All articles by kathy bowry
kathy bowry
TRSA Hygienically Clean and Green program appoints new auditors
NORTH AMERICA
The TRSA (the trade association for the linen industry across North America) Hygienically Clean and Clean Green Certification Programs have welcomed seven industry professionals to serve as new auditors as part of its Certification Program Enhancement Initiatives. On 22-23 January, the new auditors gathered for an initial in-depth training session held in Las Vegas, which included a comprehensive review of the Hygienically Clean and Clean Green standards followed by mock healthcare, HACCP programs and Clean Green audits.
BC SoftWear promotes spa inclusivity with plus-sized robes
UK
Plus-sized hotel and spa guests may well feel body shamed when not offered large enough robes, indicated Spa textiles supplier, BC SoftWear, which is urging the industry to consider the range of bathrobes it is stocking, in a bid to highlight the vital role spas can play in supporting inclusivity. The company, which has been supplying luxury robes to spas for 21 years, is appealing to the sector to offer more appropriately sized robes for plus-sized guests as standard.
Three senior sales appointments for BC SoftWear
UK
BC SoftWear, hotel and spa textiles supplier, has further strengthened its business development team with the addition of three new staff members. The new team will help BC SoftWear continue its focus on developing customer relationships as well as pursuing growth globally
TSA Spring Conference presents star-spangled line-up
UK
With speakers that include broadcasting legend and unexpected Strictly Come Dancing sensation John Sergeant, the Textile Services Association (TSA) Spring Conference glides back into the spotlight on 15-16 April, Hilton St George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent. With bookings already high the association is asking anyone who plans to come to reserve their ticket as soon as possible. Last year’s Autumn Conference attracted a record 160 delegates and, with another formidable programme for the Spring edition, places are becoming limited. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back, and perhaps setting another record,” said David Stevens, CEO of the TSA.
Vikas Shah: A lesson in leadership and entrepreneurial humility
UK
The Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL), supported by the Oliver Family Education Trust, hosted a leadership conference on Tuesday, 13 February at Glaziers/Launderers Hall in the City of London. According to WCL: “Motivation is what causes us to act or choose not to. What lessons did the pandemic teach us about motivating ourselves and our teams and how can we maintain our motivation to grow our industry in the face of today’s changing marketplace?” A stand-out keynote speaker at this year’s event was Dr Vikas Shah MBE DL, CEO, Swiscot Group, the textiles and commodities trading business.
Women are driving change in the workwear sector
INTERNATIONAL
The evolution of workwear to include designs that cater to the needs of women in the workplace marks a significant stride towards inclusivity. Historically, the working environment, with its attire predominantly designed for men, has overlooked the specific requirements and safety of women. This shift towards creating workwear that embraces women’s requirements is not just about clothing; it’s about acknowledging women’s integral role across various sectors, from the boardroom to the manufacturing site, and ensuring female workers are equipped to thrive in these spaces.
Record growth recorded by Jensen-Group in 2023
INTERNATIONAL
In 2023, the Jensen-Group achieved an unprecedented revenue milestone of €400.1 million, compared to €341.6 million in 2022, representing exponential growth of 17.1%. This increase was attributed to an exceptionally high order backlog at the end of 2022, a strong order intake in the first semester, and a notable rebound of orders received in the second semester of 2023. “This achievement highlights our sustained growth and solidified market position. The notable increase in operating profit, standing now at €40.7 million, is a direct result of profitable growth,” said the company.
Mission steps up to electric vans with XOS
USA
Xos, a leading provider of medium-duty electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and fleet management software, is pleased to announce that it has received a purchase order from Mission Linen Supply, a leading provider of textile care products and services to hospitality, healthcare, and industrial businesses, for 22’ delivery vans.
OCS named as supplier for RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services
UK
Facilities management (FM) service provider, OCS, has been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services agreement, strengthening its position in the public sector for its FM offering to the healthcare industry. OCS services through the Healthcare Soft FM Framework include linen and laundry in its remit.
Vision and views promised at Swedish TSA conference in May
SWEDEN
The annual meeting of the Swedish Textile Services Association (Sveriges Tvatteriforbund) will take place on 16 May at the Quality Hotel View in Malmo, Sweden in the exciting new district of the city, Hyllie, connecting the city with the countryside.