The winners are:

• Manufacturer of the Year: Cromwell Polythene Ltd
• Regional Distributor of the Year: Newhall Janitorial
• National Distributor of the Year: Jangro
• Rising Star: Emily Downing of Cleenol Group Ltd
• Outstanding Contribution: Paul Fleetwood of Cromwell Polythene Ltd

The CHSA also made the occasional award for Lifetime Achievement, naming Mike Stubbs. During his long career in the cleaning and hygiene sector, Mike Stubbs has played a pivotal role in developing the industry and driving up standards. He worked tirelessly to create and develop the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes and in doing so transformed standards in the industry. He also mentored many individuals in the industry, recognising their talent and supporting their progress.

The winners were revealed at the CHSA’s annual Gala Ball on Thursday 18 June at VOCO St John’s, Solihull, in front of leading industry professionals. 

CHSA members were invited to nominate their candidates for the awards, the final selection being made by a panel of industry leaders comprising Stephen Harrison, Jo Long, Mike Revell and David Garcia. The panel members were recused from the category relevant to their business. 

The Distributors of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year were assessed according to their values, quality and commitment, and their approach to sustainability. Their values had to support and embody the CHSA’s values. They had to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining standards and ethical practice and promote sustainability best practice.

Cromwell Polythene has been a long-standing supporter of the CHSA, active on the CHSA’s Governing Council and the working group taking forward the Accreditation Scheme for Plastic Sacks. Cromwell Polythene is also vocal about the value of its membership of the CHSA and is an active contributor to the CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability. 

Newhall Janitorial was recognised as an outstanding independent distributor, operating with strong ethical principles and delivering exceptional service across all areas of its business. Under the leadership of the Powells the company has successfully transformed a traditional janitorial operation into a modern, forward-thinking organisation.

Jangro was acknowledged as a highly active supporter of the CHSA, playing an important role in the ongoing development of the Association and the wider industry. The company also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, embedding it as a core pillar across its entire network.

The Rising Star evidenced exceptional performance, impact, rapid growth, initiative, a commitment to development, and professionalism and collaboration. The winner of Outstanding Contribution to the CHSA has a track record of going above and beyond, making a significant impact on the CHSA and the cleaning and hygiene industry. 

Rising Star Emily Downing, joined Cleenol as the most junior member of the technical team 18 months ago and is already developing an industry reputation. She consistently goes above and beyond her immediate responsibilities to identify improvements and new possibilities. Within three months of joining the business, Emily was representing the technical department in meetings with external suppliers and customers. When the person holding the post took maternity leave, Emily stepped into the role of Lead Chemist, her reliability, technical ability and maturity making her very capable despite her relative lack of experience. Outside her core role, she works with the marketing team to deliver a more effective and engaging education strategy to internal and external audiences. Emily continually seeks to improve her knowledge and personal growth, regularly attending British Chemicals Association seminars and exhibitions. Outside her company role, Emily tutors young people in STEM. Emily also supports Cleenol’s CSR initiatives by taking part in the Day to Make a Difference scheme. Last year she completed the Oxford Half Marathon raising over £700! 

Paul Fleetwood has been a long-standing, passionate and key influencer in the CHSA’s Accreditation Scheme for Plastic Sacks. He has been on the CHSA’s Governing Council since April 2009 and is as big of an advocate for the today as he has ever been. He is committed to the Association consistently attending and contributing to Council and Panel discusses. His focus has always been and remains on the importance of the CHSA and what it represents. 

Tracey Black of SC Johnson, CHSA Council member and the driving force behind the creation of the awards, said: "The CHSA Excellence Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations driving our industry forward. These winners exemplify exceptional performance, commitment, and leadership, and we are proud to recognise their contribution."

• Manufacturer of the Year: sponsored by Nationwide Hygiene Group
• Regional Distributor of the Year: sponsored by Greyland
• National Distributor of the Year: sponsored by Greyland
• Rising Star: sponsored by Harrison Wipes
• Outstanding Contribution: sponsored by Evans Vanodine

For more information, visit chsa.co.uk

Tel: 0800 243 919

Briefly describe your role and what a typical week looks like?

Typical is probably the one word I’d say doesn’t apply!

I’m often triaging queries, identifying what’s urgent, what’s important, and who’s best placed to respond. Sometimes that’s about connecting people. Sometimes it’s gently steering away enquiries that are not CHSA-related.

I keep a close eye on everything that’s going on behind the scenes – making sure progress is made, deadlines met, and nothing falls through the cracks. I’m also a bit of an ‘eyes and ears’for the Chair, flagging anything important they might not yet be aware of – a slightly Yes Minister-style role at times!

In any given week, I could be:

• Responding to members and prospective members
• Managing the membership process with the Membership Secretary
• Updating and maintaining the membership database
• Evolving the back office to improve our efficiency
• Supporting key projects, AGMs, working groups, and Council meetings
• Organising and managing meetings. Finding dates everyone can do is always a challenge
• Preparing the papers, taking minutes, and chasing actions.

So yes … no two weeks are ever the same.

What attracted you to the CHSA?

I’ve spent my career working with membership and not-for-profit organisations, so it was a natural fit. The CHSA is doing genuinely important work that makes a difference, and it was an opportunity to use that experience in a meaningful way.

What do you love most about your role?

It’s incredibly satisfying when all the moving parts come together – when information is gathered, responses agreed, and a project can move forward. A lot of the work involves coordinating with Council or working group members who are juggling busy day jobs. Knowing when to gently nudge is key.

Why are the Accreditation Schemes so important?

They involve physical audit visits – and that really matters. Many accreditations rely on paperwork, but the Inspector goes into members and checks their products and processes. It’s about ‘holding feet to the flames’ and making sure standards are genuinely met.

What might members not realise about the work behind the Schemes?

Quite how much goes on behind the scenes.

The Schemes are under constant review to make sure they stay relevant and fit for purpose. Updating standards and technical regulations is an ongoing, detailed process … it can feel a bit like painting the Forth Bridge!

We’ve also been developing clearer resources for members to make navigating the complexity of the Schemes as straightforward as possible.

How has the industry changed since you joined?

I became Secretary in March 2020 – just as the pandemic hit – so it was a baptism of fire.

There was an immediate need for fast, accurate communication and regular updates. At the same time, we were setting up the Chemical Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme, so it was a crucial moment for reinforcing standards and sharing that ‘buyer beware’ message.

What do you enjoy most about working with CHSA members?

The people. There are so many friendly, committed individuals – often running businesses or holding senior roles – who give their time and energy to the Association. It’s a real pleasure to support them, and even nicer when you get to ‘put a face to an email’ at events like the Ball.

If you had to describe the CHSA in three words?

Necessary. Worthwhile. Rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Going to auctions … which can be dangerous! I often come away with things I hadn’t planned to buy and then have absolutely no space for them. They sometimes end up going straight back into another auction.

One memorable purchase was an enormous wooden donkey – big enough to rival the Trojan Horse. Not my wisest investment, but one of the funniest … the whole auction room burst out laughing when I won it!

If you weren’t doing this role, what might you be doing?

Spending far too much time at auction houses.

What might surprise people about you?

I’ve done welding and blacksmithing courses – and made some pretty good pieces! I just haven’t quite found the time to take it further … yet.

How do you like to unwind?

A wine tasting – or enjoying the results of a previous one!

Finally, what message would you like to share with CHSA members?

A lot of your fellow members – many in senior roles – give a significant amount of their time voluntarily to support the Association. They care deeply about the CHSA, its members, and the wider industry, and are committed to ensuring it continues to grow and raise standards.

For more information, visit http://www.chsa.co.uk/

Tel: 0800 243 919

The report, What’s Coming in Environmental Legislation for UK Cleaning & Hygiene Manufacturers (2026–2028), includes the incoming legislation covering chemicals, packaging, carbon reporting, wastewater and green claims. It warns businesses that sustainability compliance, once a competitive differentiator, is rapidly becoming a baseline requirement for market access.

Prepared by Vikki Morris of Evans Vanodine and Dr. Maija Pohjakallio of Metsä Group, the report highlights the growing divergence between UK and EU regulation following Brexit and the increasing complexity facing companies trading across both jurisdictions.

Among the key issues identified are tighter controls on PFAS chemicals and microplastics under EU REACH, increasing scrutiny of biocidal products, and significant new obligations linked to packaging reform. 

The authors warn that businesses supplying both the UK and EU markets face mounting duplication risks, higher compliance costs and growing administrative burdens, particularly around chemical registrations, packaging reporting and product sustainability data.

The report encourages manufacturers and distributors to begin preparing now by auditing product portfolios for high-risk substances, reviewing exposure to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, strengthening supplier engagement and building robust environmental data systems. The CHSA says companies that view compliance as a strategic investment rather than a reactive cost will be best placed to protect margins, maintain market access and build resilience.

For more information, visit http://www.chsa.co.uk/

Tel: 0800 243 919

Initially elected to the CHSA’s Council at the 2018 AGM Lorcan is Sales Director of Amcor’s Industrial business in the UK. 

The election to Life Vice President took place at the Association’s May Council meeting in recognition Lorcan’s outstanding leadership during his seven years as Chair of the CHSA, from 2019 to 2026. 

During his tenure, Lorcan played a pivotal role in strengthening the professionalism, reputation and influence of the Association. Under his leadership, the CHSA further enhanced its standing as a trusted voice for integrity, transparency and ethical practice within the cleaning and hygiene sector. This included incorporating the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into the CHSA’s Code of Practice, introducing an Ethical Audit Requirement and an Ethical Marketing Commitment. 

He also steered the CHSA through the COVID-19 pandemic. This represented a particular challenge to the sector as unscrupulous businesses emerged making unfounded claims about their performance. The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes were a beacon, buyers able to be certain they got what they paid for: ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Our Standards, Your Guarantee. 

Commenting on the appointment, the Nick Thompson, the chair of the CHSA said: “Lorcan’s leadership, dedication and unwavering focus on standards have left a valuable legacy for the Association and its members.

“His election as Life Vice President reflects the esteem in which he is held by colleagues across the sector and acknowledges the lasting impact of his contribution to the cleaning and hygiene industry.”

“The CHSA’s Council were pleased to recognise Lorcan’s immense contribution with this honour.”

Titled “Introduction to Waste Management – understanding and managing your risk”, the session will provide a structured, practical overview of the legal, regulatory and operational landscape shaping waste management in the UK.

The waste management arena is evolving, with Digital Waste Tracking on the horizon and the arrival of Simpler Recycling. Customers expect compliance to all regulations and adherence to best practice and there are risks in getting it wrong. Assuming the waste service provider has it in hand could be costly, with financial and criminal penalties liable, whether or not the error was intentional. This introductory webinar will provide delegates with initial guidance on the practical steps they can take to manage their liabilities and implement robust waste management processes. 

The experts presenting are:

• Tina Benfield, Technical Manager at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), will cover the current landscape, the impact of Simpler Recycling and the implications of closed-loop schemes. She has over 26 years’ experience supporting professionals in the resource and waste sector. She specialises in helping organisations stay up to date with policy and technical developments, with expertise spanning healthcare waste, energy from waste and environmental health issues such as fly-tipping and litter. 
• Craig Burman, Solicitor at Burman Environmental Law, will cover legal definitions, obligations under environmental legislation, duty of care, and potential offences and penalties. He is a dual-qualified UK and New Zealand solicitor specialising in waste and water law, environmental incidents and regulatory enforcement. He advises businesses and individuals on compliance and risk management and has extensive experience supporting regulators in enforcement action. 
• Mike Hibbert, an experienced waste management consultant, will provide practical insights into implementing robust systems and managing contractor relationships effectively, including the key questions to ask. Mike has worked in the waste sector for 39 years across a range of roles including for local authorities, Environment Agency, universities, CIWM and a mix of consultancy for government bodies and private sector companies in the UK and internationally. He has specific expertise and qualifications in resource and waste management with a particular focus on processing of materials to End of Waste status, hazardous waste, training and legal compliance.

Visit the CHSA website to book your place

Expert-led webinar to address growing complexity and risk in waste management - CHSA

The appointment marks a step change for the CHSA: it is the first time the Association has committed to a permanent role.

Nick Thompson took up his post on 1 May 2026.

Nick succeeds Lorcan Mekitarian, who has served as chair in a voluntary capacity, for the past seven years. During his tenure, Lorcan strengthened the professionalism of the Association, developing its reputation and that of its members for integrity and transparency. He has also helped reinforce the rigour and credibility of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, helping to ensure the Association continues to be trusted as the guardian of standards in the cleaning and hygiene sector.

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process. The Association invited applications from across the market. A panel of experienced industry executives interviewed the shortlist, and the selected candidate was then voted for and confirmed by the CHSA’s Governing Council.

Nick currently acts as an advisor to organisations operating in the FM and business support space, is an independent non-executive director of the IOSH Services, an advisory board member at the London School of Science and Technology, and chair of a Prison Employment Advisory Board. During his career he been senior vice president global FM Services at Sodexo, and group director of Workplace Services at Royal Mail Group. He will bring expertise, vision and market experience to the CHSA and is well placed to lead the Association through the next phase of its evolution. 

Commenting on his appointment, Nick Thompson said: “I am very pleased to take up the role of chair of the CHSA. The Association and its Accreditation Schemes are important to maintaining standards in the industry. I am looking forward to meeting members and representing their interests as we evolve the Association and continue to strengthen the rigour of the Schemes and the value of membership.”

The CHSA is run by its members for its members. In his first 100 days as chair, Nick Thompson will focus on meeting members. His intent is to understand their priorities and so shape the Association’s future direction to ensure it represents members’ interests effectively. 

The CHSA is a strategic organisation and the recognised guardian of standards within the cleaning and hygiene sector. Through its work it ensures members uphold the principle: Our Standards. Your Guarantee.

The CHSA maintains standards through its Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic sacks, cotton mops and cleaning chemicals, as well as for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. These schemes guarantee that “what’s on the box is what’s in the box.” Their validity is underpinned by independent inspection, with members audited annually to ensure continued compliance.

In addition, all members adhere to the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which includes the Competition and Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.

For more information, visit chsa.co.uk/

Tel: 0800 243 919

The winners of the inaugural awards will be announced at the CHSA’s annual Gala Ball, which takes place on Thursday 18 June at voco St John’s in Solihull. 

Four awards will be made:

• Distributor of the Year: sponsored by Greyland Ltd
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Rising Star
• Outstanding Contribution to the CHSA

Tracey Black, CHSA Council member and the driving force behind the creation of the awards, explained: “This is an exciting new initiative for the CHSA. Our purpose is to recognise the enormous contribution made by individuals in our industry, the emergent new talent and the manufacturers and distributors who work hard to take the industry forward. 

“We’re extremely grateful to the sponsors who are making this celebration of excellence possible.”

The shortlists for Manufacturer of the Year and Distributor of the Year will be compiled by an independent panel of senior industry executives, the final winners being selected by a vote amongst CHSA members. 

CHSA members will be invited to nominate individuals for the Rising Star and Outstanding Contribution to the CHSA categories. An independent panel will then select the winners from the nominations. 

The Distributor of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year will be assessed according to their values, quality and commitment, and their approach to sustainability. Their values must support and embody the CHSA’s values. They must demonstrate their commitment to maintaining standards and ethical practice and they must promote sustainability best practice.

The Rising Star will evidence exceptional performance, impact, rapid growth, initiative, a commitment to development, and professionalism and collaboration. The winner of Outstanding Contribution to the CHSA will have a track record of going above and beyond, have evidence of making significant impact on the CHSA or the cleaning and hygiene industry, have made a sustained long-term contribution or delivered a single major achievement, have demonstrated leadership and served as a role model. 

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

The CHSA has operated the Bursary in its current form since 2016. During that time 28 bursaries have been awarded. The initiative is key to the CHSA’s commitment to giving something back; it is open to the children of its members’ employees. 

The Bursary also introduces young people to the industry. Attracting this talent into the sector is crucial for innovation and long-term success. The young people’s engagement with the CHSA means they can learn about the varied career opportunities, including AI, robotics, product development, sales, marketing and financial management, available in the cleaning and hygiene sector.

David Garcia, Vice President of the CHSA explained: “We are extremely proud of our Bursary. Life is challenging for young people, particularly for those with the ability to attend university but not necessarily the financial resources. We are delighted to offer this very important support. 

“Our Bursary also allows us to say thank you to our members’ employees. They are fundamental to the success of our members, and this is a very tangible way to acknowledge their hard work.”

The CHSA Bursary is open to the children of employees of CHSA members. Applicants must be 18 years or over on 1 September 2026 and commencing their higher education studies this autumn.  They will be assessed according to need, worthiness, endeavour and overall performance. Each successful applicant will also bring something unique, their ‘x-factor’. Applications close on 26 June 2026. The online panel interviews, to be led by CHSA Vice President David Garcia, will take place in July and the successful applicants will be announced in September. 

Eligible young people need to visit the CHSA website and click on the link on the Bursary page.  The form includes a 400-word statement. 

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

RECOGNITION MATTERS in every sector, but in the cleaning and hygiene industry it carries particular weight. Ours is an industry built on trust, reliability and often unseen dedication. When standards are met, environments are safe, compliant and welcoming. When they are not, the consequences are immediate and tangible. Because so much of the work takes place behind the scenes, recognising and celebrating excellence is not a luxury – it is essential.

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has long championed standards, integrity and ethical practice. With the launch of its new Awards for Excellence, it has taken that commitment a step further, creating a platform to celebrate the individuals and organisations who embody those values in action.

For CHSA members, the value is both practical and reputational. The shortlists for Manufacturer and Distributor of the Year will be compiled by an independent panel of senior industry executives, with winners selected by a vote among members. This blend of independent scrutiny and peer recognition mirrors the principles underpinning our accreditation schemes. Achievement is not self-declared; it is evidenced and validated.

The inaugural awards will be presented at the CHSA’s annual Gala Ball on 18 June at Voco St John’s in Solihull. Four awards will be made: Distributor of the Year (sponsored by Greyland), Manufacturer of the Year, Rising Star (sponsored by Harrison Wipes) and Outstanding Contribution (sponsored by Evans Vanodine). Each category has been carefully designed to reflect not only commercial success, but values, quality, sustainability and long-term commitment.

For our industry, awards like these perform a vital function: they define what “good” looks like. By setting clear criteria – from maintaining standards and ethical practice to promoting sustainability best practice – we are articulating a benchmark. Excellence is no longer abstract; it is described, assessed and, crucially, celebrated.

Recognition also reinforces a culture of continuous improvement. In a market frequently driven by relentless price pressure, the gap between what a product claims to do and what it delivers can widen if vigilance slips. Publicly rewarding manufacturers and distributors who uphold standards sends a powerful signal that doing the right thing matters. It encourages others to examine their own practices and raise their game, strengthening the sector from within.

The Rising Star and Outstanding Contribution awards focus on individuals, recognising exceptional performance, rapid development, leadership and sustained impact. In doing so, they underline an essential truth: standards are maintained not by systems alone, but by people. Talented, principled professionals translate specifications into practice, mentor colleagues, challenge complacency and drive innovation. Celebrating them helps attract and retain the next generation and demonstrates that commitment and professionalism are noticed.

There is also a broader responsibility at play. An industry that benefits from collective standards and shared credibility must be willing to give something back. Creating opportunities to acknowledge contribution, encourage emerging talent and thank those who have gone above and beyond fosters pride and a sense of belonging. That culture of recognition strengthens resilience and supports collaboration across the supply chain.

Ultimately, celebrating excellence safeguards the future. It demonstrates that integrity, transparency and professionalism are defining characteristics of a credible industry. By recognising those who uphold these principles, we are strengthening the foundations on which trust, performance and true fitness for purpose depend. 

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

Every CHSA member must comply with the regulations of the Accreditation Scheme they are a member of and the stipulations in the Code of Practice. 

In the past 24 months, the CHSA has raised the bar:

• The technical regulations of the Schemes have been tightened, particularly the Schemes for cleaning chemicals and soft tissue.
• An ethical audit of all facilities that manufacture CHSA Accredited Product must be in place by 31 December 2026.
• Members are required to sign an ethical marketing commitment.
• Members are required to sign the CHSA Code of Practice, which incorporates the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.

 
Nicky Biggart, Chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “Our Accreditation Scheme marks are trusted by buyers of cleaning and hygiene products as stamps of quality. To maintain this trust, our Accreditation Schemes must continually evolve. In the past 18 months we have increased the rigour and introduced requirements, including the ethical audit, that address the complex challenges of global supply chains and sustainability. The new Resources page has been developed to give existing and prospective members the information they need to understand the obligations of membership and ensure their compliance.

“Buyers and end users who review the Resources page, will now be able to see, in details the obligations placed on members and against which they are audited. Now, more than ever, they can be certain’ what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ if they specify Accreditation Scheme membership in tenders. Our standards, your guarantee.”

The information and guides on the Resources page are:

• CHSA Audits Made Clear. A summary of all relevant documentation.
• CHSA Audits: A Definitive Guide for Accredited Distributors. This document helps distributor members understand what to expect during an audit and how to prepare.
• CHSA Audits: A Definitive Guide for Accredited Manufacturers. This document helps manufacturing members understand what to expect during an audit and how to prepare.
• ADS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Distributors the information they need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.
• CMAS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Manufacturers of Cleaning Chemicals the information they need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.
• STAS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Manufacturers of Soft Tissue the information they need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.
• CMAS Fact Sheet. Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Cleaning Chemical Accreditation Scheme.
• PSAS Fact Sheet. Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Plastic Sack Accreditation Scheme.
• MOPAS Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Cotton Mop Accreditation Scheme.
• STAS Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Soft Tissue Accreditation Scheme.
• Ethical Audit Requirement. The document summarises the requirements and scope of the ethical audit.
• CHSA Marketing Commitment. This document is the ethical marketing commitment all CHSA members must sign.

The website also contains FAQs, addressing the questions commonly asked by members and prospective members.

Run by its members for its members, the CHSA represent the major manufacturers and distributors supplying cleaning and hygiene product in the UK. The Association introduced its first Accreditation Scheme in 1997 and now has five: for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic sacks, cotton mops, cleaning chemical and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. A Scheme for general members is under review.
The Schemes came into being to guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. This certainty for buyers that they get what they pay for, has driven the trend of Scheme compliance being specified in tenders.

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