How was 2024 for RapidClean 

RapidClean in AU was coming off the back of an incredibly successful 2023 year. It was at the back end of this year that I stood before our membership at our annual conference with these great results, and I also recall mentioning that the year ahead (2024) would have its challenges. I talked about how rising interest rates and higher cost of living would impact customer spending and create tightening financial conditions and a weaker outlook for growth. Well, that all happened, and with greater veracity than predicted.

But what was not anticipated were the economic disruptions globally and the impact they would have on the Australian economy due to the wars in the Ukraine and Gaza. We saw

impacts on our trade exports and rising commodity and fuel prices, as well as a direct impact on our cost of living and housing crisis.

Additionally, the aggressive nature of our competitor buying up Rapid members was not in our playbook. It was a tough year, but there were plenty of achievements to celebrate. We must also recognise the challenges we faced to get there, as challenges are what make life interesting, and

overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

In response to these challenges, Rapid added eight new sites to their membership, five new preferred suppliers and additional Rapid branded products to our portfolio. We generated significant new business in our Key Account program and saw improvement in our website and social media volumes.

What do you see as your main focus for 2025? 

Our broader priorities are to continue to expand RapidClean’s geographical reach and breadth of product offering so we can continue to offer our unique value proposition to the industry, as well as investing in the latest systems and processes to generate efficiencies and ease of interaction for our members, customers and suppliers.

What trends do you see in the cleaning industry?

Our customers, and the market in general, are continually evolving their needs and sophistication. Products and practices that will create efficiencies or benefits for them is how we see

the market trending. These trends will focus on sustainability, innovation, automation and health and safety.

What are the biggest challenges facing the cleaning industry right now?

Greenwashing has been around for years and a constant battle to weed out the suppliers who make invalid claims that confuse the customer. Evolving regulations to tighten up on this issue – especially related to chemical usage and waste disposal – requires constant interpretation and adaptation and increases costs for those manufacturers who do the right thing. Balancing innovation, regulatory compliance and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges remains crucial for the industry’s sustained growth.

Where are the biggest opportunities?

Opportunities in our industry lie in the growing emphasis on sustainability. Businesses can capitalise on the increasing demand for eco-friendly products and practices, reducing environmental impact. Integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence presents another avenue for efficiency and improved service delivery. Specifically, for RapidClean, the opportunity is to leverage its unique platform of geographic reach with the ability to supply and service its vast network of locally

owned and operated businesses with significant knowledge and expertise in this industry.

What role does sustainability play in your plans for 2025?

A key focus will be on sustainability for 2025, accelerated by the new reporting legislation. This is not limited to the cleaning industry and aligns with broader industry trends where ecofriendly products and practices are increasingly prioritised. RapidClean will continue to partner with our preferred suppliers,

expanding our range of green and environmentally friendly cleaning products where they assist in operational efficiency and reduction of resources.

What does good leadership mean to you?

I have always been a hands-on leader. I prefer to roll up my sleeves and work alongside my team. Leadership is about being effective, and by following a few simple rules, you can be effective in driving towards a common goal. Providing a clear vision and direction, encouraging open communication, leading by example and adapting to change is very important in providing a platform for autonomy, which motivates your team and inspires trust. In turn, this contributes to a positive and productive work environment. And of course, have fun and enjoy a few laughs.

What is one thing you want people to know about the cleaning industry in 2025?

In 2025, the cleaning industry in Australia is expected to see a significant increase in the adoption of automated and technological solutions. This would include the use of robotic vacuums, autonomous floor scrubbers and smart building management systems that optimise cleaning schedules and processes. These advancements will improve efficiency, reduce labour costs and

enable more consistent and thorough cleaning. As a result, the role of the cleaner will shift more towards monitoring, maintenance and specialised tasks that require human oversight and decision-making. Staying up-to-date with these changes will be crucial for our Rapid members and for our co-operative to support them in doing so with the assistance of our preferred suppliers.