TSA celebrates success of 2026 Laundry Open Week
Hundreds of attendees learn about the diverse job opportunities offered by the laundry industry
The 2026 Laundry Open Week organised by the Textile Services Association (TSA) was a great success, according to feedback from participants. It aims to showcase the work the industry does, raise its profile and highlight the career opportunities to local communities across the UK.
Laundry Open Week is a collaborative initiative organised by the TSA and its partner organisations in Europe via the European Textile Services Association (ETSA). This year it took place from March 16th to the 20th, with laundry sites opening their doors to offer guided tours to members of the local communities. Visitors were introduced to the operations and the diverse range of jobs the industry offers, including engineering, HR, technology and logistics.
2026 saw five companies hold events at 14 sites. The participating companies this year were Aberdeen Laundry Services, CLEAN, County Textile Services, Fishers, and Micronclean, with the TSA working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to promote the event with local job centres.
The feedback from companies has been overwhelmingly positive, with several hundred reported attendees being welcomed across the participating sites. This figure included one of Fishers’ MPs, Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife) as well as staff from DWP.
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!”
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TSA Summit brings sector together to strengthen health and safety culture in laundries
Reflections on the sector’s evolving health and safety culture at TSA’s 2026 Health and Safety Day – Double Tree, Hilton, Wokingham
The Textile Services Association (TSA) ran a Health and Safety Summit at the Double Tree, Hilton in Wokingham on Tuesday 21st April. Over 75 member attendees representing laundries from all sectors of the industry, were presented with a range of talks looking at key health and safety issues. From fire safety and prevention and how this relates to insurance companies, to universal health issues like CPR training. The summit also examined how technological advancements are altering how risk is managed and prevented. This diverse programme offered by the TSA gave practical solutions and shared experiences designed to facilitate the progress of health and safety culture within the sector.
After a welcome from the TSA’s managing director, Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, Gary Youngson from Elis, who is also co-chair of the TSA’s Health & Safety Steering Group, presented on ‘Strengthening Our Safety Culture’. He said that with 90% of TSA members having shared their health and safety data amongst the association and its members, that strengthening is becoming a reality. “There are so many people with a thirst for the subject, and collaboration is absolutely essential,” he added.
The issue of fire risks facing the laundry industry and how this affects insurance premiums was next tackled head on. Mark Middleton, managing director of Belmont Laundry, shared his personal story of losing two laundries in a short period of time due to fire. “I’m happy to talk about it if it helps prevent anyone having a similar situation,” he said. Stories like Mark’s further amplified the importance of improving the health and safety culture further within the sector through personal reflection and the lessons learnt from moments of crisis.
Mark’s talk was followed by Andy Taylor from Marsh, an insurance broker, who explored how the TSA’s Code of Conduct and the improving the health and safety culture within the sector had the potential to reduce the high insurance premiums faced by commercial laundries. “The industry is clearly trying to improve risk management,” says Andy. “Our job as brokers is to try and change insurers’ perceptions.” He initially became involved with the TSA as its Fire Code of Practice was being created. He said, “My role was to help move the dial in terms of insurer engagement with the laundry industry. Things are improving, we’re putting mitigation in place. The future is going to be different to the past.”
Another panel put TSA members centre stage, discussing the practical steps they had taken to improve the health and safety culture within their companies. The panel comprised of Chris Bell from Clean and Claire Wroblewski from Johnson Service Group, with Gary Youngson and Mark Middleton returning to the stage too.
Following this the programme focussed on two presenters from health and safety specialist companies: Ryan Brittain of Cardinus Risk Management and Graeme Johnson of Pristine Condition. The former demonstrated how his company’s AI software was changing the way risk can be assessed. This focussed on how common ergonomic malpractices were putting many industries under financial burden due to personal injury, and how AI could help educate staff to avoid such injuries. “Keeping employees well and healthy will improve productivity, workflow, staff moral and reduce costs,” he said. The AI software described in Ryan’s talk has been integrated into the Cardinus app which the TSA has been assessing with a sector specific lens to ensure it offers the best options for its members. Pricing and licensing options will be revealed soon, but it’s been confirmed that TSA members will receive a discounted rate. Graeme’s talk also focussed on personal injury reduction, by examining Pristine’s health and safety techniques, from manual handling training to behavioural changes. Both presentations demonstrated how the developments and practices from health and safety specialists outside the sector can impact the health and safety culture within the laundry industry.
“I think the message from what I was listening to is culture,” says Graeme. “How can we change culture? I think it’s improving those soft skills. Having these conversations. If you’ve been working somewhere 30 years, share your knowledge with someone who has started that week.”
The topic of emergency first aid CPR training and cardiac health response was also discussed. It included a moving survival story shared by Mark Moran, as well as an overview of Essential CPR Skills with Kevin Dickens from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
“The hands-on CPR demonstration was very effective,” says Andrew Glassford, the TSA’s newly appointed project director. “We had over 70 people in the room who are likely to leave feeling better equipped to deal with something that could happen in their lives tomorrow. And that’s just a massive win.”
Attendees were appreciative of the health and safety educational opportunities provided by the TSA’s summit and how these could help them going onwards.
“Life is the priority,” says Nisha Vijayakumar from Johnson Service Group, Southall. “The TSA is helping us take the next health and safety steps.”
The TSA will continue to provide more information on the topics arising from the summit through its Health and Safety steering group. The summit is an annual event and will return next spring, with the date and venue to be confirmed.
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The outlook for laundry: staffing and technology dominate industry leaders’ thoughts
TRSA CEO outlines ideas for future for UK and global industry at the TSA National Congress
Staffing shortages, rising costs, and the accelerating need for investment in technology are the most pressing concerns for the global commercial laundry industry, according to findings presented at the TSA’s (Textile Services Association) National Congress 2026, on 17th March at the W Edinburgh hotel.
The findings are based on research undertaken by the TRSA, the TSA’s equivalent in the USA, combined with live polling of the attendees taken during the Congress itself. Joe Ricci, TRSA CEO, presented the findings in a session entitled ‘Voices of leadership: what 40 CEOs reveal about the next 5–10 years.’ The TRSA research uses information gathered via CEO peer-to-peer discussions and features contributions from more than 300 senior executives in total.
During Congress, staffing and cost pressures dominated the polling, which also highlighted recruitment and retention challenges. Investing in new technology was another focus, as a means to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve operational efficiency. 20% of those polled thought that adopting AI tools would have the most impact on their company over the next three years. Of course, staffing and technology are interwoven – retaining skilled technicians and engineers is vital to protecting the return on investment in technology.
The Congress polling figures very much reflected the concerns emphasised in the TRSA research. “The findings paint a consistent picture,” says Joe Ricci. “Workforce capability, cost control, and strategic technology adoption are shaping the path forward for linen, uniform, and facility services companies.”
Sustainability was one point of difference, with the polling underlining the UK’s focus on the area, partly driven by customers’ environmental concerns and expectations, along with emerging UK and European Union regulations.
“The findings emphasise the UK laundry industry’s commitment to sustainability, as reflected by TSA initiatives such as the Infinite Textiles Scheme and GLARE,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of the TSA points out. “Congress reflected the vital role that technology will play, not only in helping us meet challenges such as rising costs and staffing pressures, but also in our journey towards carbon net zero.”
The Congress’s diverse and stimulating programme also included a global economic update from Richard Beech, investment manager at Charles Stanley, and a thought-provoking session on new technology called ‘power play: industry leaders meet machinery innovators,’ with Jesper Jensen, CEO Jensen-Group, and Michael Harre, Group CSO Kannegiesser. The two keynote addresses were delivered by Baroness Ruth Hunt and broadcaster and journalist Nicky Campbell.
For more information on the TRSA visit www.trsa.org.
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TSA announces Westminster cross party meeting focusing on the laundry industry
It will aim to highlight the importance of the sector to the UK economy.
Room P, Portcullis House, Tuesday, 19th May 2026 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm
The Textile Services Association is organising a cross party meeting in Westminster, which will take place on 19th May 2026. This will be an important opportunity to raise the profile of the laundry sector within Parliament and help to ensure the government understands the vital role of the industry in supporting the NHS, hospitality and the UK economy as a whole.
The current Middle East crisis and the pressures it is placing on the commercial laundry sector will also be under discussion. Increasing costs have already begun impacting almost every part of their operations, with only labour as yet not being directly affected. As it is likely that users of laundry services in hospitality, healthcare and industrial markets will be faced with price rises the importance of this meeting has been further increased.
The meeting is being hosted by Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, and will aim to inform attendees on the positive effects of commercial laundries and how the industry can continue to benefit the economy. These include the importance of the sector in ensuring critical national services can keep operating and how laundries can assist the delivery of Net Zero targets. Attendees will also be shown how the industry is helping to promote national resilience and infection prevention, with the TSA outlining its support of vital research through its partnership with De Montfort University.
The TSA is urging its members to invite their local MPs to attend this meeting, and has provided a formal invitation letter and a laundry industry fact sheet to assist with this process. Personal contact from a local employer can make a significant difference to MPs’ engagement with this meeting, which could have an enormous effect on future government policies.
“Meetings like this help to raise the profile of our industry, help the government understand the concerns of TSA members, and provides an overview for MPs on the critical impact laundries have on sectors like healthcare, hospitality and others,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of the TSA. “The more people we can get to attend, the more likely it is that MPs and the government will take into consideration the needs of the laundry industry in decisions they make.”
The example invitation letter can be found here, and the fact sheet can be found here. Companies that contact their MP and are planning to attend are asked to inform the TSA by email.
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Textile Services Cost Index: 2025/2026 FYQ4
Textile Services Cost Index
Please see our latest published Textile Services Cost Index for 2025/2026 FYQ4 below:
Please see the previous annual increases below for comparison to the latest Textile Services Cost Index with an annual increase of 3.39%:
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E: tsa@tsa-uk.org
TSA warns laundry prices will increase as a result of the Middle East crisis
Conflict is placing ‘extraordinary pressure’ on the laundry industry
The Middle East crisis is placing extraordinary pressure on the commercial laundry sector, says the TSA (Textile Services Association). Increasing costs are impacting almost every part of operations, with only labour not being directly affected yet, so it’s likely that users of laundry services in the hospitality, healthcare and industrial markets will be faced with price rises. The Association is calling on its members to be open and transparent with customers and to begin discussions about timely and appropriate price adjustments.
The volatility of the global market is well documented, with oil and gas prices skyrocketing. The TSA points out that the effects of the increases for the laundry sector are wide reaching. They include:
- Energy costs rising significantly due to sustained volatility in oil and gas markets
- Fuel and transport costs increasing in line with UK pump price movements
- Shipping and freight costs rising due to disruption to key trade routes
- Textile costs increasing as a result of higher manufacturing, sourcing, and logistics costs
- Chemical costs continuing to rise due to raw material and supply chain pressures
The BBC recently contacted the TSA to ask about the impact that the crisis in the Middle East is having on commercial laundries. The Association is also holding a cross party meeting with MPs in Westminster shortly, where the subject will undoubtedly be covered.
“In recent years the laundry industry has gained more profile with government, as politicians begin to understand its importance,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of the TSA. “We can hope that any support for industry, to help businesses cope with the crisis, will include commercial laundries. We’ll certainly be drumming that message home in our lobbying.”
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Update from the TSA
TSA announces Safety Summit date
Topics include fire, CPR, machine standards and manual handling
TSA Safety Summit, 21 April 2026, Double Tree by Hilton, Wokingham
Safety has to be at the top of every commercial laundry’s agenda. It’s a key focus for the Textile Services Association (TSA), which runs regular events on the subject. The TSA will be holding its next major Safety Summit on 21 April 2026 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Wokingham. The programme for the day combines industry case studies, updated guidance and interactive learning.
“Our aim is to bring the industry together to strengthen safety culture, share progress, and focus on practical actions that will continue to raise standards across the sector,” says the TSA’s managing director Emma Kiviniemi Wilson.
Key topics for the Summit include fire safety, with practical guidance and a case study, and CPR, which will include a hands-on training session.
The Summit is led by the TSA’s Health & Safety Steering Group, with expert speakers from within and outside the industry. Alongside the fire safety and CPR sessions the day will include, among other topics, a review of progress and trends, and a presentation on complying with the revised standards for machinery. There’s also an industry panel session including a case study on implementing a proactive safety culture. The day concludes with a keynote session on manual handling and ergonomics, with a look at the latest risk-assessing technology.
During the Summit there will be various networking opportunities, including coffee breaks and a buffet lunch. The following day the TSA will host a Sustainability Summit at the same venue.
The Health and Safety Summit starts at 10am and will finish at 3pm. Tickets cost £120 +VAT per person for TSA members and £240 +VAT for non-members. For more information and to book a place click here.
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TSA welcomes new CCA and applauds laundry industry’s sustainability achievements
Registered laundries can save over £60,000 per year – AND help protect the environment
The Textile Services Association (TSA) has welcomed the new Climate Change Agreement (CCA), which comes into force in 2026. Like its predecessor, the new CCA scheme offers significant discounts on the Climate Change Levy (CCLevy) – for a typical laundry, this can amount to savings of up to 20% on its energy costs. The discounts are based on the site’s success in meeting energy and carbon reduction targets.
Laundries who are already in the CCA scheme and undertaking the eligible process will be automatically transferred to the new one, which started on 1st January 2026, at no extra cost. However, there’s only a short window for those new to the scheme to sign up – they have until August 2026 to enter the first new entrant window, by which time applications must be processed.
The Environment Agency administers the CCA scheme on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), working with trade associations (like the TSA) who run the scheme within their sector. The umbrella agreement held by the TSA is open to both members and non-members, with members receiving a 50% discount on the CCA fees. Typical savings for laundries in the scheme range from over £9,000 per year for micro sites to over £60,000 per year on average for large laundries.
TSA appointed Jacobs, a consultancy company specialising in CCA compliance, to administer the scheme on its behalf. Jacobs can offer advice and guidance to companies wanting to join. The association also runs training webinars, in partnership with Jacobs, to help laundries get the best results from the scheme.
The TSA is urging any companies thinking of joining the 2026 scheme to act quickly and contact the Jacobs CCA helpline team, on 0161 235 2498 or by email at cclevy@jacobs.com.
“We believe that being part of the CCA scheme is the right choice for every UK commercial laundry,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, the TSA’s managing director. “It is helping us to build a more sustainable industry, and it’s giving laundries significant cost savings. That’s why over 140 laundry sites are already signed up to the scheme.”
The TSA joined the CCA scheme back in 2010 and since then the laundry industry has made huge strides forward in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, as confirmed in the sector’s biennial report results. Since the most recent scheme began, in 2013, over 115 operators, covering more than 140 sites, have been part of the TSA’s CCA agreement. Over this period, the sector has exceeded the majority of government‑set energy reduction targets, collectively saving more than £39 million on electricity and gas bills.
Siobhán Gibbons, Jacobs operations director, says, “The TSA continues to demonstrate an exceptional level of engagement and ambition when it comes to energy efficiency and carbon reduction. TSA members have consistently shown that they are not only meeting the requirements of the CCA scheme but actively pushing beyond them. It is a powerful example of a sector taking real ownership of its responsibilities and working collectively to raise standards and drive long‑term decarbonisation.”
“The figures are truly inspiring,” says Kiviniemi Wilson. “However, we can’t rest on our laurels – that’s why it’s important for laundries to sign up for the new CCA scheme.”
For the 2026 CCA scheme, the TSA and Jacobs have been working with the Environment Agency to agree targets which are both practically viable and ambitious. The targets agreed are set at a 6.5% reduction by the end of 2026, 9.75% by the end of 2028, and 13% by the end of 2030, the current scheme then ends in March 2033. The reduction targets are relative against a 2022 baseline– and apply to individual sites, as opposed to site groupings.
For more information about the CCA scheme for the laundry industry contact the Jacobs CCA helpline team directly, on 0161 235 2498 or by email at cclevy@jacobs.com.
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