Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 11th April 2024 Issue no. 1109

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CHSA hosts MP's visit to promote standards in cleaning products

The importance of cleaning products and the cleaning industry was under the spotlight during a recent visit to an Essex headquarters by MP Dame Angela Watkinson. The Hornchurch & Upminster MP went on a tour of wiping and cleaning cloth specialist Harrison's Wipes premises in Romford to learn more about how non-woven wiping cloths are produced.

The visit was organised by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, an organisation that wants to promote accreditation schemes to ensure high standards in the manufacture of cleaning products.

Following the visit Dame Angela said: "The factory staff were very welcoming and it was fascinating learning about the work that goes into the manufacture of the wipes and the wide range of industries where they are used. Quality is so important and I commend the efforts made by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association in raising the standards of such products through accreditation schemes."

The CHSA operates three standard-setting schemes: the Soft Tissue Standard; the Plastic Refuse Sack Standard and the Mop Standard. The MP's visit was part of the association's efforts to raise awareness within government of their scheme's importance.

Stephen Harrison, Chair of the CHSA and Managing Director of Harrison's Wipes, reports: "We were delighted Dame Angela took the time out of her busy schedule to visit our factory. Adhering to accreditation schemes is an essential part of building trust with customers and raising standards. We want the Government itself to start using these schemes as part of its own purchasing criteria. We hope Dame Angela's visit will help boost our efforts in this area."

The MP met the 26 staff in the Harrisons factory and heard how the family-run firm values its workforce.

"The average length of employee service here is eight years and one member of staff has been with us for 44 years," reveals Stephen. "In the last three years alone, during the worst recession for 60 years, we actually created eight new staff positions because of growth. The cleaning industry is worth around £10bn and we think it's about time Government gave this sector the recognition it deserves."

Dame Angela also heard how Harrisons Wipes is investing in British products and was shown the factory's latest acquisition - a UK-built machine that cost £150,000, purchased as part of the company's growth plans.

T: 01708 377 330
W: www.harrisonwipes.co.uk

T: 0207 920 9638
W: visit www.chsa.co.uk

4th July 2013