Neill passed away last month, aged 68, following a brave battle with illness.

He founded Western Business Publishing in 1991. Initially, he launched Industrial Plant & Equipment and eventually growing it to include Handling & Storage Solutions, Health & Safety Matters, Cleaning Matters, Control Drives & Automation, Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters.

He also oversaw the launch of numerous B2B exhibitions including The Health & Safety Event, The Fire Safety Event, The Security Event and more.

Neill sold the business to Nineteen Group in 2018, but was instrumental in helping us buy back the publications in 2019 and the company remains named after him.

He enjoyed a 35+ year legacy in B2B publishing and events. He was admired by clients, contractors and staff - many of whom still work for the business. 

A man who was incredibly generous and always available to offer support. A proper Old School publisher who will be greatly missed by us all.

Our love and sympathy goes out to his wife Julie, his son Cameron and his wider family.

Katherine Ring, Service Delivery and Compliance Manager at cleaning services and facilities management specialists ProFM Group, argues that an ageing workforce and a defunded entry route are pushing cleaning and hygiene towards a recruitment crisis.

Covid ended the idea that a clean workplace was "nice to have". It showed that cleaning is a big part of keeping workplaces running, because it cuts the chances of illness spreading between colleagues.

Yet for a sector worth nearly £72bn to the UK economy, the lack of support for training and recruitment is walking the industry towards a serious, long-lasting recruitment crisis.

Is the sector sleepwalking into a recruitment hole?

At 691,000 in July to September 2026, UK vacancies are at their lowest level outside the pandemic since 2014.

In cleaning, though, the British Cleaning Council (BCC) says businesses are still struggling to fill vacancies. And we'd argue a bigger problem is on the way.

In 2024, the BCC put the share of cleaning workers aged over 55 at 27%. Its latest research puts it at 29%, against 24% across all sectors.

So more than a quarter of the workforce, and rising, is over 55, and many of them will retire within the next decade.

The National Foundation for Educational Research predicts that elementary administration and service roles, a group that includes cleaners, will need around 1.36m replacement workers between 2020 and 2035.

It's hard to see where they'll come from. Only 9% of the cleaning workforce is under 25, against 11% across the economy, even though nearly a million young people are not in education, employment or training.

Overseas recruitment has largely closed too. Free movement ended in 2021, cleaning roles have never qualified for the Skilled Worker visa, and the rise in its threshold to degree level in July 2025 moved it even further out of reach.

Funding cuts are making it worse

That puts more weight on training people already in the UK, and that's being hit by government cuts.

Just one in ten cleaning and hygiene operatives report receiving job-related training in the last three months, against one in four across all occupations.

The Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship was meant to change that. It launched in January 2024 as the sector's first apprenticeship for new entrants, after years of campaigning by the BCC.

But from September 2026, new starts on the apprenticeship no longer receive government funding.

BCC Chair David Garcia called the decision "an alarming step backwards", and we agree. The government says it is refocusing funding on young people, yet it has withdrawn support from a sector that badly needs more young people to join.

What needs to happen

First, the government should restore funding for the entry-level apprenticeship.

Cleaning also needs more attention when skills gaps and recruitment are being planned. Skills England's 2026 annual skills report doesn't mention the cleaning sector at all.

It isn't only a government problem, though. The sector needs to do more to help itself.

Employers that can afford to keep taking on apprentices should do so, and we need to talk more about career progression. The industry is often seen as "just cleaning", but there are real careers in it, from supervision and contract management to compliance and specialist hygiene roles.

Trade bodies could go further too, with recognised on-the-job certification that workers earn through experience and that employers across the sector value.

Whatever the answer, it needs to come soon. Every year without an entry route is another year of experienced cleaners leaving the sector with no one coming in behind them.

Following an unprecedented number of nominations, the shortlist recognises excellence across 19 categories, spanning frontline performance, leadership, customer service, sustainability, technology, product innovation and professional development.

The finalists will come together at the awards ceremony on 3 December 2026 at the CBS Arena in Coventry, where the winners will be announced and the achievements of individuals, teams and organisations celebrated.

Chris Shaw, editor of Cleaning Matters and one of the event organisers, said: “The quality of nominations this year has been exceptional, and we've received an unprecedented number.

"The final shortlist reflects the depth of talent and expertise across our industry, from dedicated cleaning operatives and emerging leaders to organisations developing innovative products and more sustainable ways of working.

“What stands out is the sheer breadth of achievement. These nominations demonstrate the professionalism, ambition and commitment that underpin our industry every day.

"We must thank our fantastic sponsors, Soap²O and Kärcher, who have been key supporters of this prestigious event. Reaching the final shortlist is a significant achievement, and we're looking forward to celebrating these outstanding finalists in December.”

The announcement marks a significant milestone in the 2026 awards programme, with the industry now looking ahead to the ceremony at the CBS Arena, Coventry on 3 December 2026, where the finalists' achievements will be celebrated - and this year's winners revealed.

The full shortlist is available on the official Cleaning Excellence Awards website: https://cleaningexcellenceawards.com/2026/en/page/2026-finalists

To register for the event, visit https://cleaningexcellenceawards.com/2026/en/page/book

Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026 — Full finalist list

1. Best Use of Data and Analytics in Cleaning

1. BioMetrix by BioHygiene
2. Cannon place
3. Peartree Cleaning Services
4. Principle Cleaning Services at Ropemaker Place
5. TC Facilities Management
6. Tork Vision Cleaning

2. Cleaning & Hygiene Team of the Year

1. Battersea Power Station Cleaning Team — OCS
2. Capitol Retail Park Dual Service Team — OCS
3. Castle Quay Cleaning Team — Westgrove Group
4. Liverpool FC Cleaning & Hygiene Team, Anfield Stadium — CleanEvent Services Ltd
5. Discovery Centre Brilliant Basics Team — Sodexo
6. ISS UK Cleaning Team working at VMO2 Birmingham Eagle court — ISS UK
7. Housekeeping team at DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich — Kanso Facilities Management Limited
8. Lion CCL's Pride — Lion Commercial Cleaning Ltd
9. McArthurGlen Bridgend Cleaning Team — Westgrove Group
10. Rapid Response infection control cleaning team (Great Western Hospital) — Serco
11. RBKC Estate Caretaking Team — The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
12. Stone Management Services — Stone Management Services

3. Cleaning Operative of the Year

1. Abbie Lovelock — Lakeside shopping centre
2. Alan Heywood — OCS
3. Athira Vijayan — Savills / Workforce +
4. Chanel Jenkins — Peartree Cleaning Services
5. Colin Ditchburn - Domestic Operative — Serco
6. Doreen Smith — Anchor Group Services
7. Dorota Wisniewska — Intelligent Workplace Solutions ltd.
8. Dorothy Gomes — Serco
9. Marie Pinhorn — OCS Group
10. Matthew Higgins — Savills Management Resources Workforce+
11. Peter Whale — Westgrove Group
12. Rita Bullivant, Cleaning Team Leader, ISS UK working at VMO2 Bradford — ISS UK

4. Client Collaboration Award

1. Capital Service Solutions Group & Fedcap UK — Capital Service Solutions Group Ltd
2. Commercial Operations & Account Management Team — Cleaning Express
3. Serco and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Serco
4. Housekeeping Team, Harrogate Convention Centre — Harrogate Convention Centre
5. ISS Facilities cleaning team and VMO2 Property team. — ISS UK/VMO2 UK
6. Principle Cleaning Services and Knight Frank — Principle cleaning services
7. Nu Group, Northwood, B Sure Recycling and American Express presents BST Hyde Park — Avencia
8. OCS & British Land — OCS
9. Savills / Highcross Shopping — Savills / Workforce +
10. Sodexo Janitorial Service - Mars Petcare — Sodexo
11. Stone Management Services — Stone Management Services
12. TC Facilities Management & Mundipharma — TC Facilities Management

5. Contract Cleaning Award

1. Broughton Shopping Park — OCS - Broughton Shopping Park
2. Capital Service Solutions Group Ltd : Contract Cleaning Services — Capital Service Solutions Group Ltd
3. CleanEvent Services Ltd — CleanEvent Services Ltd
4. Direct Cleaning (Fair Oak) Limited — Direct Cleaning (Fair Oak) Limited
5. Lion CCL's Pride — Lion Commercial Cleaning Ltd
6. OCS — OCS
7. Shannon's Cleaning Angels Hospitality Team — Shannon's Cleaning Angels LTD
8. Peartree Cleaning Services — Peartree Cleaning Services
9. Prime Cleaning Commercial – Contract Cleaning Team — Prime cleaning group
10. Serco Healthcare Cleaning — Serco
11. TC Facilities Management — TC Facilities Management
12. Westgrove & McArthurGlen — Westgrove Group

6. Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award

1. Sally Worthington — JLL
2. Millie Walton — JPC by Samsic
3. Jessica Mary Heath — The Vegan Cleaning Co Ltd
4. Harriet Oldfield — Westgrove Group

7. Excellence in Training and Development

1. Cleaning team at Capitol Retail park — OCS
2. Cleaning Team Training — King's College London
3. Compliance, Training and Development. — Glen Group Ltd
4. Deborah Gardiner — University of Birmingham
5. ISS Facilities cleaning team working on the VMO2 account — ISSUK
6. Lynsey Reed — HMP Bronzefield
7. Peartree Cleaning Services — Peartree Cleaning Services
8. Serco Health — Serco
9. TC Facilities Management — TC Facilities Management
10. Westgrove Group

8. Facility Management Partnership of the Year

1. CleanEvent Services Ltd & CBRE at Southampton Football Club — CleanEvent Services Ltd
2. JPC by Samsic & Savill's Pontegadea London protfolio — JPC by Samsic
3. Peartree Cleaning Services and CBRE, for M&G — Peartree Cleaning Services
4. Principle Cleaning Services & Savills at Ropemaker Place — Principle Cleaning Services
5. TC Facilities Management & Arqiva — TC Facilities Management

9. Going Above and Beyond Expectations

1. Cleaning Team Forster Square Retail Park. — Ocs Group Ltd
2. Dane Chambers — Serco
3. Dani Dewit — Anchor Group Services
4. Daniel Cross — Tennant Company
5. Hoarding Team — london cleaning management ltd
6. Laimis Bunevicius Supervisor – Jewish Community Centre — Prime Clean Ltd
7. Lion CCL's Pride — Lion Commercial Cleaning Ltd
8. Lisa Jones — Intelligent Workplace Solutions ltd.
9. Marius Coste — Elior UK
10. OCS | Southbank Centre Porter Team — OCS
11. Sandra Ferreira — OCS (formerly EMCOR UK)
12. TC Facilities Management’s Cleaning Team at Mundipharma — TC Facilities Management

10. Innovation in Cleaning Product Design Award

1. Bird waste removal — OCS
2. Divya manual washing machine — The Washing Machine Project CIC
3. Griphene TM — Orion Eco Solutions Limited
4. Ourfresh 2.0 — P-Wave®
5. pure turbo — Window Cleaners Emporium
6. Trinity Socket Mops — RAMON HYGIENE PRODUCTS
7. X2 ROVR — Tennant Company

11. Innovative Product of the Year

1. CleanManager — CleanManager
2. Divya manual washing machine — The Washing Machine Project CIC
3. Evogen ONE — Genesis Biosciences
4. Griphene — Orion Eco Solutions Limited
5. K-Mop 46 — Kärcher UK
6. Operify AI — Codedevza AI Limited
7. Pure Turbo — Window Cleaners Emporium
8. Tork Design for All certified dispenser development process — Essity UK Ltd
9. Washless TM — Orion Eco Solutions Limited

12. Manufacturer of the Year

1. Evans Vanodine International PLC
2. Greener Solutions
3. Kennedy Hygiene Products
4. Northwood
5. RAMON HYGIENE PRODUCTS
6. Robert Scott
7. SoluPak Ltd

13. Outstanding Customer Service

1. Clearwater Cleaning Services Kent Ltd — Clearwater Cleaning Services Kent Ltd
2. Customer Service Team — Cleaning Express
3. Esperant Masenge — OCS (formerly EMCOR UK)
4. James Cook University Hospital, Domestic Service — Serco
5. KingsH20 ltd — KingsH20 Ltd
6. Lion CCL's Pride — Lion Commercial Cleaning Ltd
7. Martinha Rodrigues — Serco
8. North Devon Cleaning Team — North Devon Cleaning
9. Shezaad Ali — OCS

14. Rising Impact Leader Award

1. Martin Schuster — CleanManager
2. Marius Coste — Elior UK
3. Gul Kapur — ISS UK
4. Greig Cave — King's College London
5. Jermaine Johnson — midlandscarpetcleaners
6. Salvatore Apruzzese — OCS
7. Max Reames — Peartree Cleaning Services
8. Joe Ruivo — Principle Cleaning Services
9. Dr Navjot Singh Sawhney — The Washing Machine Project CIC

15. Rising Star in the Cleaning Industry

1. Chimenum Chisom Kelvin Agbo — OCS
2. Claire Rice — WhiteForm Cleaning
3. Claudio Herbert — Stone Management Services
4. Dwight Lloyd Dailey — The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
5. Jamies Weaver — OCS
6. Jermaine Johnson — Midlands Carpet Cleaners
7. Joey Evans — Eco Clean Exeter
8. Sam Taylor — Total Clean
9. Shannon Lavan — Luxe & Honey Cleaning Co

16. Supervisor of the Year

1. Charlotte Giddings — University of Birmingham
2. Denzil Obeng — OCS
3. Donna Proverbs — ISS UK
4. Ewa Mankowska — Casna Group
5. Fiona Russell — Peartree Cleaning Services
6. Joe MacDonald — Anchor Group Services
7. Longinus Ozoemena — Casna Group
8. Oppong Boahene — Casna Group
9. Sigita Valyte — Intelligent Workplace Solutions ltd
10. Tracey Wright — Coleg Cambria
11. Wendy Birch — OCS - Mostyn Champney's Retail Park
12. Zaida Goncalves — Serco

17. Sustainable Company of the Year

1. Eco Clean Exeter
2. Evans Vanodine
3. Intelligent Workplace Solutions Ltd
4. Lion CCL's Pride
5. LM-CLEANING
6. Northwood
7. Peartree Cleaning Services
8. Property Support Services
9. Robert Scott
10. TC Facilities Management
11. The Washing Machine Project CIC and Divya
12. Westgrove Group

18. Technology and Digital Innovation Award

1. CBAi, CBAi's five scenario-focused AI programmes
2. Codedevza AI Limited, Operify AI
3. James Cook University Hospital - Serco in conjunction with LionsBot, CoBotics
4. Supacleen Limited, CleenSocre
5. Team Software - a Workwave Company, Wavelytics Decision Intelligence
6. Total Clean, MYSITEOPS

19. Unsung Hero Award

1. Dave Cox — OCS Group
2. Dr Samuel Oladimeji Dopamu — Cellar Brothers And Company Limited
3. Jamie Farquharson — OCS
4. Joey Evans — Eco Clean Exeter
5. Jose Ruivo — Principle cleaning services
6. Keir Trahearn — University of Birmingham
7. Marius Coste — Elior UK
8. Mercy Aquilando — Bubble Duck Marketing
9. Mirosław Jackowski — OCS
10. Sharon Costelloe — Shannon's Cleaning Angels LTD
11. Sherie Vardy — armthorpe academy - consilium academies
12. Tania Ribeiro. — Intelligent Workplace Solution

The Cleaning Excellence Awards has extended its entry deadline, offering a final opportunity for organisations, teams and individuals to gain recognition for their contribution to the professional cleaning and hygiene industry.

Free to enter, the awards celebrate excellence across 19 categories, recognising the innovative products, services, businesses and people driving progress throughout the sector. From technological advancements and smart cleaning solutions to sustainability initiatives, leadership and frontline commitment, the awards shine a spotlight on the achievements making a difference across the industry.

With the revised deadline fast approaching, potential entrants are encouraged to submit their entries before 23:55 BST on Friday 23 October 2026.

The 2026 awards feature a broad range of categories, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes and individuals at every stage of their careers to have their work recognised.

Categories include Cleaning & Hygiene Team of the Year, Cleaning Operative of the Year, Contract Cleaning Award, Sustainable Company of the Year, Technology and Digital Innovation Award, Innovative Product of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service, Supervisor of the Year, Unsung Hero Award and Rising Star in the Cleaning Industry.

Other categories recognise achievements in data and analytics, client collaboration, diversity and inclusion, training and development, facility management partnerships, product design and exceptional service.

The full list of categories is:

• Best Use of Data and Analytics in Cleaning
• Cleaning & Hygiene Team of the Year
• Cleaning Operative of the Year
• Client Collaboration Award
• Contract Cleaning Award
• Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
• Excellence in Training and Development
• Facility Management Partnership of the Year
• Going Above and Beyond Expectations
• Innovation in Cleaning Product Design Award
• Innovative Product of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Outstanding Customer Service
• Rising Impact Leader Award
• Rising Star in the Cleaning Industry
• Supervisor of the Year
• Sustainable Company of the Year
• Technology and Digital Innovation Award
• Unsung Hero Award

Whether recognising an innovative new product, a successful sustainability initiative, an exceptional team or an individual whose contribution deserves greater recognition, the awards offer a platform to celebrate the work taking place throughout the professional cleaning and hygiene sector.

Gala awards ceremony

The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2026.

Guests will enjoy an evening combining celebration, networking and entertainment, beginning with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal. The programme will also feature magic acts, comedy and the awards presentation.

The celebrations will continue with an after-party featuring a photobooth, live band, dance floor and fun money casino tables.

Acclaimed comedian, author and actor Laura Lexx will host the evening. Known for appearances on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and Roast Battle, she will bring her comedy to the event.

Kärcher returns as headline sponsor, with continued support from BICSc, WCEC and CHSA.

Deadline extension

The deadline extension gives prospective entrants a final opportunity to put forward the achievements of their organisation, team or colleagues.

With entries free of charge, the awards provide an accessible way to celebrate excellence, raise the profile of successful initiatives and recognise the people and businesses helping to shape the future of professional cleaning and hygiene.

From digital innovation and product development to sustainability, customer service and outstanding individual contributions, the 19 categories reflect the breadth of talent and expertise across the industry.

The final deadline for entries is 23 October 2026 at 23:55 BST.

Organisations and individuals are encouraged to enter now and ensure their achievements have the opportunity to be recognised at the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026 and celebrate the people, products and initiatives making a difference across the industry.

Enter now at https://cleaningexcellenceawards.com/2026/en/page/categories

The awards recognise the people, products, businesses and initiatives making a difference across the professional cleaning and hygiene industry, from innovation and technology to sustainability, leadership, customer service and frontline excellence.

With the deadline fast approaching, there is no time to miss the opportunity to showcase your achievements and put your organisation or team in the spotlight.

This year's awards feature 19 categories, providing opportunities for organisations and individuals across the sector to have their work recognised.

Categories include Cleaning & Hygiene Team of the Year, Cleaning Operative of the Year, Contract Cleaning Award, Sustainable Company of the Year, Technology and Digital Innovation Award, Innovative Product of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service, Supervisor of the Year, Unsung Hero Award and Rising Star in the Cleaning Industry.

Other categories recognise excellence in data and analytics, client collaboration, diversity and inclusion, training and development, facility management partnerships, product design and going above and beyond expectations.

Don't leave it until it's too late

The message to potential entrants is simple: if you have an achievement worth celebrating, now is the time to enter.

Whether it's an innovative new product, a successful sustainability initiative, an exceptional team, outstanding customer service or the contribution of an individual who deserves recognition, the Cleaning Excellence Awards provide a platform to showcase the work taking place across the industry.

Entries close at 23:55 (GMT) on Friday 9 October 2026 and the winners will be announced at a spectacular gala ceremony at Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2026.

The evening will feature a drinks reception, three-course dinner and live entertainment, followed by the awards presentation and an after-party complete with a photobooth, live band, dance floor and fun money casino tables.

Kärcher returns as headline sponsor, with continued support from BICSc, WCEC and CHSA.

Hosting the evening will be acclaimed comedian, author and actor Laura Lexx, known for appearances on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and Roast Battle.

Enter now

The deadline is fast approaching — don't miss your chance to be part of the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026.

Entries are completely free, but they must be submitted by 23:55 (GMT) on 9 October 2026.

Submit your entry and view the award categories

Find out more about the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026

#CEAwards

Shared items and surfaces that are used regularly, especially by multiple users, can accumulate harmful germs. The UV-C Miracle Wand V.2offers a simple, portable and versatile way to rapidly sanitise surfaces and individual items in 10 seconds. 

The UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 is a powerful, professional-grade germicidal handheld device engineered by UV-C Light Products for high-efficiency commercial surface disinfection. It is designed to be used in conjunction with daily cleaning regimes as a ‘belt and braces’ best practice and leaves no harmful residue on treated surfaces.

Overuse of toxic chemicals in both the commercial and domestic markets has increased exponentially since the COVID pandemic. Incorporating the UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 alongside daily routine cleaning will reduce the need for overuse of harsh and toxic chemical cleansers. 

Over-diluted chemicals will allow germs to reproduce and become ‘chemical resistant’ leading to superbugs like MRSA. Under-diluted (over-concentrated) cleaning chemicals leave a sticky residue that actively attracts dirt and grime.

Due to the unique design of the UV-C Miracle Wand V.2, the device is convenient and flexible. Its portable format allows users to treat items and surfaces without the need to be near a wall socket, thus eliminating any health and safety risks with trailing electrical leads.

UV-C Germicidal light – What makes it effective?

UV-C light is a high-energy form of ultraviolet light commonly used in controlled disinfection systems. Many UV-C devices operate at 253.7nm, a wavelength widely associated with germicidal properties. At the right dose, UV-C damages the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. 

Light travels in a straight line; therefore, items and surfaces must be directly exposed to the light to ensure maximum dose. The unique design and power of the UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 ensure maximum dosage in a controlled manner, whilst protecting the user. 

For more information, visit www.uvc-lightproducts.com

Tel: 07398 420514

Email: [email protected]

Long before Unilever finalised its multibillion-pound sell-off of Elida Beauty to private equity in June 2024, the company was making the most of broadcasting rules to dominate the consumer market. 

During this era, Elida operated as Unilever's dedicated hair care and personal hygiene incubator. To bypass strict UK commercial broadcasting bans, Unilever poured capital into offshore pirate radio, creating The Elida Show. This high-profile sponsored broadcast was transmitted to millions of listeners on the pirate station Radio London, with the sole commercial goal of pushing Unilever's trending "Sea Witch" hair colour directly to a booming teenage market.

While Unilever viewed the broadcast as a vehicle to drive market share, the surfaced studio master reveals a staggering double-bill of future rock icons. First, a raw, 19 year old David Bowie (then front man with The Buzz) is interviewed by host Johnny Moran, pitching his early mod single I Dig Everything. Bowie was asked about his songwriting and announced that he was working on a musical with his A&R manager Tony Hatch - Hatch had signed the teenager to Pye Records in late 1965. Bowie then shared his plans to work in cabaret.

Neither the musical nor the cabaret ever came to fruition.

The full broadcast can be heard here. 

In a second historical twist, the exact same broadcast features an interview with chart-climbing pop band Episode Six - then in the charts with a cover of The Beatles' Here, There and Everywhere. This lineup featured a young Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, who would exit the group three years later to front the definitive "Mark II" lineup of heavy metal pioneers Deep Purple.

The "Elida" name remained a foundational part of Unilever's portfolio for over half a century. In 2020, Unilever resurrected the moniker globally, spinning its personal care portfolio into a standalone business unit called Elida Beauty. Unilever ultimately completed the sale of the division to US private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners.

Against that backdrop, bringing the industry together to celebrate achievement and debate its future is more important than ever.

The Cleaning Excellence Awards recognise the individuals, teams and organisations that are already making a difference. From frontline operatives and supervisors to manufacturers, contractors and technology innovators, the breadth of the categories reflects an industry that is far more diverse and sophisticated than the outdated perceptions that can still surround it.

The Conference, meanwhile, provides an opportunity to confront the issues that will determine whether the sector is ready for the next decade. Data, AI, robotics, sustainability and automation will undoubtedly change the way cleaning services are delivered. But technology should not be viewed as a replacement for people. The industry’s future depends on combining innovation with investment in skills, training, leadership and professional development.

There is also a wider issue at stake. Cleaning remains fundamental to the health, safety and smooth operation of workplaces, public spaces, healthcare environments, hospitality and countless other settings, yet its contribution is too often taken for granted. Raising the profile of cleaning as a genuine profession - with clear career pathways and opportunities for progression - must therefore remain a priority.

Perhaps most importantly, the industry needs to become more proactive. Rather than simply responding to technological, environmental and economic pressures as they arise, cleaning businesses and industry bodies have an opportunity to shape the changes taking place.

The Awards and Conference offer two sides of that same conversation: recognising what the industry is doing well while asking what it needs to do better. If the sector can combine its growing appetite for innovation with a stronger focus on people, professionalism and collaboration, it has an opportunity not simply to adapt to the future, but to help define it.

The contract commenced on 2 July 2026 and sees Recorra delivering a comprehensive range of waste and recycling services across The O2’s AEG-managed areas.

A key focus of the partnership will be maximising the value recovered from The O2’s recyclable materials, including dry mixed recycling, food waste, plastics, and compostables. Recorra will introduce new recycling streams and implement systems that improve material segregation and operational efficiency, helping divert more material from general waste and ensuring valuable resources remain in circulation.

This partnership strengthens Recorra’s growing presence across some of London’s most prominent destinations and supports the company’s mission to help organisations recycle more, reduce waste, and keep valuable resources in circulation for longer.

Christian Macani, waste and recycling manager of The O2, said: "As one of the world's busiest entertainment venues, sustainability and responsible resource management are incredibly important to us. Recorra impressed us throughout a rigorous and competitive tender process with their innovative approach, strong sustainability credentials, and commitment to helping organisations achieve more from their waste and recycling services. 

"We are excited to work together to enhance recycling performance across the venue, continue our commitment to sending zero waste to landfill, support Simpler Recycling compliance, and explore new opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through initiatives such as Recorra's electric collection fleet and circular economy solutions."

As part of the mobilisation, Recorra has already redesigned The O2’s waste compound layout using advanced imaging technology. Upgrades include improved efficiency, streamlined processes for operatives, and reduced vehicle movements.

The partnership includes the deployment of Recorra’s SmartSystems technology in the form of SmartWeigh, which will provide greater visibility into waste generation and recycling performance, helping optimise services. This will work in conjunction with hands-on training for tenants, cleaning teams, and waste operatives.

Bill Swan, managing director of Recorra, added: "The O2 has ambitious goals for maximising recycling and reducing emissions for the millions of visitors it hosts every year. We're proud to be helping make those goals a reality by providing the technology, systems, and expertise needed to drive change. 

"Our partnership with The O2 reflects a wider trend among leading organisations. Increasingly, businesses are looking for strategic waste management partners who can bring together operational excellence, sustainability expertise, and innovation to not only improve performance, but accelerate progress towards a circular economy."

For more information, visit https://www.recorra.co.uk

Tel: 020 7407 9100

The platform is now available to clients across London and the South East with additional products and capabilities set to be introduced as the SmartSystems suite continues to evolve. 

The launch comes as businesses prepare for major regulatory changes, including Simpler Recycling enhancements and the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which are placing greater emphasis on material quality, recycling performance, and transparent reporting. Recorra has developed SmartSystems to help organisations navigate these changes while achieving better environmental outcomes for their waste and recycling. 

The SmartSystems suite includes SmartWeigh, SelfWeigh, SmartAudit, and SmartReturn. Together, these technologies help organisations measure waste more accurately, identifycontamination, prepare for the DRS, and gain greater visibility into their operations through accessible reporting. It is designed to help businesses to recycle more, recover high-quality materials, and divert valuable resources from disposal, keeping materials in circulation for longer. 

SmartSystems brings together Recorra’s expanding portfolio of waste and recycling technologies under one connected platform. Centralised within the MyRecorra reporting portal, the platform provides real-time data and reporting across buildings, floors, departments, occupiers, and portfolios. 

The launch of SmartSystems forms part of Recorra’s wider commitment to innovation and its ambition to champion the circular economy, with additional SmartSystems technologies planned for future release. 

Businesses interested in implementing SmartSystems can contact Recorra to arrange a demonstration and discover how data-driven waste management can support their sustainability goals. 

For more information, visit https://www.recorra.co.uk/

Tel: 020 7407 9100