Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 24th September 2026 Issue no. 1227
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BICSc Awards 2026: the winners!
The British Institute of Cleaning Science held its annual Awards ceremony last week, attracting many professionals from the sector who came to network, enjoy a lively gala dinner and celebrate success, as the names of the Award winners were revealed.
The BICSc Awards recognise and celebrate the industry's esteemed individuals and triumphant teams who are honoured with accolades for their outstanding achievements and service to the sector. The long-established Awards continue to increase in popularity year on year, and 2026 once again saw a surge in entries.
"We were delighted to celebrate with all our worthy winners at this year's BICSc Awards, which again proved phenomenally popular, receiving a record number of entries,” says BICSc group managing director, Neil Spencer-Cook. “We were thrilled to receive so many entries, which were of the highest calibre and demonstrate the level of exceptional experience and outstanding achievements by so many working within the professional cleaning and hygiene sector. The Institute takes immense pride in shining a spotlight on those incredible individuals who collectively continue to raise standards across the industry in the UK and worldwide."
During the event, a special tribute and Award presentation was made in recognition of decades of service by long-standing BICSc team member Denise Hanson. BICSc commercial director, Denise, who is due to retire at the end of the year, was presented with a Special Recognition Award for her Outstanding Contribution to the Institute.
Paying tribute to Denise, Neil highlighted how she had "given countless hours to support learners, assessors, members, volunteers, staff, council and the wider cleaning industry ...helped shape decisions, influence standards and support the growth of BICSc through periods of change, challenge and success".
Presenting the one-off award, he added it was in recognition of "more than three decades of dedication, commitment, leadership, humour and service".
Fellow BICSc colleagues, James Atkins and Teresa Sacco also received recognition as recipients of The David Bellamy Award for their 10 years' service with the Institute.
At the ceremony, which was again hosted at Whittlebury Hall & Spa in Northamptonshire, the following Award winners were announced:
• The David Bellamy Award - James Atkins and Teresa Sacco
• The Chairman's Award - Jay Adderley
• The Eric Hill Award - Soo Bartholomew
• The BICSc International Award - ACCIONA
• Innovation Award - Total Clean
• Environmental (ESG) Award - Intelligent Workplace Solutions
• Corporate Member of the Year - CleanManager
• Accredited Training Member of the Year - HMP Peterborough
• Assessor of the Year - Byron Andagoya Manosalvas - King's College London
• Accredited Trainer of the Year - Muhammad Rizwan - Whitespot Facilities Management Services
• Cleaning Operative of the Year - Olagoke Olusomoka - Clarion Housing
• Outstanding Candidate of the Year - Antonia Pheysey - Mitie
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Hernando Palacios - King's College London
Ahead of the black-tie event, delegates and industry leaders participated in the BICSc Exhibition & Conference. Attendees shared knowledge and industry insights at the Event, which also showcased the latest products, technologies and innovations from the sector’s leading suppliers and sponsors.
Several topics were discussed during the daytime conference including Digital Licences in Cleaning, Sustainable Tourism and what it means for the cleaning industry, Employment Rights Act latest updates, and How Digital Operations Support Business Growth and Compliance.
24th September 2026