SKILL UP WITH THE ZONE UNITY IS STRENGTH
STAMP OUT SLAVERY ALSO INSIDE:
CLEANING SHOW LATEST TACKLING WINTER ILLNESSES
WELCOME TO THE VOICE THE NEWSLETTER FROM THE BRITISH CLEANING COUNCIL (BCC) AND OUR MEMBERS.
The unity of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry and that of the BCC and its members, is my key theme. [
In my opinion, it is essential that BCC members and the industry as a whole pull together.
The cleaning, hygiene and waste industry is one of the biggest in the UK, worth nearly £66.9bn a year to the country’s economy and one which employs 1.49 million people, according to the figures we published last year.
Staff have a vital, frontline role keeping others safe and well and contribute to the health and wealth of the nation.
Yet, despite the progress made this year, our sector and staff still do not enjoy the recognition and respect we deserve.
We in the sector can undoubtedly make our voice heard louder if we stand united. We are stronger together and must demonstrate that.
Within the BCC, I am convinced our members can do better at helping each other out and using each other’s strength to our mutual advantage.
There is a major initiative underway at the moment within the BCC to boost cooperation and collaboration – but I will come to that shortly.
Turning to what’s inside this newsletter, on page three you will find an update on training and apprenticeships in the sector. You can read about how the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship is going well - it presents a great opportunity for staff and businesses to improve skill levels.
In fact, there are lots of opportunities for training and career development
in the sector and you can find out more about them at the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone.
Over on page four, you can find out about what’s happening at the most important event in the industry’s calendar – the Cleaning Show, which this year takes place in Manchester.
It is going to be a brilliant event with lots to offer in terms of expert conference speakers, top exhibitors and networking opportunities. There’s also travel information so you can plan your journey, taking into account engineering works at Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.
At the event, I’ll be announcing the latest key facts, figures and headlines about the cleaning. hygiene and waste industry. Pop by the BCC stand to order a free copy of our 2026 research report or email compsec@britishcleaningcouncil.org
On page five, we explain how businesses and organisations in the sector can play their part in tackling modern slavery and domestic violence. Both the Stamp Out Slavery campaign and the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) are worthy of support.
Also on page five is how to sign up to the next Great British Spring Clean and details of the fantastic Clean Start initiative which has been promoting cleaning sector careers to young people.
On page six, there’s a report on an initial meeting between sector organisations to discuss a unified and aligned strategic approach to achieving improved Government recognition.
I believe this is a hugely important initiative.
You can also read about support for increased Government funding for public toilets and catch up on news from the UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA), which is launching a free housekeeping scholarship and celebrating members winning awards. Well done to them!
We seem to get a surge of illness most winters. On page seven, you can learn about how we are recommending improved cleaning standards to tackle this. Our Strategic Framework For Achieving Cleanliness And Hygiene in Public Environments is designed to help managers deliver these improved standards and is free on request.
You can also find out about why pest awareness among cleaning operatives is crucial and read about a new fact sheet for Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) members to help them make decisions on sustainable products, packaging and operations.
On the final page, there’s information about the BCC. I hope you enjoy the read!
Yours
David Garcia, BCC Chair
SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Staff take the apprenticeship to gain a recognised work-related cleaning qualification, develop essential skills and open the door to progress in their careers. There is no cost to the apprenticeship - and so far, 70 per cent of those passing have achieved a distinction.
For businesses, introducing the Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship unlocks funding which they can then invest in their workforce.
The apprenticeship is just one of the wealth of opportunities you can find out about on the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone.
The website is the one-stop shop that highlights the range of opportunities for training and development across the sector.
Whether you are considering your first job role, aiming to progress within the industry, re-entering
Would you like to join the many staff members who have achieved the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship?
the workforce, or thinking about a change of career, you can find out here about the training you need to succeed.
Since its launch this time last year, the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone now has 50 different training courses and career development opportunities offered by a wide range of different providers.
As well as apprenticeships, you can find training options for entry level, supervisory and management and support roles on the website.
You can also: read about people already working in the industry find relevant news and advice about the sector and explore useful links to find out about related organisations.
Delia Cannings is the Immediate Past Chair of the British Cleaning Council, which led on both the UK
Cleaning Career Development Zone and the Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship.
She said: “We are delighted that the apprenticeship has got off to such a strong start, both in terms of staff participating and the high level of distinctions.
“I thoroughly recommend that businesses in the sector consider implementing it in their workplaces as it brings notable benefits to the business and to staff.
“The UK Cleaning Career Development Zone brings together information about industry training courses into one place for the first time, where you can access it easily. I encourage industry staff to visit and see what is available to help them learn new skills and succeed in their career.”
A coaching apprenticeship offers a powerful way to strengthen leadership skills while directly improving workplace performance.
Unlike traditional management training, coaching apprenticeships focus on practical, people centred development. Managers learn how to listen actively, ask the right questions, and empower staff to find solutions rather than simply issuing instructions. This approach builds confidence among frontline employees and fosters a culture of collaboration.
A former Metropolitan Police detective who swapped crime scenes for cleaning rotas is urging others not to overlook the opportunities in the cleaning industry.
When mum-of-twins Ann Brebner needed extra income to cover childcare, she decided to start a small business on the side. Twenty years later, that side hustle has grown into two successful companies.
That success has also given Ann something many people dream of: freedom over her time.
Ann now works one morning a week in the business, giving her space to focus on two big passions – competing in Hyrox fitness events and, along with two friends, raising over £38,000 for local causes.
Read more here:
CLEANING SECTOR COMES TOGETHER FOR MANCHESTER SHOW
The UK’s premier cleaning and hygiene event for the Midlands and the North returns, hosting over 2,500 attendees for two days of product sourcing, demonstrations, education and networking.
The 2026 Manchester Cleaning Show will feature live product demonstrations, expert-led seminars and focused networking opportunities, alongside an exhibition floor presenting the latest products and sustainable solutions driving progress across the sector.
The show returns to Manchester Central on 18–19 February and is free to register to attend.
The strong programme and packed schedule reflect a growing industry appeal, with exhibitor demand for 2026 exceeding expectations and many major names confirmed as exhibitors and expert panellists.
The Manchester Cleaning Show features attractions including a conference programme offering the industry’s most comprehensive platform for insight, innovation and future-focused discussion.
Co-produced by the British Cleaning Council (BCC) and Quartz, it brings together sector leaders, innovators and operational experts to explore the issues shaping the future of cleaning, FM and the wider operational environment.
Speakers reflect the breadth and depth of expertise represented across the industry and they will take part in a series of expert-led seminars and panel discussions.
Expert speakers include Delia Cannings, Immediate Past Chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC), Lisa Williams, National Chair of the UK Housekeepers’ Association (UKHA), Daniel Cross, Committee member of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), Neil Spencer-Cook, Group MD of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), Paul Thrupp, Chair of the Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA), Karen Pryor, National Chair of the Association of Healthcare Cleaning Professionals (AHCP), Janet Thompson, the Chair of the UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA), Yorkshire and NE region, and Lorraine Larman of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC).
The event will be opened by David Garcia, Chair of the BCC, who will also launch the BCC’s latest research report.
The programme covers key sector priorities including workforce development, digital transformation, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), large venue cleaning, healthcare and higher education cleaning, future talent, hotel housekeeping and inclusive employment.
The exhibitors feature many major cleaning, hygiene and FM brands, including the BCC, BICSc and the CSSA.
Paul Sweeney, event director, said: “This year’s conference programme reflects the scale of ambition across the industry. We’re bringing together leaders who are driving change in cleaning, FM and operational services, and that’s why the show continues to grow. Exhibitors come to Manchester because it delivers the right conversations with the right people, and that momentum is already clear for 2026 – we can’t wait for the show to open.”
With a reputation as the North’s essential cleaning and FM event, the show provides a platform to connect businesses with buyers and influencers from across the likes of hospitality, healthcare, large venues, and education. Exhibitors can showcase innovations, build relationships, and gain practical insights that drive real business growth.
Notably, 76 per cent of the 2024 attendees did not attend this year’s London event, making Manchester a unique gateway to reach regional buyers. In addition, 79 per cent of the 2024 visitors held purchasing power, and 27 per cent controlled budgets exceeding £1 million, with leading national brands and top UK universities all in attendance.
ARE YOU TRAVELLING TO THE MANCHESTER CLEANING SHOW?
Manchester Piccadilly Station has scheduled engineering works during this period (14-22 February), so there’s a detailed travel guide on the Cleaning Show website to give you complete confidence in planning your journey.
It covers options such as: driving – with details of parking and discounts
alternative train stations with direct connections
UK domestic flights straight to Manchester Airport the Metrolink tram network across the city (which is easier than ever with contactless).
The guide includes information on specific routes, journey times, and all the links you need to book with confidence.
JOIN US IN STAMPING OUT MODERN SLAVERY
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has urged its member associations and organisations across the cleaning, hygiene and FM sector to take action on modern slavery.
Modern slavery occurs where someone is forced into working in conditions where they are exploited and their rights are breached, often involving trafficking, coercion or sexual exploitation.
In addition to the penalties imposed on service providers, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 2015) exposes clients to investigation and possible prosecution.
The BCC is strongly encouraging sector organisations to make themselves aware of the relevant legislation, and to take steps to identify and mitigate the risk of exploitation both within their organisation and within their supply chain.
BCC Chair David Garcia said: “This is not just about meeting your legal obligations, it is about showing that the industry as a whole and individual businesses are committed to human rights, sustainability, and operating responsibly.”
The Stamp Out Slavery (SOS) initiative offers companies complementary guidance on selfreviewing their risks and can also conduct independent reviews at
CLEAN START INSPIRES BOLTON PUPILS
The Cleaning & Support Services Association’s (CSSA) Clean Start initiative has delivered an inspiring presentation to more than 450 pupils from Bolton-based primary schools, aiming to transform young people’s perceptions of the cleaning industry and highlight the breadth of career opportunities available within the sector.
Three industry leaders, Daniel Cross, Marketing Manager at Tennant Company; Heather Downes, Head of Innovation at Mitie; and Jay Adderley, Operations Director at Clean Event Services, shared their personal journeys and showcased the innovation, excitement, and impact behind modern cleaning careers.
Daniel captivated the audience with a live demonstration of robotic cleaning machines and spoke about his career journey and the many benefits of working in the cleaning industry.
Heather gave an insightful and educational presentation on germs and the vital work of cleaning operatives.
Jay shared stories from his team’s work supporting major sporting events including Formula One and the Grand National.
Throughout the session, the speakers emphasised how the cleaning industry plays a vital role in safety, hygiene, community wellbeing, and national events.
Cluster Lead and Headteacher of Kearsley West Primary School Jackie Fitton said: “The children were surprised at the technology behind the cleaning. We were excited to watch the robots and learn more about the importance of keeping clean.”
a modest cost, providing a quality mark and assurance to prospective clients that all reasonable measures have been implemented to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The BCC is a member of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) and we encourage other sector businesses and organisations to support it.
Domestic abuse affects millions of people in the UK annually. EIDA is a free network which supports employers to address the issue in the workplace.
FIND
Now in its 11th year, Keep Britain Tidy’s mass litter-picking campaign, the Great British Spring Clean, is back in 2026!
Last year people up and down the country came together to clean up nearly half a million bags of litter and show they love where they live.
The nationwide event, from 13 to 29 March, aims to unite people across the country, from individual Litter Heroes to families, schools, groups of friends, businesses, community groups and local authorities by encouraging them to join forces to clean up our streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces.
The charity asked participants how they felt after taking part in last year’s Great British Spring Clean, with 95 per cent agreeing they feel that they made a difference to their local area.
This year the charity wants to encourage everybody to pick a bag or more of litter by visiting www.keepbritaintidy.org to make their pledge online.
INDUSTRY LEADERS DISCUSS PLANS TO ENGAGE GOVERNMENT
Key cleaning and hygiene industry leaders have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) invited a number of its association members and business leaders to an initial meeting to scope out the potential for sector organisations to develop a unified and aligned strategic approach.
Among the attendees were David Garcia, Jim Melvin and Simon Hollingbery of the BCC, David Wheadon of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), Neil Spencer-Cook of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), Paul Ashton of the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), Lorcan Mekitarian of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), Kevin Meighan and Darren Marston of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC).
The representatives discussed issues including: collective aims in terms of Government recognition and relationships the processes, requirements, attendees and commitment needed to succeed initial thoughts in terms of a uniform strategic approach key strategic points to interest and assist the Government to build relationships how marketing the project would be undertaken costs and contributions the leadership of this project.
Attendees enjoyed a lively and mostly aligned debate and unanimously agreed to resume the conversation.
The BCC’s director leading on lobbying, Jim Melvin, said: “This was a very useful initial meeting. There was a clear feeling around the table that the industry needs to speak with one, strong voice.”
NINE IN TEN CALL FOR MORE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC TOILETS
A nationwide survey has revealed that 92 per cent of the British public want increased Government funding for public toilets.
The survey, led by the British Toilet Association (BTA), published the results as part of its ongoing ‘Legalise Loos’ campaign.
The BTA is urging the Government to ringfence funding for public toilet provision, arguing that clean, accessible facilities are essential for economic participation, public health, and social inclusion.
Providing public toilets is essential to supporting local businesses and stimulating economic growth. Research shows that pedestrian-friendly investment generates 30 per cent more footfall in town centres and high streets.
The BTA is also calling for public toilet provision to become a statutory duty for local councils, ensuring long-term accountability and access.
The BTA warns that without urgent action, the UK risks further isolating vulnerable groups, undermining local economies, and worsening public health outcomes.
Raymond Martin, Managing Director of the BTA, said: “Toilets are not a privilege, they are a fundamental human right.”
NEWS FROM THE UKHA
The UK Housekeepers Association (UKHA) is dedicated to supporting the professional status of housekeeping professionals and has partnered with Lycette Associates to deliver a free housekeeping scholarship in early March.
The new Leadership for Housekeeping Managers course, designed specifically for housekeeping professionals, runs at The Grand York.
UKHA members and members of their teams were invited to apply for free residential places and successful applicants have been selected by an industry panel.
The three-day workshop will be lively and interactive, encouraging participation through interactive exercises, networking and shared experiences. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a full action plan and timeline to implement back in their operation.
And huge congratulations to the UKHA members who were among the winners of the Hotel Housekeeping Honours Awards at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.
This celebration was designed to recognise companies, individuals, services and products that stand out from the crowd, showcase exceptional industry professionalism and customer service, and demonstrate innovations and initiatives that make every guest experience special.
The UKHA winners included National Chair Kerry Adams, Lisa Williams, Mandy Rae and Michelle Lowe. Charlotte Shaw led the team award winners.
Raymond Martin
Jim Melvin
HIGHER STANDARDS OF CLEANING NEEDED IN PUBLIC SPACES, SAYS BCC
To help protect against winter illnesses such as flu, industry experts have called for clear and effective national cleaning standards across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to help save lives, limit damage to the economy and reduce disruption to hospitals, schools and workplaces.
The body representing the £67bn cleaning, hygiene and waste industry says that higher standards of cleaning in UK workplaces and public spaces, combined with handwashing measures, are the best way of reducing the spread of common infections such as flu and other illnesses, as well as protecting against any future pandemic.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) has published a framework document with systematic guidance about how to develop cleaning and hygiene policies for public spaces aimed at preventing the spread of infectious disease, which builds on World Health Organisation (WHO) handwashing standards.
BCC Chair David Garcia said: “We need higher cleaning standards in public spaces and workplaces, which
combined with better handwashing will help protect the public from common infections such as flu. We believe this is the key to reducing the huge toll illness takes in the UK annually.
“Our expert guidance will help create cleaner, safer, and healthier public environments for everyone.”
The BCC’s Strategic Framework For Achieving Cleanliness And Hygiene in Public Environments will enable managers across a range of environments, for example leisure, retail, hospitality, public transport facilities and schools, to develop a policy for delivering targeted hygiene.
For a free copy of the framework, please email the BCC via Compsec@britishcleaningcouncil.org
TRAINING IS A VITAL PART OF PEST PREVENTION
Pest awareness among cleaning operatives is crucial to preventing issues with pests, as they are often best placed to spot the initial signs of infestation.
Early intervention is key to preventing infestations becoming established, which means cleaning operatives who are trained in spotting the signs of pest activity and understand the appropriate actions needed are a valuable first line of defence.
It is important for cleaning personnel to understand the risks posed by pests and how legislation – such as regulations for food and hospitality businesses – may be relevant to their work.
The British Pest Control Association’s (BPCA) Pest Awareness for Cleaning Operatives course is designed to meet these needs.
“The course gives participants a clear insight into the issues surrounding the pests they may come across in the course of their work, and how robust pest awareness helps keep their workplaces safer for themselves and their clients,” said Karen Dawes, Training Manager at BPCA.
There are no prerequisites for participants to take the online course. Full details are available at: WWW.BPCA.ORG.UK/ONLINE-LEARNING
CHSA PUBLISHES FACT SHEET BUSTING MYTHS
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has published a fact sheet designed to help its members make informed, evidencebased decisions on sustainable products, packaging and operations.
The fact sheet forms part of the CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability. This is the association’s long-term initiative
designed to provide members and the wider industry with practical guidance on sustainability.
Environmental claims, used to differentiate one product or service from another, are common and often based on ill-informed assumptions or misconceptions. The fact sheet highlights key points when assessing such sustainability claims.
They include the importance of evidence, that there are no universal ‘good’ or ‘bad’ materials, many green claims are legally or technically
meaningless and considering the full life-cycle is essential.
Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA, explained: “The fact sheet encourages buyers and end-users to challenge their assumptions. Ultimately it means prioritising genuine environmentally sustainable solutions over headline-driven marketing claims.”
Karen Dawes
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 which according to figures reported last year, was worth almost £67bn a year and employed around 1.49m people, making it one of the UK’s top ten industries.
The council’s membership is made up of 20 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 supports the affairs of the whole of the UK’s cleaning industry.
Key priorities for the BCC and its membership include seeking recognition for sector staff, raising professional standards, employee health and wellbeing, 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 continues to lobby the Government to ensure the sector’s voice is heard. We also promote the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative apprenticeship, which offers businesses the opportunity to use Levy payments to invest in staff, and have launched the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone (www.ukcleaning.org.uk) to highlight the sector’s training and career development opportunities.
The BCC is co-producer of the world-renowned Cleaning Show, which alternates between London and Manchester (pictured above).
THE BCC’S WE CLEAN, WE CARE CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THE VITAL AND SKILLED FRONTLINE ROLE STAFF HAVE IN KEEPING OTHERS SAFE AND WELL, AND IN PROTECTING THE NATION’S HEALTH AND WEALTH.
ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHCARE CLEANING PROFESSIONALS (AHCP)
ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE (APSE)
BRITISH CHEMICALS ASSOCIATION (BCA)
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CLEANING IN HIGHER EDUCATION (BACHE)
BRITISH INSTITUTE OF CLEANING SCIENCE (BICSC)
BRITISH TOILET ASSOCIATION LIMITED (BTA)
BRITISH PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION (BPCA)
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (CIEH)
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
@BritishCleaning
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF WASTES MANAGEMENT (CIWM)
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
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@BritishCleaning
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
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@BritishCleaning
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CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION (CHSA)
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
CLEANING AND SUPPORT SERVICES ASSOCIATION (CSSA)
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
@BritishCleaning
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
@BritishCleaning
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
DOMESTIC CLEANING ALLIANCE (DCA)
@BritishCleaning
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FEDERATION OF WINDOW CLEANERS (FWC)
INDEPENDENT WASHROOM SERVICES ASSOCIATION (IWSA)
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
@BritishCleaning
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
@BritishCleaning
KEEP BRITAIN TIDY
@BritishCleaning British-Cleaning-Council british-cleaning-council-BCC
NATIONAL CARPET CLEANERS ASSOCIATION (NCCA)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEELED BIN WASHERS (NAWBW)
Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
British-Cleaning-Council british-cleaning-council-BCC
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
TEXTILE SERVICES ASSOCIATION (TSA)
@BritishCleaning
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
UK HOUSEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION (UKHA)
@BritishCleaning
British-Cleaning-Council
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Web: britishcleaningcouncil.org
Email: info@britishcleaningcouncil.org
WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANERS (WCEC)
@BritishCleaning
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