Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 3rd September 2026 Issue no. 1224
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SkyVac founder Andy Whiting retires after creating an industry
After more than two decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and industry leadership, Andy Whiting, founder of Spinaclean and creator of the globally recognised skyVac brand, has announced his retirement from the business.
What began in 2005 as a small Northamptonshire-based company has grown into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-reach cleaning equipment. Under Andy’s vision, SkyVac revolutionised the way gutters, roofs and high-level internal areas are cleaned, pioneering equipment that has changed working practices across the cleaning industry.
Before SkyVac, cleaning gutters from the ground was far from commonplace. Andy recognised the need for a safer, faster and more efficient solution and developed the original SkyVac system, creating an entirely new sector within the professional cleaning industry. Today, SkyVac equipment is trusted by thousands of contractors and organisations throughout the UK and across the world, with distributors spanning multiple continents and a presence in 34 countries.
Throughout his career, Andy has remained passionate about innovation, safety and helping cleaning professionals build successful businesses. His commitment has resulted in numerous patented products, industry-leading training programmes and a reputation for engineering excellence that has become synonymous with the SkyVac name.
As Andy steps into retirement, leadership of the company continues under managing director Kate Hill, who will lead the business into its next chapter.
Kate joined the business with a clear focus on sustainable growth, strengthening customer relationships and expanding SkyVac’s global presence. Working alongside the experienced management team and dedicated employees, she will continue to build on the strong foundations Andy created while driving further innovation, product development and international expansion.
“Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy,” she admits. “His vision, determination and willingness to challenge traditional ways of working, created not just a successful company, but an entirely new industry. Everyone at SkyVac is immensely grateful for what he has built.
“It is both a privilege and a responsibility to lead the company into its next phase. We have an exceptional team, exciting products in development and significant opportunities ahead, both in the UK and internationally. Our commitment to innovation, quality and supporting our customers remains stronger than ever.”
Andy adds:
“Watching SkyVac grow from an idea into a global brand has been an incredible journey. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and of the team that has made it possible. I leave knowing the business is in capable hands with Kate and the leadership team, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for SkyVac.
“While leadership is changing, SkyVac’s core values remain the same: continual innovation, engineering excellence, outstanding customer support and developing products that help customers work smarter, safer and more efficiently. The company remains committed to investing in research and development, supporting its
growing international distributor network and strengthening its position as the world’s leading specialist in high-reach cleaning equipment.”
13th August 2026