Please see our latest published Textile Services Cost Index for 2026/2027 FYQ2 below:
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The TSA’s fast approaching Autumn Conference heads to the Cotswolds with a focus on practical change, sustainability and people
The Textile Services Association’s (TSA) Autumn Conference 2026 will soon bring its members and the wider industry together in the Cotswolds for two days of insight, discussion and networking built around the theme Small Changes, Big Impact. Designed for management teams across the sector, the event will combine practical workshops, keynote speakers and industry-specific presentations focused on the issues shaping commercial laundry businesses today. Taking place at De Vere Tortworth Court on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October, the conference is fast approaching and places are filling quickly. Set in 30 acres of grounds near Junction 14 of the M5, it’s an accessible base for delegates travelling from across the country.
The Tuesday programme begins with a supply partner meeting and lunch, before moving into a series of focused sessions on people, sustainability, safety, cyber security, health and hygiene. Topics for the people session will include an employment law update from David Eastwood of Worknest, future workforce recruitment with Anne Kinsman from the Department for Work and Pensions, workplace wellbeing with Sean Liddell of Via Vita Health, and an open forum on the people issues that matter most to delegates.
The sustainability session will be led by the newly appointed co-chair of the TSA’s Environmental Steering Group, Mike Barry, former director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer. Those attending will be invited to explore with him the shape and future direction of the Steering Group. Delegates will review progress to date, discuss the next steps for the sector roadmap and consider how the industry can work together to deliver meaningful change. Another workshop will look at protecting laundries through updates on health and safety, cyber security and biofilm research, including contributions from sector specialists and the De Montfort University research team.
The second day of the conference opens with Charlie Betteridge, TSA chair, followed by TSA chief executive David Stevens and managing director Emma Kiviniemi Wilson. The programme then moves through a wide range of business-critical topics, from neurodiversity and workplace culture to research, sustainability and transport.
Among the keynote speakers is Penny Haslam, former BBC business journalist and award-winning speaker, who will deliver Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous, focusing on communication and confidence. Later in the day, leadership and mindset speaker Caspar Craven will challenge delegates to think bigger in a session exploring how small changes can create major impact.
Other featured speakers include Professor Katie Laird of De Montfort University, who will share research relevant to the sector’s ongoing work on infection prevention and hygiene, and Stuart Murphy, head of fleet transformation at Royal Mail, who will discuss the future of sustainable transport. Brand and culture specialists Adrian Walcott and Martin Roach of Brands With Values will present on whether organisational culture is genuinely supporting business strategy, followed by an industry panel featuring Kevin Godley, CEO of CLEAN; Mark Franklin, CEO of Elis UK; and Simon Fry, chair of Micronclean.
The conference offers delegates plenty of opportunities to connect with peers from across the industry, including networking breaks, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and the conference dinner on Tuesday evening.
Conference tickets are £130 + VAT, with dinner tickets priced at £55 + VAT and Tuesday night bed and breakfast available at £120 + VAT. Accommodation has now sold out, but please do contact the TSA if you are looking to book accommodation in case we receive any cancellations. Room bookings should be made via the TSA rather than directly with the hotel to secure the agreed rate.
For more information about the conference, contact the TSA team via events@tsa-uk.org
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
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Webinar on 24th September will show how tool enhances health and safety and saves time
Health and safety in commercial laundries is high and it’s improving. Even so, manual handling is a cause of workplace injury. That’s why workplace risk assessments are so important – and why they are a key responsibility for employers. However, they can be time-consuming, subjective and difficult to apply consistently across different sites and tasks.
Now the Textile Services Association (TSA) has teamed up with Cardinus, the health, safety and risk management specialists, to give members access to the RiskAI Manual Handling Assessment Tool. The tool combines artificial intelligence with recognised methodologies to make manual handling risk assessments quicker, simpler and more consistent, generating a comprehensive risk assessment within minutes.
To introduce the new service the TSA is hosting a webinar on 24th September, from 10am to 11.30am. The event will demonstrate how the app works, explain the assessment options available, and walk through a series of live examples to show how it can be used in real workplace situations. There will also be a live Q&A with experts from Cardinus, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how the tool could support their own organisations.
“Health and safety is at the top of the industry’s agenda,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, the TSA’s managing director. “The RiskAI Manual Handling Assessment Tool will help members reduce the risk of injuries and improve workplace safety. It is designed to support, rather than replace, professional judgement, saving health and safety teams time so they can focus on implementing improvements rather than producing paperwork.”
The TSA’s projects director, Andrew Glassford, has been heavily involved in the initiative. “The RiskAI App provides a consistent, evidence-based assessment that helps managers, supervisors and health and safety professionals make informed decisions,” he says. “It allows them to target interventions where they will have the greatest impact and demonstrate a robust approach to managing manual handling risks.”
After the launch of the RiskAI App the TSA will be looking to add more support for members, by working with health and safety specialists Pristine Condition to put together guidance and training documents.
To register for the webinar, please click here.
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With decades of industry experience he is looking forward to finding new ways to assist members
The Textile Services Association has appointed Andrew Glassford as its new Projects Director.
He has a deep connection to the laundry industry – his parents met at on a laundry technical course at Derby college – and his career has granted him a broad experience of the laundry industry as a whole. He spent 20 years at Paragon Laundry in a variety of roles ending up as Operations Director. He then moved to become a consultant at NewGen, where he offered his expertise on the industry to businesses around the world, helping them to establish best practice where laundry wasn’t their main focus.
“I am seriously impressed with the work of the TSA,” he says. “They provide their members with plenty of resources that would have been incredibly helpful to me and my teams back in the Paragon days, and having the chance to support the industry is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Over recent years the TSA has been focussing on helping the laundry sector evolve in a number of ways, such as meeting its Net Zero commitments, strengthening diversity, improving the culture of health and safety, promoting careers and supporting vital research in collaboration with De Montfort University.
“It’s been a fascinating process rediscovering the industry from a new perspective,” Andrew says. “Some aspects of it are almost unrecognisable compared to when I started. In many ways change is the only constant and I am relishing the chance to work with the team here to support our members with the challenges that the next few years present us.”
One thing that has struck him already is the collaboration that exists within the laundry industry. “There’s a general feeling of collegial competitiveness that could well be our secret weapon. Everyone wants to work together on the important issues, creating a culture where people compete to raise standards rather than to diminish each other,” he says. “Even in the short time I’ve been here it’s impressed me. This eagerness to work together to achieve big goals is very promising.”
Andrew’s aims will be to maintain the momentum behind the TSA’s existing projects and initiatives while identifying new opportunities. In the short and medium terms, he says his key priorities will be safety and sustainability. “There is so much of value happening in the industry,” he says. “So much progress has already been made in so many areas, particularly developing sustainable practices. We are already a circular industry heading into a future where circularity is only going to increase in importance. Our leadership in areas like this can have huge effects throughout the wider economy, due to laundry’s key role in supporting our customer sectors.”
Andrew lives in Gloucestershire with his partner Sarah, their two boys and Hops and Barley, their dogs. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys running, walking and paddleboarding. He has recently discovered a love of climbing and, as his children have gotten older, has been able to rekindle his love of reading.
“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the team,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, Managing Director of the TSA. “His knowledge of the industry and enthusiasm for developing projects to help it develop will be a huge boon. He’s quickly found his feet here and we’re sure that he’s going to have a positive impact as we continue to find innovative ways to help our members.”
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
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Government ignored TSA advice, choosing disposable PPE instead
The TSA says it is pleased that the laundry industry has been recognised by the Covid Inquiry, in the module 5 release on July 14th. Initially the laundry industry was not included in the inquiry, but once the TSA had lobbied and explained the situation during the pandemic, the Association was allowed to make a statement. As a result, the latest module includes the following paragraphs (sections 4.78 and 4.79).
“In April 2020, the Textile Services Association (the trade association for the textile care services industry) offered to scale up reusable gown and sterile laundry services during the pandemic, engaging with UK Make and Cabinet Office procurement officials. UK Make staff, Cabinet Office staff and consultants from Deloitte (a professional services company) working to source PPE asked the Textile Services Association to design a reusable gown. The Textile Services Association was in contact with officials from UK Make and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy between April and September 2020 and with NHS England between February and August 2021.
Although the Textile Services Association had repeated contact with officials, including from UK Make and the Cabinet Office Complex Transactions Team – and work was undertaken to reserve raw materials and manufacturing capacity and to ensure compliance with regulatory and technical standards – it did not lead to any contracts. While it explored the possibility of reusable PPE, the UK government prioritised the purchase and manufacture of single-use PPE during the pandemic. This was despite the full supply chain for reusable gowns, including a laundry network, already existing in the UK.”
Emma Kiviniemi Wilson is the TSA’s managing director. She says, “Whilst it was frustrating to be ignored at the time, we are pleased to be recognised in the report. The challenge will now be how we move this forward, so that if there is a next time our advice is not only listened to but acted on.”
The TSA is actively lobbying government – most recently, on the 19th May 2026, it hosted a cross party meeting in Westminster that was hailed as a big success. Andrew George, MP for St Ives, said afterwards: “It was very eye opening to learn how the sector helps to sustain so many aspects of the economy. I think everyone who attended is keen to make sure the government looks carefully at what the industry needs to take it forward.”
Emma adds, “The Covid Inquiry release and the success of events like the cross-party meeting shows that we are making progress. We are certainly going to keep on pushing, to build on these foundations through further discussions with government to ensure the laundry industry is heard in the future.”
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
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From Dragons’ Den-style innovation pitches to data driven energy strategies, reflections on the TSA’s recent summit and its sustainability goals – Double Tree, Hilton, Wokingham
The Textile Services Association’s (TSA) Sustainability Summit brought together over 70 of its members to explore practical solutions for reducing the environmental impact of the UK’s commercial laundry sector. With thought-leaders, innovators and policy partners, its programme combined keynote analysis with member case studies. It also explored how new technologies from other industries could help drive sustainability further. Tying this all together was the importance of both collaboration and data sharing in ensuring practical steps continue to be made towards a greener textile service industry on course for net zero.
Sustainability leader Mike Barry opened the day with “Accelerating Sustainability – Practical Leadership for What Happens Next.” Former Director of Sustainable Business (Plan A) at Marks & Spencer, he now leads Mikebarryeco Limited, advising companies across sectors on sustainable change. Although an outsider to the sector, his talk touched on the pivotal role laundries play in the wider UK economy and their environmental footprint. “Good progress has been made, but there’s so much more to do,” he said. “Decarbonisation, taking natural gas out of the value chain… they’re really hard to do on your own. You need organisations like the TSA to be convening, sharing best practice and helping shape the policy environment around us to deliver that outcome.”
Following his keynote Mike chaired a panel with Alexandra Brennan (Johnson Service Group), Ben West (Abbey Glen) and Rima Paharia (Little Bill Laundry). Their discussion focused on how lasting change is only made possible by people and how they can adapt to and influence the sustainability culture within their companies and beyond. “We’ve got to make sustainability relatable to everyone’s day job,” Mike said. “Delivering a business case and taking costs down – that’s what matters.”
A centrepiece of the programme was the ‘Decarbonising Laundry Heat’, hosted by Innovate UK’s Jacky Cope. The goal of Innovate UK Business Connect and its Innovation Exchange programme is to help companies grow and face their technological challenges by meeting innovators that can help their specific needs. The TSA initially approached Innovate UK to explore how its programme could help the laundry sector in its decarbonisation journey. It then arranged for two TSA members, Clean and Royal Jersey, to partake in it. Multiple innovator companies from outside the sector provided both companies with their proposed sustainable solutions. The finalists of these were then given the opportunity to present again to other commercial laundries at the Sustainability Summit in Dragons’ Den–style pitches. These were notably varied, from microwave heating and advanced steam generation to energy management systems and boiler insulation. Jacky Cope described the Summit as “a fantastic opportunity” for innovators to reach laundries across the UK and invited further engagement with the Innovation Exchange: “Bring us your challenge and we’ll help you find a solution,” she said. Both Clean and Royal Jersey hosted site visits to provide data and operational insight that shaped the proposals.
Energy pathways beyond electrification were explored by Dr Kelly Manders, Regional Development Manager at Cadent, who outlined opportunities for biomethane and the future role of hydrogen, particularly where electrification is challenging. “The opportunity that hydrogen and biomethane can bring to this sector is huge if it is to continue on its decarbonisation journey,” she said, noting the pragmatic blend of electrification where feasible. Her assessment echoed a recurring theme throughout the day: sustainability comes from a diversity of actions that can be implemented now and scaled over time.
Circularity and social impact were showcased through TSA’s collaboration with In Kind Direct, the UK’s leading product giving charity. Philippa Dodi detailed how the partnership aligns with TSA’s Infinite Textiles initiative to extend product life and reduce waste. Working with Clean, 26 pallets of surplus bedding and towels were donated to support 17 charitable organisations across the UK. “By donating product you’re able to increase circularity and reduce waste while also creating social impact,” Dodi said, adding that getting the sector together through events like the summit accelerates shared learning, especially on practical steps that members can take up immediately.
The relationship between robust data and policy alignment formed the basis of the presentation by Sarah Whittaker and Izzie Jess of Jacobs. Briefing attendees on the next phase of Climate Change Agreements (CCA3), they highlighted the tighter targets and the increasing importance of accurate measurement and transparent reporting. Elsewhere members shared performance data and lessons learned, notably Clean’s “Clean Carbon Journey,” presented by Kate Karlinska Peshawaria. “It’s good to be in a position to help other laundries, to share our experience and try new things,” she noted, demonstrating the sector’s willingness to collaborate beyond competitive boundaries to accelerate decarbonisation.
The day concluded with “Water Matters Too,” a keynote from Dr Geoff Townsend urging a broader environmental lens that includes water management alongside carbon reduction. With water scarcity on the rise, he argued that efficiency, recycling and responsible management must become operational priorities. As TSA project director Andrew Glassford later reflected: “Water is often considered last, but cannot remain so if the sector is to build long term resilience.”
Building on the Summit, the TSA will encourage other members to work with companies like Innovate UK to explore decarbonisation routes within their laundries. It will continue to support member data transparency and advocate its Infinite Textiles scheme. Above all, the insights shared at the summit reinforce commercial laundries’ commitment to sustainability, beyond ambition alone and towards sector-wide implementation.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us either via email or phone:
T +44 (0) 20 3151 5600
Please see our latest published Textile Services Cost Index for 2026/2027 FYQ1 below:
If you have any queries or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
T: +44 (0)20 3151 5600
E: tsa@tsa-uk.org
TSA members played vital role in driving engagement from MPs across all major parties
The cross party meeting organised by the Textile Services Association in Westminster on the 19th May 2026 was a big success that has helped to increase awareness of how the TSA can support the government and collaborate to help them achieve many of their priorities, as well as highlighting the importance of the laundry industry to the UK’s economy among MPs .
The meeting, hosted by Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, aimed to inform those in attendance about the role of the commercial laundry industry plays in supporting the NHS and healthcare, and how it supports the wider economy through sectors like hospitality and industrial markets. The TSA also outlined how the research it carries out in partnership with De Montfort University promotes infection prevention, hygiene and building national resilience.
MPs were invited to attend the meeting by local TSA members. Ruth Cadbury was invited by TDS Commercial, a company in her constituency. “It’s a sector that most of us don’t think about, but the meeting explained very clearly the size of the sector, and its importance to us all,” she says.
This view was echoed by Andrew George, MP for St Ives. “It was very eye opening to learn how the sector helps to sustain so many aspects of the economy,” he says. “I think everyone who attended is keen to make sure the government looks carefully at what the industry needs to take it forward.”
One of the motives for the TSA’s lobbying resulted from the Covid pandemic, where the laundry industry was underutilised, with single use PPE being prioritised over reusable textiles. It is a proven solution currently used across approximately 20% of the NHS estate, supported by UK supply chains, British manufacturing and fully compliant reusable products meeting all national and international healthcare standards. The environmental and financial benefits are significant. A Cabinet Office analysis found that single-use gowns produce 1,164% more carbon emissions than reusable alternatives. Liz Saville-Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd says “It was a shock to learn that the expertise of the laundry industry was ignored during this critical time, so it’s absolutely essential that we understand its role in our national health security.”
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.”
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