Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111

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We have Mail: R.I.P. CHSA

As a past Chairman of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association I am amazed to learn that the Council of CHSA are to abandon the Association's heritage, put at risk the Association's autonomy and ultimately, despite what they may say, jeopardise its very existence by passing the management of the Association to the Cleaning & Support Services Association. In this matter CSSA cannot be held responsible. They have made no secret of their intention to take over the running of as many Associations as possible. They have already taken over the management of the secretariat British Cleaning Council, the Industrial Cleaning Machine Manufacturers Association and the World Federation of Building Service Contractors. So their intentions are there for all to see. There is little doubt, therefore, that the Council of CHSA knew exactly what they were doing. So why have they done it?

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association was established in the late sixties to support distributors and create the environment in which their businesses could thrive. Early in its development it was recognised that it would assist their cause if they broadened membership to include their supply chain colleagues, manufacturers. A key function performed by the Association has been to facilitate networking between the two. As the Association has grown its services have developed to meet the needs of mainly the small to medium sized members and it has made great strides in raising standards in the supply side of the industry. Key to this has been a dedicated secretariat, a function which will be totally lost in this move. Just how many hats can CSSA successfully wear? What about conflicts of interest? What about market expertise? Who will actually answer the phone?

One of the most upsetting aspects of this change is the arrogance demonstrated by CHSA Council members in not even consulting with the membership let alone giving them the opportunity to vote on the matter which is fundamental to the Association's future. I would urge all members to challenge this decision. If members want to join CSSA then they can always take out a subscription. They don't have to destroy the only UK based supply chain trade ssociation to do so. A trade association which is valued by the majority of its members as a key credential, a business support and an industry standards setter.

John Balshaw, Principal
Paramount Sales and Services
E: [email protected]

6th December 2012