The Standard 2025 Edition 2

THE

STANDARD

Edition 2 2025

What’s inside?

BICSc REACHES 100,000

ENROLMENTS ON THE

VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE

| P08

THE SUMMER

WASHROOM | P17

BICSc NEWEST RECRUIT:

HANNAH GOMEZ | P45

Hear from BICSc very own Membership Specialist,

Karen, on the growing membership benefits!

You can also find out about what

CleanManager has to offer on page 48!

Read more about what YBA can offer

you as a BICSc Member on page 50!

BICS.ORG.UK

ENHANCING BICSc MEMBERSHIP

Learn more on page 34

2 EDITOR'S NOTE

BY MATTHEW FERRIN MBICSc

3 CHAIR'S CHAT!

WITH SOO BARTHOLOMEW MBICSc

4 COLLABORATIVE PROGRESS IN

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK MBICSc

5 TRAINING MATTERS: WHY EFFICIENCY

BEGINS WITH EDUCATION

BY DENISE HANSON FBICSc

7 FIVE CHALLENGES TO RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS IN THE FM INDUSTRY

8 BICSc REACHES 100,000 ENROLMENTS

ON THE VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE

BY ZOE LITTLER PBICSc

9 INTERVIEW WITH MARY WOZENCROFT

AT HMP ISLE OF WIGHT

BY MAUREEN KELSO LBICSc

10 MY CARE CARD – PRIVATE MEDICAL

COVER WITH A DIFFERENCE

12 REDEFINE CLEANROOM HYGIENE WITH

THE SAFE-T PRODUCT FAMILY FROM

I-TEAM GLOBAL

14 RESEARCH FINDS THAT 1 IN 3

OUTDOOR WORKERS NEVER APPLY SUN

PROTECTION CREAM ON THE JOB

16 P-WAVE'S NHS BODY AWARENESS

PARTNERSHIP WINS MAJOR EUROPEAN

MARKETING AWARD

17 THE SUMMER WASHROOM

18 THE SKY'S THE LIMIT WITH THE

LAUNCH OF A NEW CLEANING CAREERS

DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE

20 TOP EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES

FOR BICSc MEMBERS

22 CHSA'S MEMBERS TIGHTEN THE

CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION SCHEME

MEMBERSHIP

26 STAY COMPLIANT, STAY SAFE:

COMPLIANT DOCUMENTATION

30 OPTIMA PROCLEAN: BEHIND THE

BRAND

33 KIMBERLY-CLARK ANNOUNCES FIRST

TISSUE MANUFACTURING SITE ON PATH

TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

34 ENHANCING BICSc MEMBERSHIP: YBA &

CLEANMANAGER

BY MATT EVANS PBICSc

FEATURE!

36 KÄRCHER EXPANDS PROFESSIONAL

CLEANING RANGE WITH NEW DRY

VACUUM CLEANERS AND SPRAY

EXTRACTION MACHINE

38 THE KEY TO MEETING NHS CLEANING

STANDARDS AND BOOSTING CLINICAL

ACCOUNTABILITY

39 THE ROLE OF COMMERCIAL

CLEANING IN MODERN WORKPLACE

WELLNESS

40 INTERVIEW WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF

WOLVERHAMPTON


42 FROM 7% TO 97%: A TRANSFORMATION

STORY

44 UNDERSTANDING CROHN'S AND

COLITIS: SPOTLIGHT ON INFLAMMATORY

BOWEL DISEASE

45 BICSc NEWEST RECRUIT: HANNAH

GOMEZ

46 LEADING THE WAY IN INTELLIGENT

CLEANING: HOW TASKI DELIVERS THE

ULTIMATE IN CUSTOMER VALUE

48 MODERNISING CLEANING:

TECHNOLOGY, DIGITALISATION, AND

INNOVATION IN PRACTICE

50 HOW CLEANING COMPANIES CAN

TURN GOOGLE ADS INTO RELIABLE NEW

WORK

52 RAISING SERVICE STANDARDS – HOW

BICSc TRAINING STRENGTHENS TTE FM'S

INTEGRATED DELIVERY

54 THOUGHTS FROM THE CLEANING

SHOW. KEY TRENDS AND ASSOCIATED

RISK AND INSURANCE

56 CHALLENGES OF COMMERCIAL

CLEANING

BY JAMES MARSTON LBICSc

59 WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBERS

EDITOR'S NOTE

BY MATTHEW FERRIN MBICSc

Hello and welcome to the second

edition of The Standard 2025. We

are now halfway through the year,

and what a year it has been for

BICSc and our industry as a whole.

This edition celebrates major

milestones, introduces forwardthinking

initiatives, and highlights

the growing importance of training,

technology, and sustainability in the

sector.

A standout achievement is BICSc

reaching over 100,000 enrolments

on our Virtual Training Suite (VTS).

Since its launch in 2021, the VTS has

become a global hub for training,

with enrolments spanning Saudi

Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and beyond.

The platform now features updated

CPSS V3.1 courses, enhanced

accessibility, and refreshed free

modules such as “Understanding PPE”

and “Chemical Hazard Pictograms.”

Training remains a central theme

throughout the edition. From the

University of Wolverhampton to

HMP Isle of Wight, institutions

are embracing BICSc standards

to upskill staff and improve

service delivery. A compelling

case study from SaveFast

Training Academy details

how a site’s audit score

soared from 7% to 97%

following a structured

training programme,

demonstrating the

transformative power of

education.

MATTHEW FERRIN

Digital Project Manager

Innovation is also at the forefront.

Companies like TASKI and Kärcher

are redefining cleaning machines

that enhance efficiency and reduce

environmental impact. Meanwhile,

Ramon Hygiene and Kimberly-Clark

are leading sustainability efforts

through recycled materials and

renewable energy transitions.

We learn of the key employment law

changes for 2025 from our BICSc

Awards Headline sponsor, Citation,

including day-one unfair dismissal

rights and updates to statutory

sick pay – critical knowledge for

employers navigating a shifting legal

landscape.

We’ve also got some exciting

new member benefits, including

partnerships with CleanManager

and YBA. These tools help cleaning

businesses streamline operations

and generate high-quality leads

through digital platforms like Google

Ads.

I hope you enjoy this edition, and as

always, if you are reading and would

like to collaborate or contribute to

future editions, please reach out to

us at marketing@bics.org.uk.

CHAIR'S CHAT!

WITH SOO BARTHOLOMEW MBICSc

SOO BARTHOLOMEW

BICSc Chair

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well

and that you're enjoying the fresh

energy that summer brings. It’s true

what they say—time really does fly!

It’s hard to believe we’re already

halfway through 2025.

Here at BICSc, we’ve hit the ground

running this year with a series of

successful initiatives and events.

Most notably, the Cleaning Show at

ExCeL proved to be an outstanding

success, just as the Manchester

show was last year. These

achievements are a true testament

to the dedication and hard work

of the entire team. We're now

actively following up on the many

valuable connections and enquiries

raised, with the goal of expanding

our Accredited Training Members

(ATMs) and increasing the number of

trained supervisors and operatives

across the sector.

While at the Cleaning Show, I also

had the privilege of meeting with

several key industry leaders—

including the current and former

Masters of the Worshipful Company

of Environmental Cleaners, as

well as the Chairs of the BCC,

CSSA, and CHSA. Together, we

explored an exciting new project

focused on supporting the secure

transfer of employee records during

TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings)

processes.

This initiative, which is being led by

Lauren Kyle—who works closely

with both CSSA and BCC—aims

to establish a system that enables

employment details, personal

records, and training histories to

transfer seamlessly and securely

between employers, all in line with

GDPR compliance. It’s an innovative

and long-overdue approach that

could be a real game changer for our

industry. It will also reinforce our

professional standing when engaging

with government and industry

stakeholders. As this project

progresses, I’ll share updates here. In

the meantime, Lauren, I know, would

be more than happy to respond to

any questions or interest you may

have.

On an international note, I’ve

recently returned from Dubai, where

I was honoured to present two

awards at the Middle East Cleaning

and Hygiene Awards. While there,

I also had the opportunity to meet

with some of our international ATM

licence holders and our recognised

training provider in the region.

Their commitment to delivering LTP

and CPSS training to the highest

standards—supported by world-class

facilities—was truly inspiring. I’m

looking forward to welcoming them

to the UK for our BICSc Conference

and Awards event in September.

And of course, we’re all looking

forward to the BICSc Conference

and Awards Dinner this September.

This year, we’re returning to

Whittlebury Hall, which now

boasts a brand-new venue for both

the conference and the evening

celebrations. It promises to be a

memorable event and a fantastic

opportunity to connect, celebrate,

and share in our collective progress.

I hope you’ll agree that we haven’t

been idle here at BICSc. We remain

passionately committed to raising

standards and proudly flying the flag

for the cleaning industry.

Wishing you all a wonderful and

productive summer—I look forward

to seeing you in September.

Best wishes,

Soo

2 | 3

COLLABORATIVE PROGRESS IN

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

BY NEIL SPENCER-COOK MBICSc

Hello to you all,

I do hope that you are all well and

the summer is starting to kick in

wherever you are.

Life here at BICSc is continuing at

pace, we have since the last edition

welcomed Hannah to our accounts

department, Simon has returned as

our cleaning operative and Ste has

joined our customer service team.

We are continuing with everything

and as usual membership is growing,

our partner SaveFast in the Middle

East, Asia and India continues to

spread the BICSc word in their

regions and the number of people

being trained particularly in Saudi

Arabia is growing rapidly. This is

down to mandates with the Ministry

of Health and Ministry of Education,

it is nice to see these countries

mandating cleaning standards.

I am just back from a trip to Dubai,

to meet with SaveFast and several

potential new centres and customers

and I have to say the appetite for

BICSc in Dubai does not wain. It is

nice to see how engaged this region

is with providing quality cleaning and

respect for their cleaning teams.

I am also going to talk about working

in a vacuum, obviously this refers

to working in isolation without

collaboration or sharing information

with others.

You may be aware that we have

been collaborating with the CSSA

on the Future of Cleaning initiative

and the report for this should

be out later this year. We have

also brought together through

our chairman CSSA, CHSA, BCC

and the Worshipful Company of

Environmental Cleaners to work

together in a combined way.

Whilst these are a small step in

getting out of the vacuum there is

still much more that can be done.

But are we as an industry doing

enough?

Investing money in separate projects

can sometimes be less effective than

collaborating on one big project.

• Combining resources from

multiple entities can be more

cost-effective, provide better

knowledge, more manpower and

generally increase efficiency

• Collaboration fosters the exchange

of ideas and expertise, leading to

more innovative solutions. When

organisations work together,

they can leverage each other's

strengths and knowledge

• Working on a single project helps

align everyone's efforts towards

a common goal. This can improve

focus and drive better results

• Collaboration encourages

open communication and

transparency, which can prevent

misunderstandings and ensure

that everyone is working towards

the same goal

There can be a downside to

collaboration, and this also needs

to be considered. Collaboration is

not a one-way street, and all people

need to buy into it, or it will not

be effective. Also, too many times

collaboration can become nothing

more than a talking point and

nothing comes from it.

Do the negatives outweigh the

positives of collaboration and mean

people are less willing to join in?

NEIL SPENCER-COOK

Group Managing Director

I believe collaboration in the

industry is key if there is less talk and

more action.

As you are reading this the awards

application window will be closed

and we will be in the judging process,

so if you have applied or nominated

someone, I wish you or them all the

luck possible and I look forward to

seeing you on the night.

In the meantime, I will hand you over

to the rest of the magazine and I

hope you enjoy this edition.

Catch up with you all soon.

TRAINING MATTERS: WHY

EFFICIENCY BEGINS WITH

EDUCATION

BY DENISE HANSON FBICSc

The opportunity to write for The

Standard seems to come around

very quickly and I generally find

myself working to the deadline,

something I’m sure that a lot of you

can associate with!

This quarter has seemed quieter

than usual on the training front with

the changes in National Insurance,

pay rates and rising costs all playing

their part in the cleaning industry

landscape. As an industry that is

heavily impacted by labour costs it is

more important than ever to ensure

that we are efficient and effective in

the cleaning we carry out.

Often these challenging times

can call for training budgets to be

slashed or indeed frozen, but I would

say this is very counter intuitive.

A well-trained operative looks after

their equipment, often extending

the lifespan of both electrical and

standard kit allowing for more

profitability in the term of the

contract, they know which product

to use, where and how to dilute

it correctly to ensure it cleans as

it should and causes no damage,

again a money saving practice. The

operative is efficient, working in a

timely manner, achieving a good rate

of productivity with good results.

This means a satisfied customer

and as you are aware the costs of

maintaining a contract are far lower

than those of an initial set up.

So, if you were considering cutting

or freezing your training budgets,

please think of some of the

consequences, we’ve been asked

before what happens if I train

them and they leave, the standard

response is what happens if you

don’t train them, and they stay!

Whilst training has been a little

quieter, we have seen a marked

increase in the project work we carry

out, the team have been busy across

the UK looking at working practice,

productivity and opportunities

for machinery and technology to

support the cleaning operative.

DENISE HANSON

Commercial Director

After all, if we always do what

we always did, we will always get

what we always got! If you want

to embrace change perhaps it’s

time you talked to us about BICSc

consultancy services, we are here to

help.

THE STANDARD 4 | 5

FIVE CHALLENGES TO RESPONSIBLE

BUSINESS IN THE FM INDUSTRY

BY GRAHAM MOXON, SENIOR SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER, ABM UK & IRELAND

For more info about the SAFE-T product Family,

visit: i-teamglobal.com or scan:

As guardians of the world’s

built environment, the facilities

management industry is in a

position to make a material

difference to creating spaces

that are not only safe, clean and

efficient, but sustainable as well.

Responsible management of the

buildings in which we live, work and

play can go a long way to reducing

the impact which we, as a species,

have on the natural world.

While making choices that are better

for the planet and the communities

in which they operate has always

been the right thing to do, it’s often

the case that real change needs to

be incentivised. In my opinion, we

are now at that all important tipping

point; where customers need us,

the facilities solutions providers,

to aid them in their endeavours

to do better, not only in carbon

management but supporting the

wider sustainability and social value

challenges.

While it’s true that the appetite

for sustainable thinking is now

significant, there are still a vast

number of challenges for the

industry to overcome on the journey

to responsible business.

1. THE COST TRADE-OFF

The saying goes that ‘you get

what you pay for’. Quite often,

the sustainable option is not the

cheapest one and, in any market,

convincing customers to pay more

is not always easy. Customers are

becoming more willing to spend in

this area; but for those where more

persuasion might be needed, it’s

worth considering the real value

of the recommendation. The value

needs to justify the cost; and taking

this approach will help to prioritise

effectively on behalf of customers.

2. THE BIG (WORLD) PICTURE

Facilities solutions providers are

now something of a conduit for

deeper education and understanding

of the bigger picture when it comes

to running the built environment

responsibly. They are key in

identifying the major opportunities,

quick wins and how the gains

are calculated. By working with

customers on the bigger picture – we

not only give them the reassurance

of our competence and position as

a trusted advisor but we are more

likely to make that critical impact,

in line with or over and above the

contractual agreement.

3. THE COMPLEXITIES OF

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Building relationships with

community groups on a contract by

contract basis is a perilous approach

to community engagement.

Managing different charity partners

across each contract soon becomes

too difficult to manage. Facilities

solutions providers should look to

more meaningful engagement which

aligns with the corporate strategic

focus on social impact.

4. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

All industries are facing mounting

pressure to comply to an increasing

number of regulations. From

the Energy Savings Opportunity

Scheme (ESOS) to the Corporate

Sustainability Reporting Directive

(CSRD), the challenge here is

keeping up and staying compliant.

And the pressure is not just coming

from the regulators: Demand from

customers to demonstrate relevant

accreditation is high and new

contracts can be awarded on this

basis.

GRAHAM MOXON

Senior Sustainability

Manager, ABM

5. AVAILABLE EXPERTISE

The ESG industry is not mature, and

the expertise in it is still growing.

Choosing the right expertise to

guide your business is essential; but

for many smaller companies, this

means relying on the consultation

of external agencies. There are

excellent consultancies out there but

be aware that it takes commitment

from within the organisation to

deliver what external advisors are

suggesting.

While the challenges which the

FM industry faces appear to be

numerous; they also represent a

huge step forward and an even

bigger opportunity to make the

facilities solutions business, a

responsible one. For what we do and

our purpose, true value is ensuring

the communities we serve can thrive.

Liverpool • UK • +44 1945 595 177 • hello@i-teamembassyuk.com

6 | 7

BICSc REACHES 100,000 ENROLMENTS ON

THE VIRTUAL TRAINING SUITE

BY ZOE LITTLER PBICSc

INTERVIEW WITH MARY WOZENCROFT

AT HMP ISLE OF WIGHT

BY MAUREEN KELSO LBICSc

Back in February, BICSc hit the

amazing achievement of 100,000

enrolments for our industry-leading

Virtual Training Suite!

Since the launch of this revolutionary

training tool back in early 2021,

candidates have enrolled from all

over the world. When the VTS started

back in 2021, BICSc gained 9,873

enrolments. The growth continued

through the years with 2022 bringing

in 22,493 new enrolments, 2023

brought in 25,535 and in 2024 it was

the biggest figure yet with 38,686

enrolments to the VTS which was a

40% growth. At the start of 2025, the

last few 3,413 joined the VTS, pushing

enrolments to hit the astounding

100,000!

If you want to enrol in a course

yourself, there are free courses

available. The top free courses

include Understanding Colourcoding,

Understanding Chemical

Hazard Pictograms, Understanding

PPE, Hand Hygiene Explained and

An Introduction to Environmental

Awareness.

If you’re ready to invest in your career,

there are also courses available to

purchase. There are many to choose

from that are applicable to your needs

but the top paid courses are LTP, BICSc

Cleaning Supervisor’s Certificate,

Accredited Trainer, BU2 – Damp

Mopping and BU6 – Damp wiping of

surfaces.

BICSc reach isn’t only Britain, in fact,

outside of Britain, the top 5 countries

that are enrolled on our training

courses are Saudi Arabia, Qatar,

Dubai, Ireland and Abu Dhabi.

BICSc achievements haven’t stopped

since the momentous milestone. Since

February there has been the release of

the updated CPSS V3.1.

CPSS courses have received updates

and now use the revised BICSc

styling, with them also adding further

accessibility options such as captions

on videos to increase accessibility.

Our free courses have also seen some

improvements with sections added

to them to increase your learning.

Courses like Understanding PPE 2025

and Understanding Chemical Hazard

Pictograms 2025 have both had a

refresh and have whole new sections

for the history behind them.

If you want to be kept up-to-date

about the latest BICSc news and

events, why not join our community?

The BICSc Community is a place

where you can ask questions, receive

updates and help each other with

your training for BICSc courses. It’s

available to everyone who uses our

Virtual Training Suite.

Don’t miss out on the chance to

expand and elevate your career with

BICSc training over on the

Virtual Training Suite

https://training.bics.org.uk

ZOE LITTLER

Digital Content Assistant

If you don’t believe that the VTS and

our courses are worth it, why not

check out what users have to say

about our courses!

Mary is the main assessor and point

of contact at HMP Isle of Wight

(Albany) and has been working

there in the industrial cleaning

workshop for over thirty years.

Mary trained as a teacher and

decided to join the service when

an opportunity arose, the only

contact Mary had previously with

the cleaning industry was when she

attended work with her mother at

the age of eight when she helped at

the bank where her mum worked.

Prior to joining her current position,

Mary had no knowledge of any

opportunities for helping her in

undertaking her new job role and

was delighted when she discovered

BICSc through a colleague at

another facility.

Mary describes her membership as

her professional body and is fiercely

defensive of the importance of

maintaining her status to deliver

the training and assessment within

the establishment. Mary said that

without BICSc she would never have

had the opportunity to develop and

learn the techniques in how to clean

as well as the technical aspect.

I would like to thank Mary for her

personal dedication to education and

to the mission of BICSc. Mary has

spear headed the BICSc programme

within HMP Isle of Wight, and

it is with her passion that BICSc

relationship has flourished and

continued to grow over her years of

leadership.

MAUREEN KELSO

Senior Verifier

A whole new industry opened for me, giving me the opportunity

to meet like-minded others at conferences and exhibitions over

these many years, I remember when my then moderator arrived to

undertake the annual audit and renewals!

Without the practical aspect of delivering BICSc in my daily work

with my candidates it would not be as successful or useful as my

teams enjoy their training and assessment and are always willing

to show others the importance of following the correct methods.

If I was asked my opinion by anyone interested in coming into the

cleaning industry, my first piece of advice would be to direct them

to the BICSc website where they can look at all the opportunities

that are available in making their journey reliable, interesting, and

knowledgeable but above all current practical and safety as a main

concern for all involved, I wish I had known before joining and had

the opportunity to gain qualifications ahead of my journey.

My journey with BICSc over the last 30+ years has been crucial

in both my work role and personal life; it has given me guidance

support and the pleasure of being part of such a wonderful

professional body.

THE STANDARD

8 | 9

MY CARE CARD – PRIVATE

MEDICAL COVER WITH A

DIFFERENCE

Private medical cover can often be

seen as a luxury or too expensive

to justify the price in this current

economic climate. Even though

we all value the NHS and are

privileged to have access to free

healthcare, there is no denying

that it is severely under strain.

With waiting lists hitting a record

high of 7.64 million and a staffing

crisis reaching its peak*, there

is no surprise that an increasing

amount of people are deciding to

have private medical cover in place.

Being unwell is already a stressful

enough experience and thinking

about the cost of your treatment or

waiting for treatment will only add

to this stress.

Starting at just £9.99 a month, My

Care Card is designed to be the

affordable introduction to medical

cover for those under 50. My Care

Card has three different levels of

cover to suit your needs and your

budget. Each plan provides a cash

benefit for each night you spend

in a NHS hospital, so time spent in

hospital won’t leave you struggling

to pay the bills. This benefit is paid

directly to you tax free, for you to

spend how you wish. All plans also

give you access to a 24/7 private

helpline and app, so you can speak

to a GP anytime you may need to,

anywhere in the world. The GP

can issue prescriptions that can be

posted within the UK, and the plan

provides a £25 benefit towards this.

By selecting the Gold Plan for just

£39.99 a month, you can have access

to fixed price in-hospital benefits

for acute conditions treated as an

inpatient like illness, disease, or

injury, alongside the cash benefit.

When referred by a GP you will get

quick admission into a hospital of

your choice at a time and a location

that is convenient for you, with the

benefits of a private room and ensuite.

My Care Card is available in your

mobile phone wallet with just a push

of a button for whenever you may

need it. If you need to make a claim,

you can be assured this will be dealt

with smoothly and efficiently by our

in-house claims team.

Joining is easy and your cover will

start immediately with no medical

required beforehand. You can

join online today by visiting www.

mycarecard.co.uk/bics. If you have

any questions, call 01423 798199

where a member of our UK based

helpline team will be happy to

answer any questions you may have.

*The Telegraph, 10 th October 2024

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

news/2024/10/10/private-hospitalsrescue-nhs/

SCOPE 2

EMISSIONS

REDUCED BY

66%

FROM 2021 TO 2023

Pearroc Ltd has been operating since

1980 and is proud to service our clients

across the UK and Ireland with their

janitorial and disposable needs.

We pride ourselves on giving

outstanding customer service and

having a ‘doing whatever it takes’

philosophy, from giving advice on

products and cleaning tasks, to

delivering the finished article correctly

to site the first time.

LET’S GET YOU

FUTURE-READY.

Invite us in to help you reduce costs

on day-to-day spend and find new,

innovative ways to become more

sustainable.

020 8681 4801

support@pearroc.co.uk

www.pearroc.com

REDUCE, REUSE,

RECYCLE SCHEME

A closed-loop box return and reuse initiative that

helps cut packaging waste, conserve resources,

and support our customers with their ESG

targets. It's one of the many practical ways we're

helping our industry reduce its footprint.

SUSTAIN RANGE

Sustainable, water

soluble sachets.

Save on space and

transport = Save on

cost.

RECYCLED

FLOOR SIGNS

Produced using

reground plastic

offcuts to reduce

virgin plastic usage.

RECYCLED TC20

BUCKETS

Made using up to

92% recycled plastic.

Same quality - less

environmental

impact.

THE STANDARD

REDEFINE CLEANROOM HYGIENE WITH

THE SAFE-T PRODUCT FAMILY FROM

I-TEAM GLOBAL

Cleanrooms play a crucial role

across many sectors, where

even the smallest impurities can

compromise product integrity.

Maintaining hygiene in these

controlled environments is no easy

task. Strict contamination control,

ISO compliance and operational

efficiency are essential. Traditional

cleanroom floor cleaning is timeconsuming,

labour intensive and can

result in inconsistent outcomes. Not

anymore.

At i-team Global, we understand the

cleanroom challenges. That’s why we

created the SAFE-T product family,

the world’s first battery-powered

cleanroom floor cleaning range.

These innovations help businesses

keep contamination out of critical

environments while saving time,

reducing costs, and addressing staff

shortages.

Combining stringent floor cleaning

ability, ergonomic design and efficient

battery systems, these trailblazers

transform controlled environments.

Industry sectors such as high-tech,

semiconductors, medical devices,

healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food

production can now meet the required

cleanliness standards with less effort.

THE STANDARD

ACTIVATE SAFE-T SUPERPOWERS

Traditional cleanroom floor

cleaning relies heavily on manual

wiping and mopping which, despite

rigorous training, remains prone

to inconsistency. With powerful

mechanical scrubbing and Ultra-Low

Particulate Air (ULPA 15) filtration,

the SAFE-T range removes more

embedded particles than manual

methods, capturing over 99.999% of

contaminants as small as 0.1 microns.

REDUCE DOWNTIME AND

OPERATIONAL COSTS

When contamination issues occur,

production temporarily comes to

a halt. The quicker the cleaning is

done; the sooner production can

resume. Cleaning teams play a vital

role in minimising downtime costs

by following strict protocols. With

staff shortages becoming a challenge,

smarter processes help ease their

workload. These tools are intuitive,

easy to use, and require minimal

training to get started.

In an already challenging environment,

the SAFE-T range is designed to make

cleaning easier and reduce physical

strain on operators. No more dealing

with floor cables or searching for a

power socket. Lightweight machines

with ergonomic features and intuitive

controls improve both comfort and

efficiency. These sustainable products

also eliminate single-use mop waste,

as well as water and chemical usage.

MEET THE GUARDIANS OF THE

CLEANROOM

Each solution is designed specifically

for cleanroom settings and the

exhaust output is certified to the

rigorous ISO standards for these

controlled environments:

• SAFE-T-IMOP, a vertical scrubber

dryer that renews sticky mats and

helps prevent cross-contamination:

ISO 5-6 certified. The SAFE-T-IMOP

offers superior mechanical action

proven to remove up to 50% more

contamination than traditional

mops. Due to the powerful motor

and non-corded design, you need

less time to clean which means you

can get on with your production

quicker. Fast-drying technology

minimises cleanroom downtime and

ULPA filtration removes the need

for extra exhaust systems.

• SAFE-T-VAC, a cordless vacuum

cleaner that eliminates the hassle

of searching for power sockets and

cable-related hazards: ISO Class

4 certified. The SAFE-T-VAC has a

special filtration system. With ULPA

filters at both the inlet and outlet,

and an 8-layer filtration system,

it delivers exceptional air purity.

The SAFE-T-VAC is a sustainable

choice with reusable batteries and

a reusable dust bag, for cleaner,

greener operations.

• SAFE-T-BOT 45, a robotic scrubber

dryer that automates cleaning,

reducing manual intervention and

contamination risks: ISO Class 5

certified. Sensors ensure thorough

coverage without missing spots

and a smart app optimises cleaning

routes for all floors. A greener

option as it drastically reduces waste

from disposable cleaning materials,

and you only need a little water, with

no cleaning detergents required.

The SAFE-T product family is designed

to be ESD-proof, ensuring that they

do not generate or conduct static

electricity. This is crucial in sensitive

environments like cleanrooms in for

example high tech industries.

PROACTIVE CONTAMINATION

CONTROL

ISO 14644, the cornerstone of

cleanroom standards, specifies the

classification of air cleanliness in terms

of concentration of airborne particles.

This and additional protocols including

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

ensure that contamination control,

stringent cleaning processes, and

verification procedures are adhered

to. However, compliance is more

complex and goes beyond following

these cleanroom standards.

Cross-contamination is a critical

concern, particularly in high-traffic

areas such as gowning rooms and

airlocks. Research shows that floors

in these zones are often the most

contaminated surfaces in cleanrooms,

yet they are sometimes overlooked in

contamination control strategies.

We are proud to lead the way as the first company to offer

the only suite of automated cleaning solutions specifically

designed for cleanrooms.

Cleanroom cleaning companies play a vital role in minimising

downtime. Now we are providing them with superpowers to

tackle contamination with efficiency and precision, reducing

downtime and saving significant costs.

Studies indicate that human activity

accounts for approximately 80 per

cent of cleanroom contamination.

Removing dust, airborne particles and

other particulates from personnel

before they enter the cleanroom

is vital. Implementing automatic

disinfection technologies in transition

areas such as entryways and changing

rooms significantly reduces the

potential for contamination. Measures

such as air showers and sticky mats

help remove particles from personnel

before they enter the cleanroom.

The fewer people you have in

controlled environments, for

example to clean the area, the less

risk of contamination. Automated

cleaning solutions specifically

designed for cleanrooms can help

tackle contamination with efficiency

and precision. Machinery can be

programmed to follow specific

cleaning schedules, allowing it to

autonomously work at predefined

times, ensuring minimal disruption to

operations.

SETTING A STELLAR COURSE

The cleanroom industry is entering

a new era of contamination control.

With the integration of automation,

real-time monitoring, and smart

cleaning strategies, organisations can

move beyond basic compliance and set

new benchmarks for cleanliness and

efficiency.

In the coming years, cleanroom

cleaning is set to evolve further

with innovations such as AI-driven

contamination prediction, fully

autonomous cleaning robots, and even

self-sanitising surfaces. Organisations

that adopt these advancements early

will not only maintain compliance but

also gain a competitive edge.

Are you ready to future-proof your

cleanroom cleaning strategy? Industry

leaders are already exploring smarter,

more resilient contamination control

methods. The key question is how will

your organisation adapt to the next

generation of cleanroom hygiene?

To understand how advanced

technology can help elevate your

cleanroom hygiene operations, please

visit www.i-teamglobal.com, email

hello@i-teamembassyuk.com or call

01945 595177.

12 | 13

UV INDEX

LEVEL LOW

MEDIUM HIGH VERY HIGH EXTREMELY HIGH

TO FIND OUT TODAY’S UV LEVEL VISIT: www.metoffice.gov.uk

RESEARCH FINDS THAT 1

IN 3 OUTDOOR WORKERS

NEVER APPLY SUN

PROTECTION CREAM ON

THE JOB Once the UV index reaches 3

or above it is advised that sun

protection measures are taken.

A YouGov survey commissioned

by at-work skin care, cleaning &

hygiene solutions provider SC

Johnson Professional has found

that 30% of outdoor workers never

apply UV protection cream whilst

at work. This is despite the fact

that those who work outdoors

have a higher-than-average risk

of developing skin cancer. A third

(34%) of these respondents claimed

that nothing would encourage them

to do so, illustrating the scale of the

challenge faced by employers.

The findings build on SC Johnson

Professional’s previous research into

attitudes towards UV protection

at work, of both those who work

outdoors as well as decision makers

and health and safety managers in

relevant sectors. In this most recent

research, SC Johnson Professional

commissioned YouGov to survey a

representative sample of workers

in the UK, with a total of 558 people

who regularly worked outdoors

responding, to delve into the ‘why’

behind the attitudes – looking into

the reasons for the lack of use of UV

protection at work.

In this latest survey, a third of those

who never use UV protection at

work said that they didn’t think

it was necessary. In SC Johnson

Professional’s 2020 survey of 114

UK health and safety officials, 30%

of these decision makers also said

that they believed the reason for

lack of UV protection usage was

due to a general belief that this type

of protection at work in the UK is

unnecessary. Further to this, 28%

stated that they don’t burn easily in

the sun, citing this as their reason for

never using UV protection.

During the summer months in the

UK, the UV index regularly exceeds

this level, and according to the Met

Office, UV rays can be strong enough

to cause sunburn in the UK between

April to September. As well as this,

80% of UVA rays pass through

clouds.

Further to this, the Health and

Safety at Work Act states that there

is a legal duty on every employer to

ensure, as far as reasonably practical,

the health of their employees.

The Management of Health and

Work Regulations also requires

the employer to conduct a suitable

assessment of the risks to the health

of their workforce, including those

risks from UV radiation. However,

this latest research found that

16% of those who never use sun

protection at work said this was

because it wasn’t provided by their

employer. Having this protection

provided by their workplace was

cited by almost a quarter (24%) as

something that would encourage

them to use UV protection – and

more than a fifth (22%) also stated

that having sun protection cream

accessible when needed would

encourage usage.

When looking into product, the

survey also asked outdoor workers

who do use sun protection creams,

what the most important thing was

when it came to sun protection

cream itself. Over half (54%) said

that they prioritised high UV

protection, 47% said that they prefer

a non-greasy product, and a third

said that they placed importance on

it being water resistant.

Significantly, the research found

that, of those who never apply sun

protection cream at work, over a

third (34%) state that nothing would

encourage them to do so. However,

nearly two thirds (61%) of those

who work outdoors agreed that

understanding the effects of UV

damage encourages them to use sun

protection cream at work. Further

to this, when comparing responses

from those who work outside more

than 25% of the time with those who

spend more than half their working

time outdoors, our survey found

little difference between attitudes

towards UV protection.

It is advised that, once the UV index

reaches 3 or above, sun protection

measures should be taken. During

the summer months in the UK, the

UV index regularly exceeds this level,

and according to the Met Office, UV

rays can be strong enough to cause

sunburn in the UK between April

to September. As well as this, 80%

of UVA rays pass through clouds.

UV protection is recommended and

required during this 6-month period

in the UK – according to SC Johnson

Professional, more awareness is

needed to encourage those who

work outdoors to use it.

Find out more about SC Johnson

Professional’s free education

resources and product range here.

All figures, unless otherwise stated,

are from YouGov Plc. Total sample

size was 4435 adults, of whom 558

were outdoor workers. Fieldwork was

undertaken between 14th – 18th April

2023. The survey was carried out

online. The figures have been weighted

and are representative of all UK adults

aged 18+.

PRIORITISE

UV

PROTECTION

SUNSCREEN FOR PROFESSIONALS PROTECTS THE

SKIN FROM THE DANGERS OF UV RADIATION

SC Johnson Professional conducted a survey of 558 people who regularly

work outdoors, 16% never use sun protection at work because it wasn’t

provided by their employer.

People exposed to UV radiation during their working hours are particularly

at risk. It is important we prioritise UV protection!

Outdoor workers, teachers, students,

maintenance staff and office employees

are regularly exposed to UV radiation

during work and should therefore be

provided with effective UV protection.

Our research found that more than

a fifth (22%) of respondents, stated

that having sun proctection cream

accessible when needed would

encourage usage.

What‘s the most important thing when

it comes to sun protection cream?

Over half (54%) said that they

prioritised high UV protection, 47% said

that they prefer a non-greasy product,

and a third said that they placed

importance on it being water resistant.

STOKODERM ® SUN

PROTECT 50 PURE

*SPF 30 ALSO AVAILABLE

UVA UVB UVC

SILICONE

PERFUME

!

APPLY SUNSCREEN TO

HELP PREVENT SUNBURN

TODAY’S UV LEVEL IS:

PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN THE

UV LEVEL IS 3 OR ABOVE

1-2 3-5 6-7 8-10 11+

www.scjp.com

This product is not to be used as a replacement for PPE.

• UV-B 50 - high protection

• UV-A protection

• UV-C protection

• Water resistant formulation

• Non greasy feeling after application

• Contains glycerine

• Perfume-free and dye-free

• Silicone free

• Compatible with rubber

manufacturing processes

Wipe clean with damp cloth only

THE STANDARD

SC Johnson Professional have resources and training - helping raise awareness of

the risks and providing guidance to protect against UV.

Email talktous@scj.com for more information

P-WAVE’S NHS BODY AWARENESS

PARTNERSHIP WINS MAJOR

EUROPEAN MARKETING AWARD

“It is time to put an increasing focus on

the washroom as a centre for wellbeing

and men’s health.”

P-Wave’s body awareness partnership

with NHS England won the Marketing

Campaign of the Year category at the

24th European Office Product Awards

in Amsterdam in March 2025.

“It is a real honour to be recognised

alongside several strong contenders, in

such a prestigious Europe-wide awards,

and in the important office products

sector,” says P-Wave Brand Manager

Mark Wintle at Robert Scott. “The

other finalists included Essity, Lyreco

Group and Pilot corporation, so for

a smaller brand like P-Wave to win,

demonstrates the power and reach of this

important men’s health initiative.”

PUTTING A FOCUS ON THE

WASHROOM AS A CENTRE FOR

WELLBEING AND MEN’S HEALTH

For the past 15 months, as part of a

major earlier cancer diagnosis drive,

an NHS England partnership with

P-Wave has encouraged men to

consult their GPs if they see blood in

their urine. The collaboration has seen

the important health message – “Blood

in your pee? Contact your GP practice”

– delivered directly to those at risk

through a special message featured

on P-Wave’s Slant6 urinal and trough

screens.

Diagnosing cancer early means it

is easier to treat and can save lives,

which is why the NHS chose to

collaborate with P-Wave, urging men

to be aware of changes in their bodies

and to contact their GP practice if they

notice symptoms that could be a sign

of cancer.

“It is time to put an increasing focus on

the washroom as a centre for wellbeing

and men’s health,” says Mark Wintle.

“Our partnership with NHS England

is unique, and has gained amazing

momentum as many large businesses

have come on board to support this

important and potentially life-saving

initiative.

“With the support of our customers, as

we head into Q2, we will have succeeded

in placing over 800,000 of our NHSbranded

Slant6 urinal mats in men’s

washrooms across the country, from

pubs, offices and restaurants, to shopping

malls and stadiums.

“We are thrilled that this ever-growing

group of partners includes Sodexo,

phs Group, Balfour Beatty. Mitchells &

Butlers, and even Manchester United

football club. The more men see the

message, the more effective the campaign

becomes.”

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed,

supported and continues to make this campaign a success, and

congratulations to all the winners and shortlisted finalists.

Here’s to making an impact and saving lives, one urinal at a time!

THE SUMMER WASHROOM

LEE RADZKI

Sales Manager, Tork

Lee Radzki, Sales Manager for Tork

manufacturer Essity, looks at the

challenges involved in cleaning

a public washroom during the

warmer months.

The summer is finally here, making

life easier and more enjoyable for

everyone.

The longer days and warmer

weather are dramatically reducing

our heating and lighting bills. From

a cleaning viewpoint, our floors are

less likely to become soiled with the

mud, grit and slush associated with

the wet and snow.

And the risks of catching a cold or flu

also become lower as the weather

heats up.

These factors all help to ease

the burden of operating a public

washroom. But are there any extra

challenges involved in keeping toilets

clean during the warmer months?

Summer is traditionally the time

when large crowds head to tourist

resorts, town centres and visitor

attractions placing extra pressure on

the washrooms in those areas.

Swimmers and seaside visitors

will be using the beach toilets to

change out of their bathing clothes,

walking sand into the washrooms

and occupying the cubicles for long

periods. This could lead to dirty

floors and long queues.

Street food stalls pop up everywhere

during the summer, so people will be

seeking somewhere to wash their

hands before eating. This will cause

further congestion in the toilets.

And washroom facilities in busy

resorts become a magnet for young

revellers at night when drug-taking

and vandalism are likely to take place

in the loos.

Other seasonal issues include the

increased risk of insect infestations

plus the fact that odours become

more noticeable when the weather

warms up. Strategies therefore need

to be put in place to reduce the risk

of bad behaviour, minimise queueing

and ensure that the facilities are

clean and easy to maintain.

Cleaning must be carried out

scrupulously to remove any soiling

on which bugs and pests might feed.

Regular cleaning is also important

to remove the build-up of sand, dust

and grit which could damage the

washroom floor.

Queues are bound to be a problem

in tourist areas, and any congestion

will be exacerbated if the soap and

paper supplies have been allowed

to run out. All dispensers should

therefore offer a high capacity and

be designed to naturally reduce

over-consumption to ensure a longlasting

supply.

Digital technology can help to reduce

the risk of washroom runouts in busy

resort washrooms. Strategicallyplaced

sensors allow cleaners to

remotely check on dispenser supply

levels and washroom use so they can

tell in advance when soap and paper

supplies are running low or where

excessive usage makes the need for

cleaning more likely.

All dispensers should be intuitive to

use, easy to clean and sufficiently

robust to deter vandals. Ideally,

they should also offer no nooks or

crannies where drug paraphernalia

could be stored to deter drug-users.

Hand dryers can lead to long queues

in a busy washroom since they

require visitors to stand and wait

for their hands to be thoroughly

dried. They might also heat up the

atmosphere unacceptably during

the summer. Hand towel systems

make no difference to the washroom

temperature and a high-capacity

dispenser will allow visitors to take

a towel and move on, drying their

hands as they go while freeing up the

unit for the next user.

A good air freshener system will help

to mask those summer washroom

odours. And the air will smell fresher

still if the doors and windows are

left opened to facilitate ventilation

– something that becomes more

feasible in the warmer weather.

Keeping a washroom clean and

hygienic during the summer has its

challenges. But by equipping their

facilities with ergonomic systems

that are easy to use, clean and refill,

washroom managers can rise to the

challenge and help to improve the

summer experience for everyone.

THE STANDARD

16 | 17

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH THE

LAUNCH OF A NEW CLEANING

CAREERS DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE

A new website will transform how

cleaning sector staff find out about

career development and training

opportunities, and will help attract

new recruits to the industry.

The UK Cleaning Career Development

Zone (www.ukcleaning.org.uk or

scan the QR code) brings together

information about industry training,

education and career development

courses in one place for the first time,

where they can be easily accessed

online.

It features details of over 40 courses

at frontline, supervisory and

management levels and in support

roles, submitted by 16 education

and training bodies from across the

sector, as well as industry case studies,

information for employers and useful

links.

Industry personnel can easily find the

training they need to succeed in their

careers on the UK Cleaning Career

Development Zone, whether that

means moving upwards or sideways

into cleaning roles in other sectors

such as hospitality, healthcare,

education, engineering, manufacturing

or local government, to name just a

few areas employing industry staff.

Deyssy

I encourage people to join

the industry. You meet a

wide range of people from all

around the world and, if you

start right at the bottom, you

will have opportunities to

progress.

Making this information more

accessible helps make the sector

a more attractive destination for

newcomers, who will be able to find

out more easily how to advance and

succeed in their careers.

A new publicity campaign promoting

the website is also highlighting the

attractions of the industry to new

joiners, with the strapline ‘The sky’s the

limit’.

Our message to potential staff is that

a career in the cleaning industry can

offer job satisfaction, the opportunity

to succeed in your career, rapid

progression and/or options for parttime

or flexible working.

The British Cleaning Council (BCC)

developed the new website in

consultation with members. It expects

more courses to be featured on the

site as time progresses.

BCC Chair Delia Cannings launched

the website during her opening talk on

the first day of the Cleaning Show.

Jerome

The learning gave me

so much confidence. It

enabled me to have a

career and progress in this

career. Economically, it has

contributed to a better life for

me, and I am able to provide

a better life for my family.

Delia said: “This is a hugely exciting

project for the whole of the cleaning and

hygiene industry and it could be a gamechanger

in terms of helping staff progress,

and in helping attract new recruits.

“The UK Cleaning Career Development

Zone helps address the lack of

educational structure in terms of

pathways for staff progression in the

sector.

“The sector has been crying out for years

for disparate course information offered

by different training bodies to be brought

together in one place online, where it is

easy to access. Visit the Zone to find out

about the training you need to succeed in

your career.

“Our publicity campaign for the website

will highlight the incredible career

opportunities the sector offers, in order to

encourage new joiners. Our message to

them is ‘make a career in the cleaning and

hygiene sector and the sky’s the limit’.”

For more, scan the QR code, follow

the dedicated LinkedIn page www.

linkedin.com/company/uk-cleaningcareer-development-zone

for updates

or search LinkedIn under the hashtag

#somanyopportunities.

The UK Cleaning Career Zone

campaign features cleaning industry

professionals discussing their career

journeys. Here’s what some of them

say:

Gytis

I love my job so much. Every

day is different. I am so

thankful for the opportunities

I've had. It has been beautiful.

Your BICSc

member benefi t

from Citation

Navigate the changing landscape of employment

law with ease, with your Ultimate Guide to

Employment Rights Bill Changes for 2025/26.

This guide includes key updates such as day one

unfair dismissal rights, expanded responsibilities

for preventing harassment, and changes to

statutory sick pay. Packed with insights and

practical advice, discover the tools to help your

business adapt confidently today.

Helping you work smarter, not harder

Available HR & Employment and Health & Safety support includes:

A 24/7 expert advice line

100s of model documents, contracts and risk

assessment templates

Annual onsite Health & Safety inspections and

reports to ensure your compliance

Book a FREE CONSULTATION today

Download your

FREE guide

SCAN ME

Atlas - your secure, easy-to-manage and all-in-one

management platform

ISO certification to showcase your commitment to

high standards

Protection against Employment Tribunals and the

HSE’s Fee for Intervention (FFI)

THE STANDARD

Did you know that BICSc members can claim preferential rates on Citation services?

Discover how we can help you today, call 0345 844 1111 or email hello@citation.co.uk

and remember to quote ‘BICSc’.

TOP EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES FOR

BICSc MEMBERS

On 10 th October 2024, the UK

government introduced important

changes to the Employment Rights

Bill, marking a significant shift in the

landscape of workplace protections.

Labelled “the biggest upgrade to

rights at work for a generation,” this

comprehensive document outlines

the first wave of reforms aimed at

modernising employee rights and

addressing gaps in current legislation.

To help reduce the complexity, our

partners, Citation, have identified

key elements that are likely to have

the most significant impact on BICSc

members and the cleaning industry

overall.

DAY-ONE UNFAIR DISMISSAL

RIGHTS

One of the most notable shifts in the

Employment Rights Bill is the removal

of the two-year qualifying period

needed for employees to bring unfair

dismissal claims. Once this reform is

implemented, employees will gain the

right to challenge an unfair dismissal

from their first day on the job. This

makes following the right procedures

when hiring even more crucial.

While probationary periods will still

be allowed, dismissals must strictly

adhere to fair and transparent

procedures, with valid reasons which

are all documented correctly. Hiring

the right talent has never been more

important.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Now is the perfect time to prepare

for this change, by revisiting your

employment contracts to make

sure they are robust and compliant.

In particular, clauses around

probationary periods and dismissal

policies should be reviewed with a

fine-toothed comb.

If your documentation needs updating,

consider seeking professional advice

to ensure you're doing all of the right

things to protect your business. Get

prepared early, to avoid any legal risks

or even disputes.

TACKLING HARASSMENT

Employers now need to have a

proactive approach towards the

prevention of sexual harassment

in the workplace. Building on the

Worker Protection (Amendment

of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023

that came into force in October

2024, this new legislation imposes

additional responsibilities on

employers to prevent all types of

harassment, including harassment

by third parties such as clients or

contractors. This update requires

organisations to take “all reasonable

steps” to protect employees and

creates new obligations to ensure

a safer, more inclusive work

environment.

For instance, proactive measures

need to extend beyond internal

employees, and should also

include visitors to your premises,

subcontractors, or anyone engaging

with your business.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Start by reviewing your harassment

policies and risk assessments.

Going forward, it’s important to

make employee training a priority,

focusing on how to recognise,

prevent, and handle incidents

involving harassment. This is the

case whether it is internal or thirdparty

related. Ensure this training is

relevant across all seniority levels,

from entry level staff to top bosses.

You should also make sure that you

document your reports and findings

clearly and regularly, to ensure

these remain accessible and widely

recognised by your entire team.

CHANGES TO STATUTORY SICK PAY

(SSP)

Under the proposed reforms, you’ll see

some key changes to Statutory Sick

Pay. Labour’s commitment to scrap

the lower earnings limit and eliminate

the three-day waiting period for SSP

means that employees will now be

entitled to sick pay from their first day

of absence.

Whilst this is undoubtedly a positive

step for workers, particularly those

on lower incomes, it also means that

employers could face noticeably

higher costs in managing employee

absences. Businesses will need to

factor in the financial implications of

this reform alongside its impact on

workforce planning going forward.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Review your absence management

processes now to avoid unexpected

shocks later.

Preparing your business with

appropriate systems for monitoring

and managing absences will be

essential. Now is a great time for you

to encourage open communication

with your staff to understand the

causes of frequent absences, and

introduce a better supportive

system where required. Proactive

measures such as health and wellbeing

initiatives like an Employee Assistance

Programme can help reduce sickness

absence, as well as making your team

feel valued and supported.

INTRODUCTION OF THE FAIR

WORK AGENCY

Another thing that’s new in the

updated Employment Rights Bill is

the Fair Work Agency (FWA). This

is a new state enforcement body

consolidating existing agencies and

expanding oversight to areas like

holiday pay and statutory sick pay.

With powers to issue penalties,

recover enforcement costs, and

enforce compliance through

inspections and legal actions,

the FWA aims to streamline

enforcement and ensure businesses

follow the new rules. You won’t want

the FWA on your back!

HOW CITATION CAN HELP

There’s no denying that The

Employment Rights Bill is complex,

and it’s clear that these changes

require some serious thought.

For BICSc members who may be

wondering where to begin, there’s

good news. At Citation, we’re here

as your trusted partner to help

propel your business forward and

set you up for success.

For more information on the

proposed changes, scan the QR code

to download our free Employment

Rights Bill guide, packed with

practical insights and advice tailored

to address 2025’s employment law

reforms.

But the support doesn’t stop there.

We’ve got your back every step of the

way.

At Citation we offer a range of

services, from bespoke Employment

Law and HR advice to Health &

Safety solutions designed to meet the

specific needs of BICSc members. By

working with us, you’ll gain access to

expert guidance, practical tools, and

preferential rates that elevate your

compliance efforts and protect your

business against potential risks.

Call us today on 0345 844 1111 or

email hello@citation.co.uk and quote

‘BICSc’ to take advantage of your

member-exclusive rates.

THE STANDARD

20 | 21

CHSA’S MEMBERS TIGHTEN THE

CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION

SCHEME MEMBERSHIP

Our Standards.

Your Guarantee.

CHSA Certification Marks guarantee ‘what’s on the

box is what’s in the box’. Independent inspection

assures Scheme conformance.

Every CHSA member has signed our Code of Practice,

which includes the Competition & Markets Authority’s

Green Claims Code.

Members of the Cleaning &

Hygiene Suppliers Association’s

(CHSA) Accreditation Schemes

for Soft Tissue and Cleaning

Chemicals have tightened the

membership criteria. As well as

guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box

is what’s in the box’, members of

these schemes have now also

committed to adhering to quality,

environment, health and safety,

and regulatory standards.

The changes were introduced

following unanimous decisions

taken at the Scheme Annual

General Meetings by members to

tighten the entry criteria to these

CHSA Accreditation Schemes.

Specifically, members of these

Schemes will now have to provide

evidence of business systems and

processes through certification,

such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001

and ISO 45001 where relevant.

They will also have to evidence

compliance with regulations such

as the Detergent Regulations

and the Classification, Labelling

and Packaging regulation where

relevant, and evidence efficacy

claims.

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the

CHSA, explained: “Our primary focus

is to raise and maintain standards

in our industry. In the context of the

uncertain and complex economic

environment we have seen an

increasing number of companies cut

corners to cut prices. In addition, the

pandemic changed the market for

cleaning chemicals as companies

made all sorts of claims without

evidence to back them up. This has

continued and been accelerated by the

demand for sustainable solutions. The

changes our members have introduced

to these Accreditations address these

challenges. Buyers who look for the

Accreditation Mark can be certain

product claims can be evidenced, the

company operates certified businesses

systems and processes and 'what’s on

the box is what’s in the box'.”

These, and all the CHSA’s

Accreditation Scheme are now

open for applications.

This change follows the CHSA’s

introduction of an ethical audit

requirement. This change was

unanimously supported by all

manufacturing scheme members

at their recent Annual General

Meetings. All manufacturing

facilities producing CHSA

Accredited Product must now have

a ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’ completed

by the end of 2025. It covers

labour standards and health and

safety, working conditions and

the fair treatment of workers. The

workplace safety measures, and

occupational health standards will

also be assessed.

The ethical audit is known as a

SMETA Audit (Sedex Members

Ethical Trade Audit), which has been

used by UK retailers for many years

to monitor their supply chains.

More than 85,000 businesses from

across the world have made Sedex

their trusted partner in creating a

more socially and environmentally

sustainable supply chain.

The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes

are for manufacturers of paperbased

products, plastic-based

products, cotton-based products,

and cleaning chemicals, and for

distributors of cleaning and hygiene

products. They guarantee ‘what’s on

the box is what’s in the box’.

The CHSA has integrated the

Competition & Markets Authority’s

Green Claims Code into its rigorous

Code of Practice, which is signed by

every member.

The combination of the Code of

Practice and Accreditation Scheme

membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;

• Provides quality, fit for purpose

products; and

• Makes sure what’s on the box is

what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning

www.CHSA.co.uk

For more information:

0800 243919

www.chsa.co.uk

22 | 23

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STAY COMPLIANT, STAY SAFE: COMPLIANT

DOCUMENTATION

BY AMELIA AMESBURY LBICSc

Two words that strike fear into

the hearts of many, compliance

documentation, just writing the

words gives me chills. As part of my

role, I have the opportunity to visit

a wide range of sites both nationally

and internationally. Whether

I’m conducting a BICSc cleaning

and hygiene audit or performing

a verification, a consistent issue

I’ve observed is that much of the

compliance documentation is not

actually compliant.

So, what exactly do I mean by

compliant documentation? BICSc

recommendations is sites should

have the following documents as a

minimum:

STANDARD OPERATING

PROCEDURES (SOP)

These documents, often referred

to as Method Statements, outline

clear, step-by-step instructions

for completing a task safely and

efficiently, much like following

a recipe. These documents are

produced internally.

RISK ASSESSMENTS (RA)

We use Risk Assessments to identify

potential hazards and implement

control measures to reduce the

likelihood of those risks causing

harm. These documents are also

produced internally by your

company.

SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)

OR MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

SHEETS (MSDS)

This document, known as a Safety

Data Sheet (SDS), is provided by

the manufacturer and contains

essential information and guidance

on the safe use, storage, and

handling of a chemical product.

When completing a COSHH

assessment, you should reference

the SDS directly, as it provides

the critical details needed. In the

event of an accident or if medical

attention is required, the SDS

should be taken with you to assist

healthcare professionals.

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES

HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH

(COSHH) ASSESSMENTS

These documents are essentially

risk assessments specifically

for chemicals. They identify

and highlight potential hazards

associated with handling the

substance. While they are created

by your company, the information

used to complete them is drawn

directly from the relevant Safety

Data Sheets (SDS).

So, what have I discovered during

site visits?

AMELIA AMESBURY

Assistant Technical

Specialist

MISSING DOCUMENTATION

You might be surprised to learn

that, on some site visits, essential

documentation is missing altogether.

In the UK, risk assessments are a

legal requirement for any business

with more than five employees.

Additionally, since 2002, it has

been a legal obligation that any

site handling chemicals must have

up-to-date COSHH assessments

and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on

hand, regardless of the number of

employees.

DOCUMENTATION NOT BEING

EASILY ACCESSIBLE

One of the most common

mistakes I see companies make

is not ensuring their compliance

documentation is easily

accessible. Often, I arrive on site

ready to review the paperwork,

only to find that it's stored on a

computer or locked away in the

manager’s office after hours. This

is not truly accessible.

A simple way to test accessibility

is to ask a cleaning operative,

when management is not

present, if they can show you

the risk assessments, COSHH

documentation, and related

materials. If they can't access

them without assistance, then

the documentation is not easily

accessible.

Accessibility is crucial because,

in the event of an emergency

or if an operative is uncertain

about a task or substance, they

have the right to consult that

documentation immediately.

OUT OF DATE DOCUMENTATION

Documentation such as COSHH

assessments and risk assessments

must be reviewed at least annually

or sooner if an accident or incident

occurs. Recently, I’ve come across

several cases where documentation

is only being reviewed every three

years, which falls short of best

practice. For our friends in the UAE,

it's important to note that BICSc

standards require these documents

to be reviewed at least once a year to

remain compliant.

COSHH ASSESSMENTS NOT IN

SYNC WITH SAFETY DATA SHEETS

It’s crucial, especially when

completing COSHH assessments,

not to invent or assume information

about a chemical product. Far too

often, I’ve come across COSHH

assessments that do not align with

the corresponding Safety Data

Sheets (SDS), particularly when it

comes to hazard classification. In

many cases, the product is either

over-classified or under-classified.

For example, a Safety Data Sheet

may state that a product is an

irritant, yet the COSHH assessment

incorrectly labels it as corrosive and

flammable. This kind of discrepancy

can lead to serious consequences,

as operatives may use incorrect

handling procedures or unnecessary

precautions, or worse, fail to take

proper safety measures entirely.

These documents are a legal

requirement, and if they are

missing, outdated, inaccessible,

lacking dates or signatures, or

inconsistent with one another,

they are considered noncompliant.

Non-compliance can

lead to significant fines or other

penalties.

So, if you're reading this and

suspect that any of these issues

might apply to your site, it's

important to raise it with your

supervisor, manager, or health

and safety team. Remember,

health and safety is a shared

responsibility, and ensuring

compliance protects everyone.

THE STANDARD

26 | 27

DISHCLOTHS & MOPS


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Find out more here!

OPTIMA PROCLEAN: BEHIND THE BRAND

Since its inception in 2008,

the Optima name has been

synonymous with high-quality

cleaning consumables within the

professional cleaning sector, from

microfibre and non-woven cloths

to sponge scourers and mops. It

has set the standard for reliability

and performance, with sub-brands

like Optima Guardian extending

innovation further by incorporating

antibacterial treatments for

enhanced hygiene.

A trusted brand within commercial

cleaning, but who is the company

behind Optima Proclean?

RAMON HYGIENE: 70 YEARS OF

EXPERTISE AND INNOVATION

While Optima Proclean is a widely

recognised brand in the industry,

many may not realise that Ramon

Hygiene is the driving force behind

it! Established in 1951, the company

has spent over 70 years perfecting

its craft, producing traditional textile

cleaning cloths and socket mops at

their Leicestershire factory, while

setting industry benchmarks for

quality and performance.

With significant investment in

recent years, Ramon Hygiene has

expanded its UK manufacturing

capacity. Particularly in socket mop

production, making it one of the

leading producers in the country.

This commitment ensures strict

quality control, supply chain stability,

and a sustainable, reliable source for

distributors and end-users.

A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

AND COMPLIANCE

Ramon Hygiene is a proud member

of the CHSA and a founding

member of the CHSA Mop

Accreditation Scheme, ensuring

all mops meet strict standards for

size, weight, and absorbency. The

company also upholds the highest

quality benchmarks through its

adherence to BRC global standards

and ensures ethical sourcing via

a SEDEX certified supply chain,

essential when importing products

such as non-woven and microfibre

cloths from overseas.

A CIRCULAR APPROACH TO

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability at Ramon Hygiene

is woven into their production

processes. In a world where textile

waste is a growing concern, the

company champions a circular

economy by using regenerated

textiles in its cleaning cloths and

cotton mops.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

OF RECYCLED COTTON

The textile industry is one of the

largest consumers of water, with

up to 20,000 litres required to

cultivate a single kilogram of raw

cotton. By utilising regenerated

yarn in place of virgin fibre, Ramon

Hygiene significantly reduces water

consumption, CO2 emissions, and

the use of harmful pesticides.

Every ton of recycled cotton saves

approximately 765,000 litres of

water, a major environmental

benefit. At Ramon Hygiene, all

yarn used in its cotton mops

and dishcloths is produced from

recycled textile waste, helping divert

thousands of tonnes of fabric from

landfills annually.

Additionally, a recent report

conducted in compliance with

ISO 14064-1 2018 standards,

confirmed that Ramon Hygiene has

already taken major steps in the

reduction of its GHG emissions,

following significant investment

and implemented sustainability

measures on its site over the last 3

years. This independent assessment

reinforces the company’s

commitment to responsible

manufacturing and desire to improve

further.

THE PRODUCTION PROCESS:

TURNING WASTE INTO QUALITY

CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Regenerated textile waste

undergoes a meticulous

transformation into high-quality

cleaning cloths:

• Sorting & Shredding: Pre-and

post-consumer textile waste is

sorted by colour and fibre type,

then mechanically shredded into

raw fibres.

• Carding & Spinning: The fibres are

aligned and spun into regenerated

yarn, ready for knitting.

• Knitting & Cutting: Circular

knitting machines produce a

seamless fabric, which is then

precision-cut and overlocked for

durability.

• Waste Reduction: Any offcuts are

baled and sent back to the spinning

mills, creating a true closed-loop

recycling process.

This eco-conscious manufacturing

approach results in soft, absorbent,

and long-lasting stockinette cloths,

ideal for businesses looking to

reduce waste without compromising

on performance.

A TRUSTED UK

MANUFACTURER WITH A

COMPETITIVE EDGE

By maintaining and expanding its

UK production facilities, Ramon

Hygiene offers distributors

high-quality alternatives to massimported

goods. Not only does

this reduce environmental impact,

but it also ensures supply chain

stability and product consistency.

For businesses seeking

sustainable, high-performance

cleaning solutions, Ramon Hygiene

is more than just the name behind

Optima Proclean - it’s a trusted

partner committed to quality,

compliance, and environmental

responsibility.

Discover more about Ramon

Hygiene’s legacy and its

commitment to shaping the future

of professional cleaning.

www.ramonhygiene.co.uk

Beyond its own production,

Ramon is also a key part of the

Empress Garland Group, with its

sister company EGL Homecare

manufacturing sponge scourers,

scouring pads, and non-woven cloths

in the UK also, all under the Optima

name. Ensuring a competitive and

environmentally responsible supply

chain.

THE STANDARD

30 | 31

KIMBERLY-CLARK ANNOUNCES FIRST

TISSUE MANUFACTURING SITE ON PATH

TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

DIRT?

SPILLS?

STAINS?

THERE’S

KÄRCHER

FOR THAT.

Power up your cleaning with the latest additions to our

Pro Vacuum Cleaning range. Experience a dry vacuum

with a brand new shape, recycled build and ultra-quiet

operation. Discover our first Professional battery carpet

& upholstery spot-cleaner, and tackle tough stains on

the go. Find out more on karcher.co.uk

• Kimberly-Clark’s tissue

manufacturing site in Koblenz,

Germany is on track to move to

100% renewable energy by 2029.

• This is expected to reduce carbon

emissions at the facility – which

produces major brands including

Kleenex, Scottex, Scott, WypAll,

Page and Hakle – by approximately

50,000 MTCO2e per year,

equivalent to 6,700 homes’ energy

use for one year.

• The transition is enabled by a

Carbon Contract for Difference

Award from the German

Government, combined with

Kimberly-Clark’s recently

announced multi-country

European virtual power purchase

agreements.

Kimberly-Clark (K-C), one of the

world's leading manufacturers of

personal care and hygiene products,

has announced that its manufacturing

site in Koblenz, Germany, has

become the company’s first tissue

manufacturing facility globally with a

pathway to transition its operations

to 100% renewable energy. The site

will electrify its heating needs as well

as source its electricity demand via a

portfolio of European power purchase

agreements of offsite renewables. The

transition is intended to be completed

by 2029 latest.

The move has been made possible

by a Carbon Contract for Difference

(CCFD) grant from Germany’s Federal

Ministry for Economic Affairs and

Climate Action (BMWK), combined

with K-C’s recently announced multicountry

European purchase power

agreements. As a result, toilet paper,

hand towels and wipers under brands

Kleenex, Scottex, Scott, WypAll,

Page & Hakle, manufactured at the

Koblenz facility, will be produced with

significantly less carbon emissions.

The CCFD is a financial mechanism

to accelerate the transition away

from fossil fuels. Improvements

at the Koblenz site supported by

the grant will include switching a

natural gas boiler, hood heaters and

related infrastructure to electric.

These updates will achieve an energy

efficiency of almost 99% and remove

over 13,000 metric tonnes of carbon

dioxide (MTCO2e) annually at the

Koblenz facility.

In addition, Kimberly-Clark will source

the electricity demand for its Koblenz

facility via a portfolio of European

power purchase agreements of offsite

renewables. The company recently

announced the launch of three virtual

solar power purchase agreements in

Italy and Spain, which will generate

enough renewable electricity to

cover the total needs of its Koblenz

facility, while the European power

grid increases its renewable energy

capacity. Sourcing offsite renewable

electricity to match the site’s

electricity needs will achieve a further

estimated reduction of approximately

36,000 MTCO2e per year.

“Announcing our first Kimberly-Clark

tissue manufacturing site globally with a

pathway to 100% renewable energy is an

incredible milestone that demonstrates

how we continue to progress on our

decarbonisation journey, through

innovative cross-sector collaboration"

said Lisa Morden, Chief Sustainability

Officer at Kimberly-Clark. “We are

proud to execute this decarbonisation

project that will unlock new technologies

for Kimberly-Clark, enabling us to

tackle the challenge of reducing direct

greenhouse emissions, which represent

60% of our total emissions.”

“We are very proud that Koblenz is

setting a new standard for sustainable

manufacturing at Kimberly-Clark

globally” added Paul Sokol, Mill

Manager, Koblenz. “We always strive

to offer more sustainable products to our

consumers and to support our customers’

sustainability goals, and this is a great

example of how we can do this.”

K-C’s Koblenz facility also plays a key

part in Kimberly-Clark Professional’s

RightCycle Programme, through

which used hand towels collected in

Germany, the Netherlands, Austria

and Switzerland are sent to Koblenz

and recycled into new tissue products.

The program allows Kimberly Clark

Professional to manage the final

destination of this waste, keeping it

out of landfill and incinerators. Used

hand towels go through a closed-loop

system where customers’ sourcesegregated

waste towels are recycled

into new tissue products.

This announcement represents

a milestone in K-C’s ambitious

drive towards green energy and its

global goal to reduce its scope 1 &

2 emissions by 50% against a 2015

baseline. Other recent achievements

include:

• Installing one of the largest rooftop

solar photovoltaic systems at K-C’s

manufacturing site at Salamanca

facility in Spain, completed in

January 2025 (6,500 MWh per

year).

• Installing rooftop solar photovoltaic

systems at K-C’s manufacturing site

in Cape Town, South Africa in 2024

(3,700 MWh per year);

• Opening a new £75 million onshore

wind farm in Scotland, UK in 2023

(160,000 MWh per year).

32 | 33

ENHANCING BICSc MEMBERSHIP:

YBA & CLEANMANAGER


At BICSc, we are always looking for new ways to support our members

and enhance the value of your membership. We are therefore delighted to

introduce two exciting new benefits now available to you: Your Business

Angels (YBA) and CleanManager. These new additions have been selected

specifically for their ability to support the growth and efficiency of cleaning

businesses like yours. Read more about them below and what BICSc

Membership Specialist, Karen St James Boyde, has to say about them!

MATT EVANS

Digital Marketing Assistant

CLEANMANAGER – ONE SYSTEM FOR ALL YOUR OPERATIONAL NEEDS

CleanManager is designed specifically to meet the administrative and operational needs of cleaning businesses. If

you’ve previously met the team at the Cleaning Show in London, you’ll already know how innovative and helpful

this platform can be.

Key features include:

• Scheduling and shift planning.

• Staff and document management.

• Audit completion and compliance tracking.

• Seamless integration with accounting systems for invoicing and payroll.

It’s user-friendly, saves you time, and eliminates the hassle of managing multiple systems – so you can focus on

growing your business and keeping clients happy. You can read an article by CleanManager on page 48 for an indepth

description. Or email the team directly here: ms@cleanmanager.uk

YBA – HELPING CLEANING BUSINESSES GROW

Following a recent conversation with Laura and her team at YBA, we were impressed by their knowledge,

enthusiasm, and passion for supporting businesses in the cleaning sector. YBA offers a highly specialised approach

to marketing and growth, designed exclusively for our industry.

As a BICSc member, you can benefit from:

• Top-Tier Google Ads Campaigns: YBA is a top 3% Google Ads agency, meaning their strategies are highly

advanced and tailored to your sector, rather than offering generic marketing services.

• Proven Lead Generation: Their campaigns regularly generate over 40 quality enquiries per month for cleaning

businesses, helping you to grow with confidence.

• Free Educational Resources: Members will have access to exclusive webinars and learning materials to support

your marketing knowledge and success.

If you’re looking to increase visibility and win new business, YBA provides the tools and expertise to help you do

just that. You can read more about YBA on page 50 for all your marketing needs. Or you can email them here to get

started: team@ybappc.co.uk

A GROWING PORTFOLIO OF

BENEFITS

These new services join a strong

portfolio of existing member

benefits, all designed to save you

money, improve your operations, and

support your wellbeing:

• Citation: Free consultation

and member rates for business

compliance services

• Darwin Clayton: Reduced

insurance premiums and enhanced

cover

• Rubbermaid Commercial

Products: Consultations and

discounts on cleaning essentials

Plus, all the exclusive BICSc benefits

you already know:

• Use of the BICSc logo for

professional credibility

• Listing in our official member

directory

• Subscription to The Standard

magazine

• Access to the technical helpdesk

• Digital access to BICSc Standards

& Best Practice

• Preferential member rates on our

training and online shop

DISCOVER MORE

To learn more about all your benefits

and how to take advantage of

them, please refer to our member

benefits brochure: https://ow.ly/

j0jk50VG59X

Thank you for your continued

support as we work together to raise

standards and promote excellence

across the cleaning industry. These

benefits are our way of saying thank

you for being a part of the BICSc

community.

• Reel Tech: Discounts on lighting

and security systems

• HMCA: Affordable private medical

plans

• SC Johnson Professional: Product

discounts and free dispensers

I have been working at BICSc since 2017 as the Membership

Specialist and in that time the additional benefits we have

added to help enhance your membership with us have

continued to grow.

We have tried to cover different options to cover multiple

subjects ranging from business compliance and insurance, to

marketing and products.

Of course you are under no obligation to use any of

them but it’s certainly worth checking them out and

seeing what is on offer.

THE STANDARD

34 | 35

KÄRCHER EXPANDS PROFESSIONAL

CLEANING RANGE WITH NEW DRY

VACUUM CLEANERS AND SPRAY

EXTRACTION MACHINE

Kärcher, a global leader in cleaning

technology, is proud to introduce

exciting additions to its professional

cleaning lineup: a new generation

of innovative Dry Vacuum Cleaners

and their first Professional Spray

Extraction Spot Cleaner. These

advanced solutions are expertly

engineered to address the diverse

and demanding cleaning tasks faced

by professionals across various

sectors, including hospitality, public

services, and facilities management.

THE STANDARD

SUSTAINABLE AND POWERFUL

DRY VACUUM CLEANERS

Kärcher is redefining dry vacuuming

with its brand-new portfolio of

dry vacuum cleaners, focusing on

sustainability. The range includes the

corded T 10/1 and T 15/1 models, as

well as the battery-powered T 10/1

Bp and T 15/1 Bp variants. All models

are equipped with a HEPA 14 filter

(for the highest safety standards

at hygiene-sensitive sites) and are

modular with interchangeable heads,

with either a 10-litre or 15-litre

container. These robust machines

are also constructed using 45

percent recycled material,

underscoring Kärcher's

commitment to a more

sustainable future.

By incorporating recycled

materials, Kärcher reduces

plastic consumption

by up to two kilograms

per machine, all while

maintaining the brand's

renowned quality,

robustness, and safety

standards. In line with

international standards

DIN EN 45557 and

DIN SPEC 91446, the

precise percentages of

recycled materials are

clearly specified, ensuring

transparency and trust.

For enhanced flexibility, professionals

can choose between corded and

battery-powered models. The

battery-powered variants (T 10/1 Bp

and 15/1 Bp), available now, boast

an eco!efficiency mode to minimise

power consumption and maximise

battery runtime. Paired with a

brushless EC turbine for exceptional

efficiency and an extended lifespan,

these models deliver consistent

cleaning performance. The corded

models (T 10/1 and T 15/1), launching

later this year, operate at an

impressively quiet 52 dB(A), making

them ideal for daytime cleaning in

noise-sensitive areas like offices and

hotels.

Accessories can be effortlessly

interchanged between machines,

increasing versatility and convenience.

A comprehensive selection of

accessories, including a crevice tool,

parquet nozzle, and upholstery tool,

allows users to tailor the vacuum

cleaners to specific cleaning needs

in environments such as schools,

healthcare facilities, and public

buildings.

DRY VACUUM CLEANER HIGHLIGHTS:

• Eco-Conscious Design: 45% recycled material used in construction.

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Corded models operate at only 52 dB(A).

• Energy Efficiency: Battery-powered models feature an

eco!efficiency mode.

• Long-Lasting Performance: Brushless EC turbine ensures a long

service life.

• Adaptable and Versatile: Modular platform with interchangeable

heads, 10-litre and 15-litre containers, and easy accessory exchange.

• User-Friendly: Compact ergonomic design for hassle-free transport

and storage.

PUZZI 2/1 BP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ergo-Portable: Weighs only 4 kg and is hand luggagesized.

Strap and hook system to secure the hose whilst

carrying.

• Rapid Stain Removal: Quickly and effectively eliminates

textile stains.

• Intuitive Operation: Simple two-switch control.

• Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Minimises water and chemical

use. Fine spray pattern due to professional upholstery

nozzle.

• Convenient Design: Removable fresh and dirty water

tanks.

• Battery Versatility: Powered by the 36 V Kärcher

Battery Universe.

Designed with user convenience in

mind, these compact and ergonomic

dry vacuum cleaners are easy to

transport and store. The foldable

carrying handle and unique parking

position save valuable storage space,

and accessories can be stored directly

on the machine. The corded models

feature a 12-meter-long, easily

replaceable plug-in power cable with a

manual handle for tidy storage.

PUZZI 2/1 BP: COMPACT POWER

FOR SPOTLESS RESULTS

Kärcher is also proud to introduce

the Puzzi 2/1 Bp, a new batterypowered

spray extraction machine

that redefines spot cleaning. This

remarkably compact and mobile unit is

engineered for the quick and effective

removal of stains from textile surfaces.

Perfect for maintaining the pristine

appearance of upholstered furniture

in settings such as retail environments,

hotel lobbies, restaurants, and more,

offering a practical and efficient

alternative to manual stain removal.

Its user-friendly design ensures that

all users can achieve professional

cleaning results quickly.

The Puzzi 2/1 Bp excels at spot

cleaning, making light work of

adhesive dirt like drink spills and

food residues. The spray extraction

method involves applying a mixture of

water and detergent to the affected

area before or during vacuuming,

effectively lifting dirt and moisture.

Weighing just four kg and

designed to be as portable

as hand luggage, the Puzzi

2/1 Bp is incredibly easy to

transport. It features a 1.7-litre

removable fresh water tank for

easy filling and a 2.9-litre dirty water

tank with a float valve to prevent

overflows. Operation is simple and

intuitive, with an easy-to-operate on/

off switch.

Beyond its cleaning prowess, the Puzzi

2/1 Bp promotes sustainable practices

by minimising water and chemical

usage. Its robust construction ensures

long-lasting reliability, powered by the

Kärcher 36 V Battery Universe.

THE KÄRCHER BATTERY UNIVERSE

Both the dry vacuum cleaners and the

Puzzi 2/1 Bp are compatible with the

Kärcher Battery Universe. In addition

to these machines, the Battery

Universe range (which includes 18

V and 36 V platforms) also expands

across a variety of other Professional

products, including sweepers,

pressure washers, carpet cleaners,

and more.

Kärcher batteries come in various

capacities and feature an LCD

display with Real Time Technology,

providing precise information on

remaining runtime and charging time.

They are engineered for durability,

boasting shock-resistant housings

and protection against dust and spray

water (IPX5). Efficient temperature

management and intelligent cell

monitoring ensure optimal

performance and extended

battery life.

ABOUT KÄRCHER

Kärcher is the world’s leading

provider of cleaning technology.

With a passion for innovation and

quality, Kärcher develops intelligent

solutions for cleaning and valuepreserving

for homes and businesses.

Kärcher’s products enable its users

to achieve optimal cleaning results

simply, quickly, and in an

environmentally friendly

way.

No matter your cleaning

challenge, there’s

Kärcher for that.

36 | 37

THE KEY TO MEETING NHS CLEANING

STANDARDS AND BOOSTING CLINICAL

ACCOUNTABILITY

THE ROLE OF COMMERCIAL CLEANING IN

MODERN WORKPLACE WELLNESS

BY MEHDI RASHED, MARKETING MANAGER, MN SUPPORT SERVICES LTD

BY DANIELLE KNIGHT, MARKETING MANAGER, SYNBIOTIX

HELPING NURSING AND

HEALTHCARE TEAMS WITH

SMARTER CLEANING SCHEDULES

When it comes to healthcare

environments cleanliness across all

areas is paramount to safeguarding

patients, with nurses and clinical

teams relying on clean equipment

and environments to be able to

deliver safe, effective patient care.

Providing a digital solution that

supports detailed, role-specific

cleaning schedules across multiple

staff groups, including nursing is a big

step towards achieving the optimum

in hospital cleanliness.

SUPPORTING CLINICAL CLEANING

WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE

The Synbiotix X-Clean Scheduler

system optimises the process of

scheduling cleans. One of the standout

features of the system is its flexibility

in scheduling and evidencing cleaning

tasks specific to various departments.

For nursing teams, this means that

critical activities like cleaning patient

equipment, disinfecting medical

fridges, and maintaining clinical

spaces can be individually scheduled,

monitored, and verified – ensuring

nothing slips through the cracks.

THE STANDARD

These tasks can be assigned directly

to nursing staff or clinical support

workers, with full visibility and

accountability built in. Once a task is

completed, it’s signed off and timestamped,

creating a verified audit

trail that’s aligned with the National

Cleaning Standards.

MEETING NHS STANDARDS HEAD-

ON

One of the key requirements of

the NHS National Standards of

Cleanliness is ensuring that cleaning

responsibilities are clear, measurable,

and shared across all staff groups.

This includes clinical staff who may be

responsible for specific elements like

patient equipment, medical fridges,

and high-touch clinical surfaces.

The X-Clean scheduler system directly

supports this requirement by allowing

trusts to:

• Assign cleaning tasks to specific staff

groups

• Schedule and track completion

of tasks in line with defined

frequencies

• Provide auditable evidence that

tasks have been completed and

signed off

• Differentiate between domestic and

clinical cleaning responsibilities for

transparency and accountability.

DANIELLE KNIGHT

Marketing Manager,

Synbiotix

The system supports trusts in

implementing agile workflows,

making it easier to adjust schedules

in response to outbreaks, staffing

changes, or new risk assessments,

while ensuring everything remains

compliant and logged.

Having visible, documented

accountability ensures Trusts can

evidence compliance, reducing

the risk of missed tasks, simplifies

performance tracking, and reinforces

cross-departmental engagement in

upholding cleanliness standards

As hospitals look to strengthen

compliance, improve patient safety,

and free up time for care delivery,

digital tools become essential.

Whether it’s nursing staff cleaning

a medical fridge or a supervisor

completing a ward audit, the best

systems are the ones which work

for everyone to achieve exceptional

patient care and safety.

MEHDI RASHED

Marketing Manager, MN

Support Services LTD

Workplace wellness has evolved

far beyond gym memberships and

standing desks. Today, employees

and employers recognise that a

clean and hygienic workspace plays

a vital role in physical health and

mental wellbeing. At MN Support

Services, we have the chance to

see first-hand how professional

cleaning impacts people’s quality

of life working in offices we clean

regularly.

In modern workspaces, cleanliness

isn't just an aesthetic requirement

to create a better brand image, it's

a foundation for Health & Safety

and productivity. A well-maintained

workspace reduces the spread of

illness, boosts concentration and

contributes to an overall sense

of pride and professionalism.

When cleaning is carried out to a

consistently high standard, it creates

a culture where wellness isn't an

afterthought but an integral part of

daily working life.

CLEAN SPACES, HEALTHY PEOPLE

Illness-related absenteeism is one

of the most common disruptions

for fast-paced businesses. Invisible

bacteria and

viruses thrive on

shared surfaces

like desks, door

handles, kitchens

and washrooms. Inadequate or

sub-standard cleaning allows these

unseen hazards to circulate, risking

the health of employees and, in

customer-facing environments

including retail premises and

hospitality venues, the public too.

A thorough, professional cleaning

service does more than remove

visible dust. Modern cleaning

practices, such as those promoted by

BICSc, ensure touchpoints and highrisk

areas are sanitised to prevent

the spread of germs: An essential

requirement in the post-pandemic

world!

But physical health is only half the

picture. Studies have shown that

cluttered, unclean environments

negatively affect employees'

concentration, stress and mood. A

tidy, well-maintained office helps

create a sense of calm, order and

psychological safety, which are

fundamental for a productive and

engaged workforce.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS,

PERSONAL IMPACT

For cleaning teams like ours,

workplace wellness starts with

professional accountability. Our

cleaning operatives are not just

"behind the scenes" staff. They

are essential contributors to an

organisation's wellbeing strategy.

Through structured BICSc-certified

training, our operatives understand

both the technical and human

aspects of their work. They are

empowered to take ownership

of their tasks to deliver better

outcomes and create healthier,

happier environments for our clients'

premises.

Clients who choose trained,

accredited cleaning partners

demonstrate a commitment

to their employees' wellbeing.

Their commitment isn't just for

compliance. It is to create an

environment where people feel safe

and cared for.

WELLNESS AS A PARTNERSHIP

The best workplace wellness

strategies are built on collaboration.

Commercial cleaning companies

like us work closely with business

owners and facilities managers. We

keep open communication to ensure

our client's unique requirements

in their spaces are met with a

professional touch.

A workspace is dynamic. Whether

it's adjusting cleaning schedules

to reflect hybrid working patterns,

introducing eco-friendly cleaning

products to improve air quality or

focusing more attention on hightraffic

communal areas, flexibility is a

need; a need we deeply understand

and adjust our services to meet and

exceed our clients' expectations.

LOOKING FORWARD: WELLNESS

AS STANDARD

The future of workplace wellness

will undoubtedly place even more

emphasis on hygiene, sustainability

and employees' wellbeing. Cleaning

operatives will continue to be the

frontline wellness advocates, not

just for the visible work they do

but for the unseen protection they

provide through best practices and

meticulous attention to detail.

As expectations grow, commercial

cleaning companies should grow too

and stay updated on training, adopt

ethical and environmentally sound

practices and continue to put people,

not just profits, at the heart of their

service.

38 | 39

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF

WOLVERHAMPTON


The University of Wolverhampton

has been on a journey to raise

cleaning standards and support

staff through effective training—

and becoming a BICSc Accredited

Training Member has been a big

part of that. With their teams

working across four campuses,

they’ve seen the benefits of having

training in place, not just for the

quality of their work but for staff

confidence too. I caught up with

one of the team to hear about how

they got involved with BICSc, what

the training has meant to them, and

why it’s made such a difference in

their day-to-day work.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF

WOLVERHAMPTON?

Our university roots go back to

early 1800s. In 1969 we became

a Polytechnic and then granted

University status in 1992. Currently

the University of Wolverhampton

has 4 campuses spread across the

West Midlands and Shropshire with

an estimated 22,000 students.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE STAFF

WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY

AND THE ROLES HELD IN THE

DEPARTMENT

We currently have 4 BICSc licensed

assessors and 8 working towards

the BICSc Accredited Trainer

course. The licensed assessors are

Mark Porter who has been with the

university for over 25 years working

in various roles from caretaker up

to building manager. Sarah Martin,

coordinator, has worked at the

university for over 10 years, over

several campuses. Ange Witton has

worked at the university for nearly

10 years as a cleaning supervisor

based at Science Park, which is a

dedicated tenant and conference

facility. Bally Rattu has worked at

the university for over 10 years,

starting in administration and now as

coordinator.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT

WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY

OF WOLVERHAMPTON?

Our students are often the first

generation from their families to

attend university. We welcome

students from across the world, the

diversity of our students and staff

makes it a rewarding place to work.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST

CHALLENGES YOU AND YOUR

STAFF FACE DAY TO DAY?

Our biggest challenges are time

management with early starts for

cleaning staff to

make sure all areas

are cleaned to an

exceptional high

standard before

building users

arrive. Summer deep

cleans and summer

accommodation

business are a

massive challenge

every year as there

is a small window for

turnarounds.

MATT EVANS

Digital Marketing Assistant

HOW HAVE THE UNIVERSITY’S

CLEANING STANDARDS

CHANGED SINCE YOU

STARTED WORKING THERE?

Since COVID there has been

more focus on cleaning from

all stakeholders. Having formal

training and the in house

assessing has enabled us to

ensure our management team

and cleaning operatives have

up-to-date knowledge, skills and

cleaning techniques. This has

enabled us to standardise our

cleaning processes across all our

campuses.

HOW HAS BICSc TRAINING

HELPED YOU AND YOUR STAFF

IN THEIR ROLE?

Ensuring our staff are trained and

have access to new techniques

and skills and access to upto-date

industry information

means we have the necessary

knowledge, skills and ability to

perform our roles effectively.

BICSc has a strong focus on

health and safety and promoting

better practices, it assists us

to develop a safer working

environment.

WHY DO YOU FEEL TRAINING IS

IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR

STAFF?

Embarking on the BICSc journey

has fostered a sense of engagement

and growth, supporting each

other to develop skills and sharing

achievements together.

WHAT DID YOU OR YOUR STAFF

GET THE MOST OUT OF BICSc

TRAINING?

Staff who were initially worried

about the prospect of assessments,

have, following training, flourished

and the confidence of our teams has

grown.

WHICH TRAINING DO YOU AND

YOUR STAFF PREFER? FACE-TO-

FACE OR ONLINE TRAINING?

Recognising that individuals learn

in different ways; we have ensured

that staff are able to train in the

way that best suits them. We have

created a dedicated training area,

where staff are able to see live

demonstrations and practice skills

with peers before being put

forward for assessments. Access

to online demonstrations has

also been utilised. The mixture

of online resources and face-toface

training has been beneficial

in ensuring staff are engaged in

a way that suits their learning so

that we can ensure successful

outcomes for our teams.

DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE

IN CLEANING AFTER YOU

AND YOUR STAFF HAVE

COMPLETED BICSc TRAINING?

We have been able to ensure

that we have standardised our

cleaning process and methods

across our campuses to ensure

we meet our service levels

across our estate. This will be

particularly effective during our

summer accommodation deep

cleaning where staff are relocated

to assist with these tasks.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY BEING

A BICSc ACCREDITED TRAINING

MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

AND YOUR STAFF?

Investing in the development of our

teams allows us to ensure that our

staff receive the knowledge and

skills to be successful in their roles.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO

THOSE THINKING ABOUT

BECOMING A BICSc MEMBER?

Becoming a BICSc member has had

a positive impact on our service and

the personal development of our

teams. Upskilling our Management

Team to become accredited trainers

and assessors has improved our

training programme and enable us to

develop our cleaning teams as they

work towards globally recognised

qualifications.

I would like to thank the team at

the university for taking the time

to answer all my questions and

giving such a good review. If you

are interested in becoming a BICSc

Accredited Training Member, head

over to our website or scan the QR

code to find out more.

THE STANDARD

40 | 41

FROM 7% TO 97%: A TRANSFORMATION

STORY

BY MOHAMMED HAZATH, HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, SAVEFAST TRAINING ACADEMY

In early 2024, we faced one of our

most demanding challenges at

SaveFast Training Academy - a 7%

pre-audit score at the ISDB (Islamic

Development Bank) site, managed

by facilities and cleaning services

provider ZOMCO. As the head of

the department, I’ve seen poor

audit results, but this wasn’t just

low - it was a wake-up call. Yet, it also

represented an opportunity for deep

transformation.

THE PRE-AUDIT REALITY

The internal compliance team at

SaveFast conducted a pre-audit

based on BICSc standards and ISDB’s

requirements. The findings were clear:

• No structured training programs

• Undefined roles across teams

• Inconsistent cleaning practices

• Poor maintenance of equipment and

quality systems

It was a reflection of operational

fatigue and lack of professional

development. But we saw potential - a

chance to rebuild from the ground up.

CRAFTING A PURPOSE-

DRIVEN STRATEGY

We rejected the idea of

generic training. Instead, we

crafted a site-specific training

program aligned with the

audit gaps. Our goal wasn’t just to

meet compliance; we aimed to build

confident, skilled, and cohesive teams.

We began with the basics - deep

cleaning - then expanded into

specialised areas. We structured six

operational units:

1. Deep Cleaning Team

2. Washroom Care Team

3. Carpet Care Team

4. Floor Care Team

5. Office Care Team

6. External Area Maintenance Team

Each team received customised

training, covering practical tasks,

safety standards, and service

excellence, all delivered by

experienced trainers.

THE EXECUTION PHASE: REAL

TRAINING, REAL ENVIRONMENTS

Training was rolled out on-site over

two months, with sessions blending

theory, live demonstrations, and

on-the-job training. Follow-ups, peer

reviews, and internal assessments

ensured accountability.

Our trainers didn’t just deliver

instruction - they mentored. Extra

support was given to the Deep

Cleaning Team, turning them into a

benchmark for others.

This wasn’t a one-off effort - it was a

cultural shift rooted in daily action and

sustained focus.

SIGNS OF CHANGE: BUILDING

OWNERSHIP

As weeks passed, the transformation

began to show - not just in results but

in behaviour. Attendance improved.

Teams took pride in their roles.

Supervisors evolved into leaders.

THE AUDIT THAT SAID IT ALL

In the first quarter, we conducted

the post-training audit. The result? A

remarkable leap - 97% overall audit

score.

Section-wise Performance:

• Personnel, Scheduling, HSE, and

Quality Control: 100%

• Electrical Equipment: 80%

Area-wise Scores:

• External Areas: 97%, Circulation:

99%

• Offices, Washrooms, Hospitality,

Transport, and Warehousing: 100%

Audit Highlights:

• Visibly clean and maintained floors,

surfaces, and washrooms

• Safe and proper storage of

equipment

• Teams demonstrated ownership,

professionalism, and routine

discipline

LESSONS LEARNED

This wasn’t just about a score - it was

about redefining a workforce and

aligning a service provider with global

standards.

Our key takeaways:

1. Training must be continuous, not a

one-time event

2. Audit results should guide

improvement - not trigger blame

3. Real change happens when training

becomes part of operations

4. Mentorship is just as vital as

technical instruction

MOVING FORWARD

Our work with ZOMCO and ISDB isn’t

over. We continue with:

• Monthly refreshers

• Specialised onboarding for new

hires

• Quarterly audits

• Workshops tailored to site-specific

challenges

FINAL THOUGHTS

This journey wasn’t just about

rising from 7% to 97%. It was about

transformation on the ground - a

janitor taking pride in a clean corridor,

a supervisor finding their leadership

stride, and the quiet dignity of doing

things right.

ZOMCO made a bold move by

investing in training. ISDB trusted the

process. And at SaveFast, we delivered

what we believe in - training that truly

transforms.

To all in FM: with the right people,

plan, and purpose, transformation isn’t

just possible - it’s inevitable.

We saw real changes:

• Neat, organised cleaning cupboards

• Proper use and maintenance of

equipment

• Disciplined adherence to scheduling

• Voluntary compliance with health

and safety protocols

Weekly feedback loops helped

us adapt the training dynamically,

ensuring relevance and retention.

THE STANDARD

42 | 43

UNDERSTANDING CROHN’S AND COLITIS:

SPOTLIGHT ON INFLAMMATORY BOWEL

DISEASE

WHAT ARE CROHN’S AND COLITIS?

Diarrhoea. Constipation. Trapped

wind and stomach pain. We all

experience tummy trouble from time

to time and know just how awful it

can make us feel. But what if you

started spotting blood in your poo

and losing lots of weight? Or had

diarrhoea every time you went to

the loo – day in, day out? Had to start

cancelling plans or shifts at work

because you just felt too unwell?

That’s the reality for many people with

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis,

the two main types of Inflammatory

Bowel Disease (IBD). There are more

than half a million people in the UK

living with IBD, so the chances are

you know at least one of them – even

if you’re not quite sure what the

conditions are.

Crohn’s causes painful inflammation

in your digestive system – so that can

happen anywhere from your mouth to

your bottom. Meanwhile, in Colitis, the

inflammation and ulcers are in your

colon and rectum. They’re lifelong

conditions so there’s no cure, but

there are lots of treatments available,

including medicines and surgery.

It can be tempting to ignore some of

the warning signs, like stomach pain

and blood in your poo. Some people

brush them off as a bit of a “dodgy

tummy”, but the sooner you get a

diagnosis, better.

If you’re worried, there’s a symptom

checker on the Crohn’s & Colitis UK

website which takes about 30 seconds

to complete and will help you work out

what to do next.

CAN’T WAIT! WHY TOILET ACCESS

MATTERS

One of the biggest worries for people

with Crohn’s and Colitis is toilet

availability, as Hannah Hart, Head

of Philanthropy & Partnerships at

Crohn’s & Colitis UK explains.

Being caught short and unable to access a loo when required is a very

real fear for people with Crohn’s or Colitis. We know that nine out

of ten people with the conditions plan their journeys based on toilet

availability.

At Crohn’s & Colitis UK, we give our members a Can’t Wait Card,

which they can show in shops, restaurants and other venues to

make it easier to ask to use the toilet without having to give a long

explanation. The card is available in 30 different languages so that it

can be used abroad, too.

Many Crohn’s & Colitis UK Members also have a RADAR key, to

unlock accessible public toilets. Despite this, we know far too many

people with IBD face discrimination or are challenged when trying

to use accessible loos. It’s really important to remember not every

disability is visible.

OPENING UP ABOUT CROHN’S OR

COLITIS

Perhaps you’re reading this, nodding

along because you live with one of the

conditions or have a loved one who

does. If so, you might also be worrying

about how it might affect work,

and whether you need to tell your

employer about your bowel disease.

It's actually totally up to you whether

you want to talk about it at work.

Although it might feel daunting, once

your colleagues know about your

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, they’ll

be able to support you.

If, on the other hand, you are a

manager who has just found out that

someone in your team has Crohn’s or

Colitis, you might also be looking for

tips on how best to support them in

the workplace.

The great news is that, whatever

your situation, you’ll find plenty of

information and support available

on the Crohn’s & Colitis UK website -

www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk.

BICSc NEWEST RECRUIT:

HANNAH GOMEZ

Hi, I’m Hannah, the newest member

of the finance team here at BICSc.

Although I have spent a number

of years working in a variety of

finance roles across an assortment of

industries, there is always something

new to learn as each company will

have its own policies and processes

on how the finances are controlled,

so I still feel like the ‘newbie’ as I get to

grips with the BICSc quirks!

I’ve spent several years working in

finance, initially starting by helping

with the finances in a charity I worked

for, and came to realise that I really

enjoyed working with numbers and

solving problems.

Little did I realise at the time that the

discovery would set me on a career

path I enjoy which is something not

everybody can say about their job.

I set out on investing in developing

my skills and earning qualifications

with the Association of Accounting

Technicians (AAT). As I said, I have

worked in the finance department

for a variety of industries including

a charity, conferencing and catering,

construction, property, and even

E-commerce.

My husband and I recently relocated

from Newark on Trent to the

Northamptonshire area, along with

our three small children. When a

recruiter told me about BICSc, it

sounded like a great place to be, and

I knew when I came for my interview

that this was somewhere I wanted to

work. I was so pleased to be brought

into BICSc as the new Accounts

Assistant.

Scan to read

the BICSc

team bio here!

In my new role I get to work as a part

of a wonderful team and I help to

manage invoicing all our customers,

as well as keeping us updated with

which clients have paid for the brilliant

training and services we provide.

Every member of staff at BICSc,

regardless of their role, has to

hold a valid Licence to Practice

(LTP) and not long after I started,

and after completing the online

training, I nervously joined one

of our internal BICSc Licensed

Assessors in the training suite for

my assessment. It didn’t take long

for the nerves to subside as I got into

the assessment, and I am proud to

say that I successfully completed my

assessment and have to be honest

that I thoroughly enjoyed it as I am

now a proud PBICSc holder, which

has genuinely made a difference

to the way I clean my home. It was

interesting to learn that, contrary to

popular belief, using more product

than the amount recommended by the

manufacturer creates additional work

(it will leave a film of product on the

surface you have cleaned which you

need to remove) rather than making

the task easier. And I also learned that

in a lot of circumstances I can use cold

water for mopping – who knew?

HANNAH GOMEZ

Accounts Assistant

For a few years now I have been

searching for a workplace that would

be the right fit for me and somewhere

where I can continue to grow and

develop my accountancy skills, and I’m

chuffed that I have found that here at

BICSc. I am excited to learn more in

my role with help and guidance from

Ginny, our Head of Finance, and to

get to know the other members of the

BICSc team more as time goes on.

THE STANDARD

44 | 45

LEADING THE WAY IN INTELLIGENT

CLEANING: HOW TASKI DELIVERS THE

ULTIMATE IN CUSTOMER VALUE

In today’s cleaning industry, the

difference between standard service

and exceptional delivery lies in smart,

future-focused technology. TASKI, a

global leader in intelligent cleaning

solutions, continues to redefine

what’s possible—empowering

cleaning professionals through a

unique blend of innovation, digital

solutions and sustainable design.

In addition to innovative machines,

TASKI serves as an expert advisor

delivering total cleaning solutions. This

includes not only equipment but also

smart tools such as the revolutionary

Twister Pads, and tailor-made

chemical solutions that meet specific

cleaning challenges.

With a proud Swiss heritage and 70

years of cleaning expertise, TASKI

knows that value isn't just about

product performance—it's about

the impact that performance has on

people, processes, and the planet.

That’s why their latest lineup of

cordless and autonomous cleaning

machines is designed to offer more

than just clean floors—it’s all about

ultimate flexibility, performance,

safety and productivity.

THE STANDARD

Let’s take a closer look at four

standout innovations shaping the

future of intelligent cleaning: AERO 8

FLEXX, ERGODISC FLEXX, AERO UP,

and PHANTAS.

CORDLESS CLEANING, MAXIMUM

FREEDOM

When it comes to movement and

efficiency, being untethered is

everything. TASKI’s AERO 8 FLEXX,

ERGODISC FLEXX, and AERO UP

are fully cordless machines, giving

operators the ultimate freedom to

clean across zones, up staircases, and

around tight corners—without the

hassle, hazard, or downtime of cable

management.

AERO 8 FLEXX

A missing puzzle piece in the

renowned TASKI AERO range,

the AERO 8 FLEXX is powered

by breakthrough digital motor

technology and a robust Li-Ion battery.

With up to 90 minutes of autonomy,

rapid charging (80% in 60 minutes),

and ultra-quiet 56 dB operation via

patented Whisper technology, it’s

perfect for daytime cleaning. Optional

HEPA H13 filtration enhances indoor

air quality and delivers safety in the

most demanding environments. It also

supports a wide selection of brushes,

offering adaptability for different

floor types and tasks. Its cordless

build reduces safety risks and cuts

unproductive plug-switching by 21%.

Designed for flexibility, safety, and

sustainability—with up to 20% less

energy consumption compared to

traditional vacuums.

ERGODISC FLEXX

The ERGODISC FLEXX is a cordless,

multiple-speed single-disc machine

engineered for high performance in

floorcare applications. It is the only

multi-speed single-disc machine on

the market, allowing it to replace

multiple machines typically required

for different tasks. It shares the

same IntelliPower 36V battery as

the AERO 8 FLEXX, enabling easy,

interchangeable use across machines.

Equipped with a brushless digital

motor, TASKI IntelliPower 36V

battery, and low-profile base, it

delivers up to 2 hours of runtime

across three speed settings: Eco/

Heavy Duty, Low (150 RPM), and

High (350 RPM). It enables tasks

from stripping and scrubbing to

spray cleaning and buffing—all with

unmatched ergonomics and operator

comfort. The machine’s 97% reduction

in prep and cleanup time and 40%

energy savings make it a categorydefining

innovation.

AERO UP

Available in 30cm and 38cm versions,

the AERO UP is a battery-powered

upright vacuum designed for deep

cleaning of carpets and hard floors.

It has a double cleaning action: the

brush opens up carpet fibres and the

powerful suction then picks up the

loosened debris, making it ideal for

high fibre carpets.

Its roller brush system, powerful

airflow, and high-speed brush rotation

(up to 3270 rpm) ensure maximum

cleaning performance. With up to

80 minutes of battery life, HEPA 13

filtration, CRI Gold certification, and

an ergonomic, low-profile design,

AERO UP provides flexibility and

efficiency for hospitality, healthcare,

education, and transport sectors.

Maintenance is fast and tool-free,

supporting productivity and uptime.

is a battery-powered upright vacuum

designed for deep cleaning of carpets

and hard floors. Its roller brush

system, powerful airflow, and highspeed

brush rotation (up to 3270

rpm) ensure maximum cleaning

performance. With up to 80 minutes

of battery life, HEPA 13 filtration, CRI

Gold certification, and an ergonomic,

low-profile design, AERO UP provides

flexibility and efficiency for hospitality,

healthcare, education, and transport

sectors. Maintenance is fast and

tool-free, supporting productivity and

uptime.

SMALL TO MEDIUM SPACES,

SMART TECHNOLOGIES

All four machines—AERO 8 FLEXX,

ERGODISC FLEXX, AERO UP and

PHANTAS—are purpose-built for

small to medium-sized spaces,

where flexibility, quietness, and

manoeuvrability are essential. They

also share a key advantage: they all

use the latest in battery and intelligent

technology to maximise productivity,

safety, and sustainability.

These aren’t just machines. They’re

smart cleaning systems designed to

work harder, last longer, and think

ahead.

PHANTAS: AUTONOMOUS

INNOVATION

Compact and intelligent, the TASKI

PHANTAS is an autonomous robotic

cleaner designed for facilities up

to 1,000 m². Powered by Gausium

Robotics, PHANTAS operates as

a scrubber drier, vacuum cleaner,

sweeper, or dust mop—all in one small

footprint. It features AI-powered

obstacle avoidance, LiDAR navigation,

and real-time cloud data insights.

With up to 4.5 hours of runtime for

scrubbing or vacuuming and over

10 hours for sweeping, PHANTAS

supports automatic return-to-base

charging (2-hour full recharge) and

offers simplified real-time setup via

tablet. Its IEC 63327-certified safety

system ensures secure operation even

in dynamic public environments.

PHANTAS isn't just a robot—it’s a

compact, intelligent partner that

boosts performance while addressing

labour shortages. In addition, it offers

a return on investment in the first 12

months.

DESIGNED FOR REAL-WORLD

VALUE

TASKI solutions are shaped by real

industry feedback—from cleaning staff

to facility managers. Every innovation

addresses common customer

challenges: staffing, productivity,

health and safety, sustainability, and

cost efficiency.

What you get with TASKI:

• Ultimate Flexibility: Cordless

freedom, digital motors, and

ergonomic design.

• Performance: High suction, high

speed, high runtime—always.

• Safety: Reduced trip hazards, quiet

operation, improved air quality.

• Productivity: More cleaning in less

time, with less fatigue.

• Smart Sustainability: Lower

energy use, longer lifespan, fewer

replacements.

THE TASKI PROMISE

At its heart, TASKI’s mission is clear:

to deliver the ULTIMATE customer

value by leading the way in intelligent

cleaning. From powerful cordless

vacuums to autonomous scrubberdriers,

TASKI delivers technology that

works for people—and for the planet.

Because intelligent cleaning isn’t just

about machines. It’s about people,

performance, and progress.

Explore more at taski.com

46 | 47

MODERNISING CLEANING: TECHNOLOGY,

DIGITALISATION, AND INNOVATION IN

PRACTICE

BY LÆRKE CECILIE DITLEVSEN, CONTENT WRITER, CLEANMANAGER

The cleaning industry is evolving. Since COVID-19, rising demands for

documentation, consistency, and quality—along with staff shortages—have

made daily operations more challenging.

To keep up, many businesses are turning to technology, digitalisation, and

innovation—not as buzzwords, but as practical tools to bring structure, reduce

stress, and save time.

But what do these terms really mean in practice? And how can they make your

everyday work easier?

LÆRKE CECILIE

DITLEVSEN

Content Writer

DIGITALISATION: OPTIMISING THE EVERYDAY

Digitalisation means using digital tools to streamline work.

That could be replacing paper schedules with a digital

calendar, sending instructions through an app instead of text

messages, or registering hours and absences via software

instead of handwritten notes.

Think of it like this:

• Digitisation: Converting physical documents to digital files

• Digitalisation: Streamlining tasks through digital tools

• Digital transformation: Rethinking the whole business

model using digital systems

Most cleaning companies already do some of this. You

may use Excel, WhatsApp, or email—which are all forms of

digitalisation. But going a step further can unlock more time and better control.

Key benefits:

• Saves time on planning, payroll, and admin

• Creates transparency in documentation and team coordination

• Helps ensure customers get the right service at the right time

Still, success with digitalisation isn’t just about choosing the right system—it’s about making sure your team understands

how to use it. Keep the tools simple. Explain the benefits clearly. And give your team a chance to share input before you

change their routines.

TECHNOLOGY: FROM TOOLS TO SMART SOLUTIONS

Technology uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. In cleaning, it has evolved from the first motorised

vacuum in 1907 to today’s robotic machines that save water, reduce strain, and deliver consistent results.

Key benefits:

• Reduces physical strain on employees

• Ensures consistent cleaning results

• Supports sustainability through smarter use of resources

Of course, technology comes with considerations. New machines require investment, upkeep, and training. And for

many teams, change can raise concerns. The key is introducing technology where it clearly saves time or solves a

concrete problem—and involving staff early to build trust and motivation.

Scan for

CleanManager

website!

INNOVATION: SMALL STEPS, BIG

IMPACT

Innovation isn’t always about big

changes. It often means small

improvements—like using eco-friendly

products, redesigning a trolley, or

branding your equipment.

There are different types of

innovation:

• Incremental: Small, continuous

improvements

• Radical: Big changes like adopting

robotics

• Disruptive: Tools that replace old

methods (like microfibre cloths)

• Architectural: Redesigning how

existing tools are used

Why innovation matters:

• Gives your company a competitive

edge

• Helps you meet changing client

demands

• Boosts employee pride and loyalty

Innovation takes time and resources

— but often pays off through better

service, improved efficiency, and less

burnout. The best place to start? Look

at the adjustments you’ve already

made. Chances are, you’re more

innovative than you think.

LOOKING AHEAD: PRACTICAL

STEPS FORWARD

You don’t need to overhaul your

business overnight. Start by asking:

• What’s most time-consuming in

your week—scheduling, payroll,

complaints?

• Could a simple tool or system fix

that?

• What does your team need to make

that work?

Invite your employees into the

conversation early. They might

surprise you with smart ideas—and

when they feel included, they’re more

likely to support the change.

Training matters too. When your team

feels confident with new tools, they’ll

be more motivated—and less likely to

resist the transition.

Technology and digitalisation aren’t

here to replace people. They’re here

to support them. And for cleaning

businesses ready to modernise, the

first step may be simpler than you

think.

THE STANDARD

48 | 49

HOW CLEANING COMPANIES CAN TURN

GOOGLE ADS INTO RELIABLE NEW WORK

Most cleaning business owners have

dabbled with Google Ads at some

point. Some have had decent results.

Many have been left frustrated: high

spend, low return, and a nagging

sense that it should be working

better.

But here’s something worth thinking

about if you’ve never used Google

Ads: whether you like it or not, your

potential customers are searching

online. And often, it’s Google they

turn to when they’re ready to book.

Which means if you’re not running ads,

there’s a fair chance your competitors

are getting that work instead.

At Your Business Angels (YBA), we’ve

worked with dozens of cleaning

companies across the UK, and the

data tells a clear story: when Google

Ads is done right, it can be a powerful,

repeatable driver of high-quality leads.

That’s why, as a new supplier member

to The British Institute of Cleaning

Science (BICSc), we’re here to help

bring that value — and those leads

— to your business. Whether you’re

already advertising or thinking about

starting, here’s some solid, practical

advice to help.

CASE STUDY: HOW LBC CLEANING

BOOSTED ENQUIRIES BY 49%

Let’s get specific. LBC is a Londonbased

exterior cleaning business

offering everything from pressure

washing to roof, gutter and render

cleaning. They’d been running Google

Ads for a few years but weren’t happy

with the results.

“We were spending quite a bit but the

return was patchy,” says managing

director Conan Samon. “We knew

people were searching for our services,

but the leads were expensive and often

didn’t convert.”

Frustrated but hopeful, Conan turned

to YBA, a top 3% Google Ads agency

specialising in trade businesses. What

followed was a complete rethink of

how LBC approached Google Ads —

and the results were game-changing.

THE FIX: 4 STRATEGIC CHANGES

Here’s what we changed — and what you can apply in your own business:

THE PROBLEMS: SCATTERGUN

SPEND AND MISSED

OPPORTUNITIES

The issues in their Google Ads account

were typical of what we see across the

cleaning sector:

• Broad targeting: Ads were

appearing for lots of searches, but

many weren’t from people ready to

book.

• Weak campaign structure: Budgets

were spread thin across too many

campaigns without clear priorities.

• No clear tracking: LBC didn’t

have reliable data showing which

ads were driving calls and form

enquiries.

• Landing page gaps: Even when

people clicked, the website wasn’t

doing enough to turn visitors into

leads.

1. Narrow the focus. We prioritised high-intent keywords — searches made by people looking to book now, not

just browse. This alone made the budget work much harder.

TOP TIPS FOR CLEANING COMPANIES USING GOOGLE ADS

Whether you’re running ads now or thinking about starting, here are key lessons to take away:

1. Prioritise intent, not just traffic.

It’s tempting to go after lots of clicks — but clicks don’t pay the bills. Focus your ads on high-intent keywords where

people are clearly ready to buy, not just research.

2. Track everything.

Without proper tracking, you’re flying blind. Set up phone and form tracking so you know exactly which ads bring in

enquiries, and adjust your spend accordingly.

3. Don’t neglect your website.

Your ads can be great, but if your website doesn’t convert visitors into leads, you’re wasting money. Make sure your

landing page is clear, fast, and makes it easy for people to take action.

4. Test and tweak.

There’s no magic formula that works forever. The best results come from regular reviews, tweaks, and

improvements based on data.

THE RESULTS: A RELIABLE SOURCE

OF NEW SALES ENQUIRIES

Six months in, LBC’s numbers told the

story:

• 49% increase in enquiries

• 13% higher conversion rate (more

visitors turning into leads)

• 37% lower cost per lead

• 6% reduction in overall ad spend

But most importantly, the business

now has a repeatable, reliable system.

“We’ve seen a big lift in enquiries, and

they’re much higher quality too,” Conan

reports. “We’re booking more jobs, and I

don’t have to worry about where the next

one is coming from.”

THINKING ABOUT GOOGLE ADS

BUT NOT SURE?

If you’ve never tried Google Ads, or if

you’ve dabbled and been disappointed,

don’t write it off. As LBC discovered,

the right approach can transform it

from a cost centre into a consistent

lead generator.

And as a new BICSc supplier member,

we’re offering all readers of the

Standard a free 30-minute digital

review. We’ll assess your current

digital presence, highlight any gaps,

and give honest feedback on whether

Google Ads could work for your

business.

Email TEAM@YBAPPC.CO.UK to

claim your review.

2. Rebuild campaigns. We restructured the entire account, putting budget behind the best-performing services

and areas, rather than spreading it thin.

3. Set up proper tracking. Every call and form enquiry was tracked and linked back to the ads that generated

them, so LBC could finally see what was working.

4. Optimise the landing page. Small but targeted tweaks — clearer calls to action, stronger trust signals, better

mobile usability — helped more visitors take the next step.

THE STANDARD

50 | 51

RAISING SERVICE STANDARDS – HOW

BICSc TRAINING STRENGTHENS TTE FM’S

INTEGRATED DELIVERY

TTE Facilities Management, part

of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group,

is a leading integrated facilities

management service provider in the

UAE, offering Hard Services, Soft

Services, Retrofits & Refurbishments

and Security Services. Driven by

a commitment to delivering highquality

service across industries, TTE

FM launched a focused initiative to

train its Hard Services personnel

under The British Institute of

Cleaning Science (BICSc) standards.

This initiative is timely given current

industry trends. The UAE’s integrated

facilities management market was

valued at approximately USD 20.11

billion in 2023 and is projected to

grow at a CAGR of 8.22% between

2025 and 2030. As client expectations

shift towards centralised, high-quality

service models, TTE FM’s proactive

approach places it ahead of market

trends, ensuring seamless operations

across all assets under management.

The training program focuses on

two key teams within TTE FM: the

operations team and the estimation

team. For the operations team,

the training enables engineers to

embed BICSc standards directly into

day-to-day activities, ensuring soft

services are delivered to world-class

benchmarks alongside technical

operations. For the estimation team,

the training provides the necessary

tools to embed BICSc knowledge into

bid preparation and cost planning,

allowing for a more accurate

representation of the scope, quality

standards, and resource allocation

required for integrated FM contracts.

THE STANDARD

HANDS-ON LEARNING AT THE

SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Training was conducted for fifteen

participants over the course of two

days at TTE FM’s dedicated Skill

Development Center, combining

theoretical instruction with handson

application. On the first day,

participants focused on fundamentals

including modules such as colour

coding protocols, organised trolley and

storeroom setup, and pre-use checks

for machine operation & care.

On the second day, they engaged

in practical training with videos

and live demonstrations to apply

the techniques learned. Once the

participants proved that they had

a clear understanding, they were

formally assessed and certified.

Overall, the BICSc training initiative

strengthens TTE FM’s integrated

service model. By equipping

hard services engineers with soft

service capabilities, the company

minimises operational silos, enhances

accountability, and drives greater

efficiency across client facilities.

Clients benefit from a unified, singleteam

approach that ensures faster

response times, improved compliance,

and lower operational costs.

This initiative reflects TTE FM’s

ongoing commitment to building

a future-ready workforce, with

continuous investment in skill

development and alignment with

international best practices.

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behind pioneering

cleaning companies

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Thoughts from The

Cleaning show. Key trends

and associated risk and

insurance.

Written by James Shaw, Director of Darwin Clayton and Cleaning Contactor specialist.

Key Summary Points

It seems likely that the

cleaning industry in 2025 is

embracing technological

advancements like robotics

and AI, which may increase

cyber risks and equipment

failure, linking to cyber

insurance, property

insurance, and business

interruption (BI) cover.

As the industry pushes

towards sustainability with

eco-friendly products,

potentially raising product

liability and legal expense

risks, covered by product

liability and legal expenses

insurance.

Government policies create

challenges for market growth

and labour challenges,

including the wages and NI

increases, increasing public

liability and employers'

liability needs due to

competition and staffing

issues.

The cleaning industry is evolving

rapidly in 2025, with trends that

impact risks and insurance needs

for cleaning contractor firms. As an

insurance broker working with

BICSc, understanding these trends

is crucial for advising clients

effectively. Below, we explore how

these trends link to specific risks

and insurance types, such as cyber

insurance, property insurance, and

legal expenses, using insights from

recent industry events and the

conversations we had whilst at the

Cleaning Show in March this year.

Technological Advancements

and Risks

Looking around at the Cleaning

Show it hit me how much

technology there was. You couldn’t

walk down an isle or walkway

without seeing new technology

solutions being displayed, or them

bumping into you.

Technological integration, including

robotics and smart management

software is transforming cleaning

operations. As we push for more

efficient technology advancements,

it does introduce new risks that the

sector has never really been

exposed to, for example, cyber

risks like data breaches where

cyber criminals are looking to

capture your customer data, or

equipment failure risks due to

complex machinery and

programming requirements.

These advancements, however,

introduce new risks. The use of IoT

devices and connected systems,

as noted in UK cleaning industry

statistics for 2025 by

(getjobber.com: 2025 Cleaning

Industry Trends), increases

vulnerability to cyber threats,

including data breaches and

ransomware attacks, particularly as

these systems handle sensitive

client and operational data.

Equipment failure is another

concern, given the complexity of

robotic and smart devices, which

could lead to downtime and

financial loss.

From an insurance perspective,

these risks necessitate cyber

insurance to cover data breaches

and cyber-attacks, property

insurance to address equipment

breakdowns, and business

interruption (BI) insurance to

mitigate losses from operational

downtime.

For instance, a cyber-attack

disrupting a cleaning firm’s

scheduling software could halt

services, impacting revenue and

client relationships, making BI

coverage essential.

Technology Insurance

Considerations

Cyber Insurance

Property Insurance

Business Interruption (BI)

insurance

Sustainability & Insurance Needs

Another key theme that was at the

Cleaning Show was sustainability.

With a continued shift to ecofriendly

products, while beneficial

we also need to balance with

careful procurement and testing.

Using new products may give rise

to risks like product liability or noncompliance

of contractual

requirements; for example where

new eco-friendly products may not

meet cleaning standards,

potentially leading to client

complaints or legal action.

While these initiatives reduce

environmental impact. Regulatory

compliance is another concern, as

firms must ensure these products

meet environmental regulations.

For example, improper disposal of

biodegradable materials could lead

to environmental liability claims.

Insurance implications include

product liability insurance to cover

damages from ineffective products,

legal expenses insurance for

disputes over compliance, and

environmental liability insurance for

incidents like spills or improper

waste management.

Firms must ensure that they

navigate the transition to

sustainability without undue

financial risk.

Sustainability Considerations

Product Liability

Legal Expenses

Market Growth, Labour

Challenges, and Coverage

I think we can all agree that the

cleaning industry is in a great place

CONTACT US

info@dcuk.co.uk

darwinclayton.co.uk

01892 511 144

I have been at Darwin Clayton for

more years than I care to

remember, but I never seen the

market pushing itself forward more

than we are doing in the last few

years.

With any thriving sector we see an

increase in the number of

businesses and competition, as

well as the opportunities to employ

more people.

It wasn’t a surprise to hear at the

Cleaning Show, conference

sessions address staffing and

recruitment challenges,

emphasising the need for retention

strategies like employee wellness

programs, and mental health

support.

These challenges can increase

risks such as higher staff turnover,

potential errors or accidents, and

legal disputes over employment

practices.

Insurance implications include

employers’ liability insurance to

cover workplace injuries, Legal

expenses or Employment Practices

claims following Employment

disputes. Another area where we

predict a need is in Employee

Benefit packages being used to

attract and retain staff. This

ensures firms can manage staff

risks effectively, maintaining

service quality and compliance.

A growing sector insurance

considerations

Employers Liability Insurance

Management Liability

Insurance

Employee Benefits Insurance

packages

SCAN

Conclusion

The 2025 cleaning industry is

marked by technological

advancements, sustainability

initiatives, market growth, staff

challenges, each with distinct risks

and insurance needs.

We are having more conversations

with clients, particularly those

engaging with BICSc, about how

understanding these trends is vital

for risk management and protecting

the business in the long term.

Insurance solutions like cyber

insurance, product liability, public

liability, and BI coverage are

essential to navigate these

changes, ensuring business

resilience and growth.

Being at The Cleaning Show, with

its focus on innovation and industry

evolution, underscores these

trends. The businesses that

manage the trends and risk

effectively, will be the ones that will

succeed.

If you need further advice on

anything mentioned in this article or

would like to discuss a quote, call

us or visit our website.

Article provided by James Shaw,

Director and Cleaning Insurance

Specialist at Darwin Clayton.

Specialist insurance solutions

designed for your cleaning

company

Business Insurance

Employee Benefits

Director Protection

Darwin Clayton (UK) Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference 303990.

Registered in England and Wales No. 2783474 | Darwin House, 20 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1ED

CHALLENGES OF COMMERCIAL FLOORS

BY JAMES MARSTON LBICSc

There are several stakeholders at play

with floor management. The first in

line is normally the cleaning service

who maintain the floors every day and

deep clean them occasionally. There

are many examples of damaged floors

due to poor care.

FREE COURSES

JAMES MARSTON

Trainer

Floors remain one of the greatest

challenges to the cleaning sector.

Clients want them to look as good as

the day they were installed – 20 years

later in some cases!

Cleaning services are regularly

managing between five and ten

different floor types in a building.

Often, they have the same audit

objective or outcome. The floor is

visibly clean, has a consistent finish

with no marks or stains. This includes

hard floors, organic floors such as Lino,

inorganic floors like vinyl, carpets, nonslip

floors, waterproof or sealed floors

and finally, stone and ceramic floors.

All might have different cleaning

vulnerabilities to today’s products or

cleaning methods.

Stakes are high! Floors are very

expensive to buy and fit. They need

to last for the intended time in situ.

This is often ten to twenty years and

more if budgets are tight. The result

can be floors way passed their use by

date, patched up or repaired creating

safety issues and poor aesthetics. This

is a rather negative view however old

floors are evident in many buildings

which must stand the test of time.

THE STANDARD

The cause of many degrading floors

before their time is the choice of floor

type made at the point of purchase.

Lay a beautiful carpet in a building with

500 people walking about and watch

the complaints come in after just a few

weeks about the wear, coffee stains

and damage ongoing along with costs

to fix. Incorrect cleaning solutions can

make matters worse very quickly.

In the past carpet experts suggested

the best colour for carpets in

commercial buildings is brown or

beige because the dirt within is not

so obvious to see. Very nineteen

seventies. Not a popular colour today

in our modern working environments.

We can all agree that floors cannot last

forever. They can last a long time if the

building and floor use is considered

when precuring. My advice to those

designing new spaces is to consider

how robust your building is (especially

floors) and will they still look good in

ten busy years’ time.

If the cleaning service know how

to manage then you have a chance

of robust clean floors before

replacement or repair is necessary.

Those responsible must consider the

entrances and exits, floor use and

footfall. Will trolleys, beds or cages

roll along it? Will staff wearing safety

boots walk in from outdoor work

areas? Do you have tea and coffee

stations, kitchens and or even drinks at

desks? All will increase the risk to floor

longevity.

Some top tips can help you manage

floors effectively. If you are not

familiar with the floor, call the

manufacturer, get their advice. Know

the limits of your floors including

pH, wetting and whether your floors

are organic (venerable to stronger

chemical solutions) or inorganic.

Effective barrier matting makes a real

difference in reception, entrances and

areas where spills are likely. Mats can

be removed and cleaned or replaced.

If building users cannot avoid spillages,

consider changes in drink policy.

Replace soft floor options with hard

floor alternatives in these higher risk

areas.

Cleaning frequencies are important.

Regular daily cleaning can reduce

the need for deeper more aggressive

cleaning methods like shampooing

carpets and degreasing or even

stripping floors.

Modern day non-slip surfaces on

pedestrian ramps, stairs or washrooms

should be cleaned regularly

with scrubbing machines. Many

organisations choose to mop floors

daily then scrub the floors weekly or

fortnightly to remove impacted dirt

mops cannot lift.

It’s important to know your floor

types and the wear to expect. Make

sure cleaning inspections are relevant,

judgments and results shared, and

correct solutions applied to maintain

your floors.

A planned approach to floor

management and methods to maintain

standards will lead to floor longevity

that will not cost the earth.

Are you interested in learning basic cleaning skills but

don’t know where to start? BICSc has a number of free

courses to get you started...

...download the BICSc Training app from the app store to

get started and improve your knowledge today!

• Advance your career in cleaning

• Education and training opportunities

• Endless possibilities in one place

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