These popular events help the laundry industry to come together and share knowledge
The Textile Services Association (TSA) will be hosting the last roadshow of the year at the Hilton at St George’s Park in Burton-on-Trent on Thursday,13th of October.
The TSA’s roadshow events spread the word of the work it does for the laundry industry as well as providing a great networking opportunity. The first event took place in Glasgow on the 21st June while the second took place on 19th July in London – on one of the hottest days of the year!
“The roadshow has been a great way to reach out and speak to both members and non-members who might not normally come to TSA events,” says Emma Andersson, the TSA’s director of finance and membership. “The challenges the industry is currently facing has meant there has been no lack of questions, and both sessions proved to be a great platform to hear more about the TSA and enjoy the keynote speakers.”
Keynote speakers included Scott Inglis, the commercial director of Fishers Services Ltd. He discussed the Scottish laundry industry and the importance of building networks with local tourism bodies. Meanwhile the London event was addressed by Joe Ricci, president and CEO of the American Textile Rental Service Association (TRSA) who compared the markets in the US and the UK and showed how his members have been encouraged to diversify into different market sectors to make their business models more robust.
“It’s been lovely to host these events, which are a great, informal way to engage the industry,” says David Stevens, CEO of the TSA. “We have several new members thanks to the tour, and the nice part is there was no hard sell, it just felt right.”
Martin Richards, Laundry Operations Manager of Apex Hotels attended the Glasgow event and chose to join the TSA as a result of it. “The event held in Glasgow was very informative and relative to the future of the laundry industry, focusing on sustainability. It also highlighted the strength of what the membership value adds to its members and the extensive support it offers, which is why we decided to join the TSA.”
The final event will feature a great line up of guest speakers. The industry keynote speaker for the evening, Julian Carr, Chairman of Regency Laundry will share his experience from a lifetime in the industry, having managed one of the major players in the market to now developing his own bespoke offer.
As well as Julian there will be two additional guest speakers discussing the benefits of the Textile Care Operative Apprenticeship scheme, the TSA’s industry specific standard qualification. Rebecca Morgan, Head of HR at Johnsons Hotel Linen and chair of the TSA’s Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group will talk about her advocacy for the scheme. Finally, Krzysztofa Grabowska, the first apprentice to complete the qualification will share a few words about her experience of the scheme and how it has helped her progress in her day-to-day job at Johnsons Hotel Linen.
The event starts at 6.30pm and visitors will be offered welcome drinks and a buffet alongside the speakers.
Attendance at the road show event is free, for both members and non-members of the TSA. Anyone wanting to go should register their interest by contacting the TSA. Please click here to view the brochure and how to book your place, or alternatively use the registration link here.