FEATURE
NOTHING DRY ABOUT THESE CLEANERS
As technology increasingly shapes our modern lives many believe that we are at the beginning of a
Fourth Industrial Revolution. With that in mind, people could wonder what place there is for centuries old institutions like London’s livery companies. Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, Philip Morrish explains why livery companies have a vital role to play in the success of the industries they represent and the City of London as a whole.
All livery companies share the same objectives; to promote their trade, education, charity and fellowship. These are crucial elements of a successful economy in any industrial age and our digitally-focused times are no exception. The Environmental Cleaners provides the opportunity for those who work in the cleaning industry and associated trades to develop not only their own careers and businesses, but to support the whole industry and wider community.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT Training and development are widely recognised to be necessary in any career. Formal courses and qualifications are, of course, important, but they are not the only way to develop your skills and build experience.
Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something to learn and that is exemplified in the Environmental Cleaners. Many people join the company primarily to meet and mix with our more senior members who have ‘been there, done that, got the t-shirt’.
The cleaning profession is very entrepreneurial, and to get to learn about people’s experiences and be surrounded by success can be extremely beneficial at any stage of your working life. Crucially these senior members, especially our Past Masters, are keen to share their knowledge too.
NEXT GENERATION At the other end of the career spectrum, the Environmental Cleaners supports schools and colleges to raise awareness of the profession. This consists of sponsoring awards and making financial contributions to help people in education.
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
“Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something to learn and that is exemplified in
the Environmental Cleaners.”
We recognise the contribution made by training colleges in developing the skills of the people working in our industry, through our annual Eric Hill Memorial Award (named after our founder). We also support a foundation degree course in Environmental Cleaning Management at Northampton University. Student places are funded by a donation to
the University from one of our late members, John Butler.
As a contribution to education more generally, we also provide bursaries for students of the City of London School for Girls and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. We provide grants for prizes at the City of London School, the City of London Freemen’s School and the City of London School for Girls.
This is a very important part of our work, helping to bring through the next generation of environmental cleaning professionals.
GETTING PERSONAL The world is increasingly digital and we’re embracing that – as an industry and a livery company – but not at the expense of personal interaction. Especially in our industry, the human touch will always be an important part of our working lives.
It’s why we come together for a range of events throughout the year, many of them involving good food, fine wine and great company in a fabulous London setting; that’s something we hope will never change.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, another livery company – the Worshipful Company of Launderers – objected to the name the Worshipful Company of Cleaners as they felt it was too close to some of their members’ trade (dry cleaning), hence the addition of Environmental to our name when we became a livery company. Handily, this better reflects our modern company’s expansive role to improve our environment. Something that’s as important today as it’s ever been.
www.wc-ec.com Tomorrow’s Cleaning | 43
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