Cleaning Innovation Hub

Sustainability expectations within the cleaning and facilities management sector have evolved rapidly in recent years. What was once viewed as a compliance exercise is now becoming a commercial differentiator, influencing procurement decisions, supplier selection and long-term client relationships.

In this keynote session, Alan Stenson, CEO of NCZ (Neutral Carbon Zone) and one of the UK’s leading voices on practical sustainability, will explore how the sector is transitioning from high-level commitments to measurable, data-driven action.

Drawing on real industry examples, Alan will outline:
• Why carbon measurement is becoming essential for service providers
• The growing importance of Scope 3 emissions and supply chain collaboration
• How sustainability expectations from clients and procurement teams are changing
• Practical steps cleaning and FM companies can take to stay competitive

This session will provide delegates with a clear understanding of where the sector is heading, what organisations should prioritise today, and how sustainability can move from a reporting obligation to a strategic advantage.
The session will conclude with a short Q&A, giving the audience an opportunity to explore practical challenges and opportunities within their own organisations.

Metsä Group is building resilience in a changing climate by developing regenerative forestry practices and committing to its updated climate transition plan. This interactive presentation describes how this is translated into value in the tissue sector. Recent developments in fact-based metrics on environmental impacts will also be highlighted.

This session, hosted by Planet Mark, one of the UK’s leading net zero certification bodies, explores the causes and impacts of the climate crisis across the planet, society, and business. It will outline key UK sustainability regulations and highlight why supply chain collaboration is essential to achieving decarbonisation and net zero, including the compliance requirements and commercial benefits of becoming a sustainable supplier in the cleaning industry.

This panel brings together representatives from Neutral Carbon Zone, Metsä, Sani Sen, Planet Mark, BICSc, Rubbermaid, Evans Vanodine, and Amplify Goods to explore what building a genuinely sustainable supply chain and service looks like in practice across the cleaning and facilities sector.

Panellists will discuss how sustainability is being embedded across the full lifecycle of products and services – from responsible sourcing and manufacturing, through to training, service delivery, measurement, and continuous improvement. The session will examine the role of standards, certification, and independent verification in providing confidence, transparency, and accountability.

The discussion will also address the commercial and operational realities of sustainability, including balancing environmental goals with performance, cost, and practicality. Attendees will gain insight into how collaboration between manufacturers, service providers, industry bodies, and sustainability partners can drive meaningful change, support responsible decision-making, and deliver long-term value for organisations, people, and the environment.

In this speech: Waste & Scope 3 Reduction in Cleaning Operations, Ben will be talking about practical steps on how you can reduce waste & therefore carbon emissions, by choosing products & adapting processes to clean smarter.

In this session, Vikki Morris, Environment & Sustainability Manager at Evans Vanodine, explores how organisations can achieve high cleaning standards while significantly reducing environmental impact. The presentation will examine practical approaches to cleaning efficiently and effectively through smarter product choices, responsible dosing, and sustainable processes. Attendees will gain insight into how low‑impact cleaning solutions can support environmental goals without compromising performance, compliance, or hygiene outcomes.

Let’s explore the breadth of real ESG impact that can be unlocked when FMs switch soap for good. Discover how partnerships with organisations like Crisis and Mencap create stepping-stone employment for marginalised individuals, while products innovations like the re:mind range and SUDZERO align premium design with circular economy principles. Sharing proof that every drop of soap can be a catalyst for systemic change. This session will inspire actionable insights for businesses seeking to reduce footprints and embed social value into their supply chains. Session led by Camilla Marcus-Dew, Director of Amplify Goods, a purpose-driven social enterprise - transforming washroom, meeting room and kitchenette products into vehicles for measurable reductions in carbon, waste, plastic and embedding circularity, increased community wellbeing, social value, and diversity into your supply chain.

For decades, cleaning has been one of the most essential yet overlooked professions. As buildings become more complex, expectations rise and labour markets tighten, the sector faces a critical challenge: how do we attract, retain and inspire the people who keep our spaces safe, clean and operational?

In this session, Jay Adderley C.Env.Cln, Chartered Cleaning Professional and Operations Director at CleanEvent Services, shares a frontline operational perspective on building engaged cleaning teams in high-pressure environments such as stadiums, arenas and major venues.

Drawing on real-world experience, the panel will explore how organisations can move beyond simply filling shifts and instead create roles that offer pride, progression and purpose. From empowering frontline teams and embracing technology to creating clearer career pathways within the industry, this session looks at how cleaning businesses can transform perception, improve retention and develop the next generation of professionals.

This is not a discussion about labour shortages, it’s about building an industry people actively want to join.

Join Kevin Meighan C.Env.Cln ACA, WCEC Master, as he explores the WCEC Chartered Practitioner Register (CPR) and what it means for professionals working within the cleaning and hygiene sector. This session will explain the purpose of the Chartered Practitioner Register and how it supports the recognition of professional competence, experience, and ongoing development.

Kevin will outline who the register is designed for and the standards it represents, before guiding attendees through the process of achieving Chartered Practitioner status. This includes eligibility requirements, the types of evidence needed, and how professional practice, qualifications, and reflective learning contribute to the award.

The session will also highlight the value of Chartered Practitioner status for both individuals and organisations, supporting professional credibility, career progression, and confidence in capability across the sector.

This session explores the real reasons people leave cleaning roles and challenges the assumption that high turnover is inevitable in the sector. Drawing on on‑the‑ground experience, the session looks at how perceptions of cleaning as “low‑skill” work influence recruitment, training, supervision and confidence. It highlights the importance of realistic recruitment, proper training and strong communication in building skilled, stable teams. The session is aimed at cleaning and FM professionals seeking practical insight into improving retention, team resilience and service consistency.

This panel brings together voices from BICSc, CleanEvent, WCEC, HW Facilities, CleanManager and Foremost to explore how smarter systems and skilled people work together to build stronger, more resilient cleaning teams.

Panellists will discuss how structured systems, digital tools, and data-driven approaches can support operational efficiency, consistency, and compliance, while recognising that people remain central to service delivery. The discussion will examine the role of training, professional development, leadership, and engagement in creating confident, capable teams that can adapt to changing demands.

The session will also consider how collaboration across industry bodies, service providers, and media supports shared standards, innovation, and workforce progression. Attendees will gain practical insight into aligning systems and skills to strengthen performance, support staff, and deliver sustainable outcomes across the cleaning and facilities sector.

In this engaging session, Martin, from CleanManager, explores how digitalisation can address the cleaning industry’s key workforce and operational challenges. Focusing on branding, efficiency, and attracting younger workers, Martin highlights how modern digital tools are reshaping perceptions of the sector and supporting a more engaged, motivated workforce. The presentation examines how technology improves communication, visibility, and accountability, while enabling managers to streamline operations and build stronger, more appealing brands.

The session includes a live audit demonstration, showing how digital audits can drive quality, consistency, and compliance through real‑time data and actionable insights. A dedicated Q&A will allow attendees to discuss challenges, share experiences, and explore practical ways to implement digital solutions within their own organisations.

Join Neil and Kelsey as they close out an enlightening three days at the Cleaning Innovation Hub, reflecting on the ideas, conversations, and breakthroughs shaping the future of the industry.

From hands-on demonstrations and expert panels exploring a cobotic future, to practical insights on navigating sustainable legislation, this session brings together the key lessons that matter most. At its heart, the show has reinforced that innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about people, purpose, and progress. This final wrap-up captures the challenges, opportunities, and shared vision driving the cleaning operation forward.