In many ways the key areas of focus for the cleaning industry remain the same, however the evolution of these areas continues to march forward and Facility Managers are looking for contractors that are able to keep pace with new developments.
Green and Sustainable
The last few years has seen a keen increase in the interest of sustainable and "green" products. With ESG being an increasing focus across the board, there is far greater awareness of goals and expectations from contractors and customers alike which extends to their supply chains, manufacturers and distributors. Even as costs have risen due to the price of raw materials, the appetite for investment here is steady with suppliers looking to reduce chemicals, VOC's and plastic usage in their products.
Net Zero
Following the Climate Change Committee's progress report presented to parliament in June 2023 outlining concerns that the government will meet their proposed 68% reduction in emissions by 2030, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the UK's commitment with a September update on Net Zero. This included a string of further policies and developments to insist that targets are met in order to reach the ultimate goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The public sector will have to meet these targets within their operations and services and we as private sector businesses will continue to feel the trickle effect of these policy changes into our own sectors as the government encourages private businesses to adopt net zero strategies too. Many businesses are already on board with these plans which is positive news, however those businesses not making this a focus may soon find barriers to winning partnerships or tenders if they don't understand and manage their own scope 1,2 and 3 emissions. For those companies who can handle this for prospective customers, this could be a massive differentiator in the market.
Robotics
A robotic cleaning solution will not be appropriate for every site, the initial investment required for a long-term return on investment (ROI) still remains a barrier for some. However, the technology continues to advance through A.I. and advanced navigation. Smart facility integration software allows users to control and schedule cleaning tasks using voice commands or mobile apps. Multi-functional cleaning robots can perform multiple cleaning tasks. Improved battery life increases the operating time between charges. Innovations is robotic window cleaners have been designed specifically for cleaning windows in both residential and commercial use and UV-C disinfection which is the integration of UV-C light technology for disinfection purposes is targeting bacteria and germs on surfaces.
Technology
It's all about the data. Customers today are keen to track data driven, real time reporting. There has been a clear shift since 2000, with an emphasis on quality, moving from products to services. Increasingly we are moving to daytime cleaning to pick up issues throughout the day. Using innovations in technology helps us to achieve improvements in quality by increasing productivity and creating improved reporting systems and processes. These can be tracked via sensors placed in meeting rooms and washrooms. Wireless sensors or QR codes provide flexibility for usage anywhere and can track trends for the busiest times of the day in specific areas. Over time, the information can be used to predict and plan for when a presence is required in washrooms for example, ensuring teams are focused in the right areas at the right times.
Staffing
Staff shortages are an ongoing issue in the cleaning industry due to the number of positions available and not enough people to fill them. However, recent data shows there may be a slow reversal of this trend. There is also good news in the form of another increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) which is coming this April and The British Cleaning Council announced The Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship launch on January 1st 2024. This apprenticeship will enable industry businesses to invest in their staff, providing employees an opportunity to access a recognised work-related cleaning qualification.
Costs
Business running and employment costs remain high and although the NLW increase is welcome news across our industry it remains to be seen how businesses employing our services will balance the knock-on effects of these increases in their own budgets.
By Nina Wyers - Marketing & Brand Director at The Floorbrite Group.
Floorbrite is a 2nd generation family business providing commercial cleaning, specialist cleaning, window cleaning, washroom, hygiene and consumable supplies, waste and environmental management, pest control, plants and grounds maintenance, security and high-level building access solutions. With over 50 years industry experience, Floorbrite has grown to become one of the leading soft service providers in the UK FM sector.
www.floorbrite.co.uk