The World Federation of Building Service Contractors (WFBSC) has published what is said to be the first comprehensive Worldwide Cleaning Report. ‘Covering 38 countries, this survey gives an overview of the size and importance of the cleaning market in those countries and the key issues for the sector,’ stated the Federation.
“The publication of this report marks a big step forward in the work of the WFBSC. Only a global organisation like the WFBSC has the scope to take such a broad overview of the sector and we believe that this report breaks new ground in the knowledge and understanding of our industry,” pointed out Andrew Large, WFBSC executive vice president.
“I hope that the members of the WFBSC and the purchasers of this report will be able to use it to add value to their own knowledge and understanding of their domestic and regional cleaning markets.”
The executive summary and contents pages are free to view on the WFBSC website. The full report can be purchased from the WFBSC for £750+ VAT.
The executive summary, reflecting the report, covers a Profile of the Cleaning Industry; The Impact of the Economy; The Increasing Use of Technology; Regulation; Trade Union Activity; Sustainability; and Staffing and Training.
Among the Report’s conclusions are that “many cleaning businesses across the world are currently under significant pressure to provide services at a lower cost without compromising the level of service they offer. While technological innovation has the potential to make this a possibility in some instances, it is also becoming apparent that this is not always realistic – strike action in recent years for example has highlighted the negative impact that such demands are having on workers and the industry in certain nations.
‘Going forward, sustainability can be expected to play an increasing role across the industry, driven by technological innovation, legislation and (potentially) client demand.
‘Improving professionalism within the industry is likely to be vital to the industry in the future – helping it to not only improve the level of cleaning that is offered to clients, but also to deal with issues such as high staff turnover and the black market (in instances where it exists). If cleaning is able to demonstrate the skills that it requires, and the value it adds as an industry, it may encourage clients to look beyond price when deciding upon a provider.’
WFBSC Congress 2014
On 6 to 9 April 2014, the WFBSC looks forward to holding its 20th Congress in the City of New York. Please visit www.wfbsc2014.com for more details. With world renowned speakers such as Steve Forbes already confirmed, it promises to be an opportunity to hear big ideas from big thinkers in the Big Apple.
Those interested in learning about the benefits that WFBSC membership can bring to their company or association should contact Andrew Large via the contact page at www.wfbsc.org