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TSA and DMU get biofilm beating boost
The Textile Services Association (TSA) has been awarded a prestigious Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) grant that will help to fund the next stage of ongoing research into the microbiology of commercial and domestic washing.
The project, carried out in collaboration with De Montfort University (DMU), aims to learn more about biofilm formation within wash systems.
The funding was granted by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) – this funding is highly competitive and only a select number of organisations were successful. It recognises those with exceptional potential to drive innovation and industry collaboration, combined with high impact research training.
The BBSRC is the UK’s main funder of bioscience research while NBIC is the UK’s national centre for biofilm research.
This grant will help solidify the UK commercial laundry sector’s position at the forefront of sustainable, science driven innovation. It will also help to ensure commercial laundry processes continue to deliver the high-level hygiene requirements its customers demand.
The new funding will allow the DMU research team, led by Professor Katie Laird and Dr Ray Allan, to appoint two additional PhD students to build on the work already undertaken by Microbiology PhD student Jake Dunlop.
Professor Laird said: “We’ve been working on this research for over five years. It’s fantastic that we can continue to progress our knowledge around the bio-science of industrial
ABM launches Social Value Portal
ABM has launched on the TOM (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) Social Value Portal, as part of the company’s ESG drive.
The portal is a digital platform which helps organisations measure, report and externally verify their social value activities, particularly within the context of public sector procurement.
Through this initiative, ABM is taking an intentional step toward engaging NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training), care leavers and individuals facing barriers to work. The move reflects ABM’s commitment to social value and inclusive growth, with a strong focus on community, green skills and meaningful long-term employment.
The launch follows the introduction of ABM’s renewed ESG strategy earlier this year. Designed around three strategic pillars – Planet Stewardship, Empowering People and Responsible Business Practices – it emphasises cross- functional collaboration with newly-formed teams focused on carbon reduction, inclusive workforce development and sustainable supply chains. This ESG strategy underpins the company’s social value delivery and investment in the Social Value Portal; reinforcing ABM’s dedication to
16 | WHAT’S NEW?
and domestic washing. It’s especially exciting that this new phase is aimed at looking at solving some of the challenges we’ve highlighted so far with our research.”
David Stevens, CEO of the TSA, added: “Being on the leading edge of research efforts like this is hugely important for our members and the industry as a whole. It also allows us to work more closely with both machinery and chemical supply partners, with proven science taking the lead, ensuring genuine and mutually beneficial collaboration.”
The TSA is planning an Information Day which will give attendees comprehensive information about the importance of this research, highlighting the challenges posed by biofilms to the industry. The day will include presentations from Simon Fry, Chair of Micronclean, Professor Katie Laird and Dr Ray Allan from DMU, and representatives from NBIC and the Biofilm Alliance. Following the event, a steering group will be appointed to drive the project for the benefit of the global laundry industry.
The Information Day will take place on the 23 July 2025 between 10.30AM and 3PM at the Leicester Marriot Hotel. Anyone interested in attending should contact the TSA.
www.tsa-uk.org
environmental and social responsibility across operations and within its supply chain.
Key highlights of the campaign include:
• Targeted recruitment of NEETs, care leavers, and those furthest from the labour market.
• Maximising the Apprenticeship Levy by directly investing in high-impact training opportunities internally, as well as donating to supporting networks.
• Equipping talent with green skills, supporting the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy.
• Delivering DEI and sustainability training across ABM’s supply chain, especially to SMEs.
• Measuring outcomes through the National TOMs Framework, ensuring transparency and accountability in social value delivery.
Graham Moxon, Senior Sustainability Manager, UK & Ireland at ABM, said: “This is about doing more than ticking boxes – it’s about making sure our recruitment, training and levy investments truly benefit the people and communities that need them most. Partnering with the TOM social portal allows us to take a proactive and intentional approach to social mobility, while also supporting our supply chain to grow inclusively and sustainably.”
www.abm.co.uk x.com/TomoCleaning
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