MARKETSKIL UK LTD News Publishers of LAUNDRY & From the editor CLEANING Time to reach out TODAY Contact details: Drycleaners and laundries have is one such task. Some high street shops have At the time of writing the communities come together at been rallying round to support “Many older people are now in marked out exclusion zones to ‘lockdown’ has just been a time like this. PUBLISHERS their communities and customers self-isolation as a precautionary avoid people getting too close. To announced and we are all The power of music. On Marketskil UK Ltd as we all try to get to grips with measure and are unable to have reduce waiting time and minimise assessing the impact and social media we’ve seen the Tel: 0118 901 4471/ the impact of COVID-19 and the the home visits to take care of their contact launderettes asked people seriousness of COVID-19 on our joy of people in Italy, across 0777 575 1117 uncertainty we all face in the laundry and other tasks.” to not hang around while their lives over the weeks and months their balconies, play music, Email: weeks and months ahead. Similarly, ihateironing.com washing and drying is on, and to ahead. join in and dance. All ages [email protected] Many drycleaners, laundries the on-demand drycleaning take their items home to fold. At pace, and with no notice, coming together. Music stars and textile services companies business based in Brixton, London. With businesses seeing the many of us have had to become are streaming live sessions for EDITOR have issued guidance to their Founder, Matt Connelly, contacted effects of more people working homeschooling experts – anyone and everyone to enjoy. Fiona Henry customer base about the increased all users to explain the steps they from home and less need for grappling our new demands of The power of exercise. In Tel: 07816 822578 and consistent steps they are taking would be taking and offered drycleaning, proactive drycleaners, balancing the importance of Spain, there’s been footage of Email: to ensure the health and safety of a complimentary drycleaning and their customers, have sent education and setting school workout sessions on a rooftop [email protected] customers and staff, whilst still service for anyone over the age of pleas out to their networks asking work schedules, alongside our for everyone who can see from FEATURES trying to work around the clock 80 in self-isolation who relies on a people to consider other items for own job workloads and the their balconies to take part in. Janice Raycroft to deliver their usual standards of carer to do their laundry. cleaning at this time and help our moral dilemma of how much Gyms nationwide have set up [email protected] service. Like many others, Blanc, the industry businesses weather this Xbox time is acceptable in order Zoom workout groups via iPads Jean Anderson We also know that, at the London-based natural artisan uncertainty. to get work done. and laptops. Joe Wicks, the Body [email protected] time of writing, many high street drycleaner, contacted customers to Businesses are using a We’ve creatively set up our Coach, is livestreaming PE Adam Bernstein drycleaners and smaller laundries help them find ways to arrange safe combination of social media, email home workstations – personally sessions daily for children (and [email protected] have had to take the decision to collection and delivery services and their delivery networks to keep I’m on a three-jigsaw box parents like me!). We’re allowed close their doors for the safety of as demand increased. They also in contact with customers as we deal stack system to achieve my one daily form of exercise – a ADVERTISING/ their customers and their own staff. increased their capacity for this with this unprecedented situation ideal ergonomic set-up. We’ve run, a walk, whatever. Use it EVENTS & The TSA has been issuing service. and respond on a day-to-day basis had to become tech whizzes wisely. It’s crucial for everyone’s SUBSCRIPTIONS regular updates and guidance to All of these companies are as more information and guidance at all the apps available to physical and mental wellbeing Tina Gleed the industry and information about suggesting that if people are unfolds. keep us connected to our right now. Tel: 0118 901 4471 the support available for businesses self-isolating are have been in These are just some of the ideas multi-generational families And the power of Email: and employees in the textile care contact with the COVID-19 that have caught our eye and we’re and work colleagues. Zoom. communities. And this is a big [email protected] industry. David Stevens, CEO of virus then they should inform the sure there are many more. Please Houseparty. Teams. WhatsApp. one. No doubt we’ve all seen, the Textile Services Association, customer care teams or the driver get in touch with the team here at Others are available for sure. and been part of, a wave of CREDIT CONTROL/ has also been writing open letters by simply leaving a note on the Laundry & Cleaning Today if you I’m trying to focus on the community spirit. Community EVENTS to the Government about the door so the driver can leave on the want to share an initiative that’s positives that might come out and neighbourhood groups have Mark Gleed impact on their decision on our doorstep. worked in your community that of this. been rallying round to make sure Tel: 0118 901 4471 industry. We publish the first of Others extended their existing others in the industry might want And one of the biggest forces those in need are not alone. Keep [email protected] them on page three. Please keep delivery service to include essential to consider in their area. Email for change, and hopefully one a watch on all your neighbours an eye on the TSA website - www. supplies to people along with their editor@laundryandcleaningtoday. that’s a keeper for the long term, – especially the elderly and PRODUCTION tsa-uk.org - and our own website drycleaning and laundry. co.uk. has been the overwhelming vulnerable. In our news piece Peter Herring – www.laundryandcleaningtoday. sense and acts of kindness that adjacent we share just some of Tel: 07841 134604 co.uk - for more updates as they we’ve seen. the examples you’re all doing Email: [email protected] become available. There’s a new word for to help your own communities. On a slightly lighter note we it that I’ve come across – Amazing. Keep sharing please. ADMIN & SOCIAL have read of some of the initiatives caremongering. Stay safe. Stay well. And MEDIA you’re taking to help the vulnerable Caremongering is the term stay in touch. If you want Adam Young people in communities. that’s been adopted for all the to reach out to the industry, Tel: 0118 901 4471 For example, Harrods Dry acts of kindness that we’re and please, please do, then [email protected] Cleaners in Glasgow offered seeing as people are finding connect by emailing editor@ free laundry for pensioners in a ways to help those in isolation laundryandcleaningtoday. LCT POSTAL desperate bid to tackle the spread and the most vulnerable. co.uk and via twitter at @ ADDRESS of coronavirus. There’s no formal dictionary Laundry_Today where we’ll Laundry & Cleaning Owner Adil Khan said: “Many definition (yet, that I know of). keep our tweets going and Today older people live alone and rely on But let’s just share some of the share your thoughts, ideas and 6 Willowside, Woodley, visiting carers and support workers examples of caremongering that concerns. Let’s hope the wifi Reading, Berkshire to carry out tasks they are unable really show how people and holds up … RG5 4HJ to complete themselves. Laundry

LCT ONLINE Website: www.laundryandcleaningtoday.co.uk Facebook: JSG report strong financial performance from continued organic growth LaundryandCleaningToday Twitter: @Laundry_Today LinkedIn Tina Gleed Johnson Service Group (JSG) workwear and HORECA (Hotel, of our recent acquisitions. The www.pinterest.com/andcleaningtoda/ has reported a consistent growth Restaurant and Catering) divisions combination of these has yielded flickr: story in their preliminary results delivered high levels of new another solid financial year with www.flickr.com/photos/laundrytoday/ for the year end to 31 December business wins and the successful impressive growth in Group YouTube: 2019. £12.5m acquisition of Fresh Linen revenues, operating profit and YouTube.com search LCTCleanEx Their revenue was up 9.2 per increased geographical coverage earnings per share. Views expressed in Laundry & Cleaning Today are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, while every cent to £250.6m, operating profit from its base in Clacton-on-Sea “We are looking forward to possible care is taken of manuscripts and photographs up 14.8 per cent to £52.8m and and a new market of gyms. the opening of our new Leeds site submitted for inclusion, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage, however caused. full year dividends were increased Peter Egan, chief executive which will bring further capacity Reproduction of editorial content, in whole or in part, is for bidden except with the express permission of the publisher. by 12.9 per cent to 3.5 pence per officer of Johnson Service Group, on stream and are continuing to NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Whilst the policy of Marketskil UK Ltd (the publishers) is to give the best possible service share. commented: “We have continued plan for investment in our other to every advertiser, it does not accept any liability for loss or damage due to error or inaccuracy in the printing of The statement, shared in early to deliver strong organic growth sites, to increase capacity even any advertisement. Advertisers are solely responsible for statements made in their advertising. The placing of any March 2020, highlighted that both complemented by the impact further. order is an acceptance of these conditions. Laundry & Cleaning Today is an independent trade newspaper.

2 LCT April 2020 News “There are three million jobs in the hospitality sector that depend on a TSA CEO’s Open Letter laundry to process their uniforms, bed linen, towelling and table linen. We to the Chancellor and need to ensure this essential service sector survives the crisis. Otherwise, the Secretary of State the hospitality sector will not be able 19 March 2020 to ramp up in a post-coronavirus For the attention of: economy.” The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer The Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Dear Sirs, I am writing this letter as CEO of the Textile Services Association (TSA) the trade association for the industrial and commercial laundry industry. For more than two weeks now, we have been ramping up our lobbying efforts with the belief that we are making good progress and were talking to the right people in Government. So far, we have received loads of nice promises and some positive feedback, but unfortunately very little action. Our industry operates on various fronts but all of them are essential to supporting the UK economy. Our invisible industry is made up of 28,000 hardworking team players who, if they ceased working, would certainly become extremely visible as many elements of the UK economy and healthcare would cease operations within 24 hrs. To spell it out: No clean bed linen, no towels, no clean scrubs, no clean uniforms, no specialist PPE cleaning = no patient care and no functioning NHS to fight the virus. Twenty-five per cent of the TSA membership supports the healthcare sector, predominantly the NHS, and despite constant lobbying for ‘essential service provider’ status, we are still left in the dark. The NHS and other healthcare establishments are struggling for access to PPE and if the people washing infected linen are not frontline healthcare workers, then I don’t know who is. Will healthcare laundry operators, the food industry and pharmaceutical garment laundries, from Monday, when schools are shut indefinitely, have to stay off work to look after their children? We need the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to add commercial laundries dealing with NHS and healthcare work to the ‘protected list’. TSA has asked for this, and again, we have had no response. Therefore, we are having to register and administer our own essential worker scheme so we can continue to provide hygienically clean laundry to support the incredible work of the NHS (and other healthcare establishments, public and private sector alike). David Stevens, CEO, TSA However, as worrying as the NHS and healthcare situation is, 75% of commercial laundry workers operate within the hospitality laundry sector. In this sector, we are seeing a catastrophic drop in revenue lines of 80%-90%. While we have seen some Government response, it IMPORTANT NOTE is totally inadequate to the scale of the issues. At the time of going to press the situation with COVID-19 is changing rapidly. Here we have reproduced the initial open letter from David To spell it out: Failure to help hospitality laundries survive the downturn in business due to Covid-19 Stevens, CEO of the Textile Services Association, to Government on means many laundries servicing that sector may not be here to support it when we come out of the behalf of the industry. The TSA has since released further updates. crisis. In four weeks’ time, we most certainly will see all small hospitality laundries go out of business and even the very large PLC laundry companies simply may not be able to carry on without support. FOR THE LATEST INDUSTRY INFORMATION Alastair McCrae, CEO of National Laundry Group (NLG) which represents many of the smaller independent laundries in the UK REGARDING COVID-19 confirmed unequivocally: “If we do not get proper, urgent financial support from the Government, our laundries may not be here to support Please keep an eye on the following sources for information, guidance the sector when we come out of the crisis.” and updates.

The key elements the TSA calls on the Government to implement immediately are: ‡6XSSRUWWRHQDEOHFRPSDQLHVWRUHGXFHZRUNIRUFHVXSWRDQGSRWHQWLDOO\DWQRFRVWWRWKHHPSOR\HU Laundry & Cleaning Today ‡7KHFRVWRIWHPSRUDULO\OD\LQJVWDIIRIIPXVWEHERUQHE\WKH*RYHUQPHQW,IZHGRQRWGRWKLVZHZLOOEHIRUFHGWROD\RIISHRSOHZLWKRXW www.laundryandcleaningtoday.co.uk pay or make them redundant which will prevent any long-term return to normal trading as we will not have access to our trained loyal Twitter: @Laundry_Today staff. To ask employers to bear this cost is simply unfair and impossible to fund. ‡$FFHVVWRORDQVLVJUHDWDQGZHVXSSRUWLW%XWWKLVQHHGVWREHLQWHUHVWIUHHZLWKDUHSD\PHQWKROLGD\RIDWOHDVWPRQWKV Textile Services Association ‡7KH*RYHUQPHQWQHHGVWRXQGHUVWDQGWKDWHYHQZKHQZHJHWRYHUWKHEULGJH ZHDUHQRWVXUHKRZORQJLVLW\HW WKHUDPSXSZLOOEHVWHHS www.tsa-uk.org and the progress slow and we will need cash to fund it. I think some support around bad debt with government underwriting 80% of debt Twitter: @textileServices due to business failure will be both necessary and welcome. ‡6XVSHQVLRQRIDOO*RYHUQPHQWLPSRVHGWD[HV1,9$7DQGFRUSRUDWLRQWD[7KHVHVKRXOGEHDWWKHEDFNRIWKHTXHXH The Guild of Cleaners and Launderers ‡%XVLQHVV5DWH5HOLHILVDSRVLWLYHPRYHDQGZHREYLRXVO\VXSSRUWLW www.gcl.org.uk ‡+DYLQJZRUNHGLQWKHLQGXVWU\IRUPRUHWKDQ\HDUVEHIRUHWDNLQJRYHUWKHUROHDV&(2RIWKH76$,DPSULYLOHJHGDQGKRQRXUHGWR lead such a great team of people. Over the past 12 months, there has been a real buoyancy with many new projects coming on line and a The Worshipful Company of Launderers growth in the sector of over 5% of net revenues. How times have changed! www.launderers.co.uk ‡:HDUHQRZILJKWLQJIRURXUOLYHVDQGZLWKRXWWKH*RYHUQPHQW¶VVXSSRUWWKHUHLVQRTXHVWLRQWKHLQGXVWU\ZLOOQRWEHDEOHWRUHFRYHU Many industry bodies also have Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook The TSA calls on the Government to recognise the important role that commercial laundries play in accounts if these are your preferred channels. Check with an the smooth running of the NHS and healthcare as a whole, especially now in the midst of the Covid-19 organisation’s website for their account details. crisis, and also to recognise the very real problems that laundries serving the hospitality sector are facing right now and to act accordingly and urgently to alleviate the situation. “We are so proud of the extraordinary people working within healthcare Best regards, laundries. The general public do not David Stevens, CEO, Textile Services Association Spaces, The Bower, 4 Roundwood Avenue, Stockley Park, London UB11 1AF | T: +44 (0)20 3151 5600 | W: www.tsa-uk.org realise the job they do or understand Championing the Textile Services Industry that NHS would halt operations within The Textile Services Association. Registered in United Kingdom Reg. No. 169160. VAT Reg. No. 398 6956 63 | The TSA’s logo is a registered UK Trade Mark no. 3307134. 24 hours if this service failed.”

April 2020 LCT 3 CleanEx 2021

CleanEx 2020 | 26 and 27 April 2020 | Ascot Racecourse CleanEx2020: It’s a sellout

he last stands have now been sold so we really Tare heading towards the finish line with the main event at Ascot Racecourse just next month. CleanEx 2020 is the only UK exhibition dedicated to the laundry, drycleaning and textile care industry. This biennial event attracts visitors fromPOSTPONED: across the UK, NEW DATE ANNOUNCED Europe and the rest of the world. This will be the fifth event and it’s got bigger and better each year - visitor numbers have increased on averageSUNDAY by 25 per cent per show. 25 AND MONDAY 26 APRIL 2021 With all the exhibition stands now sold, the grandstand at Many will also be running floor at CleanEx and exhibitors Ascot Racecourse promises to live demonstrations of working there will be showing the latest be packed full with theASCOT leading equipment and encourage RACECOURSE, you to products and innovations to the BERKSHIRE industry specialists showing bring items to put them through hotel housekeeping industry. you the latest innovations, their paces. The National Laundry industry technology, products Group (NLG) are also holding and sustainable solutions on the The brand new Hospitality their annual conference at market. OUR THANKSExpo event will run onTO a separate OUR CleanEx 2020.SPONSORS NLG members AND EXHIBITORS AND will attend the event but also have a programme of events EVERYONE INVOLVED FORthroughout theTHEIR day on Monday 27 SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING April. Those interested in joining the NLG will be able to talk to representatives on their stand in the main exhibition hall. There’s so much going on, and the going is good for CleanEx 2020 at Ascot Racecourse. DISCOVER THE LATEST The whole event is bringing together expertise and knowledge from across the wider industry – laundry, drycleaning, textile care INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY and hotel housekeeping. We look forward to seeing you there! AND INNOVATIONS Our sponsors… #
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4 LCT April 2020 LADAs Remember! Remember! The LADAs on 5 November!

Thursday 5 November 2020 Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey The team are already in full swing organising the people from across the industry. Laundry and Drycleaning Awards – The LADAs Once again, we’re returning to the fabulous 2020. Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey – a venue that This is the industry award event that celebrates provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating true all that is excellent in the laundry and drycleaning talent and innovation in the industry today. It also industry. happens to be in a great location on the outskirts of This will be the sixth annual event and it’s gone the M25, and feedback from guests consistently tells from strength to strength each year. Last year the us it works well and is the perfect setting to mark How to enter or nominate gala dinner and black-tie event was attended by 245 the occasion. Deadline for completed nomination packs: 10 July 2020 It’s simple to nominate. You can either enter for yourself or nominate an individual or company. Categories marked with * Nominations are now open! can only be made by a third party. As the first step just visit www.megevents.co.uk and click on Nominations are now open for you VË jÄÍË!jÝË+ÁaÖWÍ VË ?W†‰™jÁßË VË0Á?‰™jjÊ
¬¬Áj™Í‰WjJ the LADAs page and complete some basic information to nominate to put forward either yourself, or a person or business for a category. an individual, a product, service VË jÄÍË!jÝW”jÁ Distributor of the VË ””jÁW‰?Ë?֙aÁß A nomination pack will then be sent out to complete your or business that you think stands Year submission. The closing date for completed nomination packs is out from the crowd. VË ÁßWj?™jÁÊ VË2™Ä֙~ËjÁJ 10 July 2020. Full details will be in your pack. Take a moment to step back Wetcleaner of the VË-jĬ™Ä‰MjË and think about the people, the Business Award VË ‰~‰Í?Ê0jW†Ë
Ý?Áa Judging criteria and eligibility Year Individual criteria differs by category, but the judges consistently businesses, the products and VË. Ë?֙aÁß˝wË͆jË Vˉwj͉”jË innovations that you’ve really VËÁjj™Ê.ÖÄÍ?‰™?M‰‰ÍßË Achievement Award report back that the emphasis is on the overall quality of the entry, noticed in the last year. Those Award Year the merits of the claims and supporting evidence, as well as the that are gamechangers in the – to be judged and selected by quality of the entry’s narrative itself. industry and are worthy of being VË ÄÍË™™Ü?͉ÜjË VË0Á?‰™‰™~ËFË aÖW?͉™Ë our judging panel Where there is particular eligibility criteria or additional in the Workplace information required we will send you details of the information recognised for how they make a Company *by third party nomination only difference to the industry. we require upon receipt of the nomination or by 10 July 2020. Please note that there is a strict word count for the category information and entries that exceed this word count will be automatically discounted. 0Ë™”‰™?Íj]ˆÍͬÄ]ÊÊM‰Í±ßÊ

™”‰™?Íj The LADAs Lifetime Achievement Award This very special award is not a nominated category. The judges will select a winner and this will be revealed on the evening of the awards ceremony. If there is someone in the industry that you believe should be considered, then please contact the team at MEG Sponsorship packages Events directly on the details below. available for the LADAs 2020 HEADLINE SPONSOR Sponsorship packages are still Events on to find out more about available so if you’d like to join how you can raise your profile in this prestigious group of industry the industry and reach a target Our sponsors… leaders, then just contact MEG audience of key decision makers.

[email protected] | megevents.co.uk | Tel: 0118 901 4471 April 2020 LCT 5 Management Systems Big brother or helping hand?

It’s so easy, in the day to day run of things, Kannegiesser UK

to get bogged down in llie Stowe, marketing Kannegiesser, reckons operations and lose sight and communications Stowe, has “found that the Esupervisor at Kannegiesser demand for complete system of the data that modern laundry UK, considers continuous solutions, together with data improvement in laundry synchronisation and material systems can provide. Numbers management, efficient flow is a growing demand for might be boring to some, but to logistics and controls systems textile service providers.” She to be essential if laundries continues by saying that “smart others it’s the stuff of life that are to thrive. Her reasoning laundry enables productivity is that management teams to be increased, diversity to be drives decisions which can take a have to make daily decisions, mastered and delivery reliability “which may include prioritising to be guaranteed.” But she business skyward to success. customer orders so that states that this applies not only Just as management systems targets can be achieved. More to new ‘greenfield’ projects, but often than not, these priorities also existing laundries which and data solutions are available need to be changed - decisions frequently see a step-by-step need to be taken as to which development towards a smart for other business sectors, so they machines need to be used for laundry. particular categories, staff As she describes it, “the core should then self-adjust to align way that laundry can be optimally are around for laundries to tap allocation, etc.” Good data is, function of smart laundry is with the laundry category. The supplied and information in the into. And they should. in her view, indispensable. process control - the automatic bonus of a smart laundry, as central database is processed in control of the operational process.” Stowe puts it, is that “each single parallel. Operational analysis, trends and She continues, batch information item is tracked through the entire Take the Vectura stack from a database determines the process. Waiting is avoided and management system which future decision-making along with machines to be addressed for productivity increased.” Stowe says, “ensures speed and each process step. In addition, Of course, there’s the question accuracy in delivery.” The benefit increased output, labour issues, machines are automatically of how to get a continuous flow for laundries of the system, says pricing or other factors, the right assigned machining programmes. of information from the washing Stowe, is that stacks can be Besides this, to process control, to the finishing areas. Here Stowe sorted by customers, articles or data is an extra pair of eyes. a smart laundry will also have says that this is achieved with a machines; automatically picked or a sophisticated monitoring and printed barcode which is read by banded; transported to a specific Adam Bernstein looks at reporting system. a scanner on the ironer and folding area; or provided with a ticket, Moving on, the process machines; using this information customer information, garments/ the latest developments in requires a central programme the database supplies the correct articles and their quantities. management systems and data Kannegiesser’s Vectura in to link feeding, ironing and processing programme. Stowe points out that “Vectura action handling items for folding machines to one source. Stowe adds that all makes laundry ‘intelligent’ solutions two hotels at once on this And after selecting the right Kannegiesser feeders and dry because the flow of items is lane extension programme, each machine work folders are designed in such a continuously monitored and Axcess IT SoCom Informationssysteme GmbH

akariya Ahmed, business significantly.” It’s his view that up all types of in-store data and ccording to Michael process of a laundry. As Wieser resources.” He reckons that by development manager at “our systems are customised analytics to allow owners and Wieser, sales explains, “as an industry adapting processes, considerable ZAxcess IT, says his firm specifically to each laundry, managers to understand what is Adirector, SoCom specialist, we know the special savings can be achieved in set-up has a long a storied history giving the customer, more going on so that they can make Informationssysteme GmbH, challenges [for laundries] from and cleaning times, staffing when it comes to developing flexibility, and ensuring they better data-driven decisions.” information is central to a working with our customers requirements and stock levels. systems that serve the sector. have the perfect system fit for The reports provided on firm’s existence. He says that and we are able to help quickly That said, Wieser warns that In particular, he says that their plant.” Axcess’s EPoS systems allow “contemporary and futureproof and competently in the event of the quality of the data is crucial – “Axcess IT has been developing But as commercial laundries managers to track how their production and logistics difficulties with processes, even it’s the application of the age-old and deploying customised grow into full-blown industrial business is performing and concepts require large amounts when new requirements arise”. phrase ‘garbage in garbage out’. solutions for drycleaners and laundries, so do the demands analyse customer shopping of information… about the Of course, it doesn’t take a rocket And to combat this he says that laundries since 2001. In the last and necessity for automation, behaviours, such as at what times laundry items themselves, scientist to know that today’s “as a comprehensive E, R and P 19 years, the Axcess team has optimisation, transparency in data are busiest or quietest within the current product status, product processes need to run optimally, (enterprise resource planning) seen a change in how decisions and an effective inventory control stores. The benefit is noted by quality and process progress.” be perfectly coordinated, and any system, TIKOS can provide actual are being made, whether it’s system. Here Ahmed points to the Ahmed: “This kind of data will For him, this means installing deviations identified and dealt data on conditions and processes.” to do with increasing prices Axcess Laundry Management aid in implementing staffing transparency throughout an with quickly. To do this Wieser says that staffing, at a drycleaner or how the System which, for example, decisions, optimising employee entire operation through good It should go without saying that order and inventory data is partly production of a commercial has been integrated with RFID rotas based on customer activity. use of data, and this is exactly flexibility in production is a must recorded by employees directly in laundry should be run.” technology at the Empire Laundry Important decisions in marketing, what he says that SoCom for all laundries, but as Wieser the laundry at terminals. It’s then From experience he says based in North London. As such as when to release a has tried to achieve with its notes, it often has an impact on collated into a database, processed that Axcess IT understands that Ahmed explains, this has allowed campaign, what offers to give software solutions. profitability when unnecessary and subsequently made available there is a need for data to be at the laundry to manage large and which customers to target, are As a business, SoCom’s waiting, changes to staffing or for evaluation and analysis. He the fingertips of owners and volumes of textiles efficiently the fundamental notions of data solution to the knotty problem of short-term changes in the schedule adds that for meaningful results, managers, which is why “we while knowing at any given which the Axcess drycleaning data mining comes in the form occur. He says that software historical production data is also are working constantly on our moment exactly how many pieces EPoS systems provide to owners.” of TIKOS, a “complete solution deployed to production “can offer included – and “since the data research and development with are in circulation, whether those It’s his belief that this allows for laundry service providers” new possibilities to make optimal can be directly assigned to an the aim of making the collation garments are at the customers’ managers to make more effective which covers the entire production use of existing equipment and employee or a cost centre, a clear of data more accessible.” The site or at the laundry, where in and tailored decisions for their performance determination in real company, he says, has also the laundry cycle the piece is, how business. time is possible.” invested in new technologies many pieces are being processed Axcess offers three EPoS So, for SoCom and Wieser, such as RFID to allow for better by the factory and how long the products - the bronze drycleaning it has become increasingly data-driven decisions. linen is lasting. As he says, “all system which is aimed at small important, especially so for In terms of what the company these elements of compiled data shops averaging a weekly medium-sized and smaller offers, one solution is a production enable greater automation and turnover of less than a £1,000; companies in the industry, to stay management system which aims allows management to measure the silver drycleaning system or on the ball and not be left behind. to take control of the operation profitability rates. It also allows medium sized shops averaging It’s his view that the introduction from the moment sorters sort them to identify areas in which a weekly turnover of less than of ERP software can help; he says the linen all the way through to improvements need to be made.” £2,000; and the Gold drycleaning that SoCom will “accompany packing. “The system,” Ahmed Information gleaned from system which targets the busy customers on the way to a modern says, “automates an entire Axcess systems can help firms shop averaging a weekly turnover and well-organised laundry.” And factory, reducing workload for with data on trends. Specifically, more than £2,000. The products with 25 years of experience in management and optimising the Axcess drycleaning EPoS differ in terms of facilities the TIKOS from SoCom in the complete textile care industry this efficiency of the laundry system – says Ahmed – “gathers system offers. laundry situation may not be too far from the truth.

6 LCT April 2020 Management Systems

Continued on Page 8 >>>

A solid database is behind Kannegiesser’s information-powered SPOT Business Systems machines such as Vectura Fundamentally, Kannegiesser abish Aiman, managing duvets in spring and autumn than as ProductionTrac, a tablet-based believes that data and material director, SPOT Business at any other point in the year. platform that measures work synchronisation should begin at TSystems EMEA Ltd, says And then there are purchase output at each pressing station. the start of the laundry process. that the days are long gone preferences where, as Aiman has This allows for any items not In other areas of a laundry, when a laundry’s sole job was seen, customers are increasingly meeting the required pressing bag conveyor systems in the to provide a quality service at arranging collection and delivery quality to be returned to the finishing area close the gap a competitive price. “Today’s on the move and using an app to presser and the piece count rate between the washhouse and the cleaner,” he says, “is faced do so as it’s easier for them. adjusted automatically. ironer lines, the dry work area with a myriad of complex Turning to the product, Aiman And with SPOT’s RouteTrac and the garment finishing area. business issues from managing says that “SPOT’s extensive product, Aiman explains that Batches are loaded on to a bag a brand, optimising workflow, reporting functionality identifies digital manifests are downloaded storage system and assigned to enhancing customer experience various factors and provides to a driver’s phone and the finishing processes directly and on top of all that, making business intelligence data to either automatically optimised to take after the dryers. Stowe says that sure garments are provided on third party specialist software or into account traffic patterns and the wonder of a fully aligned a timely and consistent quality can prompt coupon, direct email/ collection delivery schedules. smart laundry is that printing and basis.” SMS marketing programmes “This,” he says, “saves valuable barcode scanning are no longer This is why he suggests that that increase turnover that would time and fuel without relying on required and “the bag system [can] every laundry could benefit from otherwise be lost through lack of driver’s [route] knowledge.” tracked in real time.” She says seamlessly integrate into the smart Enterprise Resource Planning knowledge.” Further, he says that But Aiman thinks that key to that this enables the system to laundry and communicates with (ERP) software, a form of which by adding a SPOT app, branded any system is the ability to record as Stahl can provide in depth function independently whilst the integrated database system.” has been developed by SPOT to the laundry, it can move into and preserve data using barcoding reporting of how much water implementing individual priority Kannegiesser thinks that by “which allows laundries to record the modern world of customer and/or RFID on a per item level. and energy is used in each wash controls for the stacks, for offering an integrated solution Key Performance Indicators purchasing preferences. He says that “associating digital cycle over a given period. For example sending stacks to free “we can show customers the (KPI’s) to continually improve Aiman thinks that part of trackers with physical pieces example, Stahl’s Atoll range of positions – “ensuring greater possibilities and potential for more their business performance.” the drive to greater information allows business owners to create washer-extractors collects data process reliability and consistent organised packing areas. Stowe So, what does this mean in real management has come from a true digital picture of what they to aid processers in identifying quality.” gives an example - a buffer feeding terms? Well, as Aiman explains, factors such as the living wage, are processing, how long is it ways of reducing consumption Performance is aided by system designed for processing it means knowing the customer loss of EU sourced labour, rising taking and ultimately, what these and optimising cleaning.” sorting platforms in soiled linen hotel sheets where an ergonomic and their buying patterns and transport costs - all have “led costs are.” All of these digital areas and batch washers being feed system displays efficiency asking, ‘why does a customer to a need to keep a closer eye He points to ThermoTex measurement and reporting tools continuously fed by a monorail of labour reduction. Overall, she bring in suits but not his business on productivity rates both in which offers high accuracy, ERP are becoming the mainstay of system, “increasing,” as Stowe believes that the process allows shirts’? Or understanding production and logistics terms.” software compatible, solutions advanced methodology when it notes, “overall washroom the same productivity but with seasonal variations and why, for He says that SPOT addresses for both barcoding and RFID – comes to well run and managed performance by up to 20 per cent.” one less operator. example, a laundry receives more these issues with products such “machinery manufacturers such laundries.

The most comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning Software available TM BUSINESS SYSTEMS to Garment Care Professionals.

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April 2020 LCT 7 Management Systems Big brother or helping hand?

Gotli Labs DryStream

t Gotli Labs they take and decentralised autonomous This can be done by automatically ryStream’s managing for later analysis. laundry data and decisions are made based on smart generated work orders after director, Jon Beach, takes But as Beach highlights, Ainformation management BI dashboards so that production machine alerts, work orders for Da very distinct line - that it’s the manner in which data seriously. Data is the forecasting is optimised for preventive maintenance based on to manage the operational is presented that determines source of every laundry and both man and machine. Our metering (time, run-hours, pieces side of a laundry business its usefulness. This is why he therefore requires intelligent, experienced laundry business processed) and manual work requires a good EPoS system says that DryStream provides a An EPoS terminal from futureproof software solutions consultants are currently orders (with predefined tasks, that will collect data to provide comprehensive set of management DryStream ready for action which meet the needs of global implementing this at multiple schedules, required & parts). management with information reports that address key areas laundries and their operators. laundries in Europe and the USA, Gotli Labs believe that upon which they can make of the business for marketing, the workload to smooth out daily Gotli Labs have been providing expanding our partner network for software is never finished and basic decisions. production and financial purposes: operations. such solutions for over 20 data-interfacing rapidly.” they continuously develop new And his offering, he says, can “For example, understanding what In terms of application, Beach years which, they say, help Embedded in their GLOBE functionalities with a strong focus do all of that by the spade and are the most and least popular says that each DryStream system management make the right 4.0 solution is a maintenance on machine learning and working the principles are very simple: cleaning services requested includes a comprehensive set of decisions at the right time. module to document and report in close collaboration with their “Our EPoS systems collect data and knowing the resources reporting tools for management Their web-based industry 4.0 (time, material) all maintenance customers and Clover.info from every transaction. During available to the business helps to extract data dynamically software solution GLOBE collects related tasks within the laundry. (equipment) partners worldwide. initial setup and installation, a management determine where to whenever they wish, with detailed equipment, (employee) technician will discuss individual apply marketing effort to increase transactional information and key production, time clock, utility and requirements with the business profits.” performance indicators “to help HR/payroll data. All based on the owner to determine what they Alternatively, perhaps a guide the business to maximum Lean manufacturing principles of expect from their installation and laundry wants to explore the efficiency and productivity”. value, value streams, flow, pull, to configure the system to provide possibility of expanding capacity Scripts can also be customised to and perfection and visualised and the most useful information to process more shirts by examine unique combinations of presented on the shop floor in real according to each business’s investing in a new shirt pressing information that might be specific time. particular needs.” Clearly getting machine. By understanding the to a particular business process. Gotli Labs said: “Independent the system set up correctly at the trend and volume of its current DryStream also offers or in close collaboration with very beginning makes all the shirt business, together with its TillWatch to retail drycleaning our Clover4.info partners we difference. potential new business, say, from operators – “a system,” says managed to create powerful As an aside, Beach comments a database of customers who have Beach, “that monitors and watches Business Intelligence (BI) reports that DryStream has been suits cleaned but not shirts, allows cash in a DryStream cash drawer and dashboards. Our GLOBE BI supplying EPoS systems to management to assess the size of and makes sure it stays there. It’s module (based on Oracle and drycleaners and launderers since the opportunity. As Beach puts it, a perfect security solution for Microsoft Azure/PowerBI) is 1993 and “manages a programme “simple calculations determine drycleaners who can’t be in their our analytical system that can of ongoing product development.” how likely the businesses will shops all of the time.” give you the necessary insight He adds that “emerging IT achieve a satisfactory return All DryStream EPoS and to develop a successful, strategic techniques allow new methods on the proposed investment… TillWatch systems are available day-to-day operation. GLOBE BI of data processing that allow it’s about applying effort with for single payment outright identifies trends and patterns and developers to further enhance precision and from a position purchase or on fixed term three makes connections for both men the application with new ways of of knowledge to achieve a more or five-year leases. There are no and machine.” presenting and utilising data.” likely and anticipated outcome.” ongoing monthly fees required “We see a strong increase in So, from initial item receipt and Another way to look at the benefit with DryStream EPoS systems. smart, modular laundries where until it’s returned to the customer, of information - knowing where DryStream EPoS systems are more machines are directly linked the DryStream system records demand lays allows managers to all inclusive in that they include to our Globe Azure platform, data Globe performance screen what’s being done and when, so a allocate resources appropriately hardware, software and unlimited is read in (near) real-time details in situ catalogue of data is being recorded and to place effort on spreading lifetime telephone support. ABS Laundry Business Solutions

ommercial laundries using many hours are required collating option to drill down and analyse and monitor procedures we ABS Laundry Business data, leading to delays in accessing results shown in interactive chart, couldn’t control before. The real Solutions comprehensive figures and extra pressure on graph or tabular formats. Multiple time reporting feature has been C TM ABSSolute ERP software administration employees. reports can be grouped together of an incredible assistance. It’s have been benefiting from Leon Barlow, head of to create dashboards of a specific been also a great appendix for instant access to data and operations for PHS Besafe, topic that instantly refresh with our management team as we can one version of the facts since stated, “ABSSolute provides the up to date data. Gone are the days produce new reports and retrieve 1987. Over the years, standard information I need at the touch of manually creating reports and information within minutes but Real time packing data reporting options have of a button. The application is an KPIs in excel. One version of the perhaps the main benefit from increased with the latest 9.04 invaluable tool to instantly access truth is always readily available BI is to enable us from offering implemented clients’ access benefiting from BI dashboards version offering 456 reports staff performance and production via workstation, web and mobile bespoke reports to our customers real-time product location data. located on the shop floor. We see with a full installation. Having data across our multi-plant apps. with the ABS web portal.” ABS has found transparent more and more laundries installing access to data at any time is a organisation.” “ABS BI has been a powerful County Linen is a great data sharing reduces customer large monitors displaying key strength of ABSSolute. In addition to standard tool for us,” commented Jimmy example of how laundry stock holding, increases customer real-time production and packing Laundries that manually reporting, ABS’s Business Jorge, IT and technical support customers are benefiting too. satisfaction and reduces the statistics. Customer feedback re-key data from paper or basic Intelligence (BI) application manager at County Linen. He Customers can instantly access demand on customer services. confirms production teams are software applications into excel, allows laundries to create their continued: “BI supports every various reports and dashboards In addition to laundry working more efficiently when risk simple keying errors leading own reports using simple drag department within our business, shared via our web portal. management and customers, BI monitors showing workload to misinformation. Moreover, and drop tools. Users have the allowing us to optimise processes Where UHF RFID has been production employees are progress are installed.

8 LCT April 2020 Company Update Celebrating 15 years of Vision Support Services

Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Accor Humble beginnings as well as John Lewis, TK Maxx Leading textile supplier and and Waitrose in the retail sector distributor, Vision Support and the Ministry of Defence in Services, celebrates 15 years of government. trading this year. Since its inception, the The company, which was company has grown revenues founded in 2005 by north-west by over 10 times and a hugely entrepreneur Dan Wright, sought successful 2019 has seen to bring together a number of unprecedented growth which is heritage-rich textile mills and turn set to continue through 2020 and them into one, successful, global beyond. entity. In 2018, Vision won the Liddell, Whitaker Services nomination for Marriott and Hilden; all steeped in history International to supply an and each with a rich brand story, approved range of filled bed linen were amalgamated into the Vision which was then extended to bed Group and became their three linen. to reduce, reuse and recycle and is rehabilitation and integrate them leading product brands; offering Vision’s work with Accor also pleased to be able to present this back into the community. Some luxury, specialist and performance substantially increased through brand new range which aims to of these past offenders have even textile products to multiple market 2019 after winning the approved address the issue of using more been offered permanent positions sectors. supplier status for filled bedding sustainable and eco-friendly upon completion of their work Once the Vision name grew, to the global hotels across the products in an effort to preserve experience. and became renowned in its own Accor portfolio of hotels. the planet. Partnerships have also been right, so did the customer base. Since launching the brand To satisfy this extra demand at the forefront of core activities Today, Vision is a global, united new upscale lifestyle brand voco through the growth and nurturing over the last year for Vision. The business, with its own label in 2018, IHG has opened voco of current and new relationships, company identified a need for products, which operates across hotels in a number of locations Vision has recently upped the potential customers to join forces the four corners of the world and worldwide including the UK, on-hand inventory holding levels, with a textile provider in order strengthened further with Vision’s Australia, United Arab Emirates an increase of 20 per cent since the to provide a mutually beneficial acquisition by WestPoint Group; a and Saudi Arabia. Vision, through beginning of the year. programme that enables partners US textile giant which took place its nominated supplier status with to purchase linens at a discount in June last year. IHG, developed and supplied Diversifying the rate. All of the marketing and Together, both companies now pillows and duvets made from activity is co-branded to allow form one of the largest and leading recycled plastic bottles in order talent pool easy route to market for Vision’s textile businesses in the world. to tackle the worldwide plastic Vision has always endeavoured products, using the company story which the impact hasn’t been truly warehouse measuring 60,000 sq ft. pollution problem. to diversify the talent pool and product quality to give peace felt and the benefit of which will These warehouses facilitate and Unprecedented All in all, over three million within the business as proven of mind to the end user. only become apparent throughout dispatch around 150 orders per bottles have currently been by its highly successful and The partnerships are also 2020. day; one is dedicated to core range growth recycled and reused and are now ongoing apprenticeship scheme bespoke to the exact needs and stock whilst the second warehouse Vision is Europe’s leading supplier being used in voco hotel bedding programme. requirements of both the partners Looking to the is dedicated to customer-specific of textiles to the hospitality sector, around the world. As a supplier, Vision is proud to work and the customer base, which is stock. This ensures that both boasting key customers such as Vision is always looking for ways alongside local institutions and why a new partnership team was future through online and offline orders are colleges such as Blackburn College set up, not only to keep up with innovation and seamlessly being dispatched (UK), Baltic Apprenticeships and the demand but to ensure each adaptation without any impact on the other. Arch Apprentices to offer exciting partner has a point of contact Technology, the changing face and unique opportunities for within Vision who is able to create The Vision warehouses, in of the UK high street and the huge its trainees and Vision actively a solution based on the individual Lancashire, England, have very rise of online retail has meant that encourages their development needs of each one. successfully transitioned to new Vision’s routes to market have and training throughout their For Vision’s laundry division, technology allowing the picking changed. The e-commerce teams qualification. the appointment of Lee Francis as and packing of products to be are growing, and will continue Alongside this, and from key account director in 2019 has streamlined. This is particularly to do so and is integrated well Vision’s close working and meant that the team has hit the useful when competing on a direct and truly into Vision’s everyday long-standing relationship with ground running for the start of the footing with the likes of Amazon business operations. the Ministry of Justice, over new year securing new business in retail markets. As Vision looks back and the last 12 months the company and strengthening existing As part of this transition, celebrates 15 years of hard has embarked upon a prisoner relationships. In fact, the laundry Vision acquired a brand new work, dedication to quality and release scheme whereby it offers division has announced 20 per warehousing facility measuring commitment to ethics, there is no real-life work experience to cent more annual business than 75,000 sq ft, a stone’s throw question that the future is set to be past offenders in an effort to aid in 2018 with substantial wins, of away from their existing bonded even brighter.

CBW systems DRYERS x Jensen Universal 13x50kg + High x 2 x Lavatec Gas TT745 of 2013 pressure press. Machines of 2005, in FEEDERS AND FOLDERS excellent condition! x KANNEGIESSER CFM and MKF, x Kannegiesser Powertrans 16 x 50 + 3300mm working width, year 2014 High pressure press. Machines of x Completely Rebuild JENSEN Logic plus 2008! of year 2009 x Lavatec 8 x 35 CT with centrifuge of TUNNELFINISHERS 2006 TOWELFOLDERS x Rebuild Lavatec 14x50kg + press. x Jensen thematic pro with 3 sortings, IRONERS and IRONINGLINES year 2007 x Kannegiesser ironingline with EMT feeder, HPM ironer and RFM folder. Much more machines available, x LACO KING GAS of 2015 in our warehouse of 4.000 M²!

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April 2020 LCT 9 In Focuscus In Focus Ludovic Blanc

About Ludovic Blanc

Ludovic Blanc is founder and CEO of BLANC, innovative health-friendly and efficient alternative: the natural artisan garment care specialist. After the Electrolux, Woolmark-approved ‘wetclean’ completing his MBA at HEC Paris, Blanc moved technology, which is suitable for everything with into a career in banking, where he progressed a dryclean label. to vice president at JP Morgan. With a history With an operations centre and Atelier based in entwined in garment care, his great grandmother West London, BLANC recently opened its fifth was a laundress, as well as being raised by a family London store with more launches planned in 2020 passionate about nature and the environment, and a high impact rollout over the next five years. Blanc was keen to develop an environmentally- BLANC also offers a central London collection sound business model that would genuinely make and delivery service. Fashion trade title Business a positive change in terms of the environmental of Fashion described BLANC as the ‘Net-a-Porter crisis. of Drycleaners’ and was named Brand of the Year Ludovic decided to leave banking, to study the 2020 in the Sustainable Lifestyle Awards. business models of French eco-drycleaners and the When he isn’t working, Ludovic enjoys wider drycleaning business, before launching his spending time with his wife and two children and own business, BLANC, in 2013. things are set to get even busier, with child number BLANC is an artisan natural drycleaner, tailor three arriving this summer. As a Karate black belt, and launderer. BLANC uses biodegradable, he lets off steam through regular, intense training non-toxic detergents and has replaced perc, with an sessions, or relaxes by reading historical novels.

… on his industry career

When I launched BLANC, to caring for their precious clothes terms of customer service. I wanted to build a business and expect top class service. We We work hard to fit our that genuinely mattered and to use innovative technology to natural cleaning service around improve people’s health and the make sustainable garment care our customer’s lifestyle – to make environment. But in doing so, accessible and convenient and to it easier for them to adopt more we also had to offer an impactful ensure we go over and above in eco-friendly habits. service that consumers wanted, whilst still putting staff and sustainability first – no easy feat. We’ve been established seven years now and it has been a huge learning process. … on sustainability In the UK at least, people are only really starting to understand the message that wetcleaning Sustainability has always been right elements or suppliers, so Along with our natural, non-toxic is better for your health as it at the heart of BLANC, but it’s you can imagine the challenges cleaning process, we use kraft completely removes the risk of obviously become an industry- an individual business faces, bags in place of plastic, which are exposure to perc - it doesn’t use wide focus over the recent especially when more ethical recycled, recyclable and reusable. any. years and rightly so, but there supplies often come with an Our new polyrolls are about to be Customers obviously have is still much to do. High profile increased price. released and are made out of 100 very high standards when it comes individuals, such as Greta For example, we’ve just per cent compostable material, Thunberg, along with campaigns launched our electric van, which can be treated like any from the likes of Extinction which we use for collections organic waste and decompose Rebellion and wider government and deliveries, but it has taken naturally in your compost bin. legislation and G7 policy, are all 12 months for the manufacturer We also encourage our … on industry developments forcing the fashion industry to to deliver the van. Similarly, customers to reuse or bring back be more sustainable, which is we are working on compostable everything they receive with their The garment care industry is the last year, there has definitely A recent Forbes report highlighted impacting garment care. polyrolls, water filtration to garments (hangers, clips, etc) so changing, and it’s for the better. been a shift in consumer insight. that fashion garments, which we Wetcleaning is the most remove micro particles and heat we can reuse them. These sound Perc is already banned in many The current focus on re-use and wear less than five times and keep environmentally friendly re-usage. like simple decisions, which parts of the US, France and re-wear is a great opportunity for for 35 days, produce over 400 per professional method of garment I honestly believe that if we everyone can adopt, but I have to Denmark, although not yet here in the industry as a whole. cent more carbon emissions per cleaning. It does not generate all try to do something, we can admit it takes a great deal of work the UK, as it is known for being a I believe that cleaning and item per year than garments worn hazardous waste, nor does the genuinely make a difference. to make it happen. strong pollutant for air, water and tailoring is the missing link in 50 times and kept for a full year. process create air pollution. It soil, as well as irritating the skin. sustainable fashion: we can see So, our industry can really make reduces the potential for water and Consumers are understandably more sustainable fashion brands a difference. soil contamination. As settings concerned about the toxic impact emerging and some collectives Historically, staff treatment clean at much lower temperatures, and are looking for an alternative. take care of giving a second and retention hasn’t been at the water is heated on demand to In the current climate, we life to clothes but the consumer forefront of the industry, but reduce energy usage in machines find that consumers are really use phase is often forgotten, companies are starting to see the that are already much more energy starting to scrutinise all of their even though 50 per cent of the very clear benefits of treating efficient, and steam resulting from buying decisions and that includes greenhouse gas emissions from staff fairly, improving working this process is used in other parts who cleans their clothes. Even in clothing takes place in this stage. conditions and the impact of of the cleaning process. employee legislation. Again, this With sustainability and is a favourable improvement for environmental impact such a staff, customers and the industry focus for us, you would imagine alike. it’s easy, but it’s still a real The space and the technology challenge to make or source the in garment care is changing rapidly. We’re constantly trialling new technologies alongside wetcleaning, always focusing on … on industry collaboration the most environmentally-friendly ways. I think it’s a really exciting The great thing about garment ever. cleanable in a more sustainable time to be in this industry, care is that it crosses so many It’s also vital for the garment way, to ensure their designs can with a fantastic pace of change. other industries, which only care industry to work directly with stand the test of time. When it Like everything, older business increases opportunities for designers and manufacturers, comes to educating consumers models will have to adapt to collaboration. The current surge especially if we’re to challenge on the benefits of wetcleaning, new demands and technology, in popularity for rental clothing the environmental impact of we’ve collaborated with brands if they’re to thrive. BLANC is platforms, along with media ‘Fast Fashion’. Through BLANC who are already recommending seeking to grow organically, but interest in initiatives such as Lab, we work with design houses “Wetclean Only” or “W” on their also via acquisitions, either of #SecondhandSeptember means to make sure that the textiles garment care labels, which allows stores, delivery routes, or relevant garment cleaning, tailoring and that are being used for future consumers to make more ethical companies in our industry. repair are more important than collections are long-lasting and decisions.

10 LCT April 2020 News Textile Care Supplies rebrands as TCS and appoints two Ask the Expert new board members

Laundry and drycleaning two new board members to its industry for nearly 30 years, has supplier Textile Care Supplies has team. welcomed general manager Sally rebranded as TCS and appointed TCS, which has supplied the Bousie and commercial support supervisor Finlay Carlin to the board. In this new regular feature for launderers and drycleaners we’ll Festival be turning to industry specialist Andy Marsh for some expert Bousie and Carlin join existing board member and guidance and sound, practical advice to help you to get the most out managing director Douglas of your equipment and processes. If you have a question for Andy, clean up Yates, who took over the then please get in touch at editor@laundryandcleaningtoday. day-to-day running of TCS in co.uk. Johnsons Hotel Linen by Afonwen 2016 following the retirement of support New Beginnings, a charity founder Dennis Jack. in Reading by washing, free of The company has also About Andy… charge, all the leftover sleeping rebranded and introduced new, Andy is an industry bags from last summer’s Reading state-of-the-art software to consultant with 25 years of Festival. reflect the changing needs of the experience across the sector. New Beginnings aims are the market. He has worked in most types prevention and relief of poverty Bousie said: “The industry of laundries and has designed and financial hardship of persons has seen a shift towards new and built some of UK’s finest in Reading who are in need due technology and, as our customers operations. He started Marsh to social or economic reasons. become more tech savvy and look Project Solutions four years This includes providing clothing, to streamline their businesses, we ago when he recognised food, essential items, temporary are poised to embrace that. that there was a need for accommodation, signposting “We have launched a new independent advice in the to other support services and state-of-the-art software industry. assistance with independent living. system, which combines He has assisted clients with needs as diverse as machinery Johnsons Reading site back end operations with a choice and supply, to energy saving equipment and water washed over 100 sleeping bags customer-focused website. recycling systems. When it comes to laundry, he can pretty left behind following the 2019 “Our new customer-facing site much assist wherever there is a need. Over to Andy… Reading Festival. They were then features live stock figures, online redistributed by the charity to the ordering, and a trade portal for homeless. Not only giving them to those who order regularly. people who will benefit greatly but “The trade portal enables Question… a great way of recycling too. customers to locate products more Dear Andy: Occasionally we get complaints from customers Johnsons support the charity easily, place orders, pay bills, that are so inexplicable that our first instinct is to dismiss them throughout the year too by washing view past orders and invoices, as being untrue. For example, last week we had a customer the linen from the charity’s night and to manage their accounts at complain that they had received back a bag of “dirty” bedlinen shelter for the homeless which their own convenience. that had not been laundered. I checked with my production team offers homeless people a hot meal, “We have already had some and they state categorically that this could not happen. However, clean clothing, a bed for a night and very positive feedback from I received the bag back from the customer and the linen was breakfast. those using the new system.” indeed still dirty. I showed it to the production team and they still insisted that this could not have happened, and the confusion was at the customers premises. Have you experienced this kind Raising money for of thing and if so, how did you handle it? Thanks SH (Seattle) TROLLEYS Andy says… the community Hello. It is always very easy to think that these kinds of things could not happen in your operation. In my experience, laundry managers are very busy people and are proud of the job Cooking up a storm they do (rightly so), but this can lead to an overprotective nature in Christeyns Rutland Design & develop trolleys to and an unwillingness to accept fault. I do not say this abstractly Street canteen as I have been that laundry manager. Many years ago, I was suit customers requirements presented with a complaint from a customer saying that we had laundered a duvet cover and sent it back to them with a child’s Mould-in logos & crests toy car inside it. My first reaction was to laugh and dismiss it, but the service team were adamant that we had done it and Full range of colours they eventually presented me with the offending item. It was as described, a small metal toy car, slightly flattened. I showed Screen Printing available it to the production team and they also said that it would be impossible to do this as the duvet would not have passed through the ironer. At a loss to explain it I decided to pass the duvet through the ironer with the car in it, expecting for my analysis to hold true. The duvet and car passed through without issue and was folded perfectly at the other end. We learned a lot that day. Firstly, that our ironer needed adjustment and secondly to be more accepting of complaints and keep an open mind. I summed it up to the wider management team with this line from Sherlock Holmes, “when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth”. Good luck. For more detailed advice contact Andy Marsh directly.

S - SUPER 8 AND THE WHOLE ELECTROLUX LAUNDRY RANGE! P - PRICES FAB R - ROBUST M ACHINERY I - INNOVATIVE DESIGNS N - NUMEROUS S AVINGS G - GET O N THE PHONE NOW!! Contact us to discuss your requirements Staff at specialist chemicals cook a full English breakfast manufacturer Christeyns have which all staff at the Rutland SEE PAGE 2 6 NOW Email [email protected] been busy raising money for Street headquarters could UK 0845 4890326 their chosen charities. enjoy for a nominal fee. ‘The Big Breakfast’ The firm raised around IRL +353 93 24066 fundraising event held in £200 for its chosen charities March saw members of staff - Forget Me Not Children’s from the sports and social Hospice, Macmillan and One www.jfctrolleys.com committee getting together to in A Million.

April 2020 LCT 11 On Premise Laundries Inside information

Jean Anderson reports on what to consider when RENZACCI UK looking at bringing your In the last year, one of the country’s garments, but with Electrolux’s laundry services in-house leading and most experienced wetcleaning system, you have supplier of wetcleaning, laundry, the ability to process it all in one drycleaning and finishing system, saving money, reducing equipment, Renzacci UK, has hassle and generating additional hether to operate their own linen, uniforms observed more and more hotels revenue.” an on premise and guests’ garments, and so turning to their internal laundry Tests have demonstrated Wlaundry (opl) or prefer an in-house laundry. departments as an additional Electrolux’s lagoon® Advanced outsource to a specialist Then there are care source of revenue, says Jason Care system can process up to commercial operation is homes, veterinary and Alexander, managing director of 250 items per day and uses less a big decision – one size equine practices, holiday Renzacci UK. water and energy than a standard doesn’t fit all. or educational centres and Alexander said: “We have drycleaning machine - making Many hospitality sector even prisons, all seeking the noticed a marked increase in it cheap to run, completely businesses have found the best right answer for their laundry enquiries from hotels across the environmentally-friendly, whilst solution for their linen needs is needs. UK that have decided to explore improving the bottom line for to use a commercial laundry. Our contributors can all how to get more out of their hotels. Others, particularly small and provide tailored opl solutions in-house laundries. Based on real-world usage from medium-sized independent, that will make life easier and “With the advent of Renzacci UK customers, surveys often boutique operations, help you to fit your needs Electrolux’s lagoon® Advanced found it is 21 per cent cheaper to want to keep full control of perfectly. Care system, which is an Renzacci staff carry out run a lagoon® Advanced Care environmentally-friendly and wetcleaning training at cycle processing 14kg, compared revenue-generating ‘wetcleaning’ Palace Laundry to a 14kg drycleaning machine. laundry and textile cleaning Alexander concludes: solution, the decision to go as it involves a quick processing towels and bed linen, alongside “So whether you’re a small in-house for certain aspects of this time with excellent results, garments that are typically independent boutique hotel or operation is a no-brainer.” overall enhancing the customer ‘dryclean only’, such as suits, part of a larger group, having the Alexander continues: “Having experience. Being able to offer uniforms, waistcoats, ties and most cost-effective, flexible and spoken to executive housekeepers these services in-house increases blouses for example. It can even reliable laundry solution onsite is at numerous hotels, being able to both control and revenue.” process more delicate items like a must for hotels. It will increase offer an in-house drycleaning He adds: “The flexibility of silks and detailed bed throws. revenue, boost quality and enable service for items like suits, in wetcleaning is perfect for hotels. “Typically, you would require you to offer guests value-added an environmentally-friendly and It has the capacity to process both multiple laundry and drycleaning services that help set you apart simple manner, is highly desirable traditional laundry items, like machines to process this array of from your competition.” GIRBAU UK

The demand for control of the laundry has made exceptional laundry process is what drives savings: “Our objectives have most businesses to invest in been achieved, and with savings an in-house laundry, says versus outsourcing at 54 per cent Girbau’s marketing manager, Jo since we went live on 1 January Emmerson. 2019, it means our ROI forecast In Girbau’s experience, is 18 months, much sooner than hospitality customers who have originally expected,” said the historically outsourced their general manager of DoubleTree laundry will have concerns by Hilton Milton Keynes. around quality or turnaround This hotel boasts 304 guest time at some point. Combine rooms and the year-old Girbau this with housekeeping teams’ laundry processes all the room passion to exceed their customer linen, towels, robes and shower expectations, and investment in curtains for the hotel, plus table an opl or in-house laundry is the linen for the events team as well clearest option. as offering a wetcleaning service The OXWASH eco laundry in Oxford held a grand opening Prihoda, specialists in In addition to control of linen for the staff uniforms and guest event following investment in Girbau equipment fabric ducting, have quality and availability, there laundry. invested in Girbau can be substantial commercial “The substantial laundry Girbau can provide equipment for one step further, by adding disinfection in the laundry machines benefits to investing in a full refurbishment in 2019 saw two a towel laundry that will deliver Girbau’s Sapphire software you cycle, effective cleaning of on-premise laundry with some 50-60kg capacity, and one 20kg smaller operators’ financial can manage your opl remotely, specialist workwear or installing smaller domestic and commercial larger hotels and spas reporting ED Series Eco Dryers installed savings and operational benefits. giving operator’s access to cycle a commercial laundry in a laundry businesses looking to savings of between 25- 45 per cent to match two HS-6 series 57kg By introducing efficient data to analyse their laundry restricted access or high security increase their in-house capabilities compared to previous outsourcing washers, a 24kg washer and 13kg equipment that will reduce water workflow and monitor equipment site, it’s all in a day’s work for the to offer their customer’s specialist laundry costs. washer and two PBP flatwork usage and energy consumption, to see production in real time and Girbau team, who will plan your wetcleaning solutions or more For one of Hilton Group ironers,” said Emmerson. control of the wash and dry spot inefficiencies in machine laundry project from conception ecologically responsible business sites, investing in a full in-house Even when space is an issue, process can be achieved. Going usage, enabling laundry managers to installation and beyond. models like OXWASH who to reduce machine downtime by “With support of our invested in Girbau equipment to quickly identifying and resolving nationwide team of fully-trained achieve their aim; for a zero net machine alarms with direct access service engineers, flexibility in carbon emissions for the entire to equipment maintenance and tailored maintenance packages, laundry process, from collection, operator manuals. bespoke operator training washing and delivery with electric Emmerson said Girbau has programmes and a wide variety cargo bikes. seen considerable growth in the of finance options available to suit Girbau has also acquired last 12 months in government all budgets.” new business from companies in funded institutions, with several Emmerson adds: “From dairy farming and fabric ducting projects for HM prisons, fire and an industry perspective, cleaning, where they are required rescue services and NHS hospitals interest from the healthcare to launder specialist textiles. “The this year already. and hospitality sectors looking advanced technology and specific Emmerson adds: “These to invest in smarter laundry control of Girbau’s HS series Secure access to the organisations have clear equipment doesn’t appear to be washing parameters, makes the Girbau’s bespoke training laundry equipped by Girbau objectives when they approach declining in 2020. HS 6 Series equipment a smart for the City FM team at HM prison Liverpool Girbau, whether that is monitoring “We’ve also seen a variety of choice,” said Emmerson.

12 LCT April 2020 On Premise Laundries

DANE REALSTAR ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL

It’s no secret that the initial “When given a choice between investment needed to procure allocating space to revenue- To meet the demand for commercial laundry equipment is generating and non-revenue low-floorspace laundries, greater than the outgoings needed generating activity in the Electrolux Professional has for domestic machines but, it’s an hospitality sector, hoteliers added two low-footprint investment worth making, says are naturally inclined to go machines to its new Line Dane Realstar’s Sheila Higgs. with the former,” says Mick 6000 portfolio of commercial “Many businesses think they Christian, regional training laundry equipment: the WH6-6 can keep costs down by using and demonstration manager washer and TD6-7 dryer domestic machines in their for laundry, at Electrolux on-premise laundry, but they pay Professional. market. Unlike other commercial the price in the long run,” says “As laundry has traditionally tumble dryers, there is no need Higgs. been non-revenue generating, for an exhaust or water-cooling Higher running costs; more compared to hotel rooms system, meaning while it breakdowns and downtime; and dining areas, its typical conserves space, it also saves greater maintenance costs; and floorspace has been squeezed money and time on installation reduced warranty cover are just over time. To meet this demand costs. some of the issues that they might for low-floorspace laundries, Christian adds: “Additionally, face. Electrolux Professional has added both washers and dryers have “For these reasons, it’s vital two low-footprint machines to been designed with many of the that your on-premise laundry uses its new Line 6000 portfolio of new innovations synonymous commercial washing machines commercial laundry equipment: with the larger machines in the and tumble dryers together with the WH6-6 washer and TD6-7 Electrolux Professional portfolio. the correct finishing equipment, dryer.” “Both models are equipped ironing tables, presses, cabinets, Electrolux Professional’s Line with a smart user interface roller ironers, all ensure that 6000 series combines efficiency powered by a new Compass linen and garments are crease and ease of use with a compact Pro® microprocessor, complete Vibe control, which improves free and when wrapped in footprint. The machines can be with a large screen for clear user experience and streamlines polythene produces the perfect sited side-by-side or stacked in operation. Quick-select buttons programming. The 7” full HD presentation.” a tower configuration, taking up for frequently used programmes colour interface provides a clear Dane Realstar supply quality just 0.4m2 of floorspace, yet with and intuitive icons for normal/low layout for users, without the need machines which will have a the ability to process up to 70kg temperature, delicates and other for scrolling; while dedicated greater operating lifespan, vital of laundry per day. options help to further streamline programmes can be customised if your laundry is running the The Line 6000 heat pump operation. by garment or cycle.” machine eight hours a day, seven dryer, in particular, is one of the “The Line 6000 washers Ergonomics have also been days a week. most advanced opl dryers on the also feature the new Clarus heavily factored into the design Said Higgs: “In addition to Fimas finishing equipment process with the intention to ease the peace of mind you can enjoy complements Dane the physical burden on laundry by purchasing hard-wearing Realstar’s washing and operators during busy periods, equipment, you can also ensure drying range says Christian. your laundry is operating in “All models in the Line accordance with any industry labour needs in sharp focus. labour costs. 6000 portfolio have earned the regulations. Today’s laundry equipment “Dane Realstar can supply a prestigious Ergocert four-star “When you pass your laundry incorporates cutting-edge range of industry-leading washing rating, making them the only to an outsourced laundry technology that significantly machines with a small footprint. commercial laundry machines on company, you trust that their reduces energy consumption and We also offer a range of tumble the market to reach this standard. machines are reaching the lowers labour costs can account dryers and washing machines The top rating is only awarded temperatures and detergent doses for over 50 per cent of the annual which can be stacked on top of after extensive user-testing to that your load requires. However, budget. each other, meaning that if space prove that they can be operated with an on-premise commercial Microprocessor controlled is an issue an entire commercial in a way that can tangibly reduce laundry, there is no need to place machines, with preset and free laundry operation can be fitted tension and strain. your trust in another company; programme options that can be into small areas, ensuring access “Furthermore, given the you can simply programme the created to meet the operator’s to services and plumbing, every increasing prevalence of wash yourself. If your laundry individual needs. High-speed, organisation, hotel, guest house, wetcleaning throughout the requires a disinfectant wash you large capacity washer-extractors and nursing home could have an hospitality industry, both models can make sure your washing can help reduce these costs. on-premise laundry and we have are available with Electrolux machine reaches the right High-speed extraction removes several installed in prestigious Professional’s industry-leading temperature every single time by more moisture from each wash London hotels. lagoon® Advanced Care monitoring the process.” load, resulting in shorter dry “It must be remembered wetcleaning technology.” Dane Realstar will help with times. that for peace of mind Dane The entire Line 6000 portfolio all aspects of the laundry set up, “This not only lowers energy Realstar supply equipment that is available to see at Electrolux from machine type and sizing to consumption, it also helps extend is supported by our well known Electrolux Professional’s Professional’s recently updated the layout of the laundry facility. the life of laundry. In addition, aftersales service and back up, Line 6000 series combines training and demonstration When considering a new or faster throughput means more therefore we supply the Aquastar efficiency and ease of use facility, the Centre of Excellence, upgraded laundry, it is important laundry can be processed in laundry machinery and Fimas with a compact footprint in Luton, Bedfordshire. to keep energy efficiency and less time, significantly reducing finishing equipment, suitable for all aspects of laundry and wetcleaning facilities.” Higgs concludes: “We have a dedicated demonstration facility at our offices (in West Sussex), we welcome anyone who is interested in purchasing equipment to come along for a no obligation demonstration.”

Dane Realstar can supply a range of industry- leading washing machines and dryers with a small Dane Realstar’s adaptable footprint Aquastar washer

April 2020 LCT 13 HHH Awards

The second ever Hotel Housekeeping the best in the hotel housekeeping We look forward to sharing more Honours – known as the ‘HHH’ or the industry – many of whom work information with you in the coming Triple H awards – took place in March directly with laundries, drycleaners weeks about the HHH Awards for at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. and textile services businesses 2021, including information on how Nearly 200 guests turned up for across the whole industry. to nominate someone for one of the an evening celebrating the best of categories.

Thank you for your support … Our charities The money raised on our raffle will be split equally between our The raffle on the night raised £2,000! Our thanks to everyone for their two very deserving charities. support and in particular the following for their kind and generous Decotel donations. We had some great prizes on offer including beds, , Hospitality Action mattresses, handbags, hampers, gift boxes, linen, vouchers for hotel Mattison Contract Beds Behind their smiles and slick service hospitality workers can stays and spas, chocolates, flowers ... … fall upon hard times just like anybody else. Ours is a stressful BC Softwear industry, with long hours, high pressure environments and physically demanding work. Injuries, mental health problems 3EEs and addiction are sadly a feature of modern life. Hilton Metropole Birmingham Pancreatic Cancer UK Global Amenities Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is the national charity dedicated exclusively to supporting research to improve diagnosis and Hotel Supplies Ltd treatment of pancreatic cancer. The charity which does not only Vision Support Services raise new funds for research but is also be a voice for pancreatic cancer sufferers and argues for a fair allocation of research CLEAN funding and attention. Amadeus Sleepeezee Infiniblooms P&G Professional Dukes Hotel Whitakers Chocolates

Our sponsors… HEADLINE SPONSOR

The HHH awards could not happen without the support of our sponsors. Our thanks to …

14 LCT April 2020 HHH Awards Here are our winners for 2020! Congratulations to the winners and everyone who was shortlisted!

The Winners

Laundry Linen Manager Calum Reynolds, The Belfry Hotel & Resort Housekeeping Team Anita Finka, St. Pancras Best Western Premier, Yew Lodge Hotel Renaissance Hotel Cleaning Technician presented by Custodio Anita Finka, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel Barreiros from Amadeus Housekeeping Supervisor Hospitality Giedre Varkuliene, Cheval Harrington Court Porter of the Year Craig Gordon, Conrad London St. James Room Attendant Karen Page, Chilston Park Hotel Housekeeping Manager Donna Smith, The Belfry Hotel & Resort Unsung Hero Mary Curtin, RBH Hospitality Management Green Best Western Premier Yew Karen Page, Chilston Park Kent Hospitality, University of Kent Lodge Hotel presented Hotel presented by Jacqui Lifetime by Greg Elmore from P&G Hurst from Vision Support Priscilla Ladha Professional Services

Highly Commended

Liz Smith-Mills accepting the award on behalf of Giedre Varkuliene, Cheval Mary Curtin RBH Harrington Court presented Hospitality Management by Nigel Smith from presented by Greg Elmore Mattison Contract Beds from P&G Professional

Linen Keeper of the Year Bogdan Wozniak, The Grove, Hertfordshire Housekeeping Team of the Year Borthwick Castle Calum Reynolds, The Belfry Cleaning Technician of the Year Hotel & Resort presented Kadam Arumainayagam, Royal Holloway University of by Gareth Draper from London CLEAN Housekeeping Supervisor of the Year Michal Vilcinsky, The Gleneagles Hotel Porter of the Year Plamen Petrov, Dukes Hotel London Room Attendant of the Year Sonia Ribeiro, Royal Lancaster London Housekeeping Manager of the Year Kathy Draper, Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon Gary Sayles from Kent Unsung Hero Hospitality, University Craig Gordon, Conrad Nicolae Baroc, Royal Lancaster London London St .James of Kent presented by presented by Robert Chris Prior from Mattison Triple H Green Award Kennedy from Hotelcare Contract Beds Royal Holloway University of London

S - SUPER 8 AND THE WHOLE ELECTROLUX LAUNDRY RANGE! P - PRICES FAB R - ROBUST M ACHINERY I - INNOVATIVE DESIGNS N - NUMEROUS S AVINGS G - GET O N THE PHONE NOW!! SEE PAGE 2 6 NOW Donna Smith, The Belfry Priscilla Ladha presented Hotel & Resort presented by Stephen Broadhurst by Nigel Hallisey from Star from Star Linen Linen

April 2020 LCT 15 Advertorial

WashCo’s smart laundry equipment takes centre stage at Lux Dry Cleaners

ashCo – the new drycleaning and wetcleaning information with WashCo’s leaders in laundry – service required a high-quality centralised hub and allow the Whave been showcasing upgrade that would enable them to team to spot signs of a fault some exciting developments increase capacity and operational in real-time to enable them to in their latest installation at efficiency. deliver the ultimate in reactive Lux Dry Cleaners, including the maintenance and support. industry’s first range of smart Lux were particularly keen on equipment - WashConnect. Adopting WashConnect’s proactive service technology for a and how easy the machines are A fresh approach to operate. The ability to allow better experience them to go from regular laundry processing to a wet clean, all whist for Lux The functionality behind using the same equipment, was an Lux Dry Cleaners approached WashConnect was perfect added bonus! WashCo after making plans to for Lux Dry Cleaners. This refit their large domestic and next generation range of commercial laundry. Based machines essentially take care Laundry, in London, their premium of themselves; they share vital perfected Following an order of WashConnect washers and dryers and a dryer ironer, Lux completed their new laundry with finishing equipment from Parrisianne. The site took a few months to be refurbished to achieve their desired layout (and even included removing part of an external wall and window!), but the result upon completion was fantastic!

Intrigued? Get in touch with the WashCo team on 08000 546 546 to find out how your business could benefit from WashConnect’s revolutionary solution.

16 LCT April 2020 News Miele encourages staff CLEAN recognises talent at to join quest to become annual employee awards

Launched in 2018 to recognise of the Year. operative – Nottingham; Jack and commemorate the ‡7KHSLQQDFOHDZDUGIRU Savage, driver – Nottingham; the most sustainable achievements of CLEAN’s Employee of the Year 2019 Aleksandra Cegiela, key 1,450-strong workforce, their was presented to Anna Plata, operative – Ross-on-Wye; Dan employee awards have evolved production team leader at the Davies, driver – Ross-on-Wye; to showcase the entire team’s company’s Slough laundry. Anna Plata, production team company in the industry triumphs with new awards Plata has been rewarded for her leader – Slough; Simon Mawer, to champion those making a unwavering professionalism driver – Slough; Claire Gardiner, Miele is encouraging staff to different across the organisation and dedication, which has seen health, safety and training become more environmentally and a company-wide celebration. her take responsibility for and manager – Yeovil; and friendly, inviting them all to The 2019 roll of honour complete high-level customer Alexandru Ignat, driver – Yeovil. pledge to make a change during includes: installations efficiently and with The winners of each of its recent sustainability immersion ‡ $YWDU 6LQJK FXVWRPHU a positive attitude. the categories and sites were day at Miele GB HQ, Oxford. service manager at CLEAN’s CLEAN has also rewarded invited to a celebratory lunch at Staff pledges ranged from head office in White Waltham one member of the laundry Wokefield Estate in February, sharing lifts to work; eating less in Berkshire, awarded with team and one driver at each of where they were presented with meat; and buying non disposable the 2019 Customer Service its seven sites. The 2019 CLEAN their awards by Kevin Godley, nappies. Miele has promised to Champion award. Site Employees of the Year are: CEO of CLEAN, and John plant trees in support of all the ‡ 6SHFLDO UHFRJQLWLRQ ZDV Stephen Powell, production Jaggi, corporate director of HR staff pledges made. given to engineering manager operative – Banbury; Andrew at parent company, Alsco. During the immersion day, Daniel Stalley at CLEAN’s Townsend, driver – Banbury; Commenting on this year’s staff from both the domestic and Yeovil laundry, for his time as Sandesh Gurung, production awards, Godley said: “Our professional team were brought up Miele’s appliances really are; approach to sustainability is no operations manager, leading his operative – Camberley; employee awards is a key to speed on Miele’s commitment to Miele considers the supply chain, exception.” team to record a 343 day-run of Pawel Pankiewicz, driver – opportunity to thank our team become the ‘the most sustainable recyclability and packaging. The Miele Sustainability having no shortages of linen. Camberley; Dariusz Moryc, for the brilliant job they do for company in the industry.’ Miele’s John Pickering, managing Report 2019 details the ‡ 'ULYHU $OH[DQGUX ,JQDW driver – Cheltenham; Dave us, their colleagues and our 2019 Sustainability Report was director at Miele GB said: organisation’s plans for based at the company’s Yeovil Sutton, driver – Cheltenham; customers. This year’s winners unveiled to the team and staff “Customers are expecting more sustainability across management laundry was named 2019 Driver David Stuart, production have showcased customer were also briefed on all the from their partners and suppliers, and processes; products & services; service excellence and support latest innovations and initiatives and rightly so. “Since Miele first supply chain and production; and for their colleagues, and I and from the organisation, including launched in 1899, the core of its employees and society. It also the CLEAN leadership team details on how it is working with product and business philosophy includes information on Miele’s are incredibly inspired by and McDonalds on grease and fat has been to provide customers with membership of the UN Global grateful for the unwavering extraction for use as biofuel and products of exceptionally high Compact since 2004 and the 17 passion and dedication our team its zero waste to landfill intiative, quality and with a long lifecycle sustainable development goals that have for their roles and their which sees all waste traced and and minimal environmental the UN set out in 2015. The report ability to always go above and accounted for. impact. Sustainability has always also discusses Miele’s agreement beyond. It’s a genuine privilege Sustainable practices have been at the core of everything we to uphold the Paris Agreement, to lead such a superb group of always been at the core of each do. limiting global warming to people and I cannot wait to see part of its manufacturing process. “Our ‘Immer Besser’ (forever less than two degrees and its what else they achieve over the Energy labels offer just a brief better) philosophy means we strive participation in the TextileMission next year.” snapshot of how energy efficient to constantly improve, and our initiative.

Shaping the effortless laundry Line 6000 Washers and Dryers

Providing the lowest possible water, energy and detergent consumption with the best user experience.

www.electroluxprofessional.com/gb/

April 2020 LCT 17 News Inc & Co Group announces Xeros signs first development agreement for Laundrapp acquisition microplastic filtration in commercial laundry

Xeros Technology Group plc, the disposable filter cartridges. entering our food chain. Having developer and provider of water Xeros’ joint development developed our filtration solution saving and filtration technologies partner aims to be the first over the last three years, we are has signed a Joint Development company in the world to provide delighted to be working with one Agreement (‘JDA’) with a commercial laundries with of the world’s most respected global leader in commercial washing machines fitted with and environmentally aware laundry solutions, with the aim microplastic filtration. Upon commercial laundry solution of incorporating the company’s successful completion of the providers. microplastic filtration system, joint development, the JDA We believe XFiltra to be the XFiltraTM, into their commercial provides for the negotiation of a most effective product available, washing machines. commercial agreement to license enabling companies and Washing textiles containing Xeros’ filtration technology consumers to substantially reduce synthetic fibres, such as nylon wastewater from a single load of in a number of geographies in this form of microplastic pollution. or polyester, is a major source of domestic laundry. exchange for royalties. Legislation currently being passed microplastic pollution. Globally, Xeros’ patented filtration Mark Nichols, chief executive in various geographies will it accounts for 35 per cent of system, XFiltra removes up to of Xeros, said: “This invisible hasten and increasingly mandate primary microplastics released 99 per cent of these microplastic form of plastic pollution is highly adoption of in machine filtration into the oceans every year. As fibres from laundry effluent. The damaging to our environment and in order to remove microplastics many as 700,000 microplastic device lasts for the lifetime of the wildlife, and is one of the ways in from washing machine effluent fibres can be released in the washing machine and does not use which microplastics are readily streams.” Major investment sees family

In February Inc & Co Group its ambitious growth plans, is a announced its acquisition of great fit within our group. It’s the operations of Laundrapp, very much a part of our strategy business ready to grow the on-demand laundry service. to have forward-thinking Founded in 2015, Laundrapp technology, and digital The Ironing Lady in Reading will join the Inc & Co Group, products and services within the is a family owned business which offers high-level strategic group. I’m looking forward to established 16 years ago, when its support to high growth digital supporting the Laundrapp team owner, Jackie Chappell took early companies across the UK. The on their mission.” retirement from her high-flying London operating business Dominik Wellmann, CEO corporate career – but found she currently services all major of Laundrapp, said: “I’m missed the challenge of running cities and with its growing, loyal looking forward to working a business!! partner base they are looking to with Jack and his experienced Starting out as a micro enhance existing partnerships team. It’s business as usual for business, they have gone from nationwide and further afield. our customers, the Laundrapp strength to strength, continuing their current contracts, and they Jack Mason, Group CEO of team, partners and suppliers, their growth and increasing the are now the proud owners of a Inc & Co added: “I was inspired and I’m excited to be receiving services they offer – with 26 staff Primus I50-250, the largest ironing by the work of the Laundrapp additional support from the and seven vehicles covering their machine of its kind in the region. team, and the great product they group with our ambitious local area and beyond. They opted for the gas version, have built. This business, with growth strategy.” Major investment in new and an increased gas supply was machinery (washer, dryers and necessary before the ironer was ironing machine) sees them ready supplied and installed by WashCo, Jackie Chappell told Laundry delighted with both the machines to take on even more commercial and the staff trained on using the & Cleaning Today: “Exciting and the service provided by Serge Joris laundry and ironing in addition to machine. times lay ahead for us, and we are WashCo!” appointed President of Girbau Group New liverymen appointed

Left to right: Ken Cupitt, Senior Warden; Graham Oakley, Laundry Efficiency Group; James Davolls, independent consultant on quality linen in hotels; Jack Strachan MBE TD Master of the WCL; John Kitchener Johnson Service Group; and Forbes MacDougall Deputy Master WCL.

The Worshipful Company of Launderers welcomed newly appointed Liverymen in February.

New laundry scheme launched in Swansea to help rough sleepers

Girbau’s new president Serge Joris, centre, with Mercè Wales Online reported on this referral basis from other homeless that by making people feel a bit Girbau, left, and Pere Girbau, right, who remain in their new scheme, the latest brainchild agencies in the area. They will better, they are more willing to roles as CEOs of charity Matthew’s House in give a form to the vulnerable open up and communicate, and Swansea. person, who will then be able to therefore be more accepting Girbau, the leading firm in bolster the management team The space is already home take it along to Matthew’s House of potential solutions to their integrated professional laundry at Girbau and promote the to Matt’s Cafe - a pay what you and get their clothes cleaned. circumstances.” services, has appointed Serge company’s growth. feel style food initiative, Matt’s Thom Lynch, manager at The laundry has been in the Joris as its president. Joris Pere Girbau and Mercè Showers and The Homeless Matthew’s House said: “We have pipeline for two years, but has has a solid professional Girbau, the current CEOs and Period which provides hygiene bought a set of clothes for people hit delays due to the building career spanning over 25 years the third generation in the and dignity packs to rough to change into whilst theirs get being old and not set up for working internationally in family firm based in Vic, will sleepers. washed and dried. suitable ventilation. The team important roles at companies remain in their roles, focussing This is the fourth project being “We are hoping that it will have managed to raise funds by in the technology and industry on developing strategy, new launched by the charity in the give rough sleepers a sense of doing sponsored sleepouts on the sectors, and his appointment technologies, innovation and three years they have been open. dignity, hope and brief relief from street in Swansea and by getting comes as a result of a drive to sustainability. The laundry will work on a their circumstances. We believe donations from local businesses.

18 LCT April 2020 News Report from the WCL technical seminar

Ken Cupitt, incoming Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL) chaired the ‘Technical Seminar’ held at Drapers Hall in London in March opposite the magnificent Southwark Cathedral. After educating delegates with the history of the livery company and the benefits of becoming a Freeman of the City, Cupitt introduced the first speaker of the seminar, Graham Oakley from The Efficiency Group. Oakley explained to the delegates how The Efficiency Group can help laundries become more efficient and greener by reducing energy and costs using cooler washing with the ozone system. Oakley spoke of the origins of ozone, the environmental impact of traditional cleaning, the ozone system and how it reduces your carbon footprint. Steve Hill from Wearwell UK Ltd, manufacturers of a wide range of garments for workwear and protection was up next. PROUD TO BE A Hill started his presentation on technical fabrics/textiles. These are engineered to meet specific needs. These technical needs can NOMINATED LINEN range from welding, grinding, handling of chemicals, molten metal splash protection and other hazardous occupations. The fabrics are manufactured SUPPLIER FOR SOME OF from either cotton, synthetic or a combination and are often treated to achieve specific accreditation to protect the wearer. THE WORLD’S BIGGEST Joe Molloy, founding director of Trade Linens, took to the stand next. Trade Linens are suppliers of linen for four and five-star hotels and have been for the past HOSPITALITY BRANDS 35 years. Molloy spoke of many experiences in the industry from the time he started in 1985 to the challenges linen suppliers face today. He went on to say: “Back in the day the vast majority of the sheet pool stock rental was 100 per cent cotton, and towels were two ply cotton towels - long lasting and hard wearing. Today the challenges faced by linen suppliers is different and launderers are having to wash high quality linen at highly competitive prices producing a hand effect finish. Towels today are heavier, better quality and are expected to keep their colour and softness after numerous washes, thus keeping the pressure on the linen supplier to ensure the supply of high-quality textiles.” The last speaker of the day was Ron Davidson from Cottage Laundry. Davidson gave a very detailed presentation and graphic description of how the laundry was devasted by fire back in 2018. He spoke of the challenges faced with the insurance companies, having to make staff redundant, the cost of the devastation and the challenge to rebuild the business again. According to Davidson in realistic terms the laundry will not be operational again until January visionsupportservices.com 01254 589 550 2022 almost four years after the disaster.

April 2020 LCT 19 Linen Rental Taking stock

they opted for our flexible rental option. Janice Raycroft looks at “We supplied top quality the option of linen rental linens and towels to get them started, after all their occupancy services for commercial rates were only an educated guess. laundries and how it helps The house was a success from the word go and the linen required was customers better manage their stock increased as necessary. The house and the quality of their linen after two years of operation now has a healthy linen stock to match their very healthy bookings.” e all like to feel amounts required and try to get By supplying customers in control and for away with the barest minimum. with enough stock and adding Whousekeepers Or, they rush out and buy what to when required whilst they managing the linen needs in they think is the best from John established themselves, they did a hotel or restaurant is of Lewis or The White Company not have to pay for minimum paramount importance. Using and wonder why it doesn’t stand quantities or tie themselves in to a linen hire service provided by up to the constant wear and tear an expensive contract. They pay a laundry rather than owning of commercial life.” Total Laundry a fixed hire fee and your own stock can seem, on Total Laundry offer a whole an item launder price is charged the face of it, to be giving up range of linen procurement in addition reflecting their part of the ‘hands on’ approach services and renting linen is occupancy levels. Effectively, which makes the service you proving a popular option. New they only pay for what is sent in In the laundry or the hotel linen store, hundreds of items can offer guests stand out. rental properties or B&Bs often to be laundered. This system is be swiftly scanned and counted courtesy of CLEAN However, many commercial do not have a lettings track record, easily trackable, and as there is laundries are now incorporating so the number of bookings in a no second guessing next week’s reaches the end of its useful life. provide dedicated stock services for both sides of the relationship. the personal touch into their season is an unknown. By renting requirements or calculating usage, There’s no getting round the to hotels, restaurants and spas. All 150 or so of Midland’s clients, linen hire services, offering the linen, they can dip their toe, so it saves time on admin too, leaving fact that commercial laundries This includes the smaller from the smallest to the largest, reassurance of bespoke contracts to speak, in the water without them to get on with the business of have some advantages here over hospitality concerns where the are looked after so that anomalies or the certainty which RFID the initial spend of purchasing looking after their guests. less regular customers of linen business ethos of a bespoke and or a sudden need for extra linen tagged linen can supply. outright. While Jeff Yap, managing manufacturers and suppliers. unique offering extends right are swiftly handled. Linen is one of the most Renting is also cost effective director of Birmingham-based There’s the relationship factor – through the housekeeping element They include the prestigious important elements when for the more established Midland Linen, understands why we are long-term repeat customers that guests greatly appreciate Hampton Manor, where the providing hospitality and getting customers. By renting top quality, some hotels might wish to keep a – and we’re buying in bulk.” while remaining oblivious of hard ‘family business’ ethos is it wrong can cost a small fortune commercial linen, they have small in-house laundry service for It’s a similar story when work behind the scenes. appreciated, and Michelin-starred over time. The large hotel chains, access to linen at prices simply guest items, when it comes to the it comes to urgently required “Just like them, a lot of our chef Adam Stokes for both his in the main, have years of unavailable to them and Total financial side of such an operation machinery spares, he points out. newer business comes from noted restaurant, rated number experience to call upon and they Laundry’s simple rental concept he believes that a bespoke linen Not only are commercial laundries recommendations, word of mouth, one in the UK in the Tripadvisor know their business and their keeps customers’ capital in the hire contract sweeps away able to hold a wide variety of and then keeping them. That, Travellers Choice awards, as requirements. bank and their linen cupboard numerous costs, some of them ‘running’ spares, but they will be instead of chasing business and well as nearby The Oyster Club, Total Laundry, a boutique prioritised by contracted suppliers trying to undercut as a way of which opened in April last year. style, commercial laundry based as well as being able to pull on replacing lost turnover, ensures Stokes, with his eye for detail and in Chichester has built their Fast, accurate turnaround is the support of the whole laundry you continue to focus on quality perfection, approached Midland business model on supporting obviously important to both the industry, if needed. and service. Linen after seeing their label on the smaller, often inexperienced Linen hire services also sweep “It’s things like starching all immaculate linen elsewhere. hospitality provider. The rise of laundries and their customers out a tranche of health and safety the napkins so that they always For all the lavish attention Airbnb and short term holiday offering linen rental issues from hotels alongside the look crisp, and never sending out given to guests, behind the scenes rentals has fuelled the increase need for second washes on items anything not quite up to scratch. time is money and there have in the numbers of bedrooms stocked. hidden until there’s a need to which failed to come out of the Presentation counts for so much in been some stunning results of available to let. Lancaster reveals: “We replace equipment or linen, or an wash fully clean. Yap says: “A the businesses we serve.” the partnership launched in 2018 Sarah Lancaster, Total’s have helped a number of new emergency to deal with. good example is curry stains on One concern of hotels and between CLEAN and the Park managing director, says: “Owners establishments in the area, one in “It’s very easy to calculate the table linen. It’s unlikely that an restaurants is having control of Plaza hotels operated by PPHE go to a lot of trouble to furnish particular is a beautiful cottage initial price of machinery such as on-premise laundry machine will seasonal fluctuations they face, as Hotel Group – demonstrating the accommodation, beautiful with amazing views over the a washer, ironing equipment and reach a high enough temperature well as ‘one-off’ bookings which how RFID can transform the kitchens, living spaces, gardens South Downs. No expense had pressing but then you have the to deal with those, and you must suddenly increase the need for housekeeping operation. etc, but all too often they neglect been spared on the fixtures and ongoing running costs of labour, factor in the expertise of staff in linen. However, the best laundries Hotel staff can now check the linen part of the operation and fittings but no thought given to the chemicals and energy usage handling such stains. Temperature are prepared for this. As Yap says: the inventory in a linen room by only at the last minute do they linens, after all a sheet is a sheet, including steam,” he says. is also a health concern where “We do carry a lot of stock and using handheld scanners in as consider their requirements. Often right? We discussed the various “On top of that there is the hotels try to economise by have the space to do it. This means little as two minutes, a task with as not, they have no idea on the options available to them and issue of replacing linen as it washing their own tea towels.” we actually anticipate probable manual counting and recording Yap is one of the champions needs before they do.” that might have previously taken of laundries (he greatly admires In the end, though, he believes half an hour. Julian Carr and the team at regular chats between his team and Ted Walker of CLEAN says: Regency Laundry in Bath) which housekeepers ‘iron out’ any issues “Time is precious, we all know

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20 LCT April 2020 Linen Rental

collection designed for hotels Checking inventory held that have an on-premise laundry. onsite can take time and The range of sustainable solutions manpower – but hiring linen includes towels, bathrobes and spa with an RFID system including linen produced at a factory where scanners from CLEAN can turn there has been huge investment a half hour job into a couple of in technology aimed at reducing minutes its own carbon footprint. These include saving 60 per cent on demonstrates. water consumption by changing “Today, more so than ever, its dyeing and rinsing process; cost is at the forefront of hoteliers’ reducing the amount of natural decisions. That means the fact that gas consumed in its processes and outsourcing laundry provides through the factory’s solar power relief from inventory purchasing plant the company has saved over and maintenance hassles is a million trees and replanted trees notable – especially for smaller, in a 28 million sqm area – that independent hotels. Utilising is eight times larger than New a laundry means that initial, York’s Central Park. often costly, investments do not Barbara Cooke of BC Softwear need to be factored in for linens, says: “We have gone out of our while operational expenses such way to ensure that the SmartSoft as utilities and manpower, can collection still offers the softness be avoided, easing financial and luxurious feel that is inherent pressures during off peak times.” in all our existing ranges, With outlays on equipment, providing a vital combination of chemicals, maintenance and both sustainability and luxury.” utilities fees, in addition to Of course, the best laundries environmental costs, absorbed by providing linen rental services It all adds up: whether the laundry, hotels and restaurants have not only invested in their own arriving for washing or can focus on their core business more environmentally-friendly leaving the premises, and not being overloaded with practices and equipment but can CLEAN and the linen hire tasks across the various functions give hotels reassurance on the customers know exactly of the hotel. ethical provenance of the linen what’s happening to stock Ruia says: “Stock rotation is supplied. also important to consider when For all the 21st century that, but an added advantage is rental service some 15 years ago making this decision. By using an technology, it comes down to that losing this part of the ‘human to a small number of discerning external laundry, there is no need relationships often built up over element’ means there’s no room hotel customers, and word of to hold surplus product during many years, so those considering for error on either side and if hotel mouth has seen this side of their quiet periods and, similarly, at moving all or much of their linen staff think something unexpected operation grow. busier times additional linens can to a hire service can rest assured is happening they can simply go Wendy Westcott of Royal be hired to suit the demand. This that the personal touch will Royal Jersey serve some of the best addresses in the capital online with an UBI Solutions Jersey explains: “We are will also free valuable space that remain throughout the process. with RFID dedicated linen hire services and no pool stock designed system and see exactly individual within the laundry could be used to generate more where items are.” industry, offering high end spec income. In effect, the scanners linen and towelling on rental and “Alternatively, the main remove ‘niggles’ such as hotels catering for the requirements of benefit of hotels purchasing and overordering or thinking they each customer, whereby, the linen laundering their own linens, have a shortage of linen when and towelling is supplied and used rather than renting it from an required stock is simply elsewhere specifically for each individual external company, is that they on the premises. Now it’s simple hotel and never as pool stock. can control the wash process to identify where it is and “Inevitably food and beverage and oversee that linens don’t ‘repatriate’ it to the right place. table linen is often badly soiled or become damaged. However, “What is particularly different abused, this is something which under capacity loads can result in Membranes and is that cages of linen are scanned is closely monitored by us on its inefficient use of electricity and as they go into the hotel,” Walker collection from the customer and under trained staff can produce a adds. “At any time we and the highlighted if it becomes a regular poorly laundered product. Laundry Spare Parts client can look on the computer problem.” “While holding stock and so all of the ‘he said, she said’ ambiguity is removed. The data is helping both sides and produces By renting top quality, Membranes something unique – our customer commercial linen, they have is also our supplier.” Communication is still key, access to linen at prices simply though, such as seasonal changes unavailable to them when perhaps a hotel changes room layout so that business Royal Jersey have a internally has its benefits rooms are converted to family sophisticated linen scanning regarding quality control, rooms. Technology works best system ensuring all linen and a laundry is responsible for when there is a close relationship towelling is properly scanned in ensuring its clients receive clean, with the housekeeping team. and out, enabling faster and more pressed linen in good condition, Trolleys for Meanwhile the RFID system reliable stock checks and also so they endeavour to ensure this is Monorails ensures transparency so that par highlighting the total number of consistent time after time.” stock held at the hotel is kept washes of each individual item. Fast, accurate turnaround is to the minimum and linen is Manufacturers and suppliers obviously important to both the Web- correctly rotated rather than the who serve the laundry industry’s laundries and their customers possibility of overstocking which linen hire system may seem offering linen rental, but in recent Shop can lead to linen sets sitting on further down the chain from times another factor has been shelves and losing that freshness the hotels ultimately using their added – hotels and restaurants appreciated by hotel guests. products, but in reality they have a want to know about sustainability, CLEAN offer what might well superb understanding of the needs which is just as important to them be described as ‘good, better and of hospitality businesses, built as if they owned their own stock. best’ linen ranges and are happy up over years of direct supply to Laundries offering linen Hangers for to mix and match so that a hotel those who own their linen. rental service have access to Transport Systems Various other Parts might choose ultimate luxury The same attention is paid to the suppliers leading in the field Oria bed linen with its high thread the linen hire sector, as Raj Ruia, in this, and it is increasingly count and towels and table linen managing director at Richard likely that in the future ‘green’ from the Isabella range (including Haworth – the UK’s leading items produced in the main for 100 per cent combed cotton supplier of hospitality linen – on-premise laundries will become 600gsm fluffy towels popular in part of bespoke deals in the luxury four and five-star establishments) end of the rental market. or from the Lucia range with its For instance, new for 2020 from cotton-rich bed linen and 450gsm BC Softwear is The SmartSoft towels. While Royal Jersey Linen, serving clients across the Luxurious fresh linen is Wheels for Dryers Compartment Seals London area from its Dagenham supplied under rental Ironer Supplies & Batch Washers for Batch Washers premises, launders predominately agreements to some of hotel owned high end linen and London’s finest hotels by towelling, they introduced a linen Royal Jersey Linen MAXI-PRESS Elastomertechnik GmbH Sales UK & Ireland: Paul Crookes / Tel.: +44 (07824) 552744 [email protected] / www.maxi-press.com

April 2020 LCT 21 News Bvlgari Hotel set to go with new laundry operation

The prestigious five-star Bvlgari Hotel, set in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge, has replaced their old, costly laundry and drycleaning machinery with two state of the art Electrolux Professional heat pump dryers and two Electrolux Professional washers, supplied and installed 24. – 28. 10. 2020, Frankfurt am Main by Renzacci UK, LADA’s Machinery Distributor of the Year 2019. Electrolux Professional’s smart drying technology adjusts Where pure the temperature and spin motion to the fabric in the drum, helping to maintain the quality of garments. Compared to other innovation happens conventional dryers, the system dries garments at nearly half fast-paced laundry operation, the the installation from start to the temperature, preserving hotel was wowed by the system’s finish. He comments: “Getting energy, saving costs and, most easy-to-use control system, systems installed out of usual importantly, making sure the wide door opening for a quick working hours is not a problem garments are never exposed to changeover and extremely fast for us. Although our team remain unnecessary heat. The system processing times. discrete in every installation we can even detect the humidity Keen to ensure the installation do, if a hotel is concerned about of each item in the load so that caused minimal disruption to the disruption it could cause to the garments are dried evenly the day-to-day running of the their guests, we can certainly throughout and protected from hotel, Renzacci UK arranged arrange for systems to go in overheating, which for some for the systems to be delivered during off-peak times.” conventional machines, can and installed by their team Alexander continues: “Bvlgari cause shrinkage. of engineers before 6am. On Hotel’s existing machinery was Wanting to reduce their top of this, Renzacci UK’s very old, expensive to run and carbon footprint, Electrolux technical sales manager, Michael inefficient. We are confident Professional’s washers were the Michael, ran a complimentary that they’ll be ecstatic with perfect fit for Bvlgari Hotel. training session for the hotel’s Electrolux Professional’s new They boast the lowest possible housekeeping team. energy-efficient machines that water, energy and detergent Jason Alexander, managing are cheaper to run and can consumption. Being such a director of Renzacci UK, led process far more loads per day.”

Pictured (left to right) are: Lucy Renaut, Fishers’ finance director; Discover the entire world of textile care every four Scott Inglis, Fishers’ commercial director; years – innovative, international and integrated. Stephen Leckie, Chair of the Scottish Tourism 2020’s clear focus: digitisation. Alliance; and the First Minister.

Here you’ll meet all leading manufacturers and First Minister of Scotland, Tourism Alliance’s Signature Crane which stands outside Nicola Sturgeon MSP, visited Conference being held last the SEC and directly across discover an array of highlights and bright ideas. the stand of Scotland’s largest month at the SEC in Glasgow. the River Clyde from the First commercial laundry company, In the foreground is a towelling Minister’s own constituency in The lectures at the Texcare Forum and young Fishers, at the Scottish sculpture of the Finnieston Glasgow. talent competitions offer an additional source of information and inspiration. UK matting supplier acquires ISO accreditation texcare.com Matsdirect is a UK based years, that spans an assortment of the future, working with even The industry forum’s details: international supplier of high- industries from all over the world. more companies that value this quality matting for commercial, Providing entrance matting certification. retail and industrial markets systems, safety matting and “With the certification being based in Lancashire. advertising matting, the company in demand from clients in both [email protected] In February they announced can offer solutions to almost any the public and private sector, that they had acquired the ISO matting situation to meet various this addition is set to give Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 9001/2015 award which is an business needs. Matsdirect a real edge over its international standard dedicated Chris Bleakley, managing competitors. Being recognised to Quality Management Systems director of Matsdirect said: ‘We by such a widely known body of (QMS). are thrilled at achieving the ISO standards can not only be a signal Matsdirect specialises in 9001/2015 certification by the of efficiency but of a willingness matting product types to suit team, as it confirms our standing to learn and continually develop a whole range of companies. as a quality-focused company as a company. As their product From high street retailers like within the matting industry. line grows and their client base Selfridges to electrical companies Matsdirect UK Limited has expands, they want to ensure a like Siemens, they have an been supplying and designing consistent approach to quality extensive customer base under quality mat products since within their products and their belt after trading for over 25 1998 and can look forward to services.”

22 LCT April 2020 News The science in laundry New finance director appointed In support of British Science of enzymes and super-wetting engineered cabinet is helping important role in innovation Week in March, Liz Kildunne, surfactants that give greater laundries to further improve in the laundry business. technical manager at hygiene soil-suspension. This approach their environmental credentials Continual research into for Johnsons chemicals specialist Christeyns provides two benefits: It allows by washing in cold water whilst chemical combination pushes talked about the importance us to wash in a neutral pH so the the ozone, once used, reverts to the boundaries of conventional of science in today’s laundry soil stays suspended in the wash oxygen. laundry and enables the industry industry. water as opposed to on the linen, New chemical combinations to keep moving forward. Workwear We may not instantly link and is then released with the water have led to the development of Christeyns’ unrelenting laundry to science but the lab leaving the machine. Secondly the products such as SmartShield, focus on the environment and team at Christeyns is constantly neutral pH chemistry leads to less which neutralises the positive the challenges of producing Laura Hassoba, who started researching into how science chemical damage to the textiles charge of the polyquaternium-7 innovative solutions both chemical work on a temporary contract and chemical combinations can thus extending linen life. molecule and thus protects towels and technical, keeps the company with the business straight improve wash outcomes, and more Most recently developments from shampoo and shower gel at the cutting edge of the business after passing her university recently, do so with minimal effect in science has allowed for the stains, and sectors in which it operates. It finance degree, was recently on the environment. wider use of the gas ozone Mulan Solar, a degreaser for offers real improvements and appointed as finance director Over the last decade Christeyns in the commercial laundry sunscreen stains on towels and value for money for its customers for Johnsons Workwear. has been looking into ways in arena. The ability to replicate linen. in the laundry industry across the Hassoba explained her which chemical formulations ozone production in a specially Science will always play an UK and Ireland. career progression and can be rebalanced to reduce the why she is delighted to be damage to the environment whilst appointed to the role: “I’ve cutting down on operating costs, always loved working for i.e. energy and water consumption Johnsons. I came here straight but also, and here is the biggest after studying and when I was challenge, keeping the quality of offered a permanent role I the wash high, if not improved. jumped at the chance.” Since Christeyns set out to develop 2001, she has worked as a a process that would extend the management accountant in the usable life of textiles, which South East region, as a finance had to provide both a gentle and manager in Stalbridge, and as flexible approach, for use with finance manager for Johnsons temperatures from 400C and Apparelmaster (now Johnsons deliver improved wash results. Workwear). Following extensive research and Helen Wood, managing scientific trials, the result was director for Johnsons ‘Cool Chemistry’. Workwear, added: “We’re Launched in 2014, Cool looking forward to working Chemistry’s patented innovative with Laura as part of our approach is able to deliver senior management team. We their way from grassroots improved whiteness, even when encourage and give talented, to the top of our business. operating at a neutral pH and driven and committed people Laura’s valuable experience reduced temperatures and allows the opportunities to develop will enable her to combine less water to be used for rinsing. in Johnsons Workwear. Laura financial insight with a The conventional wash process is another prime example of sound knowledge base of our uses high pH chemistry whereas an employee who has worked company.” ‘Cool Chemistry’ uses a blend

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28 LCT April 2020