Resilience, strength, and innovation: celebrating the cleaning and hygiene industry
Ahead of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards’ return in Brussels, Michelle Marshall, ECH founder and ECJ editor, reflects on the industry’s achievements since the last event.
Thinking back to November 2019 in London, we had no idea what was about to hit us.
As we gathered the cleaning and hygiene industry together to celebrate their achievements, we were blissfully unaware that this would be the last time our event would run for over two years. Fast forward four months and we were in the grips of a global pandemic, with restrictions and lockdowns to contend with.
So many industries had to completely shut down, from retail and hospitality to schools and offices. Yet for the cleaning and hygiene industry, it was a mixed impact.
For some, clients’ requirements disappeared overnight. With premises completely locked down, the contract cleaner was out of work, and sadly many had to be furloughed until society reopened later in 2020.
For others, they were busier than ever. Cleaning in essential environments, like hospitals and supermarkets, went into overdrive, with deep cleans, fogging and touchpoint sanitisation in high demand. Our contract cleaners became key workers and remained on the frontline throughout, delivering vital services to keep people and places safe.
Then there were the firms that thought on their feet, got creative, and made the most of a challenging situation through innovation. Fast-thinking companies quickly got to work on adapting their product range and building new solutions. It wasn’t just product development that flourished: many enhanced their service offering, transformed the way they communicated with clients, and embraced tech-driven data, to enable better efficiency and value.
The response of the cleaning and hygiene sector to COVID-19 must be applauded and celebrated. We are no longer just delivering the task at hand: we’re adding value, supporting clients as they return to normal, and welcome back their workforce.
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These developments have not only supported companies during lockdown; they have paved the way for diversification in the future, and I’m proud to say that the cleaning and hygiene industry that we have today is more resilient, strong, and creative than ever.
In society, people are now sitting up and taking notice of our sector. Previously, the role of the cleaner has been undervalued and disregarded by many, but our efforts over the past two years haven’t gone unnoticed. With cleaning and hygiene remaining one of the first lines of defence against the virus throughout the pandemic, our industry is finally getting the recognition that it deserves.
I sincerely hope that, as we return to our pre-pandemic lives, people don’t forget about the key workers who have kept our society safe. For this reason alone, we must keep championing our work and shining a spotlight on the companies that have gone above and beyond.
This success of the cleaning and hygiene industry, and its growing profile, is exactly what we will be celebrating at this year’s European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards. On 28 April, we will bring the industry together once again to recognise their achievements over the most challenging few years.
After a record year for entries, we have some outstanding finalists across all categories, from sustainability and diversity champions, to start-ups and tech-innovators. One thing they all have in common is their tenacity in keeping the industry alight, continuing to push forwards despite the pressures and challenges of the ongoing pandemic.
I am delighted to say that the event is a sell-out, and we are so excited to absorb the atmosphere, reunite with old friends, and welcome some new faces too. All that’s left to say is the very best of luck to our 2022 finalists. We cannot wait to see you in Brussels.
www.echawards.com
twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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