ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Protecting reputation, compliance and trust are at the top of the agenda at a new event designed to help professionals understand emerging pest threats and take a proactive approach to tackling them.

The PestAware Summit 2027, organised by British Pest Control Association (BPCA), will bring together professionals, stakeholders and decision-makers for discussions around the practical challenges posed by pests.

There will be four separate conference programmes along with an exhibition, live debates and networking. One of the programmes will focus specifically on hospitality and hygiene - aimed at professionals working in cleaning, facilities management, hospitality, hygiene, accommodations and venues.

BPCA chief executive Rosina Robson explained: "Pest management is a cornerstone of brand protection and customer satisfaction.

"In customer-facing businesses, pest issues can escalate quickly. A single sighting can become a complaint, a failed inspection, a social media story or closure risk."

She added: "This conference stream will focus on pest awareness for staff teams, staying ahead of bed bugs, emerging risks in hospitality and stewardship in reducing reliance on chemicals.

"Pest risk is not a small operational problem - it is a national resilience issue."

An independent report commissioned by BPCA, found that pest management firms in the UK are estimated to have attended more than 4.4 million client jobs in 2025 - more than 12,000 every day, across homes, high streets, hospitals, schools, warehouses, farms and transport hubs in every region.

The No Small Matter report found that 15 per cent of client jobs are in food services, six per cent in short-term accommodation and four per cent in entertainment venues.
It also outlined the legal, financial and reputational consequences that businesses can face without professional pest management.

PestAware Summit 2027 will take place in Nottingham on March 17. Tickets are available at an early bird price until October 1.

Visit bpca.org.uk/summit to find out more