Last week, members of our team joined industry peers at the Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) Economic Outlook 2025. The event brought together business leaders, economists and emerging professionals from across the cleaning and facilities management sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead.
Representing DOC Cleaning were Lee Andrews, Joint Managing Director, Jane Malone, our Director of People and Culture, and Sophie O’Shea, Head of Marketing. Both Jane and Sophie were invited to join panel discussions, contributing to conversations on employment law, workplace culture and the future of talent in our industry.
Exploring the changing employment landscape
The morning began with a panel discussion led by Paul Ashton, Chief Executive Officer at Birkin Group and Chairman of the CSSA, who guided an engaging conversation on the Employment Rights Bill and its potential impact on employers across the sector.
Jane joined Balwinder Kang, Head of People at Mitie, Sophie Ransome, People Director – UK & Ireland at OCS Group, and Jamie Devlin, Chief Commercial Officer at Origin Secured, to explore how organisations can prepare for upcoming changes while continuing to protect, engage, and empower their people.
Reflecting on the discussion, Jane said:
It was a privilege to join the panel discussion on the Employment Rights Bill and the role of technology in shaping the future of the cleaning industry. The pace of change is both challenging and exciting, providing opportunities to review and improve our practices.
It is encouraging to see how technology is supporting the continued professionalisation of our industry and to be part of the debate on how business leaders can embrace the forthcoming legislative changes. It is an exciting time to be part of this conversation which reinforces the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving progress across the industry.
Following the panel, attendees heard directly from economist Roger Martin-Fagg, who returned for his third consecutive year with the CSSA. His keynote presentation offered clear and practical analysis of the UK’s economic outlook, encouraging businesses to remain alert, informed and people-focused in the year ahead.
Spotlight on the next generation
The afternoon turned its focus to the voices shaping the future of the industry. The session was hosted by Dan Henstock, Key Account Manager at Pearroc, and featured our Head of Marketing, Sophie O’Shea, alongside Max Reames, Business Development Manager at Peartree, Ellie Goodchild, Performance Manager at ISS, Niall Smith, Senior Buyer at Mitie, and Millie Pitt, Client Relationship Manager at Purgo.
Together, the group explored how younger professionals view leadership, culture, and career development, and what motivates them to build long-term careers in the cleaning and facilities management sector.
Reflecting on her experience, Sophie said:
It was great to connect with other Gen Z voices in our sector to explore generational viewpoints and the motivators guiding the next wave of talent in the workplace. The discussion reinforced how important it is for employers to rethink how they position career pathways, invest in their people, and create workplaces where every generation can thrive.
The conversation touched on leadership visibility, career progression, and the value of authentic communication between generations. Sophie also shared her own experience of entering the industry and discovering its potential:
Like many, I ‘fell’ into the cleaning sector at 21, straight out of university. Five years on, I can see that there are countless routes to build a rewarding, long-term career here. Had I known that earlier, I might have actively pursued a marketing role in this industry rather than stumbling into it. It’s up to us to shift the narrative so young people don’t overlook the vast opportunities available in cleaning and facilities management, and I’m proud to be part of that conversation.
People, policy and purpose
The themes discussed throughout the day closely reflected our own Beyond Cleaning strategy, built around four key pillars including Empowering Our People. At DOC Cleaning, we are committed to ensuring that every individual feels supported, valued and inspired to grow.
Jane’s panel highlighted the importance of legislative awareness, fairness and inclusion, while Sophie’s session brought a fresh perspective on engagement and leadership for the next generation. Together, they demonstrated the value of open dialogue between people, policy and practice.
Continuing the conversation
The CSSA Economic Outlook has become one of the most respected events in the cleaning and support services calendar. It provides a platform for open conversation, expert analysis and shared learning that helps businesses plan for the future with confidence.
As the CSSA said when closing the event, “The conversations don’t stop here.”
We are proud to take part in these important discussions and to help shape the future of our industry through collaboration, insight and shared purpose.
We would like to thank the Cleaning & Support Services Association for hosting another excellent event and to recognise everyone who contributed to the panels and presentations. We look forward to continuing these conversations and playing our part in driving progress across the cleaning and facilities management sector.
Get in touch
To find out more about our involvement with the CSSA or any of the topics raised, feel free to reach out to our support team.