Q&A: Paul Sweeney

Event director Paul Sweeney came on board with the Cleaning Show in April last year, overseeing its evolution from a “mop and bucket” event to a comprehensive networking hub of technology, software and greener solutions. Here, he reveals what’s in store for next year, and why the show has attracted so many new exhibitors this time around.

Q: What’s the story behind the Cleaning Show?

A: The show was established over 40 years ago, and I’m told it was previously perceived as a “mop & bucket” event. It moved from Birmingham to London in 2015, and the Manchester edition was launched in 2016 to cater for the north of England and Scotland.

Q: How has the show evolved in line with the cleaning industry?

A: The show has become a far more professional event than it ever used to be, showcasing technology and workplace software with a greater emphasis on sustainability and greener solutions. We welcome a wide range of exhibitors, including suppliers of cleaning and hygiene products, floor scrubbers and sweepers, window-cleaning equipment, autonomous robots, vacuums, washroom equipment, cleaning materials and chemicals.

Q: What is your personal vision for the show’s continued innovation and evolution?

A: I came on board in April 2022 so, as the show is every other year with the London event in between, this is the first Manchester show since. I’d like to see continued post-pandemic growth for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. Both shows [London and Manchester] are essential dates on the calendar, because they bring together the cleaning, hygiene and facilities management sectors who are all great supporters of the main show in their industry.

Q: What is the main challenge facing the cleaning industry at the moment?

A: Recruitment post-Brexit and post-Covid. But the Cleaning Show is all about sourcing new solutions for business, making new contacts, networking and taking in all the innovation the sector is producing.

Q: What’s new for the 2024 edition of the show?

A: We are hosting more exhibitors than last time around, 50 per cent of which are new exhibitors. There will be a new window cleaning hub, and an outside area demonstrating cleaning at height. This is the only B2B event repeatedly attracting the key buyers and specifiers from the cleaning, hygiene and facilities management sectors, and we are expecting a total footfall of around 2,500 visitors.

The Cleaning Show takes place at Manchester Central on 13 and 14 March 2024. If you have signed up to exhibit, we are the industry’s trusted partner for stand build and design. We are already installing stands at next year’s event, so get in touch to see what we can do for you. For new exhibitors especially, we take care of everything from the initial design concept to installation and breakdown.