ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Cleaning and hygiene industry leaders in the UK have met in London to formulate a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition.

The British Cleaning Council (BCC) invited a number of its association members and business leaders to join it and lobbying experts for an initial meeting to scope out the potential for sector organisations to develop a unified and aligned strategic approach.

Among the associations represented were the BCC, the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA), the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) and the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC).

The issues discussed were:

• collective aims in terms of Government recognition and relationships
• the processes, requirements, attendees and commitment needed to succeed
• initial thoughts in terms of a uniform strategic approach
• key strategic points to interest and assist the Government to build relationships
• how marketing the project would be undertaken
• costs and contributions
• the leadership of this project.

Jim Melvin, the BCC's director leading on lobbying commented: The fact is that, although we have made some progress, our sector is still not being prioritised or even listened to as much as we would like by the Government.

"We do not get anything like the recognition our industry should get as a £69 billion sector whose 1.49 million staff are regularly on the frontline keeping the public healthy, safe and well.

"Our skilled, technical and highly-professional industry is perfectly-placed to give expert advice to the Government in a number of areas, yet we are simply overlooked.

"I am very pleased that we were able to get round the table with key leaders in the industry to begin initial discussions on our future strategy for the industry. This is a very diverse industry with a great many component parts which we must ensure that we include and fully cover.

"We are looking to find key priority areas where we can work together to achieve progress for the industry as a whole.

"By combining together, we can offer an overall strategy that can tangibly evidence our professionalism to the Government and fully demonstrate that our expertise is invaluable.

"This was a very useful initial meeting. There was a clear feeling around the table that the industry needs to speak with one, strong voice."