Cleaning & Hygiene Supporting Materials
Here you’ll find helpful content and resources from BOSS member companies.
The UK cleaning and hygiene industry is a top 10 sector, offering strong growth, essential services, and increasing public recognition.
For dealers in the business supplies industry, it also represents a powerful diversification opportunity. As traditional office supply categories face pressure from digitalisation and shifting workplace habits, cleaning and hygiene products continue to see rising demand across multiple sectors - from education and healthcare to hospitality and corporate environments.
By expanding into this resilient and essential category, dealers can broaden their offering, deepen customer relationships, and tap into a market with long-term stability and growth potential.
Information supplied by the British Cleaning Council (BCC), the authoritative voice of the UK’s cleaning, hygiene and waste industry. The BCC represents the industry’s interests and promotes its vital role in public health and the economy.
How to Sell Guides
Practical Selling
BOSS members with expertise in the Cleaning & Hygiene sector have shared in-depth answers to a series of targeted questions. Their insights are designed to help you, the dealer, gain a clearer understanding of this growing category.
Whether you're considering expanding into the space or looking to strengthen your current offer, you'll find practical tips, product guidance, and proven approaches to support your success and drive new opportunities.
Additional Resources
Contributing Companies
Here you’ll find a list of contributing companies who have supplied resources for the Hub.
Industry Statistics
A Top 10 UK Industry
- £66.9 billion contribution to the UK economy in 2022 — up from £57 billion in 2020.
- 1.49 million people work in the sector — that’s 5% of the UK workforce.
- Over 77,500 businesses operate in the industry, with steady growth since 2013.
Strong Business Growth
- 12.4% business growth across the UK over the past 3 years.
- High 5-year survival rate: 49.2% of cleaning businesses vs 39.4% UK average.
- Micro-business friendly: 89% of firms employ fewer than 10 people.
Vital, Visible Workforce
- Cleaning professionals are now seen as essential frontline workers.
- The “We Clean, We Care” campaign continues to raise the sector’s profile.
- Public confidence is boosted by visible cleaning in public spaces.
Training & Career Development
- Launch of the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone centralises training access.
- New Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship launched in 2024.
- Over 200 apprentices already enrolled with £5,000 levy funding per apprentice.
Innovation & Sustainability
- Growing use of robotics, smart tech, and digital training.
- Focus on green cleaning products, sustainable packaging, and electric vehicles.
- Businesses are investing in employee wellbeing and net-zero strategies.
Diverse & Inclusive
- 24% of the workforce are foreign-born, bringing global experience and diversity.
- The sector offers flexible working, making it attractive to a wide range of workers.
Information supplied by the British Cleaning Council (BCC), the authoritative voice of the UK’s cleaning, hygiene and waste industry. The BCC represents the industry’s interests and promotes its vital role in public health and the economy.