Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 13th August 2026 Issue no. 1223
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New industry Awards will celebrate excellence across the washroom sector
The Independent Washroom Services Association is launching its inaugural industry Awards in partnership with the Loo of the Year Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement of its members across the UK's washroom sector.
The six new IWSA Awards will be presented for the first time during the next annual Loo of the Year Awards ceremony, which takes place on 13th January 2027, at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. These Awards will sit alongside the Loo Of The Year Awards which are open to any organisation which offers washrooms in public spaces, the hospitality sector, schools, workplaces, tourist destinations and many more.
"This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations, bringing together two respected names within the washroom industry that share a commitment to raising standards, recognising best practice and celebrating those making a positive contribution to the sector” says Becky Wall BEM - co-owner of the Loo Of The Year Awards. “The new Awards will be open to members of the IWSA."
The Loo Of The Year Awards, sponsored by Tork, have been a cornerstone of the facilities management sector for more than three decades. They are not just about trophies; the team operates a quality grading system where nominated washrooms are visited by an inspector and given a grading from bronze to diamond.
The inspectors look at more than 100 criteria per washroom and will also provide feedback to any venue, company or organisation that wants to know how to improve its washrooms. The annual gala event celebrates the 'best of the best'.
The IWSA Awards allow members of that organisation to now be recognised too.
The IWSA Awards are:
• Excellence in Client-Contractor Partnerships
• IWSA Leader of the Year
• IWSA Rising Star
• IWSA Driver of the Year
• Sustainability - Best Practice in Washrooms
• Technological Innovation in Washrooms
The Awards as a whole are designed to showcase individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment, professionalism and innovation, while highlighting the importance of high standards throughout the entire washroom services industry.
Paul Thrupp (pictured), chair of the Independent Washroom Services Association, says:
"We're delighted to be launching the IWSA Awards in partnership with the Loo of the Year Awards.
"Both organisations are passionate about recognising excellence and encouraging continual improvement across our industry. These Awards will shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals who are setting the benchmark for others to follow and also our members who are also taking this very seriously."
The IWSA represents independent washroom service providers across the UK, promoting best practice, professionalism and collaboration throughout the industry. Through training, networking and industry leadership, the association works to raise standards.
The deadline for entries for the new IWSA Awards is 30th September.
The deadline for all other awards offered by the Loo of The Year Awards was 31st July.
For more information about the Awards, eligibility criteria and how to enter, visit:
13th August 2026