Themes for thought

A critical theme from The Cleaning Show this year was a petition being put forward to the government to recognise cleaners as key workers. The petition – part of a wider lobbying campaign - has gained traction within the cleaning industry as professionals understand the vital role that cleaning and hygiene play in maintaining public health, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

At AQS, we want to support this petition, as we believe that the cleaning and hygiene sector plays a crucial role in protecting public health and ensuring the safety and well-being of people in all kinds of environments. Recognising cleaners as key workers would give them the respect they deserve and help attract and retain skilled professionals in the industry.

The show also focused on other important aspects of the cleaning and hygiene industry, such as environmentally friendly cleaning, with exhibitors showcasing products that minimise waste and embrace sustainability without increasing costs. These included biologically sustainable products such as eco-friendly refuse sacks, PVC-free cling film, and disposable aprons made from scrap plastic.

Exhibitors demonstrated state-of-the-art robotic cleaning equipment and cutting-edge tools that improve efficiency, especially in large-scale operations such as hospitals and stadiums. These innovations might revolutionise the way cleaning professionals work, allowing them to complete tasks more quickly and effectively.

Attendees saw new vacuuming solutions, such as lightweight backpack vacuum cleaners with adjustable suction and extended runtime, suitable for commercial carpet and hard-floor cleaning applications. Industry experts also explored new software designed to streamline administrative tasks, automate workflows, and help businesses run smarter and more efficient operations.

Taking on the best ideas

One product that caught our attention was a chewing gum remover that might revolutionise removing gum from the carpets in the schools AQS service and anywhere else too.

AQS currently uses manual scrapers for this task, but this new tool promises to make the process more efficient and cost-effective. The supplier will be on site demonstrating the product during the Easter holidays at a school where AQS provides cleaning services. That demo will allow the AQS team to assess the tool's potential benefits, and we'll consider implementing it within our operations.

Robin and Anna were pleased to see Darren Crossman, Facilities and Safety Manager at the Principality Stadium, one of our longstanding clients, who took part in the show's panel discussion 'Hygiene Innovation for the Future'. The panel debated the challenges that the industry has faced over the last few years and how manufacturers are stepping up and delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for the sector.

Attending trade shows and exhibitions like The Cleaning Show is essential for companies like us because we need to stay at the cutting edge of developments in the facilities management sector. Trade events are an excellent opportunity to explore emerging trends and best practices that can help improve service delivery and ensure that companies remain competitive.

Ahead of the game

 

Anna has found that attending such events allows her to find ways to make her education cleaning team more efficient in terms of time and cost. AQS can continuously adapt and enhance its service offerings to better meet clients' needs by staying informed about the latest trends and technology.

"I'm proactive in my approach to product development and innovation", says Anna, "which encourages a culture of continuous improvement within my team. The team stays engaged and motivated when we're at the forefront with technology and best practices because we're providing them with the resources needed to make a difference."

Robin commented on the importance these events have for the company:

"Events like The Cleaning Show serve as a platform for industry professionals to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in networking opportunities. I believe this can lead to forming strategic partnerships and collaborations that can significantly impact the growth and success of companies like ours.

"By staying engaged with industry peers and being informed, we ensure that AQS continues to uphold its reputation for delivering high-quality cleaning services in a rapidly changing industry landscape."

For more details on our work or to chat about specific requirements for a project, please get in touch on 01443 217000 or at info@aqualityservice.co.uk