ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Lynn Webster in the UK pays tribute to one of the sector’s leaders who died earlier in the year - Terry King.

From our early years as children, following the leader was far more than a playground game. The leaders of the next generation were thus born.

The cleaning industry has numerous leaders of its own successful companies; in their representation of the various associations and institutes and as the drivers, who we all value as an integral part of our professional cleaning world for their considerable contribution. There are challenges at every turn, whether this be through adapting to the evolving social change of the hybrid workforce; the technology of AI and the digitalisation of services; the impact and urgency of sustainability targets and of our environment; the major influences of the economic and political activity that impact on financial uncertainty.

We recently had the sad news of the death of one of the UK cleaning industry’s leaders. A major stalwart over many decades. Terence (Terry) King was a co-founder of the British Cleaning Council (BCC) in the early 1980’s when he felt “all sectors of the UK cleaning industry should amalgamate to advance their common interests”. He later served as chairman and was master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.

His huge impact was acknowledged by Jim Melvin, current BCC chairman, who in tribute said  without him we would simply not be here today. He continued: “We cannot and should not ever be underestimated, and we should be eternally grateful.”

The cleaning industry owes him a great debt for his foresight, energy and commitment including the inception of UK cleaning exhibitions both regionally and nationally - the precursor to The Cleaning Show. He would certainly have been a contender for the Leader of the Year category in the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, as well as worthy recognition for his lifetime achievements.

The qualities of leaders come from their personalities, with many having that unique style that steers their success. The candidates for the 2023 awards require a nomination from someone who works with them. Consider if your leader is making that impact on you and your business.
We must also consider from where the next leaders will come.

We rely on our leaders to source the next generation of individuals; for them to recognise those with exceptional talent, providing the opportunities to develop and succeed whilst mentoring their journey. These rising stars will also be recognised in the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards so don’t allow yours to go unnoticed - let them shine!

Entries are open until April 28 at www.echawards.com

The recognition is important. In an industry where successful leaders may have started with few qualifications and reach the pinnacle of their career as owners of multimillion-pound businesses, it is important they have the opportunity to be recognised.

Now they can be through achieving Chartered status; no longer having to face their other chartered colleagues at the boardroom table without justification for their achievements. In time the aim is the status will become a benchmark for the future leaders of our great industry. More information on be involved is at the website www.wc-ec.com.