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BICSc Experts Share Industry Insights at Clean & Tidy Home Show

Experts from the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) shared the latest industry insights and knowledge at this year’s Clean & Tidy Home Show.

The popular show again attracted thousands of visitors with a host of engaging and fact-filled presentations and demonstrations on offer.

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Industry-leading BICSc shared top tips and the latest innovations in the cleaning community and sector with visitors to the show staged at ExCel, London, on 19th-20th October. BICSc and fellow industry professionals shared the latest developments in the domestic cleaning community and professional sector at its exhibition stand at the event, which featured numerous exhibitors, industry experts, alongside a host of popular cleanfluencers and celebrities.

BICSc Group Managing Director, Neil Spencer-Cook, was joined by some of the team from the Institute who took part in presentations, Q&A sessions, and supported the show’s awards, with Commercial Director, Denise Hanson, taking part in the awards council to help highlight and select this year’s worthy winners.

Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc Group Managing Director, said: “It was fantastic to be keynote speakers at this year’s Clean & Tidy Home Show, which was another successful event. The BICSc team were delighted to have the opportunity to share our collective, extensive experience and knowledge with visitors to the show.”

Kelsey Hargreaves, Technical Manager at BICSc, hosted numerous Ask An Expert sessions throughout the two-day event giving advice, top tips and information on some of the latest issues. Topics tackled included how to clean effectively while minimising environmental impact, showcasing sustainable practices, eco-friendly products, and strategies to promote a cleaner planet through responsible cleaning habits.

Additional Ask An Expert sessions presented by Kelsey included:

  • Cleaning 101 – top tips and a comprehensive introduction to the principals, skills and techniques essential for effective cleaning
  • Clean home, clear mind. Mental wellbeing & neurodiversity – focusing on the intricate relationship between a clean, organised home environment and mental wellbeing with a special focus on individuals with neurodiversity
  • Kitchen Cleaning Checklist – to help achieve a 5-star looking kitchen including where to start, what order to clean in, and top tips for keeping on top of the workload
  • Clean your bathroom: a step-by-step guide
  • Troubleshooting – limescale, mould, mildew damage
  • Myth-busting – exploring the science behind cleaning practices to debunk common myths, and unveiling evidence-based strategies for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment
  • The hazards of chemical mixing
  • Clean like a professional
  • The cleaning cupboard for different lifestyles

BICSc team of experts were also on hand at their extensive exhibition stand to meet and greet show guests and share the latest knowledge and advice with visitors.

With more than 63 years’ experience, BICSc is the largest independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry, with over 66,000 individual and corporate members, and over 29,000 training course enrolments this year.

For more information go to https://www.bics.org.uk/


BICSc Celebrate Awards Success and Calls for Greater Recognition of Cleaning Community Talent

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has called for greater recognition for talented individuals within the professional cleaning community as it celebrates award success.

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Business leaders at BICSc said they are proud its Technical Manager, Kelsey Hargreaves, has been announced as a finalist in the Rising Star of the Year category in this year’s European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2024.

While welcoming news of Kelsey’s award finalist success, the Institute took the opportunity to highlight the breadth of talent within the global professional cleaning community who are not necessarily recognised by award nominations.

Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc Group Managing Director, said: “BICSc are delighted and incredibly proud that Kelsey has been recognised in these annual awards. We are so pleased Kelsey is a finalist; she is one of our many rising stars. It is a great achievement and as we welcome news of her award finalist success, it is important to also recognise that rising stars aren’t the only talent in the business."

Whilst we are celebrating with Kelsey, there are lots of people in our business who have been with us for many years, have great knowledge, and are also integral to our organisation. Indeed, there are people in our business, and many other organisations, that might not fit an award category of rising star, however, it’s essential to recognise their ongoing efforts and achievements. We shouldn’t forget that experience is also invaluable alongside rising talent within the cleaning community. There are numerous unsung heroes who are integral to their business and enable individuals to shine because of the great supportive team that are around them and nurturing them.

BICSc is calling on the industry to do more to champion the cleaning community’s unsung heroes who don’t always have the opportunity to be nominated for accolades and awards in the sector.

Neil Spencer-Cook added: “Industry-wide, much more could be done to shine a spotlight on the breadth of talent that work within the professional cleaning community, especially cleaning operatives. Often it is the companies that are recognised and not the cleaning operatives whose vital work is why the business is receiving recognition and accolades."

BICSc is leading the industry in making moves to do more to celebrate those numerous individuals who often go unseen despite all they do on a daily basis throughout so many sectors. The BICSc Awards, which we host every September, aims to celebrate the talent and individuals within our global cleaning community.


Finalists For Prestigious BICSc Annual Awards Announced

The finalists for this year’s BICSc annual awards have been revealed after the organisation was inundated with an unprecedented 50% increase in the number of entries.

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This year’s awards, which are being held on Thursday 26th September at The Belfry Hotel and Resort, saw a huge hike in the number of applications on previous years.

Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc Group Managing Director, congratulated all the finalists for the prestigious, industry-leading awards and said the Institute had been delighted with the phenomenal number of entries for this year’s accolades, which includes new award categories.

He said: “We have an array of outstanding finalists for the BICSc Awards 2024, which celebrate the incredible work of leading lights from the professional cleaning industry. With a 50% higher turnout for applications, this year was always going to be incredibly tough to judge. The finalists are a true reflection of all that is good about the cleaning industry.

“We were inundated with applications and the standard of entries was outstanding. We were thrilled to see so many new individuals and companies entering our awards, which shine a well-deserved spotlight on the sector’s standout stars, showcasing the continued commitment to improve cleaning standards and the excellent level of professionalism within the global cleaning community.

“Our prestigious awards always rightly recognise the exceptional cleaning operatives who are so vitally important in all our everyday lives and continue to lead the way when it comes to delivering exceptional results worldwide.”

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The BICSc Awards Finalists include:

  • Innovation Award – Berkely Services UAE L.L.C., Bidvest Noonan and Integral UK Limited
  • Environmental (ESG) Award – Total Clean, ServiceMaster by Deeland, and Tork (an Essity brand)
  • Corporate Member of the Year – Top Mops Limited, The Mount Charles Group, and NCC Holding LLC
  • Accredited Training Member of the Year – HMP Dumfries, Infracare Maintenance and Cleaning Services LLC, and Clarion Housing Association
  • Assessor of the Year – Sirajuddin Mohammed (EFS Facilities Services Group), Dereck Toms (HMP Dumfries), and Ramu Thakuri (NCC Holding LLC)
  • Accredited Trainer of the Year – Sarah Ford (Top Mops Limited), Markson Otakpnmwen (Mitie@Deloitte), and Immaculate Mukodir Angwena (Acciona Facility Services Middle East)
  • Cleaning Operative of the Year – Carla Marinho (Bidvest Noonan), Louise Johnson (HW Facilities), and Mohammad Syful Islam Rahat Khalifa (Etisalat Facilities Management)
  • Outstanding Candidate of the Year – Farhiyo Duhulow (Bidvest Noonan),  Immaculate Mukodir Angwena (Acciona Facility Services Middle East), and Mohammad Syful Islam Rahat Khalifa (Etisalat Facilities Management)

Prior to the glittering awards ceremony, which will be hosted by a celebrity guest, the industry’s leading experts and organisations will gather for an exclusive exhibition and presentations focusing on the latest innovations and developments within the professional cleaning industry worldwide.

Neil Spencer-Cook added: “The BICSc Awards would not be possible without the fantastic support of our sponsors who will be taking part in this year’s daytime exhibition.

“We look forward to welcoming all the fantastic finalists and guests to the awards ceremony where they will be able to celebrate in style!”

For more information and to purchase tickets for the awards event visit https://www.bics.org.uk/product/awards-ticket/


BICSc Guest Speakers at Manchester Cleaning Show

Experts from the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) will be sharing the latest industry insights and knowledge at this year’s Manchester Cleaning Show.

ImageThe team are keynote speakers during the two-day conference, highlighting how to deliver training that is inclusive for all with its panel presentation: 21st Century BICSc – Opportunities for Effective Training.

During the show, which runs from March 13-14 in Manchester, the BICSc team will be located at Stand 10 C. The organisation is inviting delegates to discover more about the Institute, including how the 60-year-old organisation has changed and continues to evolve.

BICSc Group Managing Director, Neil Spencer-Cook, said: “The Manchester Cleaning Show gives us the opportunity to meet with delegates and demonstrate the many ways in which BICSc continues to evolve. This includes the exceptional growth in our online training, the addition of numerous free courses, with virtual options for most things we deliver, alongside two hugely successful apps for our members and assessors.

We will highlight how we are ensuring training courses are adapted to be as inclusive as possible, to meet the needs of the diverse cleaning community.
ImageOn the morning of the first day of the conference, BICSc Commercial Director, Denise Hanson, will address delegates with fellow panellists presenting insights on Exceptional Hygiene as a Foundation for Stronger Business. Denise will then join the BICSc team for their presentation which will take place at 2pm on day one of the trade event.

Neil Spencer-Cook added: “BICSc continues to progress and at the heart of what we strive to do is bring recognition of the vital role cleaning operatives play in everyone’s day-to-day lives, they are at the forefront of everything we do and are the unseen guardians of our public health."Image

These are exciting times for the professional cleaning industry and BICSc remains at the forefront of the latest developments, ensuring we are meeting the training and assessment needs of the diverse global cleaning community.

BICSc is the largest independent, professional, and educational body within the cleaning industry, with over 61,000 individual and corporate members.

For more information go to www.bics.org.uk


BICSc Guest Speakers at Clean & Tidy Home Show

The team of experts from the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) will share knowledge and industry insights at this year’s Clean & Tidy Home Show.

The show, staged at ExCel, London from 14 – 15 October includes an array of cleanfluencers and industry leading exhibitors including BICSc.

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BICSc Chief Operating Officer Neil Spencer-Cook and Head of Technical Services, Denise Hanson are keynote speakers at the popular event leading numerous Ask An Expert sessions to provide top tips on all aspects of keeping homes clean and tidy.

Neil Spencer-Cook, BICSc Group Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be guest speakers at this year’s Clean & Tidy Home Show. Sharing our extensive expertise and knowledge with the wider community demonstrates how BICSc continues to help raise cleaning standards within the professional and domestic sector.”

Neil and Denise will host several sessions throughout both days of the show focusing on a number of key topics and providing expert advice on a range of issues including the following:

  • Cleaning 101 – top tips on keeping homes clean and tidy
  • Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
  • Clean Your Bathroom: a step by step guide
  • Make Your Own Cleaning Products – a budget-friendly guide to making homemade products
  • Make Your Floors Sparkle
  • How to Remove Limescale
  • How to Clean Mould and Mildew Stains
  • To Bleach or not to Bleach, that is the Question!
  • How clean is Your Loo?
  • Do Sustainable Cleaners Really Work?

BICSc team of experts will also be exhibiting at the event offering advice and top tips to the thousands of people visiting the two day show.

BICSc is the largest independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry, with over 54,000 individual and corporate members.

For more information go to https://www.bics.org.uk/


BICSc Classroom Cleaning School Stars

Dozens of children were awarded certificates from BICSc (the British Institute of Cleaning Science) after a visit to St Andrew’s Primary School in Northampton.

The team from BICSc were invited to the school to give talks to pupils of all ages about the science behind cleaning.

The BICSc team were invited to the school as part of Science Week to talk to pupils about how science plays a key part in the role of cleaning operatives and the vital work they do.

Kelsey Hargreaves, Technical Specialist at BICSc, was joined by Business Development Manager, Samantha Willson, to host talks to pupils aged four to 10 years old.

The dynamic duo tailored talks to the different age groups and created fun and exciting interactive tasks to help the children learn more about cleaning science and the industry.

Kelsey, who is also an ambassador for Kettering-based Youth Employment UK, is an ardent advocate of encouraging young people to consider careers within the professional cleaning community.

Kelsey said: “It was a fantastic day and we enjoyed working with the pupils of all ages. The school had invited us to talk to the children to help them learn about how science is involved in the professional cleaning industry.

We did interactive sessions with the younger and older pupils including a hand hygiene course with 45 four and five-year-olds, which was great fun. When it came to the older pupils, we staged sessions as an introduction to cleaning science. We focused on handwashing with the younger children using a light box, so they could see the germs on their hands, which helped to create an interactive element and they loved it."

With the older pupils we talked about the spreading of contamination, about cleaning effectively, and the opportunities within the wider industry. They were fascinated to learn that there is a lot of science behind cleaning and how it helps to keep people safe.


ImageFollowing the visit St Andrew’s Primary School teacher Ben Harvey said: “Thank you so much… the teachers really thought the session went well and the kids really enjoyed themselves.

All participating pupils were awarded with their own BICSc branded specially created certificates covering an Introduction to Hand Hygiene and an Introduction to Cleaning Science.

Following the successful school visit BICSc is hoping to host further education outreach sessions to help raise awareness about the cleaning industry. Northampton-based BICSc is the largest independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry, with over 57,000 individual and corporate members worldwide.


Leadership Changes Announced at BICSc

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) announced the organisation’s Group CEO, Stan Atkins, will be stepping back from the Institute at the end of June 2023.

Current Chief Operating Officer, Neil Spencer-Cook, who has worked at the Institute for several years, has been appointed the position of Group Managing Director and will take up the role of leading BICSc from 3rd July 2023.

Stan led the Institute for over 15 years, maintaining BICSc reputation as the cleaning industry’s go to organisation for membership, standards and training. During his tenure, BICSc Training and Services Ltd. was established to fulfil training requirements both in-house and externally, ensuring the consistent teaching and application of BICSc standards.

He also oversaw the implementation of many other key BICSc achievements, including the regular review of CPSS, the assessor’s app, the BICSc training centre, the virtual training suite and, at this year’s Cleaning Show, the official launch of the new BICSc Cleaning and Hygiene Audit app. He also oversaw BICSc first international engagements.

Neil Spencer-Cook, incoming Group Managing Director, said: “I am honoured to accept the role of Group MD. I will pick up the baton from Stan and continue to move forward with BICSc, ensuring that we remain prominent within the industry and offer our members good value and insightful information. We will continue growing the offering of skills training for cleaning operatives and supervisors, and other soft services-specific courses and workshops.”

The Institute also confirmed that BICSc Chairman, Lorraine Davis, will come to the end of her tenure as Chair in September 2023. Lorraine’s tenure lasted a year longer than normal due to the pandemic, and she has been instrumental in guiding BICSc through the lockdown period and beyond.

Soo Bartholomew, of Birkin Group, has been nominated by Council to replace Lorraine in September. Neil welcomed her appointment: “Soo is a long-time promoter of BICSc and its benefits. We are looking forward to her input into the future of BICSc and building a close working relationship.” Image

He also reassured members that the latest developments will not impact BICSc service offerings adding: “The Council and the team members here at BICSc would like to thank both Stan and Lorraine for everything they have done for the institute during their time in post and wish them all the best for the future. This should be a seamless transfer process. Indeed, we hope to offer more industry focused services and look forward to the new Council members offering fresh guidance and strategic direction.”

For more information go to www.bics.org.uk


BICSc Announce Audit App Official Launch

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced the official launch of its pioneering audit app set to revolutionise the professional cleaning sector.

The industry-leading institute revealed the ground-breaking BICSc Cleaning & Hygiene Audit App is now live and available for the first time to the public, following months of development and rigorous testing, with the official unveiling of the app taking place at the Cleaning Show in London in March.

In addition to a cleaning inspection, the state-of-the-art app audit also focuses on an in-depth check of processes, systems, paperwork and policies as well as being the first app specifically built for soft services.

ImageAs technological developments within the cleaning community continue to help drive professional standards, BICSc will formally launch its innovative app at the Cleaning Show where the experts from BICSc will share industry insights and knowledge on the latest issues within the sector.

Neil Spencer-Cook, Chief Operating Officer at BICSc, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the new BICSc Cleaning & Hygiene Audit app is now available and we are extremely excited to be able to share the app with the professional cleaning community.

“We are particularly proud this pioneering app is the first specifically built for soft services. Due to its extensive adaptability and agility, it will be an asset to businesses and organisations operating within the professional cleaning industry. It is the perfect tool which will prove invaluable in helping to transform and improve standards within the cleaning community, and demonstrates how BICSc continues to innovate and strive for raising standards across the industry.”

BICSc highlighted how audits are increasingly becoming a popular way to monitor cleaning standards, providing an in-depth report on service delivery, which is beneficial to both client and contractor. The institute also revealed in facilities, where audits are carried out regularly, it is proven that the quality of the cleaning improves and this frequently leads to the start of a cycle of continuing increased standards.

Neil Spencer-Cook added: “To demonstrate how the BICSc Cleaning & Hygiene Audit App is ideal for the workplace we have also launched access to our free online app training course which outlines the benefits of an audit and takes an in-depth look at the app in action.”

The BICSc team will be at stand B21 at The Cleaning Show at ExCel, London from 14 – 16 March 2023.

For more information go to www.bics.org.uk


BICSc Annual Awards 2022 Winners Revealed

Outstanding achievements and standards of excellence within the professional cleaning industry were celebrated and recognised at the 2022 British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Annual Awards.

Celebrating the exceptional standards and leading lights of the global cleaning community were guests from across the industry who attended the glamorous black tie event, which was staged at The Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club.

Widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading annual awards events, the prestigious evening was hosted by TV presenter and former England international rugby player Martin Bayfield.

Big-hearted guests at the event once again helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the chairman’s chosen charity, Dementia UK.

The 2022 BICSc Annual Award Winners

  • The Chairman’s Award – Mike Fletcher
  • The Eric Hill Award – Colm McGrath
  • The BICSc International Award – Andrea Yoko
  • Commitment to BICSc Training within Healthcare – 2gether Support Solutions Limited
  • Commitment to BICSc Training within Education – University of York
  • Commitment to BICSc Training within Daily Commercial Cleaning – Principle Cleaning Services Limited
  • Outstanding Corporate Member of the Year – University of Northampton
  • Excellence in Training & Assessment UK – Vinci Facilities
  • Excellence in Training & Assessment (International) – Emrill Services LLC
  • Assessor of the Year – Tina Memory, London Borough of Hounslow
  • Outstanding Client Commitment by a Cleaning Operative - Donna Harris, University of Northampton
  • Outstanding Candidate of the Year – Rhys Goodard, Vinci Facilities

Thousands Sign Up for BICSc New Industry Leading Online Offering

Business leaders at BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science) are celebrating the phenomenal success of its recently launched BICSc Business Services Virtual Training Suite, which has seen an unprecedented number of candidates register to participate. Read more ...

BICSc Reveals Revolutionary Rebrand

With more than 45,000 individual and corporate members worldwide, the pioneering organisation has introduced its dynamic, dramatic rebrand, officially revealed for the first time. Read more ...

Roaring Success of BICSc Annual Awards

The exceptional efforts of leading lights from the professional cleaning industry were in the spotlight at the recent British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Annual Awards, which recognises industry excellence. Read more ...

BICSc Experts Share Latest Industry Insights at Interclean Amsterdam 2022

The industry-leading organisation exhibited at Interclean Amsterdam from 10 – 13 May 2022 where experienced experts from BICSc shared the latest industry insights and developments, including the rapid uptake in online courses. Read more ...

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About Us


Founded in 1961, and with 59 years of experience and a global remit, The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) delivers practical, hands-on training courses, technical support and professional membership for the cleaning industry worldwide.

BICSc's membership includes over 45,000 Individual and Corporate members making it one of the largest and most diverse communities of cleaning professionals.

The company's mission is to raise awareness and standards for the cleaning industry through education and accredited training thereby; protecting the operative, providing a clean and safe environment, preserving assets, promoting sustainability and producing best practice. They aim to raise the standards of education and to build awareness of the cleaning industry through professional standards and accredited training, thereby;

  • Protecting the operative
  • Providing a clean and safe environment
  • Preserving assets
  • Promoting sustainability
  • Producing best practice

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Professional Membership Options


Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, find out everything you need to know about BICSc Membership in their membership brochure and see a full list of the benefits you can recieve.

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Individual Membership


Gain recognition for your skills and receive support to develop your career in the cleaning industry.

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More About Individual Membership


Corporate Membership


Utilise BICSc benefits and offers for your company whilst supporting the BICSc mission statement and values. Corporate Membership is available to any company that has been trading for at least 12 months. Membership varies in cost dependant upon your annual turnover. You can obtain membership at a more cost effective rate if you are a franchise – or perhaps you are not directly connected to the cleaning industry but would like to support us and our mission. In that case you can become an Advocate of BICSc and receive Corporate Membership along with all of its benefits.


More About Corporate Membership


Accredited Training Membership


Our Accredited Training Membership shows your commitment to professional standards and allows you to provide accredited training to your employees through your own BICSc Licensed Assessors (LBICSc). Organisations will become BICSc members whilst demonstrating their commitment to BICSc accredited ;training. All Accredited Training Memberships are tailored to suit your organisation. Costs vary on whether you choose to be Static or Roaming and how many Licensed Assessors (LBICSc) you choose to train.


More About Accredited Training Membership


Training


ImageAccredited Training


All BICSc accredited training is managed through BICS Business Services (BBS).

BBS is a leading training provider for the cleaning industry. Our standards combine expert knowledge from highly regarded industry professionals allowing us to deliver accredited training and best practice to the industry.

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More About Accredited Training


ImageCertificated Training


Cleanlogic™ is a growing collection of supervisory and management Courses and Workshops, developed with BICSc technical knowledge and experience.

CleanlogicTM Courses & Workshops are exclusively delivered by our Trainers and are certificated by BICSc.

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More About Certified Training


ImageOur Services


Demonstrate your commitment to cleaning excellence with a BICSc Independent Cleaning Quality Inspection (i-CQI).


Special Industry Help & Advice


Our technical minds have a wealth of industry knowledge.

Here are just some of the additional services we offer:

  • Completion of tender documents
  • Helping you to get the most out of your cleaning contract
  • Are your cleaning specifications fit for purpose?
  • Cleaning operational review
  • Specialist training and advice

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