Keep banging the drum

During the pandemic, the cleaning sector became very good at telling – and showing – the wider world what it does, 24-hours a day, to keep premises, transport systems – the general public – safe and protected. Not only did this help in restoring confidence to building users and travellers during and immediately after the pandemic, but it also helped raise the profile of the cleaning sector. Initiatives such as the formation of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cleaning & Hygiene evolved from the heightened profile our sector received when it was seen as providing a ‘critical’ service.

A few months on and we seem to have forgotten the importance of positive messaging. I recently read an article concerning the sharp increase in escalator accidents the London Underground has witnessed since the pandemic, where ‘do not touch’ messaging stopped passengers from using the escalator handrails. Now we’re seeing ‘please hold on’ messaging plastered all over tube stations in a desperate attempt to encourage passengers to use the handrails and, in turn, reduce the number of people falling. But there’s much more to it than that. TfL, the operator of the London Underground network, has installed disinfection systems that continuously clean and sanitise escalator handrails but nobody knows about it. Where are the signs – ideally modern digital signage solutions – conveying the message that you can hold on because modern technology is being used to keep you safe? There are new solutions coming to market in a matter of months that will address this problem, combining advanced technology with clear digital signage designed to inform users that the escalator, lift or area they are using is being protected by advanced technology. This is the positive messaging that our sector needs – reminding the public that the cleaning sector provides a cutting-edge and essential service that is constantly working to keep them safe.

As it becomes increasingly difficult to recruit cleaning staff the sector needs to compete with other apparently more glamorous service sectors to attract the best people. The use of cobotics will doubtless assist but the inevitability of the current recruitment crisis is that the public will see fewer people cleaning. Digital signage can play an important part in improving the perception and public confidence in using a facility – ‘although you might not be able to see a uniformed cleaning operative, here's a reminder of how we’re using technology to keep you safe’.

Let’s make sure that we continue to bang the drum, making a noise about our sector and the wonderful professionals that deliver a first-class service. BBC News might have lost interest, the government might have decided cleaning is no longer a vote-winner, but the public still want to know that everywhere they go and everything they touch is being protected and that their wellbeing is always front of mind.

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

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

INDUSTRY NEWS

In the news this month… Research shows 73% of FMs struggling to source labour, Cleanology launches industry fundraiser event, Singapore to host ‘world’s first global hygiene summit’.

CONTRACTS

We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.

PEOPLE

Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors.

SPECIAL REPORT: A FRAMEWORK FOR A MODERN BUSINESS STRATEGY: THE CHSA’S ROADMAP TO SUSTAINABILITY

Climate change is an accepted reality. We can see its impact in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, in the heatwaves, flooding and bush fires. Delaying action is no longer an option and governments are legislating to tackle the problem.

SPECIAL REPORT: HOW ‘TALKING’ HAND SANITISER DISPENSERS HELPED THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES BOOST HYGIENE CONFIDENCE.

During the recently-completed Commonwealth Games staged in Birmingham, Dettol installed more than 100 ‘talking’ hand sanitiser dispensers as an innovative way to drive better hygiene behaviours using science-backed protocols.

SPECIAL REPORT: HOW BUSINESSES CAN FILL THE GAP LEFT BY UNDER-FUNDED PUBLIC TOILET FACILITIES

Matt Anderson, director of Velair, reports.

NEW PRODUCTS

An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.

03 Editor’s Comment

A look at the cleaning sector this month.

13 BICSc Comment

‘Good manners cost nothing’ – but good standards are a different matter. Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc, reports.

14 BCC Comment

What impact will the Glue Traps (Offences) Act have?

Ian Andrew, CEO of the BPCA, reports.

15 Contractor’s blog Lee Andrews reports.

SPECIAL REPORT: THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE BEST QUALITY HAND SANITISERS

Sam Greaves, MD and fourth generation owner of The Cleenol Group, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial cleaning and hygiene products, reports.

FEATURE: PRESSURE WASHERS, STREET CLEANING & GRAFFITI REMOVAL

The pressure washer market has strengthened over the last few years, driven by increased demands for the cleaning of sanitary areas and outdoor premises. Sustainability has also risen sharply on the agenda of many businesses, encouraging the market to develop systems that help customers meet their targets without having to compromise on cleaning performance.