FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
There is now less than one month to go until the UK’s biggest cleaning trade show arrives in Manchester, bringing together thousands of cleaning and hygiene professionals from across all sectors of society.
The event, which takes place 13 – 14 March 2024 at Manchester Central, is fully booked for exhibitors, with 85 now signed up, making it the biggest Manchester Cleaning Show to date.
According to figures reported in 2023, the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector employed 1.47 million people, placing it in the ten largest industries in the UK. The Manchester Cleaning Show will attract leadership teams from facility management companies, contract cleaning operators, and a vast array of end-users in transportation, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment and education.
The two-day event will offer attendees the opportunity to network and learn from industry experts, source new suppliers and take an exclusive look at the latest products, trends and innovations shaping the sector.
Over 20 speakers have now been announced, comprising industry leaders from across the cleaning and FM sectors.
The panels and talks will cover a range of important topics, including how the industry can effectively incorporate environmental and social governance (ESG), cleaning standards in the NHS, the issue of modern slavery, how to use technology for maximum effect, and the role of the washroom in health and wellbeing.
Like many other industries, cleaning and facilities management businesses are currently grappling with staff retention and recruitment, with 65 per cent of FM services struggling to find skilled workers. Industry panel discussions on this key topic will also be prominent at the show, offering valuable expertise to advise on how the sector can improve recruitment paths within the industry.
Delia Cannings, Chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC), which co-produces the show, has also been announced as a key speaker at the show. Cannings is set to welcome attendees with the opening keynote, as well as present a critical industry update on the eagerly anticipated 2024 BCC research report. This industry report will give the most up-to-date and detailed overview of the current condition of the cleaning, hygiene and waste industry, while also including detailed developments in sub-sectors.
Cannings said: “This year’s Manchester Cleaning Show is promising to be the biggest and best yet, featuring an impressive lineup of expert speakers and many of the sector’s leading suppliers and manufacturers, making it unmissable for industry colleagues in the region.
“The Cleaning Show is a key event in our industry’s calendar, where we can come together to celebrate the importance, excellence and achievements of the sector, businesses and staff.
“I’m looking forward to speaking at the event myself, telling audiences about the Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship, which promises to be of huge importance for the sector, launching the BCC’s 2024 research report and discussing the new NHS cleaning standards. I hope to see you there.”
Not only will there be talks from leading figures and networking opportunities, but the show will also feature events such as the window cleaning world cup and cleaning at height demonstrations.
Event Director for the show, Paul Sweeney, said: “With just one month to go, I am looking forward to the largest Manchester Cleaning Show yet and welcoming industry leaders who can share their expertise on topics that will be relevant across sectors. The show is certainly not one to miss this year.”
To sign up to attend the show, visit the Manchester Cleaning Show website.
