Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

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CSSA AGM & Annual Luncheon: informative and fun

Members of the Cleaning & Support Services Association attended their AGM and annual lunch in London at the Savoy Hotel last Thursday, formally electing Doug Cooke of Principle Cleaning as Chairman of the UK cleaning industry's leading trade association. Peter Goodliffe of OCS Group was elected vice-Chairman and Michael Rutherford of Victoria General Cleaning Services was elected Honorary Treasurer. It was also agreed that Peter Goodliffe will become Chairman at the end of 2011, and Doug Cooke assume the role of vice-Chairman, to ensure a smooth handover between the two.

Addressing the AGM was Michael Fallon MP, Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party and a long-term member of the Treasury Select Committee.

The annual lunch followed the AGM, and was attended by over 240 of the CSSA's members and supporters, as they marked their return to the Savoy after a three year absence.

Those who attended also raised over £2,000 for Red Kite Learning, which was again chosen as the CSSA's charity of the year. Red Kite will use the funds to continue its work of improving the employability of individuals furthest from the labour market, through the provision of careers advice and guidance.

Commenting on the CSSA's role in the cleaning industry as it passed its 44th year, Chairman Doug Cooke said:

"'It's been a tough year for our industry, but I think we have showed the importance of continuing to work together. I have been involved in the cleaning industry for almost 40 years and I still find it one of the most exciting industries to be in.

"The London Living Wage campaign is gathering pace and I think that contractors and their clients are really starting to recognise the importance of fair pay. Despite all the technological innovations that the industry has made, we are still heavily dependent on labour, and treating workers fairly is a subject that deserves the attention and thought of all of us."

Commenting on areas of the coalition government's recovery programme, guest speaker Michael Fallon MP, said:

"We always said that it would be a choppy recovery, and it may still get choppier, but the action we are taking now to address the deficit will ensure financial stability for the future. I was listening to Meryvn King (Governor of the Bank of England) speak at Mansion House last night about the deficit, and he reminded us that "there is no alternative". He is right; we must take action now to ensure that our children are not left paying the bill for our mistakes."

Mr. Fallon promised additional measures to ensure that banks begin to provide more credit to small and medium sized organisations, and invited businesses to highlight the regulations which they believe are stymieing growth via the Government's 'Red Tape Challenge' website.

"He also stated his belief that widespread public support for the coalition's austerity measures showed a widespread understanding for the scale of the challenge the deficit poses, and he believed that the Conservatives would benefit from their tough policies through enhanced credibility at the next general election.

Brendan Tarring, of Red Kite Learning, commented on his organisation's continued relationship with the CSSA.

"We were delighted that the CSSA has decided to support our charity once again. It was also pleasing to hear the Chairman - during his speech - support the London Living Wage, as this will really benefit workers in the sector and help people develop confidence in pursuing careers in the cleaning industry."

Established in 1967, the CSSA is the UK trade association for private sector employers in the contract cleaning sector. CSSA members are among the leading providers of outsourced cleaning services to the NHS.

If you would like to know more about the benefits that the association can bring to your business or are interested in becoming a member of the CSSA:

T: Andrew Large on 0207 920 9632
E: [email protected]
W: www.cleaningindustry.org

23rd June 2011