while saving an average of 75 minutes of manual labour per day.

In the high-pressure world of aviation, where cleanliness is directly tied to passenger confidence, our robots have achieved coverage rates of over 99.9% in live airport environments. This has resulted in a daily saving of 270 minutes of cleaning time, allowing staff to be redeployed to high-touchpoint sanitisation areas. 

Similarly, in the leisure sector, cinemas have reported an ROI of 61%. By automating the labour-intensive task of vacuuming, these facilities can increase the frequency of their cleaning cycles at no additional cost, ensuring the venue remains pristine even during the busiest times.

When we look at sustainability impacts, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are no longer optional—they are a core requirement. The ICE Co-Botics Next Gen range plays a pivotal role in helping our clients meet these targets. For instance, in one airport environment, the use of our robotic systems saved an incredible 810 litres of water per day. 

Beyond water savings, the intelligence of these machines ensures that chemical usage is kept to an absolute minimum, protecting both the environment and the longevity of the floor surfaces. By moving to an autonomous model, businesses are not just improving their floors; they are actively reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future for the facilities management industry.

Supporting technology to ensure you get the most from your robots

To ensure that our customers get the best possible value from their robots, we offer supporting technologies to enhance service support and data provision.

ICE SmartConnect is a central telemetry system that brings together all the data from the various cleaning machines across a customer’s fleet. It provides:

• Location Tracking: Ensuring that fleet managers can see exactly where their assets are positioned across various sites at any given moment
• Health Alerts: If a battery is failing or a brush is worn, the system flags it before the machine breaks down
• Fleet Optimisation: If the data shows a machine in Manchester is being used 8 hours a day, while a machine in London is only used for one hour, the manager can make an informed decision to redeploy the asset to a higher-demand location where it can deliver more value. This ensures that no asset sits idle and that every machine is contributing to the overall cleanliness of the organisation.

ICE Smartcall allows on-site operatives to initiate an interactive video call with a technical expert at ICE. Our experts can guide the operative through simple troubleshooting steps in real-time. Statistics show that approximately 74% of simple support issues can be resolved remotely through this method. This does more than just save money; it provides a significant carbon benefit by avoiding unnecessary site visits and ensures that the machine returns to its cleaning duties in minutes rather than days.

Conclusion

As we look towards the future of commercial cleaning, it is clear that the integration of AI and connectivity is not a passing trend, but a total redefinition of the industry. The ICE Co-Botics Next Gen range represents a move away from reactive, manual labour and toward a proactive, data-driven, and highly sustainable model of facilities management.

By embracing these technological advancements, businesses can solve the labour challenges of today. And the results are clear: higher standards of cleanliness, significant cost savings, and a more engaged, satisfied workforce. At ICE, we are proud to be leading this charge, proving that when humans and robots work collaboratively, the results are transformative. We are not just cleaning floors; we are empowering the people who manage them and providing the data required to manage facilities with complete confidence.

Julie Kitchener is chief marketing & communications officer at Industrial Cleaning Equipment​​

For more information, visit www.ice-clean.com

Tel: 023 8077 7000

Power Clean Sanitiser’s highly concentrated dual-action formula breaks down grime, removes contaminants and sanitises any washable surface, including walls and floors, as well as plastic, vinyl and painted surfaces. Ideal for cleaning the cargo area of refrigerated and non-refrigerated food transportation vehicles, the new product meets Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance for disinfectants, and also complies with the EN 1276 (2019) standard for food, industrial, and domestic use.

Autoglym’s experts have designed Power Clean Sanitiser to be easy and efficient to use, with the fast-acting solution meeting the EN sanitation standard within two minutes of dwell time. The solution is easy to rinse, is dye- and fragrance-free, and is effective at 1:10 dilution ratio for economic application.

Power Clean Sanitiser can be applied using a foam applicator for blanket product coverage that clings to the surface. Alternatively, to access those harder-to-reach spots, the solution can be applied by hand.

Mark Docherty, Marketing Manager at Autoglym Professional, said: “We’re aware of the challenges haulage businesses face in maintaining clean and hygienic food transportation fleets, and have worked with customers in the sector to develop a product that meets their most exacting compliance requirements. Power Clean Sanitiser is available at an accessible price point, complementing our existing range of logistics and haulage cleaning products and accessories.”

Autoglym Power Clean Sanitiser can be purchased in 5-, 25- or 200-litre containers. For further information about the Autoglym Professional range of products, visit: https://www.autoglym.com/professional

Tel: 01462 677766

The best response is not workarounds. It’s earlier visibility and steadier planning.

What changes from 6 April 2026

● SSP will be available regardless of earnings level

● SSP applies from day one of sickness

● The rate will be 80% of average weekly earnings or the flat weekly rate, whichever is lower

Your exposure starts immediately, from the first day someone is off.

So make sure your wage fit the new SSP rules so sick pay is calculated correctly from day one.

Read more on the UK Government’s Statutory Sick Pay Changes

Why waiting gets expensive

It starts with someone calling in sick. You patch the rota, find cover, approve overtime, and make sure the client gets the cleaning.

Then it happens again next week. If short-term absences are frequent in your business, the 2026 SSP changes create a real financial impact.

If you do nothing, the costs build quietly:

● More day-one SSP payments

● More overtime to cover shifts

● Supervisors under pressure

● Higher risk of missed standards

● Margins shrinking without a clear cause

Stop firefighting and protect your margins

The biggest cost is rarely one long absence. It’s repeated short-term absence that forces constant cover and constant reshuffling.

This is usually not bad luck. It’s a pattern, and patterns often come from pressure in the day-to-day.

Watch for repeating patterns: same sites, same shifts, constant last-minute changes, difficult clients.

What you can do

● Do a quick check-in after repeat absence

● Make site expectations clear

● Have an escalation route

● Track attendance and absence consistently

● Positive workplace culture: keep sickness at home to avoid it spreading

Turn attendance into insight, not admin

With CleanManager, working hours and attendance are recorded consistently across sites. You get visibility early, so you can adjust planning before problems get expensive. We also have wage calcuation to fit the new rules of SSP. 

From 6 April 2026, absence costs begin on day one. Prepare now, reduce firefighting, and stay in control.

See how CleanManager supports structured time tracking at cleanmanager.uk and watch our explainer video about our scheduling software: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPTD9atS7II

Tel 0330 818 3119

DEMAND FOR digital twinning is rising sharply as organisations seek more efficient ways to manage complex buildings and estates, with the technology increasingly being adopted as a practical tool for day-to-day building operations rather than a specialist add-on.

That’s the experience of leading tech specialists Apollo3D, who have reported a significant rise in demand for the rapidly evolving technology. The Yorkshire-based business says enquiries for its digital twin and virtual mapping services have increased by more than 30 per cent over the past year, reflecting wider pressure on facilities and building managers and operators to reduce costs, improve efficiency and meet carbon targets.

Accurate digital representations

Digital twinning involves creating an accurate digital representation of a physical building that can be viewed, measured and assessed remotely. The approach is increasingly being used across sectors, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, property and the public sector, where managing multiple sites or large spaces can be time-consuming and expensive.

Using digital twins, facilities and property teams can achieve their objective of a valuable ‘first time fix’.  Access to layouts, asset information and monitoring building conditions are accurately achieved without the need for onsite visits. 

This reduces travel, speeds up inspections and supports better planning for maintenance and refurbishment works. According to Apollo3D, clients are also using the technology to improve space utilisation and reduce downtime, contributing to stronger operational performance.

A shift in how organisations want to work

We are seeing digital twins move from being seen as a visual extra to something that supports everyday decisions. Having a reliable digital view of a building helps teams plan work more effectively and avoid the delays and costs that come with repeated site visits. Seamlessly integrating existing maintenance schedules into a digital twin creates a powerful building maintenance tool.

The environmental benefits are also influencing adoption. Fewer site visits result in lower travel emissions, while improved planning helps cut waste during refurbishment projects. More accurate data also supports better energy management and longer-term sustainability planning. Apollo3D’s work with Primark has already helped the international retailer to save hundreds of thousands of pounds on operational costs and environmental savings across its pan-European store network.

Risk management and compliance

Digital twins are proving valuable for risk management and compliance. Virtual surveys allow teams to review access, safety and layout issues in advance, helping them prepare work without disrupting live environments. Contractors and consultants can also work from the same up to date information, reducing errors and duplication.

The technology is also being used earlier in the lifecycle of buildings, with digital models created from proposed designs to test layouts and flows before construction begins. This helps clients make more informed design and investment decisions and reduces costly changes later.

I believe demand will continue to grow as expectations change. As buildings become more complex and resources tighter, organisations need clearer, faster access to information. Digital twinning provides that and is becoming a practical tool rather than a future concept.

The rise of digital mapping is also reshaping professional roles within the built environment. While traditional drawing and surveying remain important, Apollo3D says those who combine these skills with digital workflows are increasingly in demand as clients look for clearer insight and quicker answers.

Apollo3D has expanded steadily since its launch nine years ago, creating digital twins and virtual tours for a wide range of hospitality, leisure and public sector clients. Its client base covers retail, healthcare, hospitality and facilities management, with organisations such as the NHS, Marks and Spencer, Greene King, OCS, Primark and The Environment Agency.

Mark Shepherd is founder and director of Apollo3D

For more information, visit www.apollo3d.co.uk/