Month: June 2026

MP for Northeast Fife Wendy Chamberlain had previously visited Fishers Laundry Services in her constituency as part of the Laundry Open Week organised by the TSA. “Part of the challenge for the industry is that it’s hidden,” she says. “Whereas people have some knowledge of the hospitality sector, those companies that support it as part of its supply chain operate behind the scenes.” Her visit to Fishers helped to inform her on the importance of commercial laundries, and she praises the TSA’s work in raising the industry’s profile. “It’s important that the association has been engaging with parliamentarians from across the UK.”

Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham, was particularly interested in the industry’s contribution to developing sustainable practices and how this can help meet the nation’s Net Zero targets. “Promoting reusable fabrics rather than single use items should be a priority for the government, I am very happy to support the TSA and its members in raising awareness of how they can help with this.”

Gareth Davies, MP for Grantham and Bourne agrees. “It’s vital that everybody in parliament gets behind the industry, ensuring they have the support they need and the recognition they deserve,” he says. “Understanding the importance of laundries to our hospitals and the hospitality sector will help us plan for any future crises.”

“Finding out why this industry is so important has been very interesting,” says Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield. “I’m looking forward to working with them to get them noticed and appreciated for the work they do.”

Representatives of the laundry industry were in attendance to provide MPs with their expertise.

Rona Tait is managing director of TDS Commercial in Isleworth and a board member of the TSA, and as Ruth Cadbury is her MP played a key role in organising the meeting. She was extremely pleased with the response to the meeting from MPs. “It’s important for us to keep the industry on the radar of MPs,” she says. “Everyone who attended seemed to understand the problems we’re up against, and wants to help us find solutions.”

Oliver Moore is managing director of County Linen in Chelmsford, and also a TSA board member. His MP Marie Goldman agreed to attend the meeting after visiting his business recently. “She found the meeting very informative,” he says. “I’m delighted with the response to the meeting, we’ve had a great turnout and all the MPs were really engaging with us.”

Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, the TSA’s managing director, echoes this sentiment. “I think today has really helped MPs recognise what the laundry industry does and how important it is,” she says. “This sector does essential work in supporting not just the NHS, but the healthcare sector as a whole, as well as pharmaceuticals, hospitality and food.” Emma is delighted with the response to the TSA’s ongoing lobbying. “Helping our government be better informed how commercial laundries keep the UK’s economy going is a key part of our work at the TSA, and whenever we speak to them they get it. The response is always encouraging, they leave appreciating where we’re coming from and are eager to help us in the future.”

She is unequivocal that the success of the meeting is down to the enthusiasm of TSA member companies in getting their MPs to engage with the issues. “Working together with one voice really helps to push what we’re trying to achieve.

“This meeting was another step in the right direction, but we need to keep the momentum going.” The next step will be to drive the key priorities outlined in the letter the TSA wrote following the meeting and to follow up with any MPs who offer to help. “We have already had support from MPs who attended the meeting, with parliamentary questions being asked, as well as letters being sent to relevant ministers, and meetings are being arranged with government departments,” says Emma. “If you’re a commercial laundry and not a member we urge you to get in touch and help us have your voice and insight amplified in government.”

As one of the main aims of the Open Week is to raise awareness of career opportunities in the industry and drive recruitment, the participating companies are very pleased with the outcomes. One person has already been hired, with other companies reporting interest from attendees that is likely to result in further recruitment occurring soon. More importantly the open week helped to build relationships with local job centres and career advice services at local universities, which will undoubtedly drive recruitment going forward.

Other participants reported that the event was covered in local media, further helping to grow awareness of the opportunities existing within commercial laundries. Representatives of the DWP who attended were pleased to get a chance to try their hands with the equipment, and were impressed at the knowledge displayed by the staff facilitating the tours. “We found it to be a friendly, light and happy workplace,” said one. “The staff were very informative and the whole visit was very interesting.” Many job centres will continue promoting the sector during the summer recruitment session as a direct result of the Open Week.

All participating companies are encouraged by the outcomes of the Open Week and are planning to take part in next year’s event, which demonstrates the positive effects of engaging with local communities to promote and develop your business.

“The aim of the Open Week is to show the varied and exciting careers the laundry industry offers,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of TSA. “We know that it’s a great industry to work in, and the response to this year’s event shows that the word is getting out there. We’re already looking forward to next year!”