The Cleaning Show 2025 will return from 18-20 March at ExCeL, London, with industry leaders set to tackle the cleaning and hygiene industry’s biggest challenges in this year’s conference programme. The 2025 theatre will see expert speakers from across the sector sharing insights on pressing topics from sustainability, education and workforce development to technological advancements and future preparedness.
Sustainability remains a top priority for businesses, consumers and regulators alike. The Cleaning Show 2025 will dedicate several sessions to 
exploring innovative solutions and practices to help the sector reduce its environmental footprint.
Kicking off day one of the event, a panel of industry experts including Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) will explore how critical regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the EU Green Claims Directive, are shaping the future of the cleaning industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the practical steps required for compliance and the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable practices.
On day two, the session Must Hygiene Paper Be White to Be Hygienic? will explore the environmental benefits of recycled tissue paper, the science of hygiene in sustainable products and the role of handwashing in illness prevention.
Recruitment, education and training remain pivotal for the growth and resilience of the cleaning and hygiene industry. This year’s programme will address the challenges of attracting and retaining talent and the importance of upskilling to meet future demands.
Delia Cannings, Chair of the British Cleaning Council (BCC), will open the show and announce the launch of a new website called the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone, a significant new initiative which will bring training and career development information from across the cleaning and hygiene industry sector together into one easily-accessible place, for the first time.
Moderated by Neil Spencer-Cook, Group Managing Director of BICSc, the session A Structured Approach to Training, Education, and Development will focus on the importance of building a cohesive framework for qualifications and career progression.
Elsewhere, Future-Proofing the Cleaning Sector – Attracting the Next Generation will see a panel of experts including Paul Ashton, Chair of the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) and Kelsey Hargreaves, Technical Manager at the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), tackle the sector’s recruitment crisis. By exploring innovative strategies, the session will aim to inspire change and demonstrate how the cleaning and hygiene industry can become a more attractive and rewarding career choice – particularly for the younger generation entering the workforce.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology presents transformative opportunities for the cleaning sector. Attendees will discover how these advancements can enhance productivity, efficiency and innovation in the sessions AI in the Cleaning Sector – Change is a Fact… But How Do We Embrace It? and The Evolution of Cleaning in FM.
The former will see panellists delve into the practical applications of AI in this people-centric industry, exploring how automation can complement human effort without replacing it. The latter session will highlight breakthroughs in cleaning technology and robotics, from environmental-friendly products to equipment that can reduce waste and increase efficiency.
As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of COVID-19, the conference will also examine how the cleaning industry can be ready for future challenges.
In Preparing for the Next Pandemic – Lessons Learned, industry leaders including Neil Nixon, Conference Director of The Cleaning Show will reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the industry’s pandemic response and identify steps to improve resilience and readiness for potential future crises.
BCC Chair Delia Cannings said: “As always, the Cleaning Show conference programme promises some fascinating and insightful expert discussion of the big issues affecting our sector. It is simply unmissable for industry members.
“Education and development is a key theme of the programme and is such an important issue for the industry as a whole. So I am looking forward to unveiling the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone at the show, a major new website designed to help staff progress their careers and attract new joiners to the industry, including those from the younger generation.”
Paul Sweeney, Event Director of The Cleaning Show, said: “We’re proud to welcome the industry’s leading voices to the conference stage at The Cleaning Show this March. From tackling recruitment challenges and embracing sustainability, to keeping up with technological advancements, it’s vital for businesses to learn from experts and apply these insights to their operations. This year’s conference will deliver practical strategies to address the key trends and opportunities shaping the sector, and we’re excited to showcase the latest innovations driving the future of the cleaning and hygiene industry.”
The Cleaning Show is one of Europe’s leading events for cleaning and hygiene professionals, taking place every two years at Excel in London. On the intervening years, the event moves to Manchester.
The Cleaning Show attracts the industry’s biggest names and is attended by senior professionals who want to gain insights into what is happening in their sector, experience all the latest products and innovations, participate in a cutting-edge conference programme, and enjoy three days of high calibre networking.
It is jointly owned by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media. The British Cleaning Council invests its proceeds from the Cleaning Show back into the cleaning industry in the form of research, grants, consultation services, campaigns, and generating positive publicity for the sector.
For more information visit: www.cleaningshow.co.uk