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innovators, the breadth of the categories reflects an industry that is far more diverse and sophisticated than the outdated perceptions that can still surround it.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

The full-day conference will bring together cleaning professionals, suppliers, industry leaders and other stakeholders for a programme focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.

Delegates will have access to a series of CPD seminars, networking opportunities and a table-top exhibition showcasing the latest products and services from across the cleaning industry.

The event is supported by several leading industry organisations, including the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), British Pest Control Association (BPCA), Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) and Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA). It will also be co-located with the BICSc conference.

The conference programme will open with networking at 8.30am, before a series of sessions examining everything from industry representation and data to training, technology, sustainability and recruitment.

Making the case for membership and data

At 9.15am, Nick Thompson, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), will open the seminar programme with ‘Active Membership Matters’.

Thompson will explore the role of trade associations at a time when businesses are facing rising operational costs and pressure on margins. His presentation will examine how collective industry action can help shape standards, tackle rogue trading, support members and encourage the next generation of talent.

Paul Ashton, Chairman of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), will then examine the growing importance of data in ‘From Gut Feel to Growth Engine – Why Data Matters to the Future of Cleaning’.

The session will consider how better use of data can help businesses demonstrate value to clients, protect margins, improve workforce performance, meet ESG and compliance requirements and strengthen procurement decisions.

Training and technology take centre stage

Training will be another major theme, with Neil Spencer-Cook, Group Managing Director of BICSc, asking why professional development could become the industry's greatest competitive advantage.

His presentation, ‘The Future of Cleaning: Why Training Will Be the Industry’s Greatest Competitive Advantage’, will explore the impact of robotics, artificial intelligence, smart technologies, sustainability requirements and changing workforce expectations.

Drawing on BICSc’s Future of Cleaning Initiative, Spencer-Cook will argue that technology alone will not determine the success of the sector’s transformation, with engagement, leadership, change management and workforce training all playing a crucial role.

Technology will return to the agenda at 11.20am, when Lorraine Larman, Managing Director at Safety Solutions, presents ‘The Face of the Industry to Come: Robotics, Automation Software and AI’.

Larman will examine how emerging technologies could change the way cleaning services are delivered, while emphasising the continuing importance of people and the skills and professionalism of cleaning operatives.

The morning programme will also address the changing pest management landscape. John Horsley, Training and Professional Development Officer at BPCA, will discuss the impact of climate change, global trade, urbanisation, new pest species, technology and regulation on the sector.

Raising the profile of cleaning as a career

The conference will also tackle the long-standing issue of perceptions around cleaning as a profession.

At 12.20pm, Kevin Meighan, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, will present ‘Cleaning Up Perceptions: The Case for a Career in the Industry’.

Meighan will outline potential career pathways within the sector, from entry-level roles through to leadership and professional recognition. He will also discuss collaboration between WCEC, BICSc and other industry bodies, the route to Chartership and the WCEC’s Breaking Barriers Bursary, which supports young people from cleaning families into higher education.

Sustainability, automation and the future workplace

Following lunch, the afternoon programme will turn to cleaning products, sustainability and automation.

James Law, Director of 2Pure Products, will ask ‘Why Does It Take 15 Products to Clean One Building?’, challenging conventional approaches to product procurement, odour masking and sustainability.

His session will explore whether businesses should move away from product proliferation and instead focus on measurable hygiene, safer chemistry, total cost-in-use and genuine environmental performance.

Daniel Cross, European Marketing Manager for Robotics at Tennant Company, will then look at the relationship between technology and the cleaning workforce in ‘The Workplace We Haven’t Built Yet’.

Cross will argue that cleaning robots should not simply be viewed as a threat to employment. Instead, he will highlight the need for knowledge transfer and workforce development to ensure that the experience of established professionals is not lost as the industry changes.

Sustainability and cost efficiency will also feature in a presentation from Chris Warren, Managing Partner for Marketing & Product Management at Fenton Packaging Solutions.

His session, ‘Bag-in-Box: The Smart Choice for Sustainability, Savings and Performance’, will examine how alternative packaging formats could help cleaning businesses respond to rising disposal costs and changing environmental requirements, including Extended Producer Responsibility and Plastic Packaging Tax.

Panel to examine how cleaning can future-proof itself

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion on ‘Future-Proof Cleaning’, chaired by Neil Spencer-Cook.

Joining him will be Lorraine Larman, Paul Ashton and Daniel Cross, with the panel examining how the sector can respond proactively to rapid technological, regulatory and environmental change.

Topics will include robotics, AI, digital technologies, evolving client expectations and the development of the next generation of cleaning professionals.

The discussion will also consider how businesses can move from a reactive approach to one that anticipates change, combining investment in technology with investment in people to create a more resilient and adaptable industry.

The conference is scheduled to close at 4pm.

With CPD opportunities, industry networking, access to new products and services and a programme addressing some of the biggest issues facing cleaning today, organisers are encouraging professionals across the sector to attend.

Registration is free and is now open.

To register for this must-attend event visit https://coventry.cleaningconference.com/register

For more information, visit https://cleaningconference.com/

Free to enter, the prestigious awards once again celebrate excellence in every aspect of the sector, from groundbreaking technology and sustainable solutions to exceptional customer service, leadership, and frontline dedication. 

The awards provide an opportunity for organisations and professionals of all sizes to showcase their achievements and gain industry-wide recognition across a diverse range of categories.

Award categories for 2026 include:

• 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.

Entry to the Cleaning Excellence Awards is completely free, with submissions open until 9 October 2026 at 23:55 (GMT). Organisations and individuals are encouraged to submit their entries and showcase the initiatives, innovations and achievements that are shaping the future of the industry.

The Awards Ceremony

The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala awards ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 3 December 2026. The evening will feature a drinks reception, a three-course dinner, live entertainment including magic and comedy, the awards presentation, and an after-party complete with a photobooth, live band, dance floor and fun money casino tables.

Returning as headline sponsor is Kärcher, while the awards continue to receive the backing of leading industry organisations including the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC), Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), and ISSA.

Hosting this year's ceremony will be acclaimed comedian, author and actor Laura Lexx. A familiar face from Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and Roast Battle, Laura is renowned for her energetic and engaging performances, tackling topics such as technology, the environment and modern life with warmth and humour. She is also the award-winning creator of multiple Edinburgh Fringe shows and the author of Klopp Actually and the novel Pivot.

With entries now open, the Cleaning Excellence Awards 2026 once again offer the industry the chance to celebrate the people, products and organisations making a lasting impact across the cleaning and hygiene sector.

Submit your free entry before 9 October 2026 at 23:55 (GMT) and find out more about the awards by visiting: https://cleaningexcellenceawards.com/2026/en/page/categories

For further information about the awards and the gala event, visit: https://cleaningexcellenceawards.com/2026/en/page/home

#CEAwards

With the tournament now well underway and running until 19 July, many operators are already seeing the impact of major matchdays on front-of-house teams. But according to Lee Carlin, Group CEO of LDF Group, the pressure is limited to staffing, screens, and service.

“When venues are busy during major tournaments like the World Cup, the visible parts of the guest experience naturally take priority,” Carlin says. “That means atmosphere, service, screens, staffing levels and keeping customers moving. But behind the scenes, the infrastructure is working harder too.”

“Higher footfall and longer dwell times mean plumbing and drainage systems are under greater strain for longer periods of time. If something goes wrong, it can very quickly become a guest-facing issue.”

Infrastructure pressure is already building behind the scenes

For pubs, bars and restaurants, major sporting events create concentrated spikes in demand. Data from hospitality technology provider Zonal shows pub bookings for England’s first World Cup game were up +184% compared to the same data in 2025, while match bookings across all hospitality were up significantly, increasing +64% year-on-year.

Washrooms see heavier use, kitchens operate under greater pressure, and drainage systems are expected to cope with higher volumes of waste and wastewater across extended trading periods. While these systems are often invisible to customers, any failure can have an immediate impact on the guest experience. Blocked toilets, backed-up drains, leaks or grease-related issues can quickly disrupt service, create hygiene concerns and put additional pressure on staff during already busy fixtures.

Carlin explains, “in hospitality, the basics matter. Customers may not think about drainage or plumbing when they walk into a venue, but they notice very quickly when something is not working as it should. During a major fixture, when venues are busy and teams already stretched, even a small issue can escalate quickly.”

LDF Group is warning hospitality operators to review drainage and plumbing resilience as World Cup footfall puts venues under pressure 

Why waiting until something fails is a risk

LDF Group says one of the biggest challenges is that plumbing and drainage are still often treated reactively, with action only taken once a problem has already started to affect operations.

During a tournament period, that approach can leave operators exposed. With venues trading through busy matchdays and, in some cases, later into the evening, the margin for error becomes much smaller.

“Preventing a disruption will always be more valuable than reacting to one in the middle of service,” Carlin adds. “Once a venue is full, the impact of an infrastructure issue is immediate. If a washroom goes out of use or a drainage problem affects back-of-house operations, it cannot be confined solely as a maintenance problem. It needs to be seen as a major operational issue. The venues that manage these periods best are usually the ones that identify pressure points early and make sure critical infrastructure systems are ready to perform while demand is high.”

With later licensing in place for home-nation knockout fixtures, LDF Group says emergency response plans and planned maintenance schedules must be reviewed now

Operators should act before peak fixtures intensify pressure

According to LDF Group, hospitality operators should use this stage of the tournament to review infrastructure readiness before peak fixtures place further pressure on venues. Alongside staffing rotas, stock levels, booking systems and screen set-ups, operators should be reviewing planning maintenance schedules, emergency response arrangements and out-of-hours-contact routes.

Issues such as blocked toilets, backed-up drains and fats, oils and grease build-up are often preventable if they are identified early enough. Routine checks during the tournament can help reduce the likelihood of disruption during the busiest trading moments.

“The World Cup is a major opportunity for hospitality, but it also tests how well venues cope under pressure,” Carlin says. “Readiness is not just about what customers see front of house, it also includes the systems they never think about unless something goes wrong. Plumbing and drainage may sit behind the scenes, but during high-footfall events they have a direct impact on service, reputation and operational continuity.”

Pub bookings for England’s opening World Cup fixture were up +184%, highlighting the scale of demand

LDF Group’s top three tips for operators during peak matchdays

1. Increase planned maintenance during the tournament

Major tournaments place extra pressure on washrooms, plumbing and drainage systems, so operators should consider increasing the cadence of planned preventative maintenance while demand remains high. Where possible, checks should be carried out when venues are closed to minimise disruption and identify issues before they become guest-facing problems.

2. Review service level agreements with infrastructure providers

Peak trading periods are the time to make sure SLAs are fit for purpose. Operators should be confident that, in the event of an emergency, response times are fast enough to protect service and keep venues trading.

3. Make sure out-of-hours contact routes are clear

When an issue happens during late trading, speed matters. Site teams should have direct, up-to-date contact details for infrastructure partners and know exactly who to call for rapid out-of-hours support.