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The return of the biennial Manchester Cleaning Show will take place next month, featuring new exhibitors and a packed conference agenda

The return of the biennial Manchester Cleaning Show will take place next month, featuring new exhibitors and a packed conference agenda

One of the most notable developments within FM is the rapidly increasing responsible practices put into practice by suppliers of cleaning services. Chief among these is the numbers of cleaning companies applying for and gaining accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation, although many organisations have also gained an understanding of how important their company and services are to assisting clients with improving their sustainability.

While this may initially be for the implementation of improved waste management and processing practices, there is growing realisation that these can be further expanded into a variety of additional areas for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Although this summary of the cleaning sector may be considered a generalised overview, it can also explain why next month’s Manchester Cleaning Show is being billed as the largest to date, following the confirmation of record numbers of new companies joining the list of existing exhibitors returning to the event this year.

Regardless of whether this is the case or not, it is another undisputable display of the vibrancy of the FM industry and its ability to deliver high levels of value to clients in all sectors.

Taking place from 13 to 14 March at the Manchester Central venue (formerly known as the G-Mex), the event will also serve as a highly effective vehicle to shine a spotlight on the vibrancy of the Northern England economy.

With the city of Manchester often regarded as the capital of this, further emphasis is placed on the importance of staging the Cleaning Show there.

One of the best methods in assessing the quality and depth of an exhibition is to examine its seminar programme, which provides more proof of the value of this particular event.

The 2024 seminar sessions will begin on a high note with the British Cleaning Council (BCC) chair Delia Cannings keynote speech, followed by her report on the council’s latest research.

Ms Cannings will then return for the midday session to explain the excellent work completed by the BCC and its All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in establishing the cleaning hygiene operative apprenticeship Level 2. This is another important step forward in gaining more recognition for the value provided by the cleaning sector and ensuring more uniform delivery of high standards in the future.

More valuable input to the conference programme is provided by another highly-rated cleaning sector organisation in the form of the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) chair Lorcan Mekitarian.

He will host a panel discussion on the topic of how to avoid getting caught out by false or exaggerated marketing claims, another highly important issue in the drive to improve levels of efficiency and sustainability throughout the cleaning sector.

Additional sessions will be delivered by industry experts throughout the two days of the event on highly relevant topics, including compliance, raising of standards, training and development and environmental and social governance (ESG). These sessions provide further proof of the rapidly increasing maturity of the cleaning sector and its support for clients, adding additional value to the high levels already provided to customers in all areas. Readers wishing to register their attendance at the event can do so here: The Manchester Cleaning Show 2024 (eventdata.uk)

Manchester Cleaning Show overview

By Paul Sweeney, event director for the

Manchester Cleaning Show.

The Manchester Cleaning Show, taking place 13-14 March this year, is set to be the biggest yet. With nearly 80 exhibitors signed up from across a variety of sectors, some prominent names exhibiting this year include Dettol Pro Solutions as the Official Hygiene Sponsor, making its second appearance in Manchester, along with BICs, Numatic, Team Software, and Killis.

We are also excited to welcome 46 first-time exhibitors to Manchester, contributing to a more diverse representation within the cleaning sector.

Increased cleaning concerns

Cleaning and hygiene have become an increasing priority in the past few years, with a noticeable shift in public concern towards cleaning and hygiene.

Recent studies have found that 91% of people are more aware of cleaning measures put in place in public spaces, while 60% of workers have taken on extra cleaning responsibilities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Manchester Cleaning Show serves as a platform to raise awareness about the latest solutions available.

With nearly 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations, the Manchester show will give those in the cleaning and hygiene sectors a chance to meet the suppliers that can support them in achieving their goals and satisfying customer demand.

Sustainability

The emphasis on eco-friendly solutions and sustainability remains a prominent theme this year. Many exhibitors will be showcasing greener product options, tailored for those engaged in sustainability management.

A key challenge the industry faces is ‘greenwashing’, and this year’s show will enable attendees to engage with diverse sectors and inquire about their efforts to ensure eco-friendliness standards in their products.

Some of the products attendees can expect to see this year include entrance matting, eco-friendly sanitary products, window cleaning drones and robotics for cleaning at height.

The window cleaning sector will be well-represented, featuring several exhibitors from this sector, including the Federation of Window Cleaners.

Employment/skills shortage

Currently, recruitment is a topical subject due to major skills shortages. The cleaning, hygiene, and waste services have all grappled with critical staff shortages since 2020, according to the British Cleaning Council.

Their latest survey revealed a staggering 225,000 vacancies in these areas alone. Attendees to the show can expect in-depth conservation surrounding this topic, especially focusing on the recently introduced Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will enable industry businesses to invest in their staff, providing employees an opportunity to access a recognised work-related cleaning qualification.

The event will feature sessions hosted by the CHSA and BICSc Charlotte Parr, Director at Portfolio (Churchill Group) will share insights about what ESG can and should be doing for your frontline team. While Angie Morrish, Director at Stamp Out Slavery, will be speaking about Ethical Employment Practices for the Cleaning & FM Sectors.