Celebrating sustainability and technological progress

The Manchester Cleaning Show returned to the city on 6 and 7 April for its first face-to-face incarnation for over three years and was heralded a huge success by exhibitors and visitors alike. From the moment the doors opened on the first day attendance was strong and business was brisk, and the centrally-located conference theatre was packed for two days of outstanding presentations. Please see page 18 for more details and pictures from the event.

As well as the overwhelming positivity created by bringing the industry back together after the enforced break, the conference programme – together with the cobotics demonstrations provided by Killis – provided a real focus for a sector that remains very much at the forefront of ensuring public health and safety.

Sustainability and advances in technology were at the top of the agenda across both days of the conference. One highlight from day one was a presentation by Nina Wyers, marketing and brand director at the Floorbrite Group, entitled ‘Cleaning for climate change’. One attendee, Karim Samani, managing director of TechDisinfect, said: “The session has challenged me to think about how we can change our processes and the chemicals we use in our cleaning products, and to think more holistically about our impact on the environment and climate change.”

The focus on technology was led by Tibor Killi, managing director of Killis, who outlined how collaborative robotics can assist a workforce focused on providing the best cleaning standards across a variety of environments. This was further proven on the show floor where live product demonstrations concluded each day’s conference sessions.

Visitors left feeling fulfilled and empowered to improve their operations. Exhibitors left with positive leads and, in several cases, new business discussions already concluded. Jamie Mead, director of Perfect Finish Cleaning Group, said: “This is my first time visiting and it has been a real eye opener –new machines, new technology, and software. Many of the companies here we have not spoken to before so it has been very helpful and saved a lot of time in sourcing new suppliers. We will definitely be putting in orders when we get home so it has been a productive day.”

For all the successful – and not so successful – virtual activities that were introduced across the international cleaning industry during the pandemic, the Manchester Cleaning Show reinforced the message learned at the London Cleaning Show last November: that people want to meet up face-toface to learn, network, try products, and do business. This is being reflected industry-by-industry across the world. When the Internet first reared its head and event organisers were concerned about the impact it might have on physical events I recall the RAI in Amsterdam introducing a campaign titled ‘The power of the human touch’. I was a little sceptical at the time but now I’m convinced they were right. Roll on 14-16 March 2023 when The Cleaning Show returns to London’s ExCel and the industry once again gathers to network and do business! www.cleaningshow.co.uk

I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

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03 Editor’s Comment

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15 Contractor’s blog Lee Andrews reports.

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