The Voice

BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL

THE VOICE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

AUTUMN/WINTER 2021

ONE YEAR ON - THE IMPACT OF THE CLEANING AND HYGIENE INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION DURING THE PANDEMIC IN FOCUS: APPG FOR THE UK CLEANING AND HYGIENE INDUSTRY

ALSO INSIDE:

LONDON CLEANING SHOW PREVIEWED

CHARTERED PRACTITIONER STATUS

CLEAN START CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

CELEBRATING AND RECOGNISING OUR INDUSTRY

BY BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN JIM MELVIN Welcome to this year’s edition of the British Cleaning Council (BCC) newsletter, The Voice, which is full of news about the BCC, our members and the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry.

As you read this, there are just a few days to go until the Cleaning Show – the biggest and best trade show for our industry and a highlight of the year.

There is always a keen sense of anticipation before the event but this magnitude due to the fact that this in more than two years. It will be fantastic to be there in person. Turn to page three for full details.

The show is also an opportunity to celebrate the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry, and especially our

Coronavirus pandemic.

While personnel in other sectors could work from home during the lockdowns, brave cleaning and hygiene operatives went into work, putting themselves at risk to protect the health and well-being of others.

Each and every one of us owes them a huge debt of thanks.

The critical role of our sector will continue as the UK recovers, simply cannot be undervalued, and nor should the importance of the sector to the UK economy be underestimated.

Our recent research report showed that the cleaning, hygiene and waste

sector contributed £55.5 billion to the UK economy in 2018 and employed 1.47 million people, making it one of the UK’s top ten industries.

industry. I urge you to read the case studies on the CSSA website. Turn to page seven for more about Clean Start.

We all know that the industry has been calling for a long time for the recognition it deserves.

BCC member the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) has also developed a major initiative with the Chartered Practitioners Register that will assist in achieving recognition for our sector and the expertise and professionalism

As you may be aware, earlier this year, there was a major development in this campaign, with the establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the UK Cleaning and Hygiene Industry.

Supported by just under 60 MPs, the APPG is dedicated to promoting the critical importance of the cleaning and hygiene industry and ensuring that, going forward, the sector’s voice will be heard at the highest levels.

It is vital that we maintain the APPG’s momentum and ensure its strategy results in demonstrable and

develop a lifelong people and career development process. You can read All of the BCC’s members have achieved a huge amount for their personnel and the industry during will give some idea of their fantastic reading.

Jim Melvin Jim Melvin British Cleaning Council Chairman

association and our fantastic teams. on page four.

BCC member the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) recently launched the excellent Clean Start initiative based on attracting new people to a career in the

INFO@BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG PAGE 2

BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

CLEANING SHOW SET TO SHOWCASE THE SECTOR Not only does this year’s Cleaning Show, at the Excel, London, from 2-4 November, have a huge amount critical time for the industry. cleaning, hygiene and waste industry, it is jointly organised by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and Quartz Business Media, and attracts more than 7,000 professionals. opportunity to both celebrate the Covid-19 pandemic and showcase the innovations that will keep businesses, hospitals, schools and facilities safe going forward.

It also comes as client businesses and buildings across the UK strive to maintain or increase high standards of cleaning and hygiene including disinfection and sanitisation, as they

Attendees at the show will be able to network with a huge number of colleagues and potential suppliers in person, create new business relationships, strengthen existing ones, get the chance to discuss deals in person on the discovery of new products, and meet with services and suppliers.

Attractions at this year’s show include the chance to learn about by many of the leading and most innovative companies in the sector, including big-name brands like Evans Vanodine, Numatic, Karcher The Cleaning Show conference is always informative, interesting and some of the industry’s best-known This year’s conference programme covers a wide range of topics such as the role of the sector in the pandemic recovery, the work of the BCC in the sector’s All Party Parliamentary Group, advanced technologies in the industry, the WCEC’s Chartered Practitioners Register, the CSSA’s Clean Start intiative, training, environmental and sustainability developments and much more.

The ever-popular Window Cleaning World Cup and Guinness World Record Challenge returns and will see window-cleaners from far and

feature a Window Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning Village. Supported

by BCC member the Federation of Window Cleaners, this new feature an opportunity to try out the latest and network with equipment providers.

Finally, as a member of the BCC, the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA), will also put the spotlight on the industry’s most innovative products, services and initiatives during its 2021 Innovation Showcase, which is also fully backed by another BCC member, the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA).

The BCC will also have a stand at the show. Please come by and say hello if you are attending.

Incredibly, this is all free to attend and enjoy, though you do need to

TO REGISTER FOR FREE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CLEANINGSHOW. CO.UK/LONDON Just a housekeeping note to close, please be aware that all visitors, show proof of double vaccination or gain entry.

2-4 NOVEMBER • EXCEL • LONDON

PAGE 3 WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

ESTABLISHMENT OF APPG appg IS A HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE SECTOR The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the UK Cleaning and Hygiene Industry was inaugurated in February, with the support and involvement of almost 60 MPs from all the major political parties and members of The House of Lords, making it a very credible APPG.

MPs elected Nigel Mills, MP for Amber Valley, and The Baroness Greengross, OBE, as co-chairs.

The APPG is operated by MPs and members of the House of Lords with the British Cleaning Council acting in the role of secretariat and organising steering groups seeking to carry out the industry’s clear, focused and much needed strategic aims.

It exists to promote the critical importance of the cleaning and hygiene industry in the UK. The cleaning and hygiene sector has always provided essential products and services, as well as protecting the health, safety and well-being of people and protecting the environment.

The pandemic has highlighted the need for the vital work undertaken by cleaning and hygiene operatives to be properly recognised.

The establishment of an APPG for the sector is an historic achievement which should play an important role in achieving that recognition and ensuring the sector’s voice is heard at the highest levels.

Its priorities include:

Nigel Mills, MP for Amber Valley

• conducting a short inquiry to highlight the essential and skilled nature of the work undertaken by cleaning and hygiene operatives • to work with the cleaning industry Trailblazer group to encourage the development of occupational standards and the introduction of Level 2 apprenticeships in cleaning science • promoting the importance of the cleaning and hygiene sector to return to public places, including workplaces • in the aftermath of the pandemic, to encourage the adoption and promotion of preventative health and hygiene

The Baroness Greengross, OBE

• to promote the adoption of the real Living Wage in the sector.

INFO@BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG PAGE 4

In April, some of the most prominent sector briefed APPG members about work and public spaces following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The industry experts told APPG members that cleaning and hygiene needed to be prioritised and highlyvisible and that there was also an outstanding and much-needed opportunity to change the UK’s culture for good and ensure health and wellbeing are always at the top of the agenda in future.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a Trailblazer group set up by the BCC has been working up proposals for a recognised and universal training accreditation for the whole of cleaning and hygiene industry.

Many of the industry’s leading businesses are part of the Trailblazer, which is also supported by a number of BCC members.

The group has been considering the structure of the program and how the industry-wide Apprenticeship could work, holding regular discussions with approving body The Institute for Apprenticeships.

In May, the Trailblazer group called for more backing and support from the cleaning and hygiene sector.

In June, the BCC and Cleaning and Maintenance magazine hosted a series of free webinars looking at the work of the APPG. APPG Webinar Week provided a chance to discuss, explore and explain the APPG’s priorities detailed above.

The BCC has recently met with Chairman Nigel Mills. MPs and APPG members have been invited to a dinner and discussion during the Cleaning Show.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL THE APPG’S SECRETARIAT VIA SIMON HOLLINGBERY AT COMPSEC@ BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

A TIME OF CHALLENGE AND CHANGES FOR THE BETTER

By Gary Fage, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) There is no doubt that 2020 and 2021 At the WCEC, we have experienced challenges and triumphs during this time, like so many other organisations.

I undertook my new role as the Master of the WCEC this year, not only with pride but also feeling encouraged that the future of the cleaning industry is looking brighter than ever.

Our contribution to society has been tested since the onset of the pandemic.

Throughout, we have shown our mettle and I think that we have met the challenge with courage and dedication, coming through on the other side with shining colours.

Its framework and subsequent creation are from long labours of dedication by members of WCEC. Now that it has come to fruition, I and the other members are excited to launch it to the entire cleaning industry so that its professionals may have their skills and experience acknowledged, and recognised in the wider arena of UK industry.

For those individuals who apply for chartered status, we wish them every success. The WCEC has ensured that its application process is as fair as possible. It even includes mentoring support, so that applicants have the best chances possible to satisfy criteria

The importance of the UK cleaning

It’s been an ambition of mine to raise

even at the highest levels of government, for the valuable contribution it makes to our communities, and public health.

Collectively, our Covid response has been one of exemplary performance to keep the UK running.

because it is often perceived as an unskilled profession. This is a profession, and with initiatives like the Register of Chartered Practitioners in Environmental Cleaning, we are

Therefore, I’m especially proud of the most notable of the WCEC’s successes during this period of global change the launch of the Register of Chartered Practitioners in Environmental Cleaning.

Master of the WCEC, Gary Fage

That’s how I built my career, and now I’m the Master of a City of London Livery company, which is such an honour.

That is why the WCEC will always promote professional development to keep standards high, to safeguard our

career paths with scope for personal growth, development, and the opportunity to shape future captains of industry.

UK industry. Our collective talents are varied: we are technicians, innovators, leaders, and strategists that help to safeguard the UK’s built environment.

We have much more to do because a sustainable future for the cleaning industry depends on it.

In environmental cleaning and hygiene, you have always been able to start at the bottom, and work your way up.

TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE EMAIL CLERK@WC-EC.COM OR VISIT WWW.WC-EC.COM

TRAINING IS A COMMITMENT WITH LONG TERM BENEFITS At the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) we’re pleased to see an increased interest in training in the cleaning industry. It resonates with us since we received our CPD Accreditation this year for our core carpet and upholstery cleaning course.

Dave Wheadon, CEO of the NCCA

Professionals training with us receive a vital understanding of various soft furnishing materials, how to apply techniques, handle chemicals and

plan cleaning regimes – currently very relevant for clients wanting to resume normal operations.

To meet future demands in our respective cleaning specialisms, we must embrace professional development for the good of the whole industry.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NCCA VISIT: HTTPS://NCCA.CO.UK/

PAGE 5 WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

A ROADMAP TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

BY DAVID GARCIA, CHAIR OF THE CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION (CHSA) SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest issues facing business. The issues are complex and identifying the best way forward is not easy.

Bringing together experts from within our members, we are developing a roadmap towards sustainability. Our ambition is to support our members, whatever their current position, to make progress towards a more sustainable future.

Our members have told us their top three priorities for each pillar. The barriers include the perceived cost of investing in sustainability, the lack of, for example, sustainable packaging and transport options, and the challenge of traceability throughout the supply chain.

We are now developing an education and awareness programme, tailored members face. Our intention is to give them the tools and resources they need to make progress on the roadmap towards sustainability.

The roadmap towards sustainability has five pillars:

1

Product: the product as it is received and disposed of by the end user.

2

Packaging: product packaging and packaging used in transit.

‘CRISIS’ IN PUBLIC TOILET PROVISION ACROSS THE UK The British Toilet Association (BTA) has called for improved legislation and more Government funding to address the current ‘appalling’ lack of public toilet provision.

Public toilets are in ‘crisis’ and rapidly vanishing, it said, with many of those that remain displaying totally unacceptable

3

Transportation: the complete supply chain, from sourcing of raw

4

Social value and ethics: encompassing the whole organisation.

levels of cleanliness and hygiene.

Many public toilets have been locked down since the start of the pandemic due to a lack of cleaning, funding or any Government guidance on how to said.

With no legal requirement in place to force local authorities to provide or run public toilets then, the BTA believes, the majority of councils across the UK do not funds to the provision of public toilets.

5

Corporate environmental impact: emissions, waste and water.

BTA Managing Director Raymond Martin said: “We are appalled at the total lack of funding over many years and extremely concerned at the closures and unprecedented low levels of public toilet facilities before, during and going into the future. This is now a crisis.

“It’s time that this Government made sanitation and hygiene a major priority and supported the local authorities to stop the closures of public toilets, restore standards and tackle this pandemic in our public buildings and spaces.”

BICSC AWARDS PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE of leading lights from the professional cleaning and hygiene industry were in the spotlight at the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Annual Awards 2021.

BCC Chairman Jim Melvin is pictured here with the winner of the Eric Hill Medal, Hamid Ghadry

INFO@BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG PAGE 6

The event, which celebrates industry excellence and rewards those who strive to uphold BICSc standards, featured awards in six categories

including Outstanding Corporate Member, Excellence in Training and Assessment and Candidate of the Year.

Jim Melvin, Chairman of the British Cleaning Council, said: “We were delighted to be able to support our member, BICSc, and their awards by sponsoring the historic Eric Hill Medal for the third time. “

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

CSSA LAUNCHES CLEAN START CAMPAIGN BCC member the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) has launched the Clean Start campaign to encourage more people to look at the cleaning and hygiene industry as a professional career choice.

The campaign aims to deliver real insight into the career opportunities available within the industry and encourage people from all backgrounds including students, graduates and people from outside cleaning looking for a career change.

The CSSA has a dedicated page on its website with a range of free to download case studies, highlighting the variety of professional roles involved within businesses associated with the cleaning industry such as engineering, marketing and sales, operations and logistics, as well as cleaning operatives.

The CSSA also welcomes case study material from organisations within the cleaning industry regardless of whether they are members.

CSSA Marketing Chair, Daniel Cross, said: “The mission of the Clean Start campaign is simple, to change people’s perceptions of the cleaning industry.

“We are showcasing the many exciting professional career paths available as well as the variety of businesses and their operations within the sector such as machine manufacturing, chemical production and cleaning services.

“It’s unfortunate that far too many people still perceive cleaning to be lowskilled, when in fact it’s exciting, full of innovation and rewarding.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW. CSSA-UK.CO.UK/CLEAN-START OR EMAIL MARKETING@CSSA-UK.CO.UK

THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN ON PEST CONTROL Empty buildings, a lack of food and quieter streets saw members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) report significant increases in rodent activity during the pandemic lockdowns.

During the UK-wide lockdown in spring 2020, 51 per cent of BPCA members reported an increase in rodent activity.

In October 2020, 78 per cent of pest controllers polled reported increased rat sightings, with 63 per cent noting a rise in mouse-related incidents.

The BPCA also had reports of rats and mice infesting areas where they were not normally seen, such as empty buildings,

CSSA Marketing Chair, Daniel Cross,

FWC AND CIEH MAKE FINALS OF PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD

and it seemed their lifestyle patterns were changing as they searched for new food sources.

Upcoming colder winter temperatures could start to drive rats and mice indoors, leading to a greater increase in the likelihood of a pest infestation.

All this reinforces the importance of IF YOU ARE HAVING RODENT OR ANY PEST PROBLEMS, RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE HERE: BPCA.ORG.UK/RATS YOU CAN ALSO GET IN TOUCH WITH A TRAINED AND TRUSTED BPCA MEMBER COMPANY AT BPCA.ORG.UK/FIND

The Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) both made it to this year’s finals of the National Association Awards (NAA). described by the NAA as the ‘best of the UK’s exceptional membership associations’.

The FWC was nominated for Best Membership Association. Andrew the FWC, said: “The FWC getting to the finals is fantastic news and is really positive feedback for both management and staff alike.

“It is really nice to know we are doing our jobs well, supporting and helping our members the best we can.”

PAGE 7 WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

BE CAUTIOUS WHEN BUYING CLEANING AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS

By Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) When the Coronavirus pandemic hit, buyers needed large quantities of hand sanitisers, gloves, soft tissue and aprons, and they needed them fast.

With demand booming and little time for detailed due diligence, rogue traders had a golden opportunity.

And it’s one they are still capitalising on today, claiming expertise, knowledge and product excellence. unscrupulous and ethical companies is not straightforward. Our advice is simple: ‘Be cautious.’

1. Be sceptical about product claims. It if sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Ask for evidence to back up product claims. The manufacturer should be willing and able to show you data sheets or other relevant evidence to support the claims made for the product.

3. Ask for the CE declaration and any other test reports to show

FINALLY, LOOK FOR THE CHSA ACCREDITATION SCHEME MARK.

We operate accreditation schemes for manufacturers of paper-based and woven, plastic-based, and cotton-based products, and for manufacturers of cleaning and hygiene chemicals. We also operate an accreditation scheme for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.

Check if the testing was carried out in the UK or Europe.

4. Buy from a reputable supplier with a track record. Getting customer references is always a good idea.

OUR STANDARDS. YOUR GUARANTEE. @CHSACLEANING WWW.CHSA.CO.UK

KEEP BRITAIN TIDY TO MANAGE PARTNERSHIP TARGETING CHEWING GUM Major chewing gum producers, brought together by the UK Government, have signed up to a new £10m partnership, to be managed

by BCC member Keep Britain Tidy, which will remove gum litter from high streets.

gum producers including Mars Wrigley, GlaxoSmithKline and Perfetti Van Melle are investing in cleaning up gum litter in towns cities and behavioural interventions to encourage people to bin their gum.

Around 87 percent of England’s streets are marked with gum, Keep Britain Tidy’s research shows. The annual clean-up cost has been estimated at £7m.

Allison Ogden-Newton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Keep Britain Tidy are delighted to be working with Defra and the chewing gum industry to clean up gum from our streets and, critically, stop it being dropped

As part of the new scheme, chewing

TSA LAUNCHES SCHEME FOR RECYCLING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY TEXTILES The Textile Services Association (TSA) is calling for the hospitality, catering and healthcare industries to work with them in order to improve the recycling of textiles.

Every year, over 30 million textile items, including sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases and towels, are thrown away. incinerators. Meanwhile, cloth that does get reused, as rags in sites such as garages, is then disposed of. Textile

INFO@BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG PAGE 8

waste from the hospitality industry is ideal for recycling.

them to help industries reducing waste and improving sustainability.”

The TSA has set up a project to research potential recycling solutions for the industry with Swedish company Södra.

For more information about the TSA recycling scheme, email tsa@tsa-uk. org

It is also in talks with UK Hospitality uniforms in the scheme.

“We want to be part of the solution,” says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA. “So far our members have been very enthusiastic about the potential for

TSA CEO David Stevens

OUR MEMBERS THE ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING CLEANING DSPS THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE CLEANING PROFESSIONALS THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CHEMICAL SPECIALITIES THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CLEANING IN HIGHER EDUCATION THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF CLEANING SCIENCE

ABOUT THE BCC Established in 1982, the British Cleaning Council (BCC) is the authoritative voice of the UK cleaning, hygiene and waste industry, a sector worth £55bn a year to the country’s economy and one which employs around 1.47m people, making it one of the UK’s top ten industries.

The council’s membership is made up of 22 trade and membership associations which are all linked to the cleaning, hygiene and waste professions.

From contract cleaning to waste management, pest control to housekeeping, training providers to machine manufacturers, chemical suppliers to wheelie-bin washers – the BCC coordinates, campaigns and Key priorities for the BCC and its membership include seeking recognition employee health and well-being, career development and training, improved quality control and better procurement practices. We are also committed to promoting higher levels of cleaning and hygiene across all environments – commercial, domestic and public.

The BCC is also the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the UK Cleaning and Hygiene Industry and sponsors the Trailblazer group developing a proposal for a recognised and universal training accreditation for the whole of the industry, which would enable sector businesses to use Apprenticeship Levy funding for a cleaning apprenticeship.

The BCC is co-producer of the world-renowned Cleaning Show, which alternates annually between London and Manchester.

THE BRITISH TOILET ASSOCIATION THE BRITISH PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION THE BUSINESS SERVICES ASSOCIATION THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF WASTES MANAGEMENT THE CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIERS’ ASSOCIATION THE CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION THE DOMESTIC CLEANING ALLIANCE THE FEDERATION OF WINDOW CLEANERS THE INDUSTRIAL CLEANING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION KEEP BRITAIN TIDY THE NATIONAL CARPET CLEANERS ASSOCIATION THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEELED BIN WASHERS THE TEXTILE SERVICES ASSOCIATION

BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL THE UK HOUSEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

YOUR INDUSTRY • YOUR VOICE

Find out more: Online at www.britishcleaningcouncil.org Email info@britishcleaningcouncil.org Via Twitter @BritishCleaning On Facebook search “British Cleaning Council” On Linked In search ‘british-cleaning-council-bcc’

WAMITAB

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANERS

FOR DETAILS ON EACH MEMBER AND A LINK TO THEIR WEBSITE VISIT WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG/MEMBERS