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

Priced at £495.00, this is the most powerful battery-operated handheld UV-C sanitiser on the market, uniquely tailored to meet the rigorous daily disinfection and sanitisation requirements of the healthcare, hospitality and food industries. Keeping everyday high-touch items, such as shared computer keyboards, elevator buttons, desktops and surfaces, has never been more important. Items and surfaces that are used regularly, especially by multiple users, can accumulate harmful germs.

The UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 (UV-C Hand-Held Sanitiser) offers a simple, portable and versatile way to rapidly sanitise surfaces and individual items, utilising the germicidal ‘C’ band at a wavelength of 253.7 nm. The UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 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.

Due to the unique design of the UV-C Miracle Wand V.2 (UV-C Hand-Held Sanitiser), 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.

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

Tel: 07398 420514

The research findings highlight that 66% of consumers now rely on pre-visit digital venue exploration, including 3D virtual tours, interactive mapping, and immersive visual content, before committing to visit or spend money at hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, and entertainment venues. 

The findings demonstrate that transparent online visual access has quickly evolved from a marketing luxury into a core commercial necessity for the UK hospitality trade.

The survey also shows how changing consumer behaviour and economic selectivity are reshaping expectations across the hospitality and leisure sector. Rather than relying solely on static image galleries or third-party review platforms, prospective guests increasingly demand interactive digital experiences that allow them to thoroughly inspect physical spaces before stepping foot inside. 

Demand is particularly pronounced among younger, high-spending demographics: among adults aged 25 to 34, nearly a quarter (24%) rank the ability to virtually tour a venue and its facilities online as a top critical factor in their booking decision. This requirement substantially outranks standard website photography (14%), with 18% of 25-to-34-year-olds explicitly stating that a virtual tour makes them significantly more likely to make a booking.

Beyond driving initial interest, immersive 3D mapping plays a crucial role in converting interest into actual financial transactions. Across all age brackets, 13% of consumers report feeling far more confident spending money when they can properly explore a venue online beforehand, while 14% view online venue inspection as equally important to an in-person site visit. This shift is further reinforced by heightened travel costs, with 8% of respondents stating they now exclusively book venues they have thoroughly vetted online to avoid wasted journeys. The appetite for pre-visit spatial exploration is particularly strong across major urban centres, led by London (17%), Birmingham (15%), Cardiff (14%), Glasgow (14%), and Central England overall (13%).

Mark Shepherd, founder and managing director of Apollo3D, stresses that high-resolution 3D virtual tours and mapping have become vital infrastructure for hospitality operators striving for a commercial edge. He said: "When people arrange a night out, book a weekend getaway, or plan a major event, they want complete clarity. They want to see the seating layout, feel the atmosphere, check accessibility, and know exactly what they are paying for before they step through the door or pay a deposit. At Apollo3D, we've spent years working alongside hotel groups, independent restaurant owners, pub operators, and commercial venue managers across the UK. What this data confirms is what we see on the ground every day,high-resolution 3D virtual tours are active revenue drivers that convert casual website browsers into confident, paying guests."

Emphasising that a 24/7 interactive digital twin delivers a tangible competitive advantage across diverse commercial sectors, Mark Shepherd added: “Whether it is a couple searching for a wedding venue, a corporate team reserving a conference hall, or a group booking a table for a celebration, offering a detailed 3D spatial model removes hesitation, builds immediate trust, and speeds up decision-making.”

Drawing on extensive hands-on experience capturing complex physical spaces across hospitality, commercial property, retail, and heritage sectors, Apollo3D’s team of experts recognises that venues incorporating Matterport digital twins and Google-integrated virtual tours benefit from higher direct booking rates, lower customer inquiry overheads, and significantly enhanced search engine visibility. Operators who offer total visual transparency online are positioning themselves at the forefront of an increasingly digital-first marketplace.

Founded in 2017, Apollo3D’s widening portfolio spans from mapping international retail layouts for brands like Primark and Marks & Spencer to creating immersive walkthroughs for historic regional hospitality venues. With the launch of their new global platform, the Otley firm is rapidly transitioning from a regional scanning supplier into a software-led partner for international estate analytics.

This new function will oversee proof of concept programmes and large-scale deployments, providing end-to-end support for delivery, training and settlement across ICE’s extensive Co-Botic range. This move reflects their ambition to remain at the forefront of the UK’s autonomous technology sector and to set a new standard for customer support throughout the deployment lifecycle.

This investment comes on the back of a period of strong growth and a positive outlook for ICE. They are committing significant resources to further strengthening delivery capability across the country.

“This dedicated team marks a huge step forward and a real point of difference for our evolving business,” said Mark Bresnihan, CEO of ICE. “It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to constantly striving to be the best that we can be. Our recent growth, coupled with the scale of opportunity ahead, has given us the confidence to invest further and to set the standard for large-scale delivery of proof of concept and contract deployments.”

The new Solutions and Deployment team will work closely with clients from initial concept through to full-scale rollout, ensuring a smooth transition at every stage — from proof of concept and training through to long-term operational settlement.

This launch underscores ICE’s continued momentum in the UK market and their determination to lead the way in the deployment and support of autonomous technology.

As part of this exciting development, ICE are now recruiting for Solutions Deployment Specialists. If you enjoy working directly with customers, thrive in a hands-on environment and want to be part of a team that will play a key role in delivering some of our biggest and most exciting projects, ICE would love to hear from you.

Click the following link to view the job description and apply: https://apply.workable.com/industrial-cleaning-equipment

THE BUILDINGS that define modern commercial skylines share a common challenge. Their façades require regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance, at height, at scale, and under increasing pressure to do it more safely and with better records. For decades, the answer has been manned access. Rope teams, cradles, BMU-mounted operatives. The infrastructure existed. The people did the work. The job got done.

That model is not broken. But it is being redefined.

A sector that cannot afford to stand still

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provisional data for 2025/26 recorded 31 fatal falls from height in Great Britain, making it the leading cause of workplace fatality for the period. For FM firms, contract cleaners and building managers, this is not a background statistic. It is a direct liability. Every operative on an active façade represents a measurable exposure. Every exposure is a risk that now needs to be documented, justified and defended.

At the same time, building owners are asking different questions. They are no longer asking only whether the work is done. They are asking how it was done, at what risk level, and what data it produced. A cleaning operation with no route log, no condition report and no operational record is becoming a harder answer to defend to a board, an insurer, or a health and safety team.

The robot does not replace the contract -  it strengthens it

Towercraft is a robotic façade cleaning and inspection system designed to work within existing building infrastructure. It is not a replacement for the FM contract or the contract cleaning operation. It is a specialist tool that works inside the existing framework.

The FM firm retains the client relationship. It opens work permits, coordinates the site and approves the method statement. Towercraft delivers the robotic façade operation: low-pressure cleaning, digital inspection, surface condition reporting and a full operational record. The FM firm presents the outcome to the building owner under its own contract.

The result is a different category of service. Not the same service at a lower risk level, but a genuinely enhanced offering: planned robotic cleaning cycles, digital inspection records, surface condition monitoring and structured maintenance data. That is a stronger contract conversation than frequency and price per visit.

What about the BMU?

BMU systems have always been the backbone of high-rise façade access. Robotics does not change that. What changes is what the BMU carries.

Towercraft is installed on existing BMU systems, monorails, spider cranes and mobile cranes. The BMU still provides access to the façade. Towercraft uses that access to deliver cleaning, inspection and operational data, without putting a person on the façade. A BMU configured for robotic operation has a broader range of application. Cleaning cycles increase. Façade condition is monitored more regularly. Building management receives structured data after every operation, not just a cleaned surface.

That outcome extends the importance of BMU infrastructure. It does not reduce it.

The direction of travel Is already clear

In December 2024, Alimak Group and Skyline Robotics announced a five-year partnership to develop an integrated robotic BMU for automated façade care. The largest players in vertical access are not treating robotics as a threat to their systems. They are building it in.

FM firms and contract cleaners that engage with this shift early will define the next generation of façade maintenance standards. Those that resist will find themselves responding to a standard set by others.

Robotic façade care is not a future possibility. It is an operational reality. The question is not whether it will become part of the cleaning and FM landscape. The question is which firms will be part of shaping it.

Towercraft is the robotic partner that makes that possible. The FM firm manages the operation. The robot works on the façade. The building owner receives a safer, more recorded and more accountable service. That is the standard the next generation of façade contracts will be built around.

Aykut Bilici is co-founder & CTO at Towercraft UK

For more information, visit: www.towercraft.io

Tel: 07493 561408