www.loo.co.uk

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:10:00 +0100

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Setting the Standard for World-Class Washrooms and Business Success ✨

I recently had the privilege of travelling to the Interclean show to present on behalf of the Loo of The Year Awards Ltd, sharing insights on how standards in washrooms can elevate both customer experience and business success.
A huge thank you to Michelle Marshall for the introduction and connection, and to Robert Stelling for giving us the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring event. I am also very grateful to Carin van Rooijen for being such a wonderful host and looking after me so well during my time there.
It was not the easiest of days personally, as Charles was very poorly and I had to travel and attend alone, with my mind very much at home. However, he insisted I still go and deliver the presentation, and I am glad I did.
Although my time at the Interclean Show was unfortunately limited and I did not get to see everyone on my list, the feedback and new connections since have made it absolutely worthwhile. The event itself is a real hub for the cleaning industry, showcasing innovation, training, and products that are shaping the future of our sector.
Looking ahead, I am already thinking about Interclean 2028 and hoping to spend much more time exploring everything it has to offer.
Thank you again to everyone involved, and to the Loo of the Year Awards community for continuing to champion excellence in our industry. 🚻✨

Chris is running the London Marathon

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0100

✨ Wishing Christopher Hunt Skelley MBE PLY the very best of luck for the upcoming London Marathon! 🏃🏼‍♂️💚

Paralympian judoka Chris is one of around 230 visually impaired or blind runners taking part, and he’ll be taking on the full 26.2 miles in support of Fight for Sight — a truly meaningful cause.
As an ambassador for the Loo of The Year Awards Ltd, we are incredibly proud of Chris and everything he is achieving. His determination, resilience, and positive spirit are truly inspiring.
Supporting him every step of the way will be his sister Hannah, who has taken on the incredible role of guide runner, learning to be Chris’s eyes for the entire marathon. A powerful example of trust, teamwork, and sibling support.
Wishing you both an amazing race day, we will be cheering you on all the way! 👏💚

More Than Just a Loo: Transforming School Life with Lee Batstone

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Join Becky as she chats with Lee Batstone, Headteacher of Madley Primary School, about why toilets are an essential part of education.
Lee shares:
✅ Why toilets can make or break a child’s comfort, confidence, and focus
✅ How Madley Primary won the Educational Cup and Washroom Cleaner Award
✅ His vision for an upcoming project with the children to redesign their school toilets with the Loo of The Year Awards Ltd
✅ How clean, safe, and welcoming facilities support health, learning, and dignity
🎧 Listen now and discover why toilets really do matter in schools

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2591293/episodes/18931701-more-than-just-a-loo-transforming-school-life-with-lee-batstone.mp3?download=true

Loo of The Year Awards work with children at Madley Primary School

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Today was one of those days that reminds us exactly why we do what we do!

Charles, Jane and I had the pleasure of visiting Madley Primary School, hosted by their Headteacher, Mr Batstone. The school has been a valued entrant in the Loo of the Year Awards for several years, but what truly stood out today was the passion and insight from the pupils themselves.

We met with a fantastic group of Year 3 children (just 8 years old!) who have volunteered to help us review their school toilets. And wow… what a conversation!

They spoke about:
💭 How toilets make them feel
💡 The importance of design – light vs dark, noisy vs quiet
♿ Understanding that not all disabilities are visible, and what different people may need
🧼 Why cleanliness matters and how it affects everyone’s experience
🌱 Their desire to keep the toilets as eco-friendly as possible

While structural changes may not be possible, the children are now full of ideas about how the interiors could be improved and how they can encourage everyone to take pride in keeping the facilities clean, welcoming, inclusive, and environmentally friendly.

We are thrilled to announce that the children are now official Loo of the Year Awards Ambassadors; because the thoughts and words of children, the future, are so important. We will be meeting with them again after Easter to continue working on this fantastic project!

Because when children feel comfortable, safe, respected, and cared for… it really does make a difference 💙

Ambassador for Loo Of the Year Awards

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:35:00 +0000

✨ Big News from the Loo of the Year Awards! ✨
We are absolutely delighted (and just a little bit proud!) to officially announce that Christopher Hunt Skelley MBE PLY is joining us as an Ambassador for the Loo of The Year Awards Ltd.
This exciting partnership has been a natural one in the making. After Chris inspired us all as our keynote speaker at the Awards last January, it quickly became clear that our values were perfectly aligned. His passion, authenticity and commitment to making a difference truly resonated with everything we stand for.
Chris is a Paralympic judo athlete, competing at the highest level in para judo, and has proudly represented Great Britain on the world stage, winning Gold and Bronze medals through sheer determination, resilience and focus. Alongside his sporting achievements, Chris also lives with Coeliac disease, giving him a real-life understanding of how essential accessible, hygienic and well-managed facilities are for so many people.
His journey, both as an elite athlete and in everyday life, perfectly reflects our mission: striving for the highest standards, raising awareness, and championing dignity for all when it comes to toilet facilities.
We are incredibly excited to have Chris on board as we continue to promote excellence, education and awareness across the UK and beyond.
Welcome to the team, Chris!

🌸 Spring Into Action – Entries Are Now Open!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:04:15 +0000

The 2026 Loo of the Year Awards are officially open for entries and we are excited to celebrate those who truly care about raising standards.

Entering is about far more than recognition. It is about demonstrating pride in your facilities, benchmarking against national standards, motivating your team, and building trust with your customers and visitors. It shows that standards genuinely matter.

Workplace toilets also play a vital role in staff wellbeing. Clean, well-maintained facilities support dignity, comfort, morale and productivity. When you invest in your washrooms, you are investing in your people and creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through your doors.

Great facilities do not happen by accident, they happen because organisations choose to make them a priority.

So as spring brings fresh energy and new beginnings, why not take that positive step forward?

Join us in championing higher standards and celebrating excellence across every sector.

Entries are now open! We would love you to be part of it.

Stronger Together for Better Washrooms as Loo of The Year Awards and Independent Washroom Services Association form a working partnership

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Stronger Together for Better Washrooms!
We are delighted to share that the Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) and the Loo of the Year Awards are working together in partnership to raise awareness and standards of all away-from-home washrooms across the UK and Ireland.
The Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) brings together independent washroom service providers delivering both local and national services, with a personal, caring approach that challenges the “one-size-fits-all” multinational model.
Every IWSA member follows strict codes of conduct, ensuring customers receive not only the services they need; but the high standards they deserve.
At its heart, IWSA believes something we care deeply about too…
Good washrooms matter.
Cleanliness matters.
Comfort matters.
Quality matters.
By partnering with the Loo of the Year Awards, Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) is helping shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond, celebrating excellence while encouraging the entire industry to keep raising the bar.
And this collaboration works perfectly alongside the exciting new award launched this year at the Loo of the Year Awards…
The Washroom Suppliers Customer Choice Award
This brand-new award gives customers a voice, recognising suppliers who consistently deliver outstanding service, reliability, and quality. It is about celebrating those who truly put their customers first.
Over the past year we have seen innovation, resilience, and fresh ideas emerging across the sector. By sharing knowledge and supporting one another, we can continue to move forward together.
Together, Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA) and the Loo of the Year Awards are committed to making washrooms across the UK safe, reliable, and something we can all be proud of.
Because when standards rise… everyone benefits.

BBC Radio Stoke Interview

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:45:58 +0000

Another fantastic opportunity to keep the conversation flowing about loos… and this time it was with BBC Radio Stoke

Four weeks after the excitement of the Loo of the Year Awards on 14th January, I had the pleasure of chatting with Stuart George about all things washrooms, including the ever-popular Quirky Loo Award!

We talked about:

What makes a loo “quirky” (and why it matters!)

The wider impact of the Awards

The inspection process and grading standards

How the Awards promote education, awareness and continual improvement in toilet facilities across the UK

It is always brilliant to share the positive stories that come out of the Awards. Behind every trophy is a team that cares about cleanliness, accessibility and user experience and that deserves recognition.

The Quirky Loo Award certainly captures attention, but it also opens the door to a bigger conversation about standards, innovation and the importance of good washroom provision for everyone.

I am incredibly proud that even weeks after the event, we are still generating interest and raising awareness. The conversation about toilets really does matter and long may it continue!

#interviews #bbcradio #quirkytoilets #loooftheyearawards #winningwashrooms #Tork #Pwave

A Thank you for The Hygiene Bank Donations

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:46:13 +0000

Thank You for Supporting Our Hygiene Bank Collection at the Loo of the Year Awards

At the Loo of the Year Awards, we celebrate excellence, pride and professionalism in washrooms across the UK. But this year, alongside the trophies and applause, something equally important was happening, a collective act of kindness.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees, sponsors and supporters, we were proud to host a Hygiene Bank collection on the day of the Awards, gathering essential hygiene items that we are hoping to pass on later this week. Every donation, no matter how small it may seem, will help restore dignity, confidence and wellbeing to someone who needs it.

Why This Matters

Hygiene poverty is an issue that often goes unseen; but its impact is profound.

The Hygiene Bank, which now has 170 units nationwide supported by over 600 volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure people have access to basic hygiene essentials such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and period products. Sadly, the need for this support continues to grow.

Across the UK:

4.2 million adults (almost 10%) are living in hygiene poverty
Over 1 million children are affected, with many experiencing bullying, low self-confidence or missing school
Poor dental hygiene is now the leading cause of child attendance at A&E
8.7 million adults have missed work, social events or job interviews because they lacked hygiene products
1 in 10 children have skipped school due to embarrassment or bullying linked to poor hygiene

These figures are sobering — and they highlight why access to basic hygiene products is not a luxury, but a necessity.

The Wider Impact of Hygiene Poverty

For many people, hygiene poverty forces impossible choices.

69% of adults affected must choose between food, bills or toiletries
65% of parents have had to decide whether to buy hygiene products for themselves or their children
54% have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months
92% say hygiene poverty limits their social interactions
50% report anxiety or depression as a result

Hygiene poverty disproportionately affects people on lower incomes, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, unemployed adults and younger people. Many also report feelings of embarrassment or shame, which can prevent them from asking for help.

A Collective Effort That Makes a Real Difference

This is why the support shown at the Loo of the Year Awards means so much. By donating hygiene items, our community has helped take a small but powerful step towards addressing an issue that affects millions — quietly, daily and often invisibly.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed. Your kindness helps people feel seen, supported and valued.

How You Can Continue to Help

If you would like to support The Hygiene Bank beyond our Awards collection, there are easy ways to get involved:

Look out for the big yellow Hygiene Bank donation bins in over 1,300 Boots stores across the UK
Support the “Buy One, Donate One” scheme available in many Boots locations
Find out more about The Hygiene Bank and make a donation directly via their website: www.thehygienebank.com

Together, small actions really do add up — and access to basic hygiene products can be truly life-changing.

From all of us at the Loo of the Year Awards, thank you for helping us shine a light on hygiene poverty and for being part of the change.

Tomorrow's Cleaning Awards 2026 Finalists

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:59:33 +0000

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We are thrilled to share that Loo of the Year Awards has been named a finalist in the Tomorrow’s Cleaning Awards 2026!

Being recognised by our peers in the cleaning industry is such an honour and a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into promoting excellence in washroom standards across the UK.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports us – we couldn’t do it without you! 💛

Speaking at Herefordshire Means Business Conference 2025

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Sharing Expertise on Away-From-Home Washrooms, Awards, and Accessibility at Herefordshire Means Business

Last week, the Loo of the Year Awards team had the pleasure of participating in the Herefordshire Means Business Conference, where I spoke about my passion for away-from-home washrooms, credible awards, and disability awareness and how all three can be powerful tools for business growth.

During my session, I explored how washroom standards and recognition through awards can help businesses attract new clients, increase footfall, and support staff retention. I also highlighted the importance of accessibility, demonstrating that inclusive facilities benefit everyone and enhance your brand reputation.

The conference’s theme of connections and collaborations provided the perfect framework to showcase how networking and partnerships have been integral to growing and supporting the Loo of the Year Awards. I was able to highlight some of the incredible people and services I’ve had the pleasure of connecting and collaborating with, including:

Sharon Baker from Kinder Accountants – for her invaluable support in financial guidance and strategy
John Finch from John Finch Computers – for technology solutions that help streamline our operations
Stefan Thomas – for insights and guidance in business networking and collaboration
Michelle Ward from Indelible IP Ltd – for intellectual property support and advice

It was incredibly rewarding to share practical insights into how awards, attention to detail, and accessibility can not only improve customer experience but also strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration, and create business opportunities.

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how the Loo of the Year Awards bring people together, support businesses, and promote excellence in facilities across the UK.

If your business is interested in learning more about how awards, accessibility, and washroom standards can support growth and staff engagement, we’d be delighted to share our insights at your next event.

Celebrating Success at the Herefordshire Business Awards 2025

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:52:59 +0100

Celebrating Success at the Herefordshire Business Awards 2025

✨ Let’s get this party started! ✨

The Herefordshire Business Awards 2025 kicked off on a Saturday night with Music Bingo before dinner, setting the perfect tone for an evening full of fun, recognition, and celebration of the amazing businesses in our county.

The awards were held at the beautiful Paddocks Hotel, Symonds Yat, where almost 300 guests came together to celebrate not only business success but also the incredible people behind these achievements.

A Proud Moment

I was thrilled to attend as a finalist in two categories:

Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
Business Leader of the Year 2025

And I am still pinching myself as I write this… I was announced the winner of Entrepreneur of the Year 2025! 🏆

This recognition reflects my work with A Plush Flush and Loo of the Year Awards, and while I felt proud, I also felt a little embarrassed — both businesses are co-owned and run with my husband, Charles, and this is very much a shared success.

A Big Thank You

A huge thank you to Herefordshire Means Business for organising such a wonderful evening, to the judges for their time and expertise, and to all the sponsors who made the night possible.

Congratulations as well to all the finalists and winners — together, you truly help put the business into Herefordshire!

Herefordshire Business Awards

A Plush Flush

Our Visit to the Independent Washroom Suppliers Association (IWSA)

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:32:57 +0100

Raising Standards Together: Our Visit to the Independent Washroom Suppliers Association (IWSA)

Charles and I were delighted to be invited to attend the Independent Washroom Suppliers Association (IWSA) conference this week, an excellent opportunity to connect with members of the washroom supply industry and share insights about the work we do through the Loo of the Year Awards.

We were invited to give a presentation introducing the Awards, explaining how they have evolved over the years, and how they continue to play a vital role in raising awareness, education, and standards across all away-from-home washrooms.

From workplaces and schools to restaurants, visitor attractions, and public facilities, our mission remains the same — to encourage better washroom provision for everyone. A good washroom experience isn’t just about cleanliness or design; it’s about dignity, accessibility, and respect for the people who use and maintain these spaces every day.

During our presentation, we also shared an exciting announcement:
A brand-new award category for washroom suppliers will be launched at the Loo of the Year Awards Event in January 2026.

Washroom suppliers play such an essential role in shaping the overall washroom experience, yet they often go unrecognised. This new award will shine a light on their contribution and celebrate those who innovate, support, and uphold high standards across the industry.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the IWSA for their warm hospitality and for including us in such a valuable event. It was a pleasure to meet so many people who share our passion for washroom excellence and to make some fantastic new connections that we look forward to developing further.

Together, by sharing knowledge and recognising achievement, we can continue to drive improvements and ensure that washrooms everywhere in every sector meet the high standards that everyone deserves.

Silver for Becky at The Best Business Women Awards 2025

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:09:40 +0100

Celebrating Excellence at the Best Business Women Awards 2025

🎶 “Friday night’s alright…” — and last Friday was certainly more than alright for Becky, who attended the Best Business Women Awards 2025 at the Daventry Court Hotel, accompanied by her husband Charles and daughter Charlotte. Becky was delighted to be a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Award category, a recognition of her ongoing contributions to business and the wider community.

The Best Business Women Awards, now in their 11th year, have become one of the UK’s most respected platforms for celebrating female entrepreneurship. These awards recognise women who embody the qualities that make a true business leader:

Innovation and originality – bringing fresh ideas and unique approaches to their field.
Persistence and resilience – staying determined through challenges and setbacks.
Tenacity and bravery – taking bold decisions and leading with confidence.
Leadership – inspiring teams, peers, and communities.
Adaptability and agility – responding effectively to change and embracing new opportunities.
Supportive attitude to peers and communities – lifting others while building their own success.
Passion and flair for their field – demonstrating enthusiasm and excellence in their work.
A positive outlook – maintaining optimism in the face of obstacles.
Strong business acumen – understanding strategy, growth, and sustainability.
Commitment to customers and community – prioritising impact and service beyond profit.

These qualities are what make the Best Business Women Awards a platform not just for celebrating achievements, but also for recognising role models who inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Becky was over the moon to receive a Silver Award, reflecting her achievements, leadership, and dedication to these values.

The evening was made even more special with members of the Connect Networking Group in attendance, supporting one another and sharing in the celebrations. Becky congratulated Janet Shreeve and Claire Brewerton on their Silver Awards, and Fiona Da Silva-Adams on her Gold Award in Best Businesswoman Working with Children & Families. The event also provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and fellow entrepreneurs, including Stefan Thomas, Fiona Scott, and Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam.

Networking events like this don’t always look like traditional networking. For Becky, the evening was filled with laughter, sparkle, and inspiration, proving that celebrating success can be as enjoyable as it is empowering.

Now that the excitement has settled, Becky is full of gratitude for Debbie Gilbert and her team, whose organisation created an evening of sparkle, fizz, and fun — an event that truly highlighted the achievements of women across the UK.

The Best Business Women Awards celebrate ladies who serve as role models for the next generation, showing how determination, creativity, and passion can build something truly impactful. Becky’s recognition at this event reflects not only her own journey but also the incredible community of women inspiring each other to push boundaries and achieve greatness.

Here is to the next generation of female entrepreneurs, and to continuing to celebrate those who lead the way with innovation, resilience, and heart.

www.bestbusinessawards.com

Edinburgh for European Roundtable talk and the European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards 2025

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:30:47 +0100

A busy but truly inspiring end to our week!

Charles and I were very fortunate to have been invited by Tork/Essity to join them in Edinburgh this week.

We began with an informal dinner on Wednesday evening, where we met other members of the European Roundtable on Inclusive Hygiene ahead of Thursday’s discussion. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with participants from Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands and beyond.

On Thursday, I took part in the Roundtable discussion, which explored a wide range of topics around inclusive hygiene. It was fascinating to hear how many of the challenges and ambitions are shared across Europe, and how collaboration can help us all move forward.

That evening, Charles and I were honoured to be guests of Tork/Essity at the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2025, held at the stunning National Museum of Scotland.

These few days also opened up so many valuable opportunities to network — reconnecting with existing contacts and building new relationships across the industry.

We both felt incredibly grateful to be part of these events — learning, sharing ideas, and celebrating the dedication of so many within the cleaning and hygiene industry. 💙

🔗 Learn more here: https://www.torkglobal.com/gb/en/about/inclusive-hygiene

Loo Awards Add Magic To Their Festivities

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:11:14 +0100

National Loo of the Year Awards, announce internationally renowned magician, Marc Spelmann, also known as Magician X, as their 2026 entertainment.

The Loo of the Year Awards, now in their 38th year, honour the very best in ‘away from home’ washroom provision. Each year, the best of the best are celebrated in their day-long event, and they have announced the return of Marc Spelmann for attendee’s entertainment.

Marc Spelmann, from North London, became a professional magician in 1997. Having perfected his craft throughout his career, he decided to go on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018 which led him to massive success. His audition has accrued over 35 million views online.

“When I was a kid, I was incredibly shy. I discovered magic on Christmas Day when I was 7 and my nan got me a magic book,” said Marc. “I practiced from that book and when my family reacted to my first trick with shock and awe, I knew this was something I loved. I continued to do magic for fun until I realised it was something I wanted to pursue as a career.”

After being knocked out of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018, Marc re-auditioned in 2019 under the pseudonym Magician X, becoming an international sensation – again. Since then, he has made special appearances for America’s Got Talent and The Ultimate Magician.

“I’m thrilled to be attending the Loo of the Year Awards 2026. The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!” said Marc. “It will be an all-new performance, and I’ll be sharing something completely unique, and it’ll be a great way to start the new year.”

Becky Wall BEM, CEO of Loo of the Year Awards, spoke about Marc Spellman joining them for their 2026 event.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Marc back as our entertainment for this year’s Loo of the Year Awards celebration. Marc entertained us at our very first awards celebration, after we took over in 2021, and he left such a lasting impression that it was an easy decision to invite him again.

“We know that Marc’s magic not only amazes but also brings joy, laughter, and a real buzz to the room. That is exactly what we want our attendees to experience, a celebration that is memorable, uplifting, and full of fun.”

Central to The Loo of the Year awards is a grading scheme where entrants agree to receive an unannounced visit from an inspector and each washroom is judged on 101 criteria which include cleanliness, décor, signage, accessibility and customer care.

This year, businesses and organisations were inspected across the summer, and the best will be celebrated at the annual Loo of the Year Awards. The highest grading is ‘diamond’, then it goes in descending order of ‘platinum plus’, ‘platinum’, ‘gold’, ‘silver’, and finally, ‘bronze’.

The ceremony will take place on 14^th January 2026 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull.

Flow Office Heads to the Loo of the Year Awards to Champion Better Washrooms

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:48:42 +0100

Flow Office Heads to the Loo of the Year Awards to Champion Better Washrooms

Flow Office is known for designing and fitting out beautiful, practical workspaces across the UK. But as they prepare to exhibit at the 2025 Loo of the Year Awards, they’re making it clear that it’s time we stopped treating washrooms as an afterthought.

Championing this mission is Sam Chughtai, Sales Director at Flow. Sam wears many hats in the business, from managing client relationships to leading on design, planning, and strategy. With years of experience in commercial interiors, she’s used to helping organisations rethink how their spaces work. But she says there’s one part of the office that’s still overlooked.

“Some of our clients come to us wanting a full office fit-out but tell us not to worry about the bathrooms,” she says.

“We always explain why that’s a mistake. Washrooms are a key part of any workspace. If you neglect them, you’re leaving out something that really impacts people’s wellbeing.

Sam points out that, for many people, the majority of their waking hours are spent at work.

“When you think about it that way, the quality of the environment becomes even more important. No one should be expected to show up day in, day out, to a space that doesn’t have something as basic as a clean, private and comfortable washroom. It’s about dignity as much as design.”

Sam isn’t new to this space. Alongside her role at Flow Office, she holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Neuroscience, giving her a solid understanding of how environments can affect people’s mood, health, and productivity.

But her commitment to making a positive impact goes beyond the workplace. Sam is also an ambassador for Promise Dreams, a charity that supports seriously ill children and their families. Through this role, she helps raise awareness, organise fundraising campaigns, and support life-changing initiatives for children in need.

Sam and the team at Flow Office stress that washroom design isn’t just about making things look good. It’s also about making them usable for everyone.

“I speak to clients not just about design choices, but about how those choices actually affect the people using the space,” she explains. “The feedback we get is clear. When washrooms are clean, welcoming and well thought out, people feel better at work. It’s as simple as that.”

“It’s all well and good having a nice bathroom with plenty of space,” says Sam, “but if someone in a wheelchair can’t reach it because there are stairs in the way, then it’s not fit for purpose. Accessibility has to be part of the thinking from day one.”

“Designing and fitting out an office isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about asking whether this space really works for everyone who’ll use it. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.”

This is where Sam’s intentional approach really shines. She brings a people-first mindset to every project, whether it’s reworking the layout for better flow, choosing finishes that are both practical and stylish, or making sure inclusive design is at the centre of the plan.

For Sam, the opportunity to exhibit at the Loo of the Year Awards is the first step in Flow Office’s mission to help businesses realise how important these spaces are.

“We’re proud to be part of the awards this year,” says Sam. “They shine a light on an area that’s so important but still overlooked, and we want to change that.”

As someone who combines design expertise with a strong background in psychology and wellbeing, Sam is proud to lead this conversation, making sure the loos are just as considered as meeting rooms, breakout areas and kitchens.

“We want to help businesses think differently. After all, the washroom is a key part of the employee experience. It deserves proper thought, proper care, and of course, proper design.”

You’ll be able to meet Sam and the Flow Office team at this year’s awards ceremony, where they’ll be sharing ideas, discussing their latest work, and helping to put bathrooms back on the workplace design agenda, right where they belong.

Inspectors delivering talks on toilets!

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:08:48 +0100

The Moor Friendship Group – Scholes, Nr Cleckheaton

We would like to extend a big thank you to Martin and Tess for representing our team of Inspectors and the Loo of the Year Awards at a recent talk with The Moor Friendship Group in Scholes, near Cleckheaton.

Their connection with this wonderful group started quite by chance. During a stay in Newcastle upon Tyne last year, where they met Jane Bowen and some of her friends. Over dinner, the conversation turned to what they did – inspecting toilets! It always raises a laugh at first, but as we talked in more detail, Jane quickly saw the real value behind our work.

The Moor Friendship Group has been running for many years, previously linked with the local WI, and they regularly host guest speakers. Jane kindly invited us along – and what a warm welcome Martin and Tess received.

The session was lively and interactive, with around twenty ladies joining in. Martin and Tess shared an insight into what goes into our inspections of away-from-home washrooms, touching on just a few of the 101 criteria we use when assessing facilities. They also explained what we look for in accessible toilets and introduced the group to the concept of Changing Places facilities, which provide essential support for people with profound and complex disabilities. Many of the group had never heard of Changing Places before, and it was great to raise awareness.

There was also a lovely local connection – as soon as Martin and Tess mentioned the Loo of the Year Awards, the group recalled seeing Junction 32 Shopping Centre, Castleford, featured in the local news as a major 2025 award winner.

Martin and Tess said “ was an absolute pleasure to spend time with such an engaged and friendly audience. The group kindly presented Tess with a beautiful bunch of roses, while Martin left with some delicious homemade sausage rolls – both very much appreciated!”

A big thank you again to Jane and the Moor Friendship Group for having us – and to Martin and Tess for sharing our mission with such passion and good humour.

Big News from Loo of The Year Awards!

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:16:42 +0100

Big News from Loo of The Year Awards! 🚽✨
We are absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news with you all!

Over the past four years, since Charles and I took ownership of Loo of The Year Awards, we have worked incredibly hard to breathe new life into this unique and important initiative. Our mission has been simple: to elevate the recognition of excellence in washroom provision and set even higher standards across the UK and beyond.

With the unwavering support of our amazing Awards Manager, Jane, and our team of Inspectors we have taken the business from strength to strength — and today marks a huge milestone in that journey.

We are proud to officially announce that both the Loo of The Year Awards name and our logo are now registered trade marks 🎉

This recognition marks the next exciting chapter in our development. We are now not just an awards programme — we are an established and protected brand.

A huge thank you to Michelle Ward Ward, our IP attorney, for her expert guidance and dedication throughout this detailed and comprehensive project. We truly couldn’t have done it without her!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey so far. Here’s to continuing to celebrate the very best in washroom standards, and to building an even brighter (and cleaner!) future together.

A lifetime of achievement acknowledged for female entrepreneur, Becky Wall!

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:49:40 +0100

✨ Exciting news! ✨
I am absolutely thrilled to share that I have been named a finalist in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2025 for the Lifetime Achievement category!
To be recognised alongside so many incredible and inspiring women is such an honour. From starting A Plush Flush with Charles back in 2005, to leading the Loo of the Year Awards, it has been quite a journey, and I am so proud of the positive impact we have made along the way.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, worked alongside me, and believed in the value of the work we do. Here is to celebrating women in business who make a difference every day.

Please read the report in the London Daily News. https://www.londondaily.news/a-lifetime-of-achievement-acknowledged-for-female-entrepreneur-becky-wall/

Fix Radio - Talking Toilets on the Tradeswomen Together Podcast!

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:28:58 +0100

Talking Toilets on the Tradeswomen Together Podcast!

I was delighted to be invited by Hattie Hasan MBE and Steph Leese to join their Tradeswomen Together podcast for Fix Radio. We chatted about a topic close to my heart – toilets for women on construction sites.

Let us be honest, site loos are not always the best for the tradesmen, but for tradeswomen, they can be few and far between. It is a challenge we need to keep talking about, because everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and dignified facilities at work.

It was such a pleasure to speak with these inspiring women, and it felt like catching up with old friends, especially as it is not my first time working with Fix Radio (anyone remember The Bald Builders a few years back?).

Have a listen and join the conversation – because better toilets benefit everyone. https://www.fixradio.co.uk/.../3-the-terrible-facilities.../

BBC Hereford and Worcester Interview

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:11:24 +0100

This morning I had the pleasure of chatting with Tammy Gooding on BBC Hereford & Worcester's Breakfast Show about something close to my heart, public toilets.

Sadly, our conversation centred around the recent vandalism at the Waterside Public Toilets in Evesham, which are managed by Wychavon District Council. These loos are not your average facilities, they are some of the highest standard public toilets in the UK, consistently achieving Platinum Plus and over 75% achieving Diamond gradings in the Loo of the Year Awards.

Wychavon has proudly taken home multiple wins in the Public Toilet Category thanks to their commitment to cleanliness, safety, and accessibility. It is therefore heart breaking to see such high-quality public amenities being targeted like this.

Toilets might not always be glamorous, but they are essential, and we must all do our bit to protect and respect them.

Missed the interview? Then click onto our Facebook page or Linkedin Page to hear it.

How does a Cube represent your Team?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:48:54 +0100

✨ How a Cube Inspired a Conversation About Teamwork ✨

Before our recent Team Day, I was looking at the beautiful Rubik’s Cube that Tork, our brilliant Headline Sponsor, had made to help promote the Loo of the Year Awards (LOTYA).
As I held it in my hand, I started thinking about what this simple yet clever object could represent about our team here at LOTYA.
I saw more than just a puzzle, I saw a powerful symbol of who we are and how we work together.
I shared these thoughts with the team on the day, and I would love to share them here too, because every person in our team plays such an important role in making LOTYA what it is.

🔷 The cube holds meaning in many ways:
1. Stability and Balance
With equal sides and angles, a cube reminds us of fairness and equality.
It represents the idea that when everyone contributes equally, we create something stable and reliable.
2. Structure and Foundation
A cube is solid and dependable, just like a well-formed team.
When each person plays their part, we become the strong foundation for LOTYA’s success.
3. Different Perspectives
Each of the cube’s six faces is unique, just like our team members.
Together, these different faces form a complete shape, showing how varied experiences and skills create a stronger, more rounded whole.
4. Collaboration and Unity
Every corner (or vertex) of the cube connects three edges, just as collaboration connects people and ideas.
We are each connected, and we all rely on each other to keep the shape and the mission intact.
5. Depth and Dimension
Unlike a flat square, a cube has depth. It reminds us that there is more than meets the eye, hidden talents, deeper thinking, and layers of insight that make our team so special.
6. Problem-Solving
Of course, it is also a puzzle. It represents the challenges we face and the way we work through them thoughtfully, creatively, and together.
This little cube, and the big ideas it represents, reminded me just how proud I am of the LOTYA team.
Each of you brings something invaluable to the table, and together, you form something solid, dynamic, and full of purpose. Thank you. 💙

Team Day

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:36:17 +0100

Team Day Done Right!

Yesterday was a fantastic day for the Loo of the Year Awards team as our amazing inspectors came together in Birmingham ahead of this year's inspections!

These days are so important and enjoyable! Not only do we check in on the latest updates within the washroom industry, but we also focus on our health and safety while out on the road, and ensure our quality control is second to none. Each inspector assessed the same set of washrooms independently, before we came together to compare our scores and ensure we are all grading consistently and fairly across the UK.

We also shared reflections on past inspections, discussed exciting new ideas, and planned how to make this year’s awards even better than the last!

We were delighted to be joined in the afternoon by the brilliant Fiona and Lauren from Fiona Scott Media, who manage our PR. Thank you both for your energy and insights!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made the trip, we can not wait to see the incredible washrooms you will be visiting over the next few months. Good luck and happy inspecting!

REMINDER: Entries for this year’s Loo of the Year Awards are still open until midnight on 4th August – do not miss the chance to show off your away-from-home washrooms!

Deadline for Entries extended to Monday 4th August 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:08:53 +0100

ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED!

You have now got until end of day Monday 4th August to enter the Loo of the Year Awards 2025!

No long essays. No fuss.

Just enter

We inspect (over 100 items!)

You get graded

It’ is a bumper year – do not miss your chance to be recognised!

Still short on time? Call Jane on 01531 640715 – we are here to help.

YES, we are accepting entries over the weekend too!

Let us celebrate the UK’s top toilets together!

Crohn's and Colitas Thank you letter

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0100

💜 We are proud to have supported Crohn’s & Colitis UK as our Charity of the Year at the Loo of the Year Awards and even prouder to have recently donated £400, including a contribution to mark our LinkedIn follower milestone!
With over 500,000 people in the UK affected by Crohn’s or Colitis, this incredible charity is working tirelessly to support those living with these life-changing conditions, raise awareness, and fund vital research.
It is a cause close to our hearts, because toilets are never just toilets. They are essential for dignity, comfort and accessibility for all.
Thank you to Crohn’s & Colitis UK for the kind words and the powerful work you do 💙
🔗 Learn more: crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

8 July 2025

Dear Becky & The Loo Of The Year Awards Team,

We were delighted to receive your donation of £400. A huge thank you for choosing to support us as your Charity Of The Year at the awards and for donating for reaching your LinkedIn followers milestone.
The support of The Loo Of The Year Awards is invaluable to us as we continue to stand up for the needs of everyone with Crohn’s or Colitis.
In the UK, there are over 500,000 people affected by Crohn’s or Colitis, and we are working hard to support and empower people to live better with their condition, raise awareness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and invest in pioneering medical research, ultimately to find a cure.
There are no two ways about it: a diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis is life-changing. Here at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, we all know it, as does everyone affected by these devastating conditions. The problem is, not everyone else knows it. Through your support, you are helping to make a life-changing difference.
If you would like to know more about our work, please visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk. If you are interested in supporting us further through your business, please do get in touch with us.
Yours sincerely,
Corporate Partnerships Team
Partnerships@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
01727 830038

🎉 We’ve Hit 1,000 Followers! 🎉

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:25:17 +0100

When we took over the Loo of the Year Awards in 2021, our LinkedIn presence was virtually non-existent. Fast forward to today, and we are thrilled to be celebrating our first big milestone — 1,000 followers!
We had hoped to reach this number on World Social Media Day (30th June)… but we are only two days late, and we are still just as proud! 🥳
This may seem like a small figure to some, but for us, it represents real progress in raising awareness about the importance of washroom standards, celebrating excellence, and shining a light on the people and places making a difference.
To mark the occasion, we are donating £250 to our charity of the year: Crohn’s & Colitis UK 💜 — supporting those living with invisible illnesses and reinforcing the importance of accessible, high-quality toilet facilities for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who follows us, enters the Awards, shares our mission, and supports the changes we have made to improve the credibility and visibility of the Loo of the Year Awards.
Here is to the next 1,000 (and many more)! 🚽🏆

🗓️ 31 Days to Go – Don’t Let This Opportunity Go Down the Pan!

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:33:17 +0100

The countdown is officially ON!
There are just 31 days left to enter the Loo of the Year Awards 2024-2025 – and trust us, you don’t want to miss your moment to shine.
Whether you are proud of your pristine away from home washroom, passionate about hygiene and accessibility, or part of a cleaning team that goes above and beyond – this is YOUR time to be recognised.
🧻 Do not sit on it (unless it’s a toilet, of course)!
Entering is simple, and the rewards? National recognition, a stamp of excellence, and a seat at the UK’s most prestigious celebration of washroom brilliance.
Got questions? We’re always here to help!

Make a splash before the deadline – 31 days and counting!

Chris Hunt Skelly MBE to be keynote speaker the Loo of The Year Awards

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:53:28 +0100

THE LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCE PARALYMPIC CHAMPION AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT AWARD CEREMONY

Paralympic champion, Chris Hunt Skelley MBE is announced as keynote speaker for the 2026 Loo of the Year Awards taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull in January 2026.

Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, is a former World Number 1 and Paralympic Judo Champion, has carved out an extraordinary legacy in sport. Chris became a global force in judo with a world number one ranking, and a Paralympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 and bronze in Paris 2024.

Chris is one of the most decorated and successful athletes in his field and retired from competitive visually impaired judo in 2025. He is an avid motivational speaker, judo teacher, and disability advocate.

The Loo of the Year Awards, now in their 38th year, honour the very best in ‘away from home’ washroom provision. Every pub, restaurant, hotel, shopping centre, garden centre, caravan and campsite, office building or public facility which enters agrees to an independent inspection to ‘grade’ the quality of their loos. Each year, the best of the best are celebrated in their day-long event.

Becky Wall BEM, CEO of Loo Of The Year Awards, spoke about announcing Chris as keynote speaker.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chris Hunt Skelley MBE as the keynote speaker at the Loo Of The Year Awards this January. Having Chris join us is not only an incredible honour, but a powerful opportunity to amplify the message at the very heart of our work: that accessibility matters for everyone. Chris represents the ability to rise above challenges and push for a more inclusive world. His journey reminds us that the right support, opportunities, and accessible environments can make all the difference, not just in sport, but in everyday life.”

Chris’ keynote speech will cover his empowering journey to paralympic champion, and touch on the importance of toilets and washrooms for people with disabilities. Something he has experienced throughout his life as someone with visual impairment, but also since his recent diagnosis of Coeliac disease.

“It’s a huge honour to speak at the Loo Of The Year Awards. It means a lot to share my story,” commented Chris Hunt Skelley MBE. “Business people and athletes are very similar; they are elite in what they do and it’s important to tell stories of struggles and the hurdles life throws at you. They know not to give in and see failure as an opportunity to do things a different way. I’m very thankful to be invited, meet people and share my story.”

This will the first time Chris is being the keynote speaker for Loo of the Year Awards.

“We believe Chris will do more than inspire our audience, he will empower them. His presence will encourage everyone in the room to think differently, to act boldly, and to consider how their spaces and services can become more inclusive,” continued Becky. “At its core, this event is about celebration; but also, education, progress, and raising awareness. And with Chris Hunt Skelley MBE taking the stage, we know that message will be delivered with authenticity, passion, and impact.”

Central to The Loo Of The Year awards is a grading scheme where entrants agree to receive an unannounced visit from an inspector and each washroom is judged on upon 101 criteria which include cleanliness, décor, signage, accessibility and customer care.

This year, businesses and organisations will be inspected across the summer (entries close on July 31) and then best will be celebrated at the annual Loo of the Year Awards. The highest grading is 'diamond’, then it goes in descending order of ‘platinum plus’, ‘platinum’, ‘gold’, ‘silver’, and finally, ‘bronze’.

Nominations for Loo of the Year Awards 2025 are open now; you can nominate a public washroom for high-quality washroom facilities here: https://www.loo.co.uk/190/Entry-Form

Chris Hunt Skelley will be keynote speaker at day long event at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on Wednesday 14^th January 2026. Trophies will be awarded in various categories for those brands consistently demonstrating outstanding customer service. For more information visit https://www.loo.co.uk.

Tork's Rubik's Reminder for Loo of The Year Awards

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:26:43 +0100

🧩 Tork's Rubik's Reminder for Loo of The Year Awards 🧩

This cube’s no ordinary toy,
It is Tork’s smart way to bring you joy!
With logos bold on every face ,
Loo of the Year takes centre place.

Spin it round and you will see
Who will be crowned in 2025’s spree.
Washroom Technician of the Year stands proud,
Tork is on two sides standing bold and loud!

But look again, there is more in store:
Two QR codes you ca not ignore.
Scan them before the cube’s a mix ,
They will take you to the entry clicks!

Deadline is set for July Thirty-One!
Submit your entry before it is gone.
Scan the code — do not miss your shot,
Get twisting too soon… and you might forget what!

EXHIBITOR SPACE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:49:43 +0100

💥 Exhibit at the Loo of the Year Awards 2025! 💥
Want to get your products and services in front of the people who matter? Join us on 14 January 2026 at the National Motorcycle Museum for a day of networking, brand exposure, and serious toilet talk (yes, really!).
As an exhibitor, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with:
Facility Management Teams
Corporate Business Owners
End Users and Industry Influencers
Fellow Exhibitors and Innovators from the Washroom Sector
It is more than just a stand, it is your chance to:
🔹 Build real relationships
🔹 Raise awareness of your brand and offering
🔹 Showcase your latest innovations
🔹 Be part of the conversation shaping the future of washroom standards
✅ Exhibition space includes 2 event tickets
✅ Just £499 + VAT – spaces are limited! or booked before 30th June 2025 £399.00 + VAT
Make 2026 the year you show up and stand out. Book your space today!

Clean, safe, and well-maintained toilets say a lot about a business

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:20:00 +0100

The Loo of the Year Awards celebrates the very best in away-from-home washrooms, and helps raise national standards in the process.
Whether you are a business with facilities to be proud of, or a visitor, staff member, or client who is impressed by an away from home washroom, entries and nominations are open now!
All entrants receive a grading,
Top-performing loos are recognised nationally,
Deadline: 31st July.
Enter or nominate today at www.loo.co.uk
Help us raise the bar for British washrooms, together.

Carl Smith joins forces with Loo of the Year Awards to champion washroom excellence

Tue, 20 May 2025 19:55:00 +0100

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Carl in the role of Business Development for Loo of the Year Awards Ltd! 🎉
Carl’s passion and commitment to raising toilet standards across the UK, especially his incredible work on the Changing Places Toilet programme, has already had a huge national impact. With 542 successful accessible toilet installations (and counting!) delivered with MDUK, Carl brings a wealth of experience and advocacy to our shared mission.
As he joins us in this role, we are excited to work together to:
🚻 Encourage wider participation in the annual grading scheme.
Champion the importance of well-maintained, inclusive ‘away from home’ washrooms.
Promote independent assessments as an essential tool for enhancing customer experience and building trust.
Toilets really do matter. They say a lot about your organisation and raising the standards benefits everyone. We are proud to be working alongside Carl to support businesses and public venues in showcasing excellence and making practical improvements.
Welcome aboard, Carl we are delighted to have you on the journey with us!

Author and networking expert to host Loo of the Year Awards in Birmingham

Sat, 17 May 2025 20:00:00 +0100

A professional speaker, bestselling author, and business networking expert who lives in Witney will host next year's Loo of the Year Awards.

Stefan Thomas, author of 'Business Networking for Dummies' and 'Win The Room', will take centre stage at the event.

The awards will take place in January 2026 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Mr Thomas, who has previously spoken at events for BT, Lloyds Bank, and Utility Warehouse, said: "When Becky and Charles Wall approached me to be MC for next year’s Loo of the Year Awards, I was thrilled.

"These awards are high energy and I know that I'll be able to bring that same energy to the stage - while also giving the audience some useful tips on how to build their own networks throughout the day."

The Loo of the Year Awards honour the best in ‘away from home’ washroom provision.

More than 1,500 businesses are assessed each year, with the highest performing entries celebrated at the final gala event.

Becky Wall, who runs the awards with her husband Charles, said: "[Mr Thomas] was an excellent keynote speaker at our awards earlier this year, where he struck the perfect balance between personal and professional.

"He spoke about business networking while sharing his personal experience of living with ulcerative colitis, and his authenticity and warmth really stood out.

"We knew then that he’d be a fantastic MC for our next awards ceremony."

Becky Wall, BEM, Managing Director of the Loo of the Year Awards, shares how the awards champion the highest standards in public toilets by recognising quality, cleanliness, and excellence UK-wide.

Sat, 10 May 2025 07:00:00 +0100

I was recently invited to speak on UK Health Radio with Raphaela Reeb-Ilgenfritz and the brilliant team at Stoma4Life – and what a privilege it was!
We talked all things Loo of the Year Awards, the work we do to champion clean, safe and accessible toilets away from home, and why raising awareness about the standard of our public and workplace washrooms is more important than ever.

From health and hygiene to dignity and inclusion – toilets are about so much more than convenience. Thank you to Stoma4Life for giving us a platform to share our mission and the impact that well-maintained washrooms can have on people's everyday lives.
Tune in to hear the full interview
https://bit.ly/3GPUNsF
, and let’s keep the conversation going about the need for better toilets – for everyone, everywhere.

Four Years of Ownership

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 18:17:34 +0100

🚽🎉 Four Years of Celebrating the Best in Washrooms! 🎉🚽

Time flies when you're flushing forward! 💨 This year marks four years since Charles and I became the proud owners of The Loo of the Year Awards, and what a journey it has been!
When we first stepped into the world of toilets, cleaning, and washroom excellence, we were met with open arms, expert advice, and a shared passion for raising standards. We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible businesses, dedicated cleaning teams, and industry leaders who truly understand the importance of top-quality facilities.
💙 We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, welcomed us, and joined us in championing washroom excellence. From our hardworking entrants to our fantastic sponsors, and attendees—this community is what makes the awards so special.
🚽 A special shoutout to Jane our Awards Manager and our incredible team of inspectors, who travel across the UK to ensure every facility is assessed to the highest standard. Your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail are what keep the awards running smoothly, and we couldn’t do it without you!
Here’s to many more years of celebrating the very best in washroom facilities—because great toilets really do make a difference!

Podcast - talking all things Loos with Fiona Scott

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:48:33 +0000

🎙️ Exciting news! I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest on Fiona Scott PR’s podcast, and the episode is going live tomorrow at 7am – just in time for the Loo of the Year Awards (aka the Washroom Oscars) on Wednesday! 🚻✨
We chatted about all things washroom excellence, the journey of the awards, and why celebrating away-from-home washrooms is so important.
You can tune in here: 👉 www.scottmedia.uk/podcast
Let me know what you think, and don’t forget to share it with anyone who loves a good podcast! 🎧

Live on the BBC 1

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:45:38 +0000

🌟 Privileged to Represent the British Toilet Association on Live TV! 🌟
This morning, I had the incredible opportunity to appear live on the BBC Politics North West Show, representing the British Toilet Association. 🗣️
We delved into the vital topic of public toilets—an essential yet often overlooked part of our infrastructure—and their impact on accessibility, hygiene, and community well-being. 💡🚻
I also highlighted the work of the Loo of the Year Awards, where we celebrate excellence in washroom standards across the UK. These awards shine a light on the businesses and organisations that go above and beyond to provide exceptional facilities. 🏆✨
A big thank you to the BBC for giving public toilets the platform they deserve and to everyone championing better facilities for all.
Let’s keep the conversation going—public toilets are not just conveniences; they are necessities!

Are Your Toilets Reflecting Your Business Standards? 🚽

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:16:18 +0000

Are Your Toilets Reflecting Your Business Standards? 🚽

Let’s face it—your toilets say more about your business than you might think. Whether it’s your customers, visitors, or staff using them, the condition of your toilets can leave a lasting impression. And if they’re not up to scratch, you risk sending the wrong message about how much you care about your business, your team, and your clients.

Think about it: if your toilets are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed, they show that you are detail-oriented and care about the overall experience of anyone interacting with your business. But if they’re poorly maintained, outdated, or unpleasant to use, people may start to question your standards elsewhere.

Why Toilets Matter More Than You Think:
1️⃣ First Impressions Count: The state of your facilities can create a subconscious impression. Customers often equate clean, high-quality toilets with a business that’s professional and trustworthy.
2️⃣ Staff Satisfaction: Your team spends hours in your workspace—providing them with hygienic, comfortable facilities shows you value their well-being.
3️⃣ Accessibility: Modern toilets that meet accessibility standards demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and customer care.
4️⃣ Brand Reflection: Whether you’re a five-star hotel, a trendy café, or a corporate office, your toilets should match the standard of your brand.

💡 The Business Impact of Great Toilets
A poorly maintained toilet can lead to more than just bad impressions—it can harm your reputation, decrease customer loyalty, and even affect staff morale. On the other hand, toilets that are clean, functional, and aligned with your brand can enhance customer experience, increase trust, and reflect positively on your business values.

🚨 Take Action Today! 🚨
When was the last time you assessed your toilet facilities? If it’s been a while—or if you’ve had feedback that they’re not up to standard—it’s time to make a change.

To ensure your toilets meet the highest standards, consider a professional independent inspection through the Loo of the Year Awards. Our expert assessments provide valuable insights and benchmarking for your facilities, ensuring they align with best practices and reflect positively on your business.

Review your facilities, invest in upgrades where needed, and let the Loo of the Year Awards help you showcase excellence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in elevating your toilet facilities. Because great toilets don’t just leave a good impression—they keep people coming back.

Does Your Food Hygiene Grading Match Your Loo of the Year Award?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:20:23 +0000

Does Your Food Hygiene Grading Match Your Loo of the Year Award?

As a business owner, you're undoubtedly proud of the shiny food hygiene sticker displayed on your window. It tells your customers you care about their health and safety. But let’s be honest—when was the last time you put that same level of effort into your washroom facilities?

The Hidden Standards That Speak Volumes
Your toilets say more about your business than you think. A spotless, well-maintained toilet shows attention to detail, respect for customers, and a commitment to high standards. On the flip side, a neglected toilet raises questions. If you can’t keep the washroom clean and functional, what does that say about the unseen areas of your business?
Think about it—customers, clients and visitors don’t peek into your kitchen or storeroom, but they will use your toilets. Those few moments in your washroom might leave a stronger impression than anything else. Are you proud of what they’ll see?

Why Standards Should Align
If your food hygiene rating is a five, but your toilet barely scrapes a three in the eyes of visitors, there’s a disconnect. It might not seem important, but it matters. People notice and, like it or not, they do judge.
Visitors might wonder:
If you ignore the toilets, what corners are you cutting elsewhere?
Are these poor standards reflected in the cleanliness of the kitchen, the handling of food, or even customer service?
No business wants to be under that kind of scrutiny.

It's Time to Raise the Bar
The Loo of the Year Awards exists to shine a spotlight on washroom excellence, rewarding businesses that go above and beyond in maintaining high standards. And let’s be clear—this isn’t just about winning awards. It’s about protecting your reputation and showing customers, clients, and staff that you care about every detail of their experience.

Making the Change
Investing in your washroom facilities doesn’t have to break the bank. Simple changes like regular deep cleaning, updating fixtures, and ensuring supplies are always stocked can make a huge difference.

Ask yourself: Does my washroom reflect the standards my business claims to uphold? If not, it’s time to act. Your food hygiene rating might get customers through the door, but the state of your toilets could decide whether they come back.
Don’t let your washroom be your business’s weak link. Keep it clean, keep it functional, and keep it a reflection of the standards you’re proud of.

Loo of The Year Awards announces Chrohn's & Colitis UK as it's Charity for the 2024 Awards Event

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:52:21 +0000

The Loo of the Year Awards is proud to announce Crohn’s & Colitis UK as its chosen charity for the 2024-2025 event.
The awards, which celebrate excellence in washroom facilities across the UK, are excited to support Crohn’s & Colitis UK in their mission to improve public awareness and access to quality toilets for people living with Crohn's and Colitis—two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affecting hundreds of thousands across the UK.
By partnering with Crohn’s & Colitis UK, the Loo of the Year Awards hopes to shine a light on the vital importance of accessible, high-quality washroom facilities which make an essential difference for people managing the symptoms of these chronic illnesses.
Marianne Radcliffe, CEO of Crohn's & Colitis UK, commented:
"One of the biggest worries for people with Crohn’s and Colitis is toilet availability. This is increasingly challenging and isolating as the number of public toilets declines. Here at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, we give each of our 50,000 or so members a Can’t Wait Card, which they can show in shops, restaurants, and other venues to make it easier to ask to use the toilet without having to give a long explanation.
"Access to toilets should be treated as a public health issue by governments across the UK. National and local decision-makers must take action to increase the number of publicly available toilets, rather than allowing them to close.
"We’d also urge people to remember that not every disability is visible. Someone using an accessible toilet could have an invisible condition such as Crohn’s or Colitis and may need to use the toilet urgently."

The Loo of the Year Awards is deeply committed to raising awareness about the need for accessible washrooms and is honoured to stand with Crohn’s & Colitis UK in highlighting the challenges that people with IBD face every day.
This year’s event will not only celebrate the best in washroom standards but will also encourage a national conversation on the role of public toilets as a basic right and a matter of public health.

Award Winning Buinesswoman

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:08:43 +0000

Becky Wall BEM attended the Best Businesswoman Awards 2024 as a finalist in the Businesswomen of the decade for her work predominantly with A Plush Flush Luxury Mobile Toilet Company, founded by her and Charles over 19 years ago and latter for her running of Loo of The Year Awards.

Becky took home the Silver Award in the Businesswoman of the decade and then was recognised by winning one of the five new, special awards celebrating 10 years of the Best Businesswoman Awards recognising her work within the toilet industry.

The event was held at the Hilton London Syon Park on the 11th October. Becky said "That the evening was fantastic, with so many inspiring ladies winning awards and supporting each other in business. A huge thank you must go to Debbie Gilbert for organising both the Awards and the Gala evening, to the sponsors and also to the Judges."

Easter Holidays Competition!!!

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 18:30:50 +0000

Easter Holidays are upon us and a Competition has been lunched on our Facebook and LinkedIn Pages.

Loo Of The Year Awards Easter Holiday Competition!!!

To celebrate the new door/window stickers for 2024, we are launching a competition. This will run from today and will close on Monday April 15^th at 16.00 GMT.

To take part, find and take a photo of a sticker, like the one in the photo. (These could also be of a Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus or Diamond Grading) Post you photo onto our Loo Of The Year Award Facebook Page, share and comment to what establishment and where you found it.

After the competition is closed all entrants will be entered into a draw, one entry, of a photo of a sticker from an establishment from each Country that Loo Of The Year Awards staff inspect in, i.e England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be drawn out. These will then be the winners and each one will receive an Amazon E-Voucher to the value of £25.00.

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS

By participating in the competition you are agreeing to these competition terms and conditions. The competition is being run by Loo Of The Year Awards Ltd.

The competition is open to entrants over 18 years of age. Loo Of The Year Awards Ltd employees and associates are excluded from the draw.

By entering the competition, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and that you are eligible to receive any prizes that may be awarded to you.

There is no limit to the number of entries per person and the competition is completely free to enter.

The winning prize will be a £25.00 E-Voucher from Amazon and there will be one awarded for the first entry of the photo showing the sticker on an establishment from each of the Countries we Inspect in i.e England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The use of specific brands as prizes by Loo Of The Year Awards Ltd does not imply and affiliation with or endorsement of such brands.

The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable, and no cash alternatives will be provided.

We reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if circumstances beyond our control require doing so.

Loo Of The year Awards Ltd staff's decision on any aspect of the Competition is final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into about it.

The winner will be chosen at random and notified via Facebook messenger using the Facebook account that entered and this will be on Monday 8th April afer 16.00 GMT.

Loo Of The Year will make two attempts to contact the winner via Facebook Messenger.

If the winner does not respond to the messages informing them of their win within 14 days of the second message, they forfeit their right to the prize, and The Loo Of The Year Awards Ltd reserves the right to select and notify a new winner.

The prize will be delivered by e-mail.

5 working days left to enter 2023 Awards!!!!

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:03:43 +0100

Due to the 31st July landing on a Monday, we have extended the entry date to the 4th August, so that is five working days or 4 sleeps to go.

Don't miss out on entering your 'away from home washrooms' , so that you can receive an unannounced inspection and receive a grading. These gradings will show to your customers and staff how important you feel their comfort, safety and dignity is when using your facilities.

Every entry and the grading will then be put on our new Web linked app, where the general public will be able to find you with ease, this encouraging further footfall to your establishments. This marketing of your name and grade on our Web linked app is free with your entry.

Extended entry date 3rd August 2022

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 18:49:00 +0100

Due to the exciting amount of entries that have been coming at the end of this last week, we realised that our closing date fell on the weekend. So for all those that thought they may have missed out, we have extended the closing date to Wednesday 3rd August. This is our 35th Anniversary year and are so pleased with the amount of support we have had with entries this time. Our vision here at Loo Of The Year Awards is to raise the recognition of the grades that are given to the washrooms we inspect, so that they are recognisable, just like the food hygiene ones are to the general public.

35th Anniversary Year

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:16:00 +0100

The team at Loo Of the Year Awards would firstly like to thank our sponsors and all the entrants for a very exciting and successful first year for the new management team, yes it had some hitches on the way, not least having to postpone the Awards Event twice and then finally holding it on the windiest day on record. We would though like to thank those that were able to attend the event and we hope you enjoyed it and found it as inspirational as we did.

This year Loo Of The Year Awards will be celebrating it's 35th Anniversary. We are hoping for a record number of entries as we promote the need for better 'away form home toilets' and encourage more business to promote and enter their facilities. Last year we saw the standard rise yet again through many of our entrants and were very excited to have many new entrants too.

For the 2022 event we will be moving it to a Thursday and will change the running a little. We are hoping to start a little later in the day, have the dinner early evening and then have entertainment to celebrate the day until midnight. We are hoping that many will join us and the schedule and early bird prices will be posted soon.

3rd Time Lucky ! New date for event. Friday 18th February

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 13:58:00 +0000

We are sorry that due to the Covid 19 spike we took the decision to postpone the Loo Of The Year Awards; but confirm that it has been re-booked for Friday 18th February, at National Motorcycle Centre, where all arrangements will remain the same. Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country (BBC One) and This Week On The Farm (Channel Five) as the compere and Marc Spelmann (Britain's Got Talent) as the entertainer. Very excited that they both can still be with us for the day!

Have you booked your tickets yet? If not there are still a few left so please contact Jane on information@loo.co.uk.

Loo Of The Year Awards Postponed

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 16:19:00 +0000

We are sorry to announce that due to the Covid 19 spike we have taken the decision to postpone the Loo Of The Year Awards on Friday 14th January. We have however re-booked for Friday 18th February, at National Motorcycle Centre, all arrangements to remain the same. There will be Jules Hudson from Escape to the Country (BBC One) and This Week On The Farm (Channel Five) as the compere and Marc Spelmann (Britain's Got Talent) as the entertainer. Very excited that they both can still be with us for the day.

If you have not booked tickets yet there are still a few left so please contact Jane on information@loo.co.uk.

Becky Wall appointed as Managing Director of Loo of the Year Awards

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:39:00 +0100

Becky Wall has been appointed as Managing Director of Loo of the Year Awards with effect from 1^st April. Becky succeeds Mike Bone, who became Chairman at the same time, and will continue to be involved in Loo of the Year Awards activities.

The Awards are owned and run independently and since their introduction in 1987 the annual Loo of the Year Awards competition has strived to focus the spotlight on recognising and rewarding the very best washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland. It is considered the ‘washroom standard’ and a Loo of the Year Award is an established benchmark of washroom provision and compliance to national standards.

After leaving school Becky had a successful career in sales and accounts. During that time, she studied through remote learning and gained a Higher Diploma in Events Management.

In the Millennium Year Becky started her own Events Management business where she identified a niche in the market for Luxury Mobile Toilet Hire to complement the events. Becky and her Husband Charles subsequently started A Plush Flush in 2006. The connection with Loo of the Year Awards started in 2009 when A Plush Flush was entered into the Mobile Toilet category. Since then A Plush Flush has achieved many awards including National Category Winners, Market Sector Winners and National Winner of Individual Categories for England and ultimately UK Winner of individual Categories.

Becky was honoured in 2015 with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her extensive work with local Charites, being a School Governor and PTA Chairperson of the school where her two teenage daughters attended. She was also part of a small group who have raised over £100,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Becky has said “I am very excited to be taking on this new position and I hope one of the goals I achieve is to raise the profile of the Loo of the Year Awards, Sponsors and Entrants further using Social Media Platforms.”

1st April 2021

01531 640715

www.loo.co.uk

Enhance the perception of clean with a venue that smells great

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:43:00 +0100

Act now: Ensure your investment in reopening creates a positive experience for your staff and diners

Now that there is a roadmap for coming out of lockdown, restaurant and pub managers need to ensure that premises are not only clean and safe, but also restore confidence for returning staff and diners.

First impressions count, and can begin before people even see if a venue is clean. The sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses and one of the body’s front-line defence mechanisms, designed to set off alarm bells if a foul smell is detected. According to research, 75% of all emotions generated each day are due to smell, and we are therefore 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over anything we hear, see, or touch. A bad smell is a warning of a bad experience to come.

“Many restaurants and pubs have been closed for months, and while they might have been cleaned, air quality will be poor, and with a reduced frequency of cleaning routines, they will not smell as fresh as they should,” says P-Wave^® Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Wintle. “People’s trust in the cleanliness and safety of a venue can be negatively impacted if it smells bad, as they will wonder why, and suspect that it is not hygienic.”

Foul smells in any building are typically caused by the presence of bacteria which has been left to grow through either inadequate or infrequent or cleaning procedures. While the washroom may be the cause of the worst odours in a building, improving the air quality and freshness throughout premises brings many benefits.

“Restaurant and pub managers should not overlook the power of scent in the workplace. Choosing the most appropriate fragrance to apply throughout a building can help create a happier and more relaxed experience for staff and guests, says Mark Wintle. “After all, shopping centres and high-end retailers have been using ambient scents to positively influence customer perceptions for years. P-Wave has worked with leading fragrance houses to develop a range of well-researched and consumer-tested popular fragrances.

“As innovators in the air freshening industry, P-Wave understands that cleanliness and hygiene are the most important aspects of managing premises, but with the heightened awareness created by Covid-19, restaurant and pub managers need to action every option available to ensure safety and reassure employees and visitors,” says Mark.

Washroom focus

In all premises, to feel safe, consumers need to see – and smell – that the washroom is immaculately clean, but poor plumbing or maintenance, or an inadequate cleaning regime can lead to unfortunate odours which are unlikely to receive 5-star reviews. However, in urinals it is the actual minute-by-minute usage that can cause the biggest problem.

“We’ve been solving the most common hygiene issue in urinals for years, as randomly splashed urine causes a headache for cleaners, plus a bad smell and a reduction in hygiene standards.

“But there’s something even more important at this unprecedented time. According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), Coronavirus can spread in an infected person's urine. This is called ‘viral shedding’, which means that if traces of contaminated urine become aerosolised and inhaled while using a urinal, the disease can infect others in the washroom¹. That’s why P-Wave recently delivered a new angle on splash prevention, coupled with a major step forward in urinal deodorising technology with the launch of a new highly fragranced urinal screen.”

To ensure washroom cleanliness and hygiene it is worth installing bio-enzymatic cleaning solutions in cisterns. They release billions of beneficial bacterial to consume bio-materials that cause odours, keeping the bowl clean, blue and fresh, while also reducing water consumption by displacing water that would normally be present.

Toilet bowls should not be overlooked, and there are passive highly fragranced solutions which can be clipped over the outside of the toilet rim (under the seat) or hung anywhere.

Passive and active air fresheners

Passive air fresheners are ideal for smaller areas where consistent fragrancing is important. From simple, highly fragranced units for installation in bins, the back of doors, under a desks or in washrooms, to more powerful units which can be placed near a door or any space with good air flow, the open-air design ensures maximum surface area exposure for effective and efficient fragrance release.

Active air fresheners replace aerosols and are better for the environment. Systems are available to freshen small, medium and large spaces. Discrete wall or ceiling mounted systems can comprehensively freshen up to 16m³, and feature an intelligent fan which powers down when the lights go off to conserve the battery.

For use in toilet cubicles, lifts, gyms and spas or even on a desk in an office, another motion-actvated solution delivers more targeted, clean and efficient air freshening in small spaces

Exactly when and where it’s needed, reducing fragrance overload, nasal fatigue, and aerosol residue.

Also available are powerful, yet silent active fresheners which feature advanced micro-diffusion technology. Delivering coverage from 200m³ to 1200m³, one option features bluetooth control and advanced programming via smartphone or tablet, while the largest, features fully adjustable start/stop, diffusion and stand-by intervals as well as a weekend on/off function.

When specifying air freshening solutions, restaurant and pub managers also have the environment on mind and only choose and install products and consumables that are 100% recyclable,” says Mark.

As restaurants and pubs reopen, there’s no doubt that first impressions are hugely important and restore confidence. Owners and managers need to do all they can to ensure that staff and guests trust that premises are hygienic, safe and clean. Now is the time to address cleaning and maintenance issues, but also to ensure that premises smell clean and have a pleasant and inviting ambience.”

www.p-wave.co.uk

Entries now being received

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 14:58:00 +0000

We are now receiving entries for the 2021 Loo of the Year Awards

Entries can be made on this Loo of the Year Awards Website - click on the Enter tab on the Home Page. Alternatively down load a hard copy of the 2021 Entry Form in the same location.

Unannounced Loo of the Year Awards inspections, assessments of entrant's washrooms and entrant's cleaning staff for the Washroom Cleaner of the Year, will occur in July, August and September by which time Covid19 restrictions should be over. Inspections will be completed in accordance with Covid 19 rules pertaining at that time and entrant's specific requirements.

The prestigious 2021 Loo of the Year Awards Event will be held on Friday 3rd December.

Please contact mike@loo.co.uk or phone 01403 258779 if you would like help or have any concerns about entering at this time.

2021 Loo of the Year Awards Update

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:59:00 +0000

Entries for the 2021 Loo of the Year Awards can be made on this Loo of the Year Awards Website - click on the Enter tab on the Home Page. Alternatively down load a hard copy of the 2021 Entry Form in the same location. Please contact mike@loo.co.uk if you would like help or have any concerns about entering at this time.

The prestigious 2021 Loo of the Year Awards Event will be held on Friday 3rd December.

WYCHAVON DISTRICT COUNCIL WIN LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS TROPHY

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:42:00 +0000

Wychavon District Council have been awarded the Overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy in the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards. A regular annual entrant, the Council achieved ten Platinum and three Diamond award (the only local authority to achieve the ultimate Diamond grade) and were the first Local Authority to become the Overall Loo of the Year Awards winner since 2014. They were also awarded the Space to Change Toilet UK Trophy in a total of nine prestigious UK and National Awards for England. Due to Covid 19 restrictions on Events, the planned annual Loo of the Year Awards Event planned for 4^th December was cancelled but the awards were presented to the Council in a ceremony at its council office.

Websitelinks.docx

Awards Managing Director, Mike Bone quotes “Wychavon DC have entered Loo of the Year Awards for several years and won many National and UK awards. They are proud of their public toilets which include male, female. Baby Change, Accessible and multiple Changing Places/Space to Change facilities but not complacent and have further enhancements planned for 2021.Their high standards of washroom provision, cleaning and maintenance have been recognised with the ultimate accolade – the Overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy.”

In the 2020 Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards, Axis Cleaning and Support Services were awarded the 2020 UK External Contractor Cleaning Team Trophy and Amenca, an Axis cleaner at the Ashley Shopping Centre Epsom, was awarded the Individual Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards Trophy. JD Wetherspoon were presented with the In-House Cleaning Team Trophy.

Other 2020 Loo of the Year Award UK/Ireland trophies were awarded to the Wellcome Collection - Individual Categories Trophy and Changing Places Toilet Entries Trophy, JD Wetherspoon – Corporate Provider Trophy, McLean Restaurants T/A McDonald’s – Accessible Toilet Entries trophy, Buttercrane Centre Newry – Baby Changing Facilities Entries Trophy, The Hideaway@Baxby Manor – Eco Friendly Toilet Facilities Trophy, Danfo (UK) Ltd – Public Toilet Entries Trophy and the Local Authority Entries Trophy, and the University of Surrey – Toilets in Education Trophy. The winners were selected from entries in sixty-one entry categories across all market sectors. All trophies were delivered to the winners personally (except Buttercrane in Northern Ireland) and presentations were made where possible subject to Covid 19 Restrictions.

Loo of the Year Awards thank all their entrants for their loyal support during this difficult year and look forward to assessing and recognising their washrooms once more in 2021.

Full details of the 2019 Awards results are available on the Awards website: www.loo.co.uk The next Loo of the Year Awards Event will be held on Friday 3rd December 2021, Covid permitting.

Breaking the chain of infection through innovation

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 14:17:00 +0000

P-Wave is a long term supporter of Loo of the Year Awards have introduced Steri-Core antimicrobial silver ion technology door furniture.

Breaking the chain of infection through innovation

As a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic, health, hygiene and above all safety is at the top of everyone’s agenda – and in premises, people need to feel as safe as possible.

“We are working closely with schools to recommend that they take the right steps to ensure the safety of their staff pupils and visitors, and to restore confidence”, said P-Wave^® Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Wintle.

One of the biggest challenges in any building is keeping regularly touched surfaces, or ‘hotspots’ clean and free from bacteria and viruses. Door furniture is among the ‘most-touched’ of all hotspots in all premises, and is one of the fastest ways for infections and viruses to spread. Keeping surfaces clean can only ever be a temporary measure as each person who touches a door handle transfers new bacteria, which multiplies and spreads to other users.

“What if the door furniture was antimicrobial and anti-bacterial, creating a permanent solution, which is effective against bacteria and viruses and continues to protect in between your standard cleaning intervals?”, asks Mark Wintle. “P-Wave^® is delighted to introduce the perfect solution, which is not only affordable, but also features an additive which lasts for the entire lifecycle of the product.”

Antimicrobial to the core

P-Wave’s Steri-Core antimicrobial silver ion technology door furniture helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses. Tested and proven effective against MRSA, E-Coli, Salmonella and Norovirus, the products feature a high concentration of antimicrobial which is blended with the polymer during the manufacturing process and forms part of the molecular structure of the product. This ensures that the silver Ion technology is active all the way through to the core of the handles. So unlike coated products or films, even if they become scratched or damaged, Steri-Core handles will continue to kill pathogens effectively for the life of the product, and each handle has a 10 year manufacturer guarantee.

The non-porous polypropylene material stops dirt embedding and staining the surface, making the removal of dirt and bacteria easier compared with traditional materials. The material used in the Steri-Core products enables quick effective all over cleaning using detergents, steam cleaning, and chlorine disinfectants (BS EN 12720:2009[1]).

Independent tests prove that P-Wave’s Steri-Core products are made from the world’s only material clinically proven to kill the non-enveloped EPA FCA Strain F9 of Human Norovirus (ISO 22196:2011). P-Wave^® is currently awaiting results of tests to prove that its Steri-Core products are also effective against Coronavirus, which – according to the American Chemistry Council – is an enveloped virus and easier to kill[2] than non-enveloped viruses.

Effective anti-Covid-19 wiping

P-Wave® now also stocks Clinell Universal Wipes which are proven to be effective against Covid-19 virus on surfaces, in just 30 seconds. Designed by doctors, these low-cost universal anti-microbial wipes for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment and hands, remove the need to use different types of wipe. Proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria in 10 seconds as well as most viruses in less than one minute, they are dermatologically tested and contain aloe vera and moisturisers.undefinedundefined

For more information click this link https://p-wave.co.uk/product/p-hold-p-plate-stericore/

2020 Loo of the Year Awards results

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 17:58:00 +0000

Loo of the Year Awards have notified all of their entrants of their 2020 Loo of the Year Awards grading results by post/email.

All National and UK awards and UK/Ireland Trophy winners will be notified of their achievement by email on Friday 4th December (the date planned for the actual Event). Their Grading Certificates and Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards Certificates will be sent to them to arrive from that date.

The National Award winners certificates, in picture frames, will be sent to them in the same way.

Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director Mike Bone will be contacting all of the the UK/Ireland Trophy winners personally on Friday 4th to congratulate them and if possible arrange to deliver and present the trophies and their framed certificates personally.

Full details of all winners will be displayed on this website (Awards tab) from 09.00 on Friday 4^th.

We thank all of our loyal regular entrants and our new for 2020 entrants for their support. We hope that we can return to normal service in 2021 and present our prestigious and unique Annual Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 3rd December 2021!

2020 Loo of the Year Awards Event cancelled

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 12:15:00 +0100

We regret that as a direct result of Covid 19 restrictions on the numbers of attendees at Events the 2020 Loo of the Awards Event planned for Friday 4th December 2020 has been cancelled. We apologise for the disappointment this action will be for our loyal entrants, other Event supporters .

All 2020 entrants will receive full details of their Award Grading in October 2020 and Award Grade certificates will be sent to them in late November/early December. Winners of National Awards for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be advised in early December 2020 as well as the UK/Ireland Trophy winners. Arrangements will be made to present Trophies wherever possible.

The 2021 Loo of the Year Awards will be launched early in 2021. Full details will be on this website. In the meantime please contact MIke Bone, Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director 01403 258779 if you have any queries.

Entry date extended till 7th August 2020

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:48:00 +0100

The closing date for general entries has been extended to 7th August.

Please contact us (01531 647141) if you need more time. Extensions may be possible depending on location of entries.

Where to “GO” during the Pandemic

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 09:37:00 +0100

A practical guide when nature calls and Public Toilets are closed (Due to the Pandemic) produced by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust

Before you travel

When outdoors we all need to keep ourselves adequately hydrated and fed therefore it is likely that you or a family member may need the toilet. The provision of public toilets is not a statutory requirement in the United Kingdom, but when visiting many of our beaches, parks and other beauty spots we normally have these facilities available. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic it’s not possible to safely provide public toilets. Therefore, this guide has been put together to provide some practical alternative measures we can all take when nature calls.

Planning Ahead

Prior to leaving your home consider the opportunity for everyone to use the household toilet rather than getting caught short. Also follow government guidance and do not to travel more than 5 miles.

Let’s Talk About It

We might not like the idea, but we all need to talk about going to the toilet. Chatting to friends and family about sanitation will help raise awareness, best practice and prevent the potential spread of disease.

Section 47 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act

Any person who urinates or defecates in such circumstances as to cause, annoyance to any other person shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £500.

When nature calls

Children

If you have young children who are out of nappies plan for the worst and take the following items:

A plastic pail with a lid

Toilet paper

Hand sanitizing gel

With the lid sealed all waste contents can be stored safely and deposited into your domestic toilet when you return home.

Adults (For those who can’t wait to get home)

If you need to urinate, do so at least 30 metres from open water or rivers and streams. If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, from open water or rivers and streams (50 metres or further). Please bury faeces in a shallow hole (15cm) always replacing the turf, take your toilet paper and all sanitary products home for safe disposal. You will need the following items:

A small trowel

Toilet paper Hand sanitizing gel

Never place a rock on top of a faecal matter as it only slows down the decomposition process and don’t toilet near farm animals or crops. Please be discrete at all times.

Disposal on site

In some locations, burying is not advised. Ecologically sensitive areas, such as sand dunes, beaches, and wildflower meadows are off limits, an alternative site must be found. Cultivated fields must be avoided as they are growing food stuffs often for human consumption.

How to Use Hand Sanitiser

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and always supervise young children.

Apply sanitizer to a cupped hand

Rub hands together, until hands feel dry (this takes around 20 seconds)

Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work as well against germs.

To view the full Scottish Outdoor Access Code go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot

Washrooms and the spread of Covid -19

Wed, 13 May 2020 11:18:00 +0100

“You can also catch the virus if you touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes”.

The coronavirus can live for hours to days on surfaces like toilet cubicles, WCs, washbasins, hand-dryers, and entrance door handles. How long it survives depends on the material the surface is made from. Metal 5 days, Wood 4 days Stainless Steel 2 to 3 days Copper 4 hours, Glass mirrors and windows up to 5 days and Ceramics WCs and washbasins 5 days.

Washroom providers, employers and cleaning or FM companies must ensure that the washrooms and workplaces that they are responsible for are cleaned regularly and effectively to pre-defined schedules; especially frequently touched objects and surfaces i.e. WCs, toilet tissue dispensers washbasins, urinals, cubicle and toilets entrance door handles, hand dryers, soap dispensers, sanitary waste dispensers, vanity shelves etc.

It has been reported that Coronavirus can survive on surfaces for up to 9 days - more than four times longer than the flu virus.
Local cleaning management must ensure that the date and time each washroom is cleaned is recorded including details of any remedial work that is required and when it is completed e.g. defective hand dryers, toilet tissue dispensers or soap dispensers. This will help support their Duty of Care.

2020 Loo of the Year Awards entrants will receive an independent assessment of their washroom cleaning and washroom management provision and can receive a written report with recommendations for improvements. These would include recommendations for the provision of non-touch operation of hand washing, water, soap dispensing, hand drying, WC flushing and sanitary waste disposal. Further evidence of a pro-active approach to excellent service.

Go to this website's Loo Advice tab which includes information and advice on Toilet Design, Best Practice and Cleaning Guidelines for washroom providers. Contact Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director Mike Bone - mike@loo.co.uk if you would like further information or assistance.

Enter Loo of the Year Awards NOW!

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:24:00 +0100

Enter the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards Now!

Go to the Enter tab and complete your Entry on-line. Alternatively, download the Entry Form, complete it and send by email to mike@loo.co.uk.

Entrants will receive an Independent assessment of the standard of their washroom provision, recognition of their achievement, and the chance to be awarded a prestigious National or UK award. The public will value clean and hygienic washrooms much more in future! We will continue to recognise, reward and promote our entrants superior washroom provision.

Due to the current Convid-19 crisis the Ledbury office is currently closed. If you need any further information, please contact our Head Office using the email address mike@loo.co.uk above and we will respond promptly. Address - Loo of the Year Awards, PO Box 847, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5AL. Telephone 01403 258779.

Loo of the Year Awards entries and Coronavirus

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:28:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards staff are still able maintain normal service whilst working safely at home.

We have not cancelled the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards as we already have many entries and we do not need to inspect entrants facilities until August at the earliest – over four months ahead and by which time we hope that most businesses will have resumed normal activities . This can be put back if necessary but we hope that contact restrictions will be removed before then. The annual Event is planned for Friday 4th December – seven months ahead. The public will value clean and hygienic washrooms much more in future! We will continue to recognise, reward and promote our entrants superior washroom provision.

When the current pandemic ends, customers and other visitors to your premises will be even more aware of the need to be able to use clean and hygienic washroom facilities that meet all of their needs and expectations. This Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) website ‘Loo Advice’ tab contains help and advice relating to many aspects including Toilet design, Best Practice, Cleaning Guidelines and the LOYA Consultancy Service. A Loo of the Year Award is independent recognition of the standard of washrooms that you provide and the standards you achieve!

We thank our past loyal entrants for their continues support and we hope that they will be able to enter once more in 2020. Due to the current Convid-19 crisis the Ledbury office is currently closed. If you need any further information, please contact our Head Office using the email address mike@loo.co.uk above and we will respond promptly. Address - Loo of the Year Awards, PO Box 847, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5AL. Telephone 01403 258779. A copy of the Entry Form is accessible on the Enter tab.

Washroom etiquette and the spread of Coronavirus

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:32:00 +0000

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, there are everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Employees must avoid close contact with people who are sick. Employers have a duty to ensure that staff who are unwell do not attend a workplace where other employees, customers or the public may be subject to cross infection – they must stay at home when they are sick. All employees must also be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose if they cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the rubbish bin.

Employers must provide instructions to employees to ensure that they wash their hands often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the washroom; before eating; and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol should be provided. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Employers and cleaning or FM companies must ensure that the washrooms and workplaces that they are responsible for are cleaned regularly and effectively to pre-defined schedules especially frequently touched objects and surfaces i.e. WCs, toilet tissue dispensers washbasins, urinals, cubicle and toilets entrance door handles, hand dryers, soap dispensers, sanitary waste dispensers, vanity shelves etc. Scientists have discovered why the Wuhan strain of coronavirus is spreading so rapidly – it can survive on surfaces for up to 9 days - more than four times longer than the flu virus.

It is good practice to record the date and time each washroom is cleaned including a record of any remedial work that is required and when it is completed e.g. defective hand dryers or soap dispensers.

Entrants in Loo of the Year Awards receive a thorough and independent assessment of their washroom provision and can receive a written report with recommendations for improvements. The Loo Advice tab of this website also includes information and advice on Toilet Design, Best Practice and Cleaning Guidelines for washroom providers.

Vacancies for Loo of the Year Awards Inspectors

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 11:36:00 +0000

All entrants in Loo of the Year Awards have their entry washrooms inspected by a trained and experienced Loo of the Year Awards Inspector during an unannounced inspection visit between 1st July and 30th September each year.

We currently have have vacancies in some geographic areas and invite applications from persons who ideally have experience in the cleaning, FM, washroom service or building management. The Inspectors are employed on a self employed basis and need to be capable planning their own journeys, working on their own initiative and are computer literate. Full training and support is provided and excellent earnings are available. For further details please contact Mike Bone 01403 258779.

Tony Neal 1943 -2020

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:49:00 +0000

It is with sadness that Tony Neal, the longest serving Loo of the Year Awards Inspector died on 23rd January after a long battle with cancer.

Tony worked for us as an Inspector with his wife Kitty for twelve years up to 2018 when his illness prevented him from continuing. He enjoyed life to the full both with his family and at work and leaves behind him a tremendous legacy. He will be remembered by the Loo of the Year staff and the entrants with whom he and Kitty developed lasting relationships. Kind, strong minded, funny and caring - he will be missed!

Looking to Increase Business? Start by Maintaining the washrooms

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 14:08:00 +0000

Survey: 62% of consumers say clean washrooms increase their spending. A growing majority of consumers value businesses' well-kept washrooms so much that they are willing to spend more money when they encounter one, according to new national research.

The number of Americans who will "definitely" or "probably" shell out more cash in response to clean washrooms has climbed to 62% this year from just 45% two years ago. Millennials and Gen Xers are the two generations most likely to open their wallets.

The study also found that almost 3 out of 4 Americans make it a point to visit a business because they know it has nice washrooms. Women are especially likely to show preferential treatment, as are Millennials and Gen Xers.

The findings are part of the 11th annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey conducted by Bradley Corporation that queried 1,005 adults and youth throughout the United States about public restroom preferences and hand washing habits.

Put cleaning on the schedule
"Increasingly, our survey underscores that clean washrooms attract business," says Jon Dommisse, director of strategy and corporate development for Bradley Corp. "Even posting and maintaining a cleaning schedule in washrooms helps reassure customers the facility is clean. Over half who have observed such a schedule say it makes them feel more positive about the business."

Even though consumers are keen on rewarding restroom-friendly companies, more Americans are having unpleasant experiences in a public restroom. This year, a record-high 76% report having a particularly bad encounter.

"While it's encouraging that consumers are willing to reward businesses that have nice washrooms, there is a growing disconnect that more Americans are experiencing unpleasant washrooms," Dommisse said.

Business blowback from bad washrooms
washrooms that are dirty or in disarray generate negative impressions causing customers to take their business elsewhere, according to the survey. Close to 60% of Americans will leave the business immediately or say they are unlikely to return after encountering unpleasant washrooms.

There are a number of grievances in public washrooms that trigger high levels of frustration. Among the most aggravating are clogged/unflushed toilets (85%), empty/jammed toilet paper dispensers (83%) and partition doors that don't latch shut (78%). Women and Baby Boomers express the most annoyance about these inconveniences.

"Poor conditions are the main culprit behind people skipping hand washing during a restroom visit," Dommisse noted. "Lack of soap and/or paper towels and dirty and/or non-functioning sinks are the two most common reasons for not washing hands."

The 11th annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey by Bradley Corp. queried American adults and youth online Dec. 11-16, 2019. Participants were from around the country, were 14 years and older, and were fairly evenly split between men and women (47% and 53%).

Bradley is a leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, restroom partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers.

www.bradleycorp.com

P Wave continue involvement into the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 12:06:00 +0000

We are delighted that P-Wave are an Awards Supporter of the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards and will be involved in Loo of the Year Awards for the seventh year.

P-Wave were an Associate Sponsor in 2019 and previously an Awards Supporter and regular exhibitor at Loo of the Year Awards prestigious annual Awards Evens.

"As innovators in the air freshening industry, P-Wave has continually raised the bar in terms of urinal screen technology and we are proud to announce that our new 5^th generation Slant6 screen is another massive step forward,” said P-Wave Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Wintle. “With less plastic, a smaller size to fit more urinals and ‘zero splash-back’, the Slant6 reinforces why P-Wave is the number one brand of urinal screen in the UK."

Read more on the Sponsor page or go to www.p-wave.co.uk

Are Washroom Cleaners valued?

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:10:00 +0000

The Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards are a unique and integral part of Loo of the Year Awards but relate specifically to the cleaning staff that looks after facilities, rather than the washrooms themselves.

Mike Bone, Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director said “While the range of gradings and National and UK/Ireland Loo of the Year Awards and Trophies provide adequate recognition for the loos and their providers, it is the people who look after each facility – be they individual full-time attendants, in-house cleaning teams or external cleaning contractors, who also deserve recognition”.

All attendants and/or cleaning staff employed by the entrant and working at the entry location will automatically be entered for a Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award. Judging is carried out at the same time as the Loo of the Year Awards inspection and any cleaning staff seen at the time of the unannounced visit are deemed to represent the whole cleaning team.

There are three separate National Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards for cleaners based in England, Scotland, Wales and the Ireland. These are; the Individual Washroom Cleaner (or individual washroom cleaning team) at one entry location, In-house Cleaning Team based in multiple entry locations and the External Contractor Cleaning Team Multiple Entries National Awards. A UK/Ireland Trophy winner is selected from the National Award winners of each of the three National Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards.

The awards are Presented to the cleaner (s) and cleaning teams who, in the opinion of the judges, is performing a high quality “ambassadorial” role for the washroom provider, in terms of cleaning, appearance, attitude, commitment and efficiency. Presentations are made as a part of the annual Loo of the Year Awards Event and the winning cleaners enjoy the experience of not only being recognised for their achievement but also enjoy the hospitality and top class entertainment normally reserved for their managers or directors at such events.

The next Loo of the Year Awards Event is on Friday 4^th December and washroom providers, cleaning and FM companies can enter the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards now. Full entry details are on the Awards website www.loo.co.uk information@loo.co.uk 01531 640715

How does your company compare?

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:08:00 +0000

The cleanliness, maintenance and management of washrooms is essential to enable customers and staff to satisfy a basic human need – using the loo! Customers will use the facilities that they know meet their needs, and importantly not visit places that don’t.

How does your company assess how clean and well maintained the washrooms are that you are responsible for? How do you benchmark your achievements against your competitors? Does your company and its cleaning staff receive recognition for a job well done? Entering washrooms into the annual Loo of the Year Awards is a way of receiving an independent assessment and recognition of the standards achieved based on ‘the washroom standard’ for the UK.

Mike Bone, the Awards Managing Director, said “Companies and institutions of all sizes and in all market sectors throughout the UK use their entries in the annual Loo of the Year Awards as a proven, cost effective and independent annual assessment of their standards. We provide the assessment, recognition and promotion of their success in washroom provision, cleaning and this vital element of facilities management. Leading cleaning and FM companies compete for a range of National Awards and UK/Ireland trophies including the ultimate accolade – winning the overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy.

For 2019 Loo of the Year Awards introduced a prestigious new Diamond Award which less than four percent of entrants achieved. These included entries from ABM, Churchill Cleaning Services, Cordant Cleaning Services, Mitie and VSG. How would the washrooms you are responsible for compare?

Entries are now being received for the 2020 Loo of the Year Awards – the annual competition to find the best places ‘to go’ in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. There are a range of National and Overall awards and trophies for the very best entries which will be presented at the prestigious Awards Presentation Event to be held on Friday 4th December.

Anyone can enter online via the Awards website: www.loo.co.uk or by contacting information@loo.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 30^th June 2020.

intu awarded the 2019 Washroom Cleaner of the Year Overall Trophy

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 19:25:00 +0000

Intu were awarded the 2019 UK Overall Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards Trophy at the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards event on Friday 6th December. Catherine Kerr, a cleaner at intu Victoria in Nottingham was also awarded the UK Individual Cleaner Trophy. intu were also awarded the 2019 Overall UK Loo of the Year Award and Baby Changing Facilities Trophies.

Fife Coast & Countryside Trust were presented with the In-House Cleaning Team Trophy and Mitie/VSG gained the External Contractor Team Trophy. Full details of the other 2019 National Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards are shown on the Awards tab of this website

intu AWARDED THE OVERALL LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS TROPHY

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 19:22:00 +0000

intu AWARDED THE OVERALL LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS TROPHY

intu, who own some of the best shopping centres in the UK have been awarded the Overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy in the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards. With 20 centres across the UK and Spain, their whole business is focused on creating the best places for shopping and leisure, so that visitors come more often and stay longer. Part of this focus in on providing customer washrooms that meet the needs of all types of users including Changing Places facilities

Four of intu’s shopping centres were awarded the new and prestigious Diamond Loo of the Year Award grade (with the remainder all achieving a Platinum Award grade), three national awards were also awarded and the UK Retail Market Sector Award and the UK Baby Changing Facilities Trophy. Awards Managing Director, Mike Bone quotes “intu have entered Loo of the Year Awards for several years and won many awards. Their high standards of washroom provision, cleaning and maintenance have been recognised.”

Intu were also awarded the 2019 UK Overall Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards Trophy and Catherine Kerr, a cleaner at intu Victoria in Nottingham was awarded the UK Individual Cleaner Trophy. Fife Coast & Countryside Trust were presented with the In-House Cleaning Team Trophy and Mitie/VSG gained the External Contractor Team Trophy.

McLean Restaurants T/A McDonalds were the Loo of the Year Awards Individual Categories Trophy winner and other major UK and Ireland Trophy Winners including JD Wetherspoon, Danfo (UK) Ltd, ABM UK Ltd, Chichester District Council, Dornoch Firth Caravan Park Tain and Oxford Direct Services The winners were selected from entries in sixty-one entry categories across all market sectors.

Guests from throughout the UK, including representatives from leading cleaning and FM companies, attended the special Awards Presentation Event on Friday 6^th December at the four-star voco St Johns Hotel Solihull. After lunch entertainment was provided by the outstanding Ben Hanlin - one of the UK’s most successful magicians. Guests also enjoyed the unrivalled networking opportunities during the supplier exhibition that forms part of the annual event.

The 2019 Awards were run in association with Associate Sponsors Bathroom Wipe-Out 365, Innovative Hygiene Supplies and P-Wave, Danfo (UK) Ltd and Jet Towel also supported this year’s Awards.

Full details of the 2019 Awards results are available on Awards tab.

The next Loo of the Year Awards Event will be held on Friday 4^th December 2020.

P- Wave sponsor the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 19:47:00 +0000

We are delighted that P-Wave are sponsoring the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards for the first time.

In recent years P-Wave have been a regular exhibitor at Loo of the Year Awards prestigious annual Awards Event and in 2018 were an Awards Supporter.

“As innovators in the air freshening industry, P-Wave has continually raised the bar in terms of urinal screen technology and we are proud to announce that our new 5^th generation Slant6 screen is another massive step forward,” said P-Wave Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Wintle. “With less plastic, a smaller size to fit more urinals and ‘zero splash-back’, the Slant6 reinforces why P-Wave is the number one brand of urinal screen in the UK."

2019 Loo of the Year Awards Event tickets selling fast!

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:07:00 +0100

The 2019 Loo of the Year Awards Event the "Toilet Oscars" is approaching and tickets are selling fast!

This prestigious day time fun Event is on Friday 6th December between 10.30 and 15.45 at the prestigious voco St Johns Hotel Solihull and tickets are still available for £125 plus VAT - £999 for a table for 10.

Come along and enjoy a full programme recognising the very best 'away from home' loos in the UK and Ireland, first class hospitality, a suppliers exhibition, entertainment by the outstanding Ben Hanlin - one of the UK’s most successful magicians and a participant in the 2020 Dancing on Ice and unrivalled networking opportunities. The must go to Event for all washroom providers and their suppliers.

Full details on this website - Events tab.

Exhibit at the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:04:00 +0100

The 2019 Loo of the Year Awards have a limited number of Exhibition display spaces available for our prestigious daytime Event on Friday 6^th December at St Johns Hotel in Solihull – an ideal opportunity to promote your product and brand!. Please view the 2018 Event video – https://vimeo.com/306582767 which will provide an overview of what we can offer.

The Sponsors and Supporters product/service exhibition is located in the same suite as the guest arrival refreshments area and where the pre-lunch sparkling wine reception is held. This presents a captive audience of up to 400 guests all connected with the provision of washrooms and in need of awareness of your product. Major entrants include McDonalds, J D Wetherspoon, leading shopping centres, airports, motorway service stations, holiday parks etc. throughout the UK. All of our entrants – and our Event guests have a need for your products! A concentration of prospects for your products that you will not experience at any major exhibition!

Sponsors welcome!

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:00:00 +0100

We are proud that Bathroom 365 and IHS are sponsoring the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards and the Awards are also supported by Danfo, Mitsubishi Jet Towel and P Wave.

Its not too late to become involved in the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards! For more information please open the Sponsors Benefits tab on the Sponsors tab of this website or phone Mike Bone 01403 258779. Sponsorship packages can be tailored to meet sponsors needs and budget.

Leading washroom product and service providers have benefited from sponsoring the annual Loo of the Year Awards including Dyson, Tork/Essity, Armitage Shanks, Dolphin Dispensers, Cannon Hygiene, Initial Washroom Services, Clos-o-Mat, Airdri and Propelair.

Sponsors brands are promoted throughout the Awards Event, products, services and brands are promoted during the suppliers exhibition which forms a part of the Event and sponsors present the benefits of their products or services directly to the event audience from the stage. The Sponsors are also promoted by Loo of the Year Awards leading up to the Event and beyond the sponsorship period.

P-Wave introduces its most plastic-lean, splash-eliminating urinal screen

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:51:00 +0100

2019 Loo of the Year Awards Supporter - Leading air-freshening innovator P-Wave- has delivered a new angle on splash prevention and a major step forward in terms of urinal deodorising technology with the launch of its new Slant6 urinal screen.

The new screen features more fragrance than any other 30-day screen on the market while also using less plastic, and it is 100% recyclable. Slant6 is easy to install and fits more urinals than any previous design from P-Wave and features an ‘anyway-up’ design, ensuring correct installation every time.

The Slant6 has the highest ratio of fragrance load to plastic than any other urinal screen, and consistently outperforms all other 30-day urinal screens. And better still, it will keep walls, floors and trousers dry, thanks to its unique angled bristle design. P-Wave® urinal screens are the only range in the UK that feature the anti-splash technology on both sides of the screen, so the screens cannot be installed incorrectly.

“At P-Wave® we’re passionate about the environment and recognise that we have a social responsibility to introduce eco-friendly products to the marketplace,” said Mark Wintle. “There really is no planet B! And that’s why, despite being the most fragrant on the market, the Slant6 has the lowest plastic content of any premium competing urinal mat. And while the product is designed with waste recycling in mind, it also includes an additive that ensures faster biodegradation, should it find its way to landfill.

“Representing a significant breakthrough in sustainability, Slant6 will replace our existing best-selling 1.5 urinal screen – with a phased switch scheduled for January 2020. This will also help our customers improve their environmental credentials.

“Slant6 really is the most eco-friendly, highly fragranced urinal screen on the market!”

As with all P-Wave® urinal screens, billions of beneficial bacteria help deodorise the drain below the surface and the screens are also compatible with waterless urinals. Slant6 is available in five fragrances: Honeysuckle; Ocean Mist; Mango; Spiced Apple; and the newly introduced Cotton Blossom.

About P-Wave

Founded in 2009, P-Wave® is the leading supplier of washroom deodorisers which are designed to keep urinals clean by minimising splash, bad smelling bacteria and to leave a pleasant fragrance.

All P-Wave urinal screens are recyclable, easy to install, easy to manage and enhance the washroom experience.

In addition to its market-leading urinal screens, P-Wave also supplies passive and powered air fresheners.

Ben Hanlin, one of the UK’s most successful magicians, to entertain guests at the EVENT!

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:36:00 +0100

Ben Hanlin is one of the UK’s most successful magicians. The Brummie is co-writer and star of ITV2’s prime time hidden camera show Tricked where he has captured audiences with his – occasionally shocking – magic and boy next-door character. Tricked won ‘Best Entertainment Programme’ at the renowned Broadcast Digital Awards and was a ratings hit!

Known for his unique pranks, Ben’s mischievous magic has persuaded famous personalities to believe he had invented a time machine, has convinced an actress to believe that she had seen a ghost and prompted a UK boy-band to watch as one of their members fell off a cliff-top from a moving trailer.

With bags of television already under his belt. Ben has featured on Celebrity Juice, The Apprentice, Xtra Factor, West End’s The Illusionists and he performed a trick to over 2,000 stunned people at Live at the Palladium to a standing ovation.

Ben rose as a YouTube sensation, making the Magic Boy Finds series through his own channel. Using social media to hunt down celebrities he performed his fresh style of magic to Nicole Scherzinger, David Hasselhoff, Michael Mclntyre, Frank Skinner and many more.

Ben continues to perform at events across the globe, from close up intimate shows to large-scale stage tricks and illusions. His warm, cheeky style makes him an instant hit. See him perform live at the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 6th December whilst enjoying excellent hospitality. See full details on the Event page.

Innovative Hygiene Supplies sponsor the 2019 Awards

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:55:00 +0100

Innovative Hygiene Supplies (IHS) are the latest Associate Sponsor to support the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards.

IHS are the sole suppliers of the exclusive BioShield range of innovative and specialist cleaning and disinfecting solutions of the highest quality to both the cleaning industry and consumers.

BioShield products are guaranteed to satisfy all users because they have been researched and developed to address long term on-going issues within today’s cleaning and hygiene industry.

BioShield Defence Solutions (BDS) represents the cutting edge of cleaning product innovation – a range of high-performance, environmentally-safe treatments and agents to help you or your organisation accomplish the very highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, hygiene and safety.

For more details about IHS go to the Sponsor page or see and learn more about their products at the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 6th December at the soco St Johns Hotel Solihull.

Bathroom Wipe-Out365 from Signo Nano-Care UK Ltd sponsor the 2019 Awards

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 16:44:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards welcome Bathroom Wipe-Out365 from Signo Nano-Care UK Ltd as our latest Associate Sponsor.

Bathroom Wipe-out 365 from Signo-Nanocare is the newest generation self-disinfecting surface treatments that ensures all surfaces stay clean. Bathroom Wipe-out 365 not only repels liquid and dirt and prevents micro scratches, it also has an antimicrobial function that kills germs (including bacteria, mould, fungi, algae and yeasts) that come in contact with the treated surface, thus reducing the spread of common family infections between people in public rest rooms- long term.

Learn more about this exciting treatment on the Sponsor page and at the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 6th December at the soco St Johns Hotel in Solihull.

Public Toilet Crisis

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:30:00 +0100

In the 2018 Loo of the Year Awards thirty-six local authorities entered a total of three hundred and five public toilets and gained an independent assessment of their provision and recognition for their cleaning staff.

In a recent Guardian article Owen Jones, a Guardian columnist, described how important public toilets are and the consequences of the lack of this essential provision. His article follows:

No one should have to pay to pee: it’s time for a toilet fightback.

A lifeline for the elderly and disabled people, public toilet provision has dwindled. The cuts must be reversed.

You’re running late, you need to pee, but arriving at the toilet turnstiles, you realise that the lack of a shiny 50p piece prevents you from carrying out a basic bodily function. You join the cash machine queue, staring daggers at the guy who is in no rush to find his bank card. With a £10 note finally in the palm of your hand, you join another queue – to buy a KitKat, a Mars bar, whatever. After minutes of this palaver, you’re through the barrier, finally able to find relief. Annoying, sure: but what if you were a pensioner or disabled, and caught short? According to a report by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) – appropriately titled Taking the P*** – a fifth of Britons don’t leave their home as often as they’d like because they know they’ll struggle to find facilities, a phenomenon known as “loo leash”. For those with medical conditions, this affects more than four in 10. Ever found yourself deliberately not drinking in case you get caught short? Over half the public intentionally dehydrate themselves for fear of not finding a loo, according to the report.

By next year, 60% of government funding for local authority services will have vanished compared with 2010

The people must take to the urinals, conveniences and the cubicles, or what remains of them, because the right to pee is under threat. The decline of the public toilet – leaving us creeping into pubs and hoping to avoid the disapproving glare of the bartender – is just one symptom of the assault on the public realm. By next year, 60% of government funding for local authority services will have vanished compared with 2010. Toilets are not statutory services – that is, councils are not legally obliged to provide them – and so hundreds have been axed. Up to half of public loos may have been closed over the last decade. In Cornwall, the council has stopped maintaining 94% of its toilets. Three in four Britons polled think there are not enough facilities within their communities. But why should we be resigned to this, legs firmly crossed, as a fact of life? Why is removing waste from our doorsteps regarded as an essential, universal service, but allowing us to remove waste from our bodies is not?

The public realm has been subordinated to the whims of the market and profit for over a generation, and toilets are no exception. You’ll often need to spend considerably more than a penny to have a pee. While Network Rail thankfully scrapped toilet charges in busy stations such as King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley earlier this year, they remain in place – or are expanding– in parks, stations and public squares across the country. You are, bluntly, being ripped off by what should be described as a bladder tax. should be turned away. For a nation supposedly obsessed with toilet humour, we are remarkably embarrassed talking about our national loo scandal. But the privatisers of public space have taken the piss for too long, and the great toilet fightback should start here.

Holiday Park Innovations 2019

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 10:23:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards are once more partnering Holiday Park Innovations.

On the 6th & 7th November, Birmingham’s NEC will host the UK’s leading Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show - a complete international showcase of the best from the leisure and tourism industry.

With brands such as, Alan Rogers Travel Group, Camp Manager and Awards Leisure showcasing their latest innovations as well as industry giants like Earth Wrights and Purchasing for Parks joining the list of speakers at this year’s event, this is the best opportunity to gain priceless insight from the industry’s biggest and most influential figures as they cover the hottest topics directly affecting the industry today.

170 expert-led seminars across the two days
7,000 visitors, the perfect opportunity to network with industry leaders and decision makers
Over 400 industry leading exhibitors
Register for your FREE ticket

Not only that, but your free ticket also grants you unlimited access to the Farm Business Innovation show and the Family Attraction Expo. Come and discover what the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show can offer you and your business.

Don’t hesitate to get your free ticket here today.

http://www.holidayparkshow.co.uk/index.asp

Sponsor the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 10:04:00 +0100

Sponsors brands are promoted throughout the Awards Event, products and services are promoted during the suppliers exhibition which forms a part of the Event, and sponsors present the benefits of their products or services directly to the event audience from the stage. The Sponsors are also promoted by Loo of the Year Awards leading up to the Event and beyond the sponsorship period.

For more information please open the Sponsors Benefits tab on the Sponsors tab of this website.

Closing date for entries extended to 31st July

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 09:39:00 +0100

The closing date for entries in the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards has been extended to 31st July 2019.

Entries can be made on-line on the Enter page of this website or by downloading the Entry Form on the same page and posting or emailing it as an attachment to information@loo.co.uk . Please contact the Loo of the Year Awards Administration Centre 01531 640715 if you need assistance.

New Awards Supporter - Mitsubishi Electric Jet Towel

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:08:00 +0100

We welcome Mitsubishi Electric Jet Towel as the latest 2019 Loo of the Year Awards Supporter

Mitsubishi Electric's high-speed hand dryer "Jet Towel" dries hands in a matter of seconds using "jet blasts" of air on each side of the hand.

Ever since Mitsubishi Electric developed the world's first forced-air hand dryer in 1993, it continues to gain popularity worldwide. The Jet Towel Slim and Smart deliver energy-efficient, low-noise and high-speed hand drying bringing a new level of convenience and satisfaction to customers whilst saving on operational costs.

Record numbers of entries for the 2019 Awards

Wed, 01 May 2019 11:43:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards are receiving record numbers of entries for the 2019 Awards - the standard for washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland.

Any type of 'away from home' washroom can be nominated or entered in the competition, in any of the sixty-one separate Awards categories listed on the entry form. Entries are accepted from anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

Anyone can nominate - staff, customers, visitors, managers, owners or contractors. Entries need to be authorised by owners or managers to guarantee payment of relevant entry fees which cover the inspection visit(s) etc.

All competition entries will receive a grading; Silver Gold, Platinum or Diamond, following an unannounced visit by an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector. Each entry is fully assessed against the judging criteria, covering both male and female facilities, as well as any baby changing, accessible, Changing Places, Space to Change or Hygiene Room facilities provided.

Select the Enter tab to enter now or contact our Administration office for more information - information@loo.co.uk or phone 01531 640715

New Diamond Loo of the Year Award

Wed, 01 May 2019 11:37:00 +0100

For 2019 we have introduced a new Diamond Award which will join the existing Silver, Gold and Platinum Loo of the Year Awards grades as the highest and most prestigious award available to washroom providers, their cleaners and maintainers. This award will supplement the Platinum award and focus on the highest standards of cleaning, special facilities for babies, children and those who need Changing Places or Space to Change toilet facilities - the provision of facilities to meet all user’s needs.

To judge this award every entry will be judged against 91 existing criteria covering Male, Female, Separate baby Change and Accessible washroom facilities. For entries that achieve a Platinum award grade additional points will then be awarded if the facilities include the following facilities /meet the highest standards of cleanliness:

Separate Baby Change

Low level Washing & Drying

Low level WC

Low level Urinal

Overall Cleanliness

Extras e.g. vending, air freshening, flowers, pictures etc.

Changing Places/Space to Change facility

Being awarded a Diamond Loo of the Year Award grade is recognition of the ultimate washroom whether the entry is from the washroom provider, property management company, cleaning or FM company. Will your washrooms reach this standard?

Holiday Parks enter Loo of the Year Awards

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:57:00 +0000

Many leading caravan and camping sites enter Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) each year as well as some of the UK's leading retail, hospitality, leisure and entertainment companies. They all recognise the annual Loo of the Year Awards as a proven, cost effective and independent annual assessment of the standard of their washroom provision management and receive recognition through our annual grading scheme. “Good washrooms are proven to be an attraction and good for business”.

2018 Holiday Parks national winners included Hillcroft Park Penrith, Ord House Berwick on Tweed and the Trotting Mare caravan park Wrexham. All gained significant publicity as a result.

All entries receive a star grading; Silver Gold Platinum or Diamond, following an unannounced visit by an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector. Each entry is fully assessed against over 100 judging criteria, covering both male and female facilities, as well as any baby changing, accessible or Changing Places facilities provided. The criteria are based on British Standards and the Equality Act where appropriate and also include hygiene equipment, cleanliness, fixtures & fittings, décor & maintenance and value-added extras.

Provision of appropriate facilities for families with babies and young children is particularly important on family sites. Access to the toilet, condition and safety of changing units, provision of nappy disposal facilities are essential elements and extras such as baby baths, nappy dispensing etc are all add value and increase the level of Award achieved.

Award winning holiday park entrant’s washrooms have the ‘Wow factor’ as they provide attractive loos that make away from home toilet use a pleasure – not a concern. excellent ventilation, dry floors, constant availability of toilet tissue and hand wash soap, and a safe and hygienic environment separate winning loos from those that will deter visitors from booking again.

There are National Awards for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and UK Trophies awarded to the providers of the very best toilets. Awards and Trophies will be presented at the prestigious daytime Awards Event on Friday 6th December.

How attractive are shopping centre washrooms?

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:54:00 +0000

Many readers of this website will be aware, from attending the prestigious 2018 Awards Event or reading the 2018 Loo of the Year Awards Results Brochure, that there were National and UK/Republic of Ireland winners from all market sectors. There were entries from one hundred and sixty-two leading shopping centres in England Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including first time and single-entry entrants and multi entry previous UK Overall Trophy winners. There were direct entries from shopping centres, management agents and entries from their cleaning or FM providers.

Experienced loo of the Year Awards Inspectors inspect and independently assess how clean and well-maintained entrant’s washrooms are and grade them. This provides a benchmark for entrant’s achievements against their competitors. A Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award assessment is included which provides cleaning staff with recognition for a job well done. Loo of the Year Awards is recognised as ‘the washroom standard’ for the UK.

Mike Bone, the Awards Managing Director, said “Companies and institutions throughout the UK use their entries in the annual Loo of the Year Awards as a proven, cost effective and independent annual assessment of the standard of their washroom provision management and receive proper recognition through our annual grading scheme”.

For 2019 Loo of the Year Awards have introduced a new Diamond Award which will join the existing Silver, Gold and Platinum Loo of the Year Awards grades as the highest and most prestigious award available to washroom providers, their cleaners and maintainers. This award will supplement the Platinum award and focus on the highest standards of cleaning, special facilities for babies, children and those who need Changing Places or Space to Change toilet facilities - the provision of clean and well-maintained washroom facilities to meet all user’s needs.

Entries are now being received for the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards – the annual competition to find the best places ‘to go’ in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. There are a range of National and Overall awards and trophies for the very best entries which will be presented at the prestigious Awards Presentation Event to be held on Friday 6th December in Solihull.

Anyone can enter online via this website: Enter tab or by contacting information@loo.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 30^th June.

2019 Loo of the Year Awards sponsorship opportunities

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:12:00 +0000

Sponsorship of Loo of the Year Awards offers unrivalled opportunities to promote providers of washroom services or products throughout the UK and Ireland.

Unique and cost effective, Loo of the Year Awards sponsors enjoy promotion of their brand, products and services, throughout the sponsorship year and beyond to an extensive audience of leading washroom providers in the UK and Ireland across all market sectors.

Sponsorship packages are available from £1,999 plus VAT and can be created to meet the needs of sponsor's needs and budget. Open the Sponsors tab and select Sponsor Benefits for more information.

Contact Loo of the Year Awards now to learn more.

PWave extend sponsorship to the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 10:35:00 +0000

Waypoint have have extended their sponsorship to include the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards. We are delighted that they will be promoting P-Wave® the leading brand of fragranced Urinal Screens and air fresheners in the UK. Simple, effective & 100% plastic recyclable - These highly fragranced air fresheners have taken washrooms by storm since their launch in 2009. With an excellent supply chain that includes a network of over 300 distributors nationwide, it’s no wonder that P-Wave® are fast becoming the go-to company for fragrance!

Here’s an overview of their core 30 day air care range:

Urinal Screen 1.5

The UK’s bestselling urinal screen with more fragrance than any other. Contains billions of enzymes that deodorise the drain below the surface whilst helping to reduce urinal splash-back.

Hex 3D Urinal Screen

Using their bestselling 1.5 urinal screen as a benchmark, P-Wave® have looked to innovate and improve the design even further with the Hex 3D - The result is the most fragrant, splash-eliminating urinal screen on the market! If that wasn’t enough, P-Wave® also identified that urinal screens are not always installed the correct way up - as a result the Hex 3D was designed with the anti-splash bristles on both sides of the screen, allowing it to be installed “anyway up” without losing the benefits.

P-Curve

A passive “anywhere” air freshener that contains 50x more fragrance than a standard toilet rim-stick! Perfect for installing pretty much anywhere thanks to it’s handy sticky-backed plastic holder!

Easy Fresh Fan System

The only air freshener where the fragrance is in the 100% plastic recyclable cover. Easy Fresh can be placed on a wall or ceiling without any spills and the unique design ensures the fragrance is propelled around the room throughout the month - The fan is designed to work harder as the cover nears the end of life to ensure an even fragrance delivery. Unlike aerosol units, this product gives a constant fragrance, so the experience for the washroom user will always be consistent.

Trough Urinal Screen

The UK’s only Trough urinal screen. Packed with fragrance, this product can transform even the nastiest of urinal troughs!

Danfo UK continue to support Loo of the Year Awards

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 10:13:00 +0000

Danfo, the leading supplier of toilets in the UK will once more support Loo of the Year Awards in 2019. They have been involved in Loo of the Year Awards since 2007 and we are proud to be associated with them.

Since the company was founded in 1969, Danfo are extremely proud of having delivered thousands of toilet units worldwide. They provide public toilets of the highest quality, designed and built for their customers. Whatever the client’s circumstances, Danfo can provide a suitable toilet solution.

Quality is their keyword and they deliver an unsurpassed product and the best service imaginable, throughout the sales process and afterwards. Always with a professional approach and a great commitment.

New Loo of the Year Award Diamond grade launched

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:47:00 +0000

The Bronze Award will no longer be available.

2019 Loo of the Year Awards launched

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:38:00 +0000

Entries are now invited for the 2019 Loo of the Year Awards.

In 2018 there were National and UK/Republic of Ireland winners from all market sectors. These included first time and single entry entrants and providers from small camping and caravan sites to Town Councils and cafes to major national companies and large local authorities. Full details are displayed on the Awards tab. All received an independent assessment of their washroom provision and recognition for the high standard of their washroom provision. These opportunities continue for you in 2019.

The 2019 prestigious Loo of the Year Awards Event will be in the daytime Friday 6^th December in Solihull.

Entry details can be found by opening the Enter tab.

2018 Loo of the Year Awards winners

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 14:27:00 +0000

JD Wetherspoon are the only entrant to have been awarded the Overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy for the third time in its thirty-one-year history. Wetherspoon’s are known for converting unconventional yet attractive premises into pubs which are individually designed. Part of this design is the provision of washrooms that are spacious and meet the needs of all types of users and were the UK’s first pub chain to introduce Changing Places toilets.

Wetherspoons entries gained Platinum Award grade for 90% of its entries, nine national awards and were also awarded Corporate Provider and Space to Change UK trophies. Awards managing director, Mike Bone quotes “JD Wetherspoon provide many exceptional toilets which set the standard for the pub sector. They have entered Loo of the Year Awards for several years and won many awards. Chairman Tim Martin is passionate about providing excellent toilets and many Wetherspoon’s pubs are assessed each year as part of entry into Loo of the Year Awards.”

Virginia Santos, a cleaner for the City of London’s major visitor attractions was awarded the Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award Individual Cleaner National award for England and the overall UK Trophy. Virginia has provided an excellent service to Central London visitors for the past six years. Paultons Park was presented with the In-House Cleaning Team Trophy and Danfo(UK)Ltd gained the External Contractor Team Trophy.

The Deep, a public aquarium situated at Sammy’s Point Hull, and a new single entrant, was the Individual Categories Trophy winner against strong competition form national companies and other major UK and Ireland Trophy Winners including Danfo(UK)Ltd, Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping Centre Doncaster, McDonald’s, Paultons Park, The Phoenix Centre Sandwich and University of Worcester. The winners were selected from entries in sixty-one entry categories across all market sectors.

Guests from throughout the UK, including representatives from leading cleaning and FM companies, attended the special Awards Presentation Event at the four-star St Johns Hotel Solihull. Leading comedian Hal Cruttenden provided comedy as the after-lunch entertainment and guests enjoyed the unrivalled networking opportunities during the supplier exhibition that forms part of the annual event.

The 2018 Awards were run in association with Associate Sponsors Clos-o-Mat, Dolphin Solutions, and Dyson Airblade wash+dry. Leading suppliers; Cleen, Danfo and P Wave also supported this year’s Awards.

Pwave become latest 2018 Awards Supporter

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 10:38:00 +0000

Waypoint have exhibited their products at Loo of the Year Awards Events for several years. We are delighted that for 2018 they are promoting P-Wave® the leading brand of fragranced Urinal Screens and air fresheners in the UK. Simple, effective & 100% plastic recyclable - These highly fragranced air fresheners have taken washrooms by storm since their launch in 2009. With an excellent supply chain that includes a network of over 300 distributors nationwide, it’s no wonder that P-Wave® are fast becoming the go-to company for fragrance!

Here’s an overview of their core 30 day air care range:

Urinal Screen 1.5

The UK’s bestselling urinal screen with more fragrance than any other. Contains billions of enzymes that deodorise the drain below the surface whilst helping to reduce urinal splash-back.

Hex 3D Urinal Screen

P-Curve

Easy Fresh Fan System

Trough Urinal Screen

The UK’s only Trough urinal screen. Packed with fragrance, this product can transform even the nastiest of urinal troughs!

Another year of washroom judging completed!

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:27:00 +0100

The Loo of the Year Awards inspection team have now completed the inspection of thousands of 2018 Loo of the Year Awards entrants washrooms throughout the UK. They have travelled thousands of miles by road, sea and air have visited towns/cities from Wick in Scotland to The Islands of Scilly and Londonderry in Northern Ireland to Lowestoft in East Anglia. Early analysis of entry grading indicates some exceptional washrooms will be competing for the large range of awards available.

All inspections have been completed against the Loo of the Year Awards criteria which are the benchmark for washrooms in the UK: are the entrant’s washrooms fit for purpose from the user’s perspective? Are the washrooms clean? Do they provide all the facilities that users require? Do they meet Building Regulations Doc M and Equality Act dimensions and the needs of users that require accessible toilets or Changing Places facilities? Do they provide adequate facilities for babies and children? Are they attractive – light, inviting and have the Wow factor. How would your client’s washrooms compare?

Judging for the range of National and UK/Ireland awards and trophies will be completed during October and the results will be announced at the 31st annual Loo of the Year Awards day time Event on Friday 7^th December at the elegant St Johns Hotel Solihull. The prestigious event includes excellent hospitality, a washroom supplier’s exhibition, top class entertainment by top comedian Hal Cruttenden and unrivalled networking opportunities among leading cleaning and FM service providers and their key customers.

Event tickets are available via the Loo of the Year Awards website – www.loo.co.uk or by calling 01531 640715.

Brits still turn their noses up at public toilets

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:23:00 +0100

Laminate manufacturer Formica Group has announced new findings from its in-depth research study into how Brits feel about using toilets outside their own home.

Almost three quarters (71%) of people surveyed don’t like using public toilets. This is because they find them unhygienic (68%), smelly (68%), poorly equipped (54%) and lacking in privacy (41%). Women are more reluctant when it comes to using public toilets than men. While 78% of women are reluctant to use a public loo only 64% of men gave a similar response. Alarmingly, half of all women and 42% of men are commonly ‘caught short’ due to a lack of toilet facilities.

Public toilets that are more earthenware than porcelain throne are also an issue with 67% of UK adults (and three quarters of women) avoiding using toilets because they look dirty. Most brits also take a hands off approach when it comes to public facilities with 70% of women and 63% of men saying they avoid touching surfaces in public toilets or bathrooms in other people’s homes.

People often encounter dirty loos with 65% of women and half (52%) of men having cleaned up a toilet when the mess was not their own.

Respondents were asked where they encountered the dirtiest loos. Almost half of women (44%) and over a third of men (38%) consider train stations to have the grubbiest lavatories. Shopping centres were also considered by almost a quarter (24%) of women to have the dirtiest toilets. However, just over one in ten (11%) men thought their workplace had the dirtiest toilets but only 7% of women complained of the same issue.

It’s no surprise but women are waiting significantly longer to spend a penny than men are, with 21% of women and over 10% of men regularly waiting between three and four minutes to use a toilet. Women find the queues longest at shopping centres (15%) and a quarter of men consider sports stadiums to have the worst queues. Half of women (46%) and 36% of men thought shopping centres needed more washrooms. Trains were the next most cited place where there were not enough toilets with just over a third (36%) of people saying more were required.

A quarter of women (22%) but only 14% of men have avoided using a toilet due to soundproofing concerns, while the same number feel uncomfortable about the gap between the toilet floor and the side of the cubicle in a lot of public loos.

Consumers are keen to see innovation in public bathrooms with 61% wanting hands free flush, 45% wanting ventilation improvements and a third wanting better hand dryers. A third of us (32%) want better sound proofing, and a similar number (29%) want faster flush filling systems.

38% of Britons have walked into a toilet meant for the opposite sex because the signage was confusing.

Joe Bell, UK marketing manager, Formica Group, said: “The results paint a picture of grubby facilities, long queues and substandard conditions. There is a lot that facilities providers can do to make their washrooms more pleasant environments; like using quality materials, such as laminate, that are hygienic and easy to clean, as well as by specifying sheet sizes long enough for floor to ceiling cubicles to provide increased privacy. It’s time to flush away these public perceptions and to restore public confidence in the public toilet.”

Article published in Cleaning Matters October 2018

Visit Holiday Park Innovation

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 09:53:00 +0100

Visit Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

When – 7th & 8th November

Location – NEC Birmingham

Description – The event for holiday businesses to find the inspiration, advice and resources needed to put their business on the map. Combining world class experts, 150 inspirational seminars, 350 leading suppliers, workshops, unrivalled networking and live features – the best new ideas from around the world…all under one roof. Register for free tickets to attend via the website and we look forward to welcoming you to the event on the 7th & 8th November 2018, NEC Birmingham.

Prime exhibition opportunities available

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:31:00 +0100

Promote your company, your brand, products or services at the prestigious Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 7th December at the St Johns Hotel Solihull which is strategically placed to welcome guests from throughout the UK and Ireland – all associated with washrooms, cleaning or FM.

This unique day-time Event includes a product/service exhibition located in the same suite as the guest arrival refreshments area and where the pre-lunch sparkling wine reception is held. This presents a captive audience of up to 400 guests all connected with the provision of washrooms and in need of awareness of your product or service. Major entrants include McDonald, J D Wetherspoon, leading shopping centres, airports, motorway service stations, holiday parks, Cleaning and FM companies, Local Authorities and other entries from all market sectors throughout the UK.

View the short video of the 2017 Loo of the Year Awards event on the Home Page of this website to gain an overview of the Event. Want to know more? Phone Mike Bone Managing Director 01403 258779 or email mike@loo.co.uk for more details, price etc.

2018 Sponsors & Awards Supporters announced

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:16:00 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Clos-O-Mat, Dolphin Solutions and Dyson are continuing as Associate Sponsors of Loo of the Year Awards in 2018. We can also announce that Danfo and Hsg/Cleen app are also Awards supporters. Further details about each Sponsor and Supporter are displayed in the Sponsor page on this website.

There are opportunities for other leading suppliers of washroom products and services to be involved in the 2018 Loo of the Year Awards and benefit from the unrivalled promotional benefits available. Please contact Mike Bone Managing Director- 01403 258779 or email mike@loo.co.uk

Latest Awards Supporter - Cleen - Set To Improve Industry Standards

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:00:00 +0100

Cleen becomes the latest 2018 Loo of the Year Awards Supporter.

Cleen is the UK’s first fully integrated management tool and review app to help venues and washroom services providers address issues and promote their high quality facilities.

The Cleen App is free to download onto a smartphone and enables washroom users to log reviews of facilities in any type of venue.

Businesses and washroom services providers sign up for their own Cleen Dashboard to gain immediate email alerts to reviews.

This enables them to take action, directly respond to customer feedback or promote positive reviews.

It also provides detailed daily, weekly and monthly reports on review trends and issues for evaluation and monitoring of facilities.

To enable businesses to receive even more reviews directly on-site, HSG has introduced a new product called the Cleen Tablet. These Data Stations can be installed in or near washrooms for ease of feedback.

Washroom services and water conservation specialists HSG have developed Cleen and Managing Director Simon Rice said the system was already being embraced by a wide range of venues who share his passion for raising industry standards.

“This two-pronged approach gives a voice to customers and provides venues and service providers the information they need to better manage and improve washroom facilities.

“By signing up to the Cleen Dashboard, negative reviews can be swiftly rectified and customer relationships strengthened by proving that venues are responsive to feedback. Likewise, positive reviews are a good advertisement and marketing tool for a venue.”

For further information visit www.cleen.world

Loo of the Year Awards Judging in progress

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:45:00 +0100

The Loo of the Year Awards inspection team are now completing the inspection of thousands of 2018 Loo of the Year Awards entrant’s washrooms throughout the UK, including many new entrants. They are travelling thousands of miles by road, boat and aircraft and will have visited hundreds of towns and cities (including the Scilly Isles!) while inspecting every category of ‘away from home washroom’.

The inspection criteria are based on fitness for purpose from the user’s perspective. Are the washrooms clean? Do they provide all the facilities that users will require? Do they meet Building Regulations Doc M and Equality Act dimensions and the needs of users that require accessible toilets or Changing Places facilities? Do they provide adequate facilities for babies and children? Are they attractive – light, inviting and have the Wow factor.

Judging for the range of National and UK/Ireland awards and trophies will be completed during October and the results will be announced at the prestigious Loo of the Year Awards day time Event on Friday 7^th December at the elegant St Johns Hotel Solihull. Mike Bone, Managing Director of Loo of the Year Awards said “The prestigious event includes excellent hospitality, a washroom supplier’s exhibition, top class entertainment and unrivalled networking opportunities among leading cleaning and FM service providers and their key customers. A leading must-attend Event in the cleaning and FM calendar!”.

Event tickets are available via the Loo of the Year Awards website – www.loo.co.uk or by calling 01531 640715.

Washroom Cleaners recognised

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:43:00 +0100

In 2017 Loo of the Year Awards introduced the unique Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards. These Awards relate specifically to the dedicated cleaning staff that look after the facilities, rather than the washrooms themselves.

Mike Bone, Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director explains “While the range of gradings and national Loo of the Year Awards and UK/Ireland trophies provide adequate recognition of the washrooms and their providers, it is the people who look after each facility - be they individual washroom cleaners, in-house cleaning teams or external cleaning/FM contractors, who also deserve recognition”.

All cleaning staff will automatically be entered for Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards for all entries that are declared as "Full time attended toilets" on the Entry Form. Judging will be completed at the same time as the Loo of the Year Awards inspection and any cleaning staff seen at the time of the unannounced visit are deemed to represent the whole cleaning team. There are Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award national winners in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and overall UK/Ireland trophies.

INDIVIDUAL CLEANER NATIONAL AWARDS & TROPHY - are presented to the cleaner(s) who in the opinion of the judges are performing a high quality "ambassadorial" role for the washroom provider in terms of appearance, attitude, commitment and efficiency. In 2017 the Overall winner was Maureen Boyle of Ards & North Down Borough Council, Northern Ireland.

IN-HOUSE CLEANING TEAM NATIONAL AWARDS &TROPHY - are presented to the cleaning team employed by a washroom provider with multiple entries in Loo of the Year Awards who, in the opinion of the judges, are performing a high quality "ambassadorial" role for the washroom provider in terms of appearance, attitude, commitment and efficiency. In 2017 the Overall Winner was JD Wetherspoon

EXTERNAL CONTRACTOR CLEANING TEAM NATIONAL AWARDS & TROPHY – are presented to the cleaning contractor company or organisation which, in the opinion of the judges, is providing a high level of service to one or more Loo of the Year Award entrants. In 2017 the Overall Winner was ABM, who also won the Overall Loo of the Year Awards Trophy, with other National Winners being City Facilities Management, Danfo (UK) Ltd and Robinson Services.

All cleaning and FM companies are invited to enter their client’s washrooms in the 2018 Loo of the Year Awards – full details at www.loo.co.uk. National and UK/Ireland awards and trophies will be presented at the prestigious 2018 Event which will be on Friday 7^th December at St Johns Hotel Solihull. The closing date for entries is 31^st July.

Local authorities in Wales expected to improve access to public toilets

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 10:04:00 +0100

From today, all local authorities in Wales are expected to improve the availability of toilet facilities in their communities.

The move comes following concerns that local authorities have been closing public toilets, and that better use could be made of toilets within public buildings, such as libraries and sport centres.

A lack of accessible local toilets can limit people’s lives by stopping them going out, which can lead to isolation, anxiety and other health conditions. Certain groups of people are more likely to be impacted than others, with the elderly, people with certain health conditions and disabilities, carers and parents of young children most affected.

Under the Welsh Government’s Public Health (Wales) Act, local authorities now have one year to assess the needs of its community, including changing facilities for babies and Changing Places facilities for disabled persons, and put a strategy in place to ensure the public will have greater access to these facilities.

The expectation is that the strategy will go beyond the provision of traditional stand-alone public toilets, and look at new and creative solutions, including bringing toilets in public buildings into wider use and working with private businesses to make their facilities available to the public.

Thursday 31 May 2018

The Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething said:

“While we would all benefit from greater public access to toilet facilities, there are certain groups for whom a lack of public toilets can cause distress, eventually discouraging them from visiting parts of the community.

“I understand the pressures on local authority services, but as well as isolating members of the community, poor provision can impact on tourism, the economy and use of public amenities. Through long-term planning and creative thinking we can improve people’s experiences when they are out and about in their communities.”

Mr Gething added:

“I expect local authorities to talk to the public and representative groups about the challenges they face in accessing local toilets, listen to their concerns and get them involved in improving access in their community.”

Statutory guidance on how local authorities prepare, consult on and publish their local toilets strategies will be issued in the coming weeks.

Accessible toilets are for all those that need them; not just those with obvious disabilities

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 10:01:00 +0100

Public Toilets UK's Gill Kemp shares her thoughts on accessible toilets, following a spate of attacks by members of the public, on users who don't outwardly appear to be eligible to use these facilities, which are designed for people with disabilities...

"Unfortunately, the use of the accessible toilet by those of us with 'invisible' conditions is still continuing to cause abuse. There also continues to be a lack of awareness of why the accessible toilet is so important in these circumstances. Some people think that unless the usual public facilities are full or it's an emergency, there is no need to make use of the accessible toilet.

Of course, there will be some people who will use the accessible loo without just cause, but generally speaking the accessible toilet is there for anyone who needs space and the facilities that are not available in the general public cubicles.

What can we do to improve matters?

The sign indicating 'not all disabilities are visible' is proving helpful - perhaps we need more? Do we need an increase in 'accessible' cubicles?

A toilet survey organised by Crohn's & Colitis UK and carried out by the Toilet Consortium, which is formed of charities whose members often need urgent access to a toilet, found that 59.16% of the 1293 respondents said 'yes' to the question 'Do you regularly use accessible/disabled toilets? The response from 1254 people who answered the question 'If you have an invisible condition/disability, are you comfortable using accessible toilets?' was: 50.96% said 'yes' and 40.94% said 'no'.

What is this telling us about attitudes towards the accessible toilet?"

Entries exceeding expectations

Mon, 21 May 2018 14:43:00 +0100

Entries for the 2018 Loo of the Year Awards are exceeding expectations.

Following Loo of the Year Awards 30th Anniversary in 2017, when entries were at their highest ever level, more and more existing and new entrants including washroom providers, cleaning and FM companies are appreciating the value of receiving an independent assessment of their service provision and recognition of their achievement. Entries for washrooms across all market sectors and from all areas of the United Kingdom are being received.

Any type of 'away from home' washroom can be entered in the competition by the provider or nominated by a member of the public. There are sixty one separate Awards categories listed on the Entry Form and entrants may select one, e.g.Holiday Park.

Anyone can nominate - staff, customers, visitors etc on-line at www.loo.co.uk under the Enter tab. Loo of the Year Awards will contact the nominated establishment and provide entry details.

All entrants will be notified of their achievement in October 2018 and the National and UK award winners will be announced at the prestigious 2018 Loo of the Year Awards Event on 7th December at the St Johns Hotel Solihul -" The Washroom Oscars".

Pair win support for life-changing Migloo product

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 14:34:00 +0000

A pair of long-time friends aiming to change the lives of people with profound disabilities through their revolutionary new product have won the backing of Wychavon and the local MP.

The Migloo is a unique set of portable changing suites for people with profound and multiple disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, that makes it difficult for them to use traditional disabled toilets. The product was showcased during an event at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Friday (26 January) in front of invited guests and dignitaries.

Pershore inventor John Robinson came up with the idea after growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of facilities available to those with specialist needs. There are 250,000 people with complex disabilities across the UK but only about 1,000 toilets fitted with equipment like a hoist and adjustable changing bench.

Together with his friend Pinvin based John Morgan, he created a company to help achieve their vision of increasing the number of venues, events and festivals which catered for people with complex disabilities.

There are several versions of the Migloo including a lightweight changing unit for individuals that can be easily transported by car and set-up in minutes by a single person. There is also a larger tented version that comes complete with a toilet and a wash basin suitable for use at festivals or events.

The pair’s latest innovation, the Naked Migloo, is capable of being installed in any disused space such as offices or empty shops making it ideal for businesses wanting to cater for more of their customers’ needs. With a price tag of just £6,000 it is a fraction of the £50,000 to £130,000 cost of installing a permanent facility. Cost is the main reason businesses refuse to install specialist facilities by claiming it is not a ‘reasonable adjustment’ under the Equality Act.

John Morgan, co-director of Migloo, said: “This isn’t about making money. It’s about changing lives, giving people back their dignity and allowing people with profound disabilities to enjoy the things we take for granted every day.”

Wychavon has been supporting the company over the last six months with specialist advice through the Worcestershire Business Accelerator programme.

The council has also confirmed it will be installing permanent changing facilities for people with profound disabilities in toilets in Evesham, Pershore, Droitwich and Broadway over the next 12 months.

Cllr Emma Stokes, Executive Board Member for Environment on Wychavon District Council, said: “We’re proud to support such an innovative company like Migloo and also to lead the way by installing specialist changing facilities in our award-winning public loos. I hope this will inspire more companies and organisations to follow suit.”

Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire who attended the event, added: “This product has the power to change lives and I will support it any way I can. We do need to look at tightening up the legislation but at a cost of just £6,000 it’s becoming harder for major companies making huge profits to argue against.”

Migloo was exhibited at the 2017 30th Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards Event on 8th December 2017.

Birmingham Airport becomes the first mainland airport to trial RoomMate in in one of their disabled access toilets.

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 15:49:00 +0000

Birmingham Airport has become the first airport on the UK mainland to fit the revolutionary RoomMate, an audio description unit for the visually impaired, in one of their disabled access toilets.

The RoomMate provides an audio description of the facility for blind and visually impaired users and gives them much greater independence and dignity when going to the toilet.

Birmingham Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, with almost 13 million passengers in 2017 travelling to over 150 destinations worldwide.

Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Manager, Ed Kibblewhite said “We are continually looking for ways to make the passenger experience as positive as possible when transiting the airport and with the addition of RoomMate Units in our disabled access toilets, we are now able to support our visually impaired customers and their families to a much higher level.

“We pride ourselves on offering excellent facilities to all of our customers whether they have a disability or not and work extremely closely with local charities to get it right, so when we were approached with the RoomMate idea the whole team realised what a fantastic and simple solution

to a very important issue it was. We have since invited several groups to trial the RoomMate with us and look forward to their feedback.”

The airport has chosen to trial the RoomMate in one of their busiest facilities in the departure area.

Ed commented further: “We think the addition of RoomMate in our accessible toilets, along with a dedicated ‘Changing Places’ facility, shows that we are listening to our customers and take their suggestions extremely seriously when it comes to access for all”.

The RoomMate is the first of a series of devices that help visually impaired users interact with more confidence in unfamiliar environments specifically, disabled access toilets. Each RoomMate is programmed for its own room and needs nothing other than ‘a wave’ from the user to begin.

Operations Director at ADi Access, Spencer Hassell, explains: “RoomMate has been officially designated as ‘auxiliary aids’ under the Equality Act 2010. Birmingham Airport recognising the impact RoomMate has is a momentous step forward for the dignity of people with a visual impairment traveling to and from the UK.

WHAT’S THE STORY? A FULL HOUSE (OF TOILETS)…

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 17:38:00 +0000

A new multi-arts centre heralded as transforming the cultural landscape is already reaping the results of its inclusive approach.

Storyhouse in Chester is a £37million facility, mainly funded by Cheshire West & Chester Council, combining library, two theatres, a cinema, restaurant and bars, in what was the city’s Grade II listed art deco style Odeon. One of the core aims has been to create a venue for community and diversity, reaching audiences who wouldn’t otherwise even consider visiting the theatre.

And to help ensure people who wouldn’t otherwise visit can do so, the building has been designed to be fully accessible on all levels- through to the toilets! Ramp access facilitates entry, a lift covers every storey, wheelchair spaces are available in the theatre, studio and cinema, there is a low level counter in the café, standard accessible toilets are available on every floor, with the ground floor having one of Closomat’s state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet facilities.

The Changing Places means anyone who needs extra support to go to the toilet can do so, safe in the knowledge there is the space and equipment: bigger than a conventional wheelchair accessible toilet, Closomat’s Changing Places at Storyhouse includes a WC, ceiling track hoist, adult sized height-adjustable changing bench, privacy screen and height-adjustable wash basin.

Alex Clfton, artistic director, Storyhouse, said, “We want Storyhouse to be a place for everyone. No-one should be excluded from seeing theatre or film, or exploringour spaces because of a disability. The disabled visitors we have had have been heartened to find the Changing Places toilet: in fact, Storyhouse is being used as an exemplar scheme for an accessible toilet design toolkit!”

Under Building Regulations and British Standards (BS8300), a Changing Places toilet is ‘desirable’ in buildings to which numbers of the public have access. Since their introduction a decade ago, almost 1000 have been opened across the UK. Under British Standards, a Changing Places is provided in addition to conventional (Building Regulations Document M) wheelchair accessible toilets, and provides 12m²(3m x 4m), with additional equipment including an adult-sized height adjustable changing bench and ceiling track hoist.

Closomat is Britain’s leading provider of helpful toileting solutions, at home and away, including Changing Places and their similar Space to Change facilities. Uniquely, the company can provide an in-house, ‘one- stop-shop’ complete package for ‘away from home’ assisted accessible toilet facilities, from design and commissioning, through to project management, supply and installation, and can also provide subsequent maintenance and repair. Its weIbsite www.clos-o-mat.com is the most comprehensive resource available about Changing Places for campaigners, providers and specifiers alike, with a raft of support information including white papers, calling cards, CAD blocks, video and case studies.

INITIAL ARE THE WINNERS OF THE NEW WASHROOM SERVICE PROVIDER AWARD

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:13:00 +0000

The new Washroom Service Provider Award was presented to Initial at the 2017 Loo of the Year Awards Event on 8th December from a shortlist of five providers.

A panel of judges chose the winner based on the testimonials for nominations provided by the nominees all of which were Loo of the Year Awards entrants

Mike Bone, Managing Director of Loo of the Year Awards said, “Our aim was to recognise the Washroom Service Provider that is considered by our entrants to provide the very best washroom service which could include hand drying, soap dispensing, air fresheners, toilet seat sanitisers, feminine hygiene disposal and nappy disposal etc. – not cleaning or maintenance as these are covered by our new 2017 Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards.”

The 2018 Washroom Service Provider Award will be presented at the Loo of the Year Awards Event on Friday 7th December 2018.

SPECIAL 30TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS EVENT

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:02:00 +0000

A range of National and Overall UK Loo of the Year Awards and the new Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards and trophies were presented to winners from throughout the UK. Presentations were also made to the winner of the new Washroom Service Provider of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented.

Terry Alderton provided comedy as the after-lunch entertainment and guests enjoyed a sparkling wine reception, four course lunch with wine and unrivalled networking opportunities during the supplier exhibition that forms part of the annual event.

The 2017 Awards were run in association with Associate Sponsors Clos-o-Mat, Dolphin Solutions, Dyson, Propelair and Toilet Twinning. Leading suppliers; Danfo, Deb, Eco Breeze, Evolve Security, Hygiene Vision and Willings Services also supported this year’s Awards.

Full details of the winners can be found on the Awards page of this website.

CLEANER PRESENTED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 17:36:00 +0000

Maureen Boyle, a cleaner based at the South Pier Bangor public toilet, was presented with the Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious annual LOYA Event on Friday 8th December. She has been employed by Ards and North Down Borough Council since 1990 and provided an excellent service at the toilets South Pier toilets since they opened on 4^th April 1994.

Maureen is a wonderful ambassador for the Council and the town of Bangor. She is enthusiastic about the toilets, which are cleaned and maintained to a high standard. Although 24 years old, the toilets provide excellent and inclusive facilities for the residents and visitors to Bangor – which reflects very well on Maureen and other staff involved. She has decorated the toilet at her own expense for a number of years and receives numerous compliments on a regular basis. A previous winner of the National Attendant of the year Award for Ireland she goes that extra mile to make sure the facility is kept to a very high standard and is an unseen ambassador for her employer and town.

Maureen was also awarded the new Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award Individual Cleaner National award for Ireland and the overall UK Individual Cleaner Trophy.

ABM AWARDED THE OVERALL LOO OF THE YEAR AWARDS TROPHY

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 17:33:00 +0000

ABM, a facility services company since 1987, were delighted be awarded the prestigious Overall Loo of the Year Award Trophy at the Loo of the Year Awards 30^th Anniversary event on Friday 8th December.

This was the second time that a cleaning/FM company has achieved this top award and was in recognition of ABM, also in its 30^th year, gaining a Platinum Award grade for 94% of its thirty-four entries and four national awards for Scotland. They were also awarded the new Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards for England in the External Contractor sector.

Awards managing director, Mike Bone quotes “ABM has entered Loo of the Year Awards for several years, formerly as GBM, and has won many awards in the past ten years. All of their 2017 entries were exceptionally clean and well maintained.”

Maureen Boyle, based at the South Pier Bangor public toilet was awarded the new Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award Individual Cleaner National award for Ireland and the overall UK Trophy. Maureen has provided an excellent service at the South pier toilets since they opened on 4^th April 1994. JD Wetherspoon was presented with the In-House Cleaning Team Trophy and ABM gained a second trophy – the External Contractor Team Trophy.

A Plush Flush, a small and family owned mobile toilet provider, were awarded the Individual Categories Trophy against strong competition form national companies and other major UK and Ireland Trophy Winners included Asda, Gatwick Airport, McDonald’s, Oxford City Council, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Thames Water, JD Wetherspoon and Wychavon District Council. The winners were selected from entries in sixty entry categories across all market sectors.

A new Washroom Service Provider Award, launched as part of the 2017 thirtieth anniversary awards, was won by Initial. The winner of this award was selected based on testimonial included in nominations from Loo of the Year Awards entrants.

Nearly four hundred guests from throughout the UK, including representatives from leading cleaning and FM companies, attended the special Awards Presentation Event at the four-star St Johns Hotel Solihull. Terry Alderton provided comedy as the after-lunch entertainment and guests enjoyed the unrivalled networking opportunities during the supplier exhibition that forms part of the annual event.

Full details of the 2017 Awards results are available on the Awards website: www.loo.co.uk

The next Loo of the Year Awards Event will be held on Friday 7^th December 2018.

Visit Holiday Park & Resort Innovation

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 13:54:00 +0100

When – 8^th & 9^th November

Location – NEC Birmingham

Description – The event for holiday businesses to find the inspiration, advice and resources needed to put their business on the map. Combining world class experts, 150 inspirational seminars, 300 leading suppliers, workshops, unrivalled networking and live features – the best new ideas from around the world…all under one roof. Register for free tickets to attend via the website and we look forward to welcoming you to the event on the 8th & 9th November 2017, NEC Birmingham.

Website - http://bit.ly/2wvHnJx

Loo of the Year Awards judging commences

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 10:07:00 +0100

The Loo of the Year Awards inspection team have now completed the inspection of thousands of 2017 Loo of the Year Awards entrants washrooms throughout the UK. They have travelled thousands of miles by road, train and aircraft and have visited 836 towns/cities, 56 London Underground Stations while inspecting every category of ‘away from home washroom’.

The inspection criteria are based on fitness for purpose from the user’s perspective. Are the washrooms clean? Do they provide all the facilities that users require? Do they meet Building Regulations Doc M and Equality Act dimensions and the needs of users that require accessible toilets or Changing Places facilities? Do they provide adequate facilities for babies and children? Are they attractive – light, inviting and have the Wow factor.

Judging for the range of National and UK/Ireland awards and trophies will be completed during October and the results will be announced at the 30^th Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards day time Event on Friday 8^th December at the elegant St Johns Hotel Solihull. The prestigious event includes excellent hospitality, a washroom supplier’s exhibition, top class entertainment and unrivalled networking opportunities among leading cleaning and FM service providers and their key customers.

Event tickets are available by calling 01531 640715 or email information@loo.co.uk .

World leading innovator Dyson are newest sponsor

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 10:30:00 +0100

Dyson technology for business.

Dyson engineers work tirelessly to invent new and better technology and solve the problems that other people ignore. They transform every category they enter with radical and iconic reinventions that work, perform and look very different. This includes technology for businesses.

Dyson have engineered a range of hand dryers, each of which suits a variety of business and customer needs. Using a Dyson digital motor, Dyson Airblade hand dryers dry hands in only 10-12 seconds. With the use of a HEPA filter, they remove 99.9% of bacteria from the washroom air, meaning that hands are dried with clean air rather than dirty air.

Dyson Airblade V hand dryer

The Dyson Airblade V hand dryer is a slim and compact hand dryer that significantly reduces running costs and carbon footprint whilst keeping noise to a minimum. Costing £31 a year to run, it is 98% less expensive than paper towels. It keeps its environmental impact to a minimum producing 79% less CO2 than some other hand dryers and up to 76% less than paper towels*

Dyson Airblade Tap hand dryer

The innovative design and technology behind the Dyson Airblade Tap hand-dryer means that hands can be washed and dried at the sink. Users don‘t need to move to a separate drying area, freeing up washroom space for more facilities or allowing for a more minimalist aesthetic.

Dyson Airblade dB hand dryer

The Dyson Airblade dB hand dryer is the fastest, most hygienic hand dryer. It dries hands in only 10 seconds, reducing washroom queues as well as improving cleanliness and hand hygiene. It is made from tough and durable ABS polycarbonate and has been repeatedly tested to withstand the pressure of high footfall and high usage washrooms.

For more information call us on 0800 345 7788 or email business@dyson.co.uk

*Calculated using PE International GaBi software and method developed with Carbon Trust based on 5 years use and dry times measured using Dyson test method 769 based on NSF P335 with a measurement of 0.1g residual moisture.

Deb Group become latest 2017 Awards Supporter

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 10:03:00 +0100

We are delighted that Deb, a world leader in occupational skin care and hand hygiene, are an Awards Supporter of the 2017 30^th Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards.

Deb have been providing dedicated skin care and hand hygiene solutions for over 80 years. Their purpose is to set higher standards in leading the fight against occupational skin disorders and the spread of infections to Make Hands Matter in the Workplace.

Their Refresh Azure FOAM is a lightly perfumed gentle foam hand wash containing skin conditioners to improve skin hydration, suitable for any office and public washrooms. Foam soaps can help reduce water consumption by up to 45% and reduced product consumption and chemical waste.

http://www.debgroup.com/uk

Fight For Your Monkey Closet!

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 15:13:00 +0100

Ever heard of monkey closets? Let me enlighten you... Monkey closets were the first public toilets. Invented by George Jennings, they made their debut at the Great Exhibition in 1851. It’s from here that we get the euphemism ‘to spend a penny’. In exchange for a penny, the 827,280 people who relieved themselves at the Crystal Palace got a clean seat, a towel, a comb and a shoe shine. By the closing decades of the nineteenth century, public urinals were well on the way to becoming an intrinsic part of the urban built environment. As a sanitary measure they were welcomed for the convenience they offered peripatetic workers and for the way in which they prevented men from urinating in the street.

Historians have judged things slightly differently. As they rightly point out, urinals aren’t much use to women. One interpretation is that these early developments were more about excluding women from public spaces. Although this might sound cynical, it is an argument that accurately reflects Victorian ideals about gender. It’s also more than just intellectual musings; early attempts to provide public toilets for women were fiercely opposed. It wasn’t until the Edwardian period that such facilities started to appear. People with disabilities had to wait even longer. In 1976, an amendment to the Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, finally made local authorities duty-bound to provide ‘disabled’ toilets. Hence, the story, though protracted, seems to be one of slow progress, in which our public spaces have become steadily more inclusive.

Such trivia would be great in a pub quiz. But that isn’t the purpose of this blog, nor is it to give you a history lesson. Instead, the aim is more serious. It is to draw your attention to a worrying development. In May 2016 the BBC reported that 1,782 public toilets had closed in the last decade. Along with public libraries they have become popular targets for local authorities looking to cut costs. And the trend continues. At the Colostomy Association we are regularly contacted by ostomates dismayed to learn of a proposed closure in their locality. The experience of other charities is similar. Of course, we all appreciate that public toilets aren’t without their problems. In some cases repeated vandalism or their use for illicit and illegal activities forces closure. But, the fact is, being able to access a toilet while you are out and about is vital to everyone, regardless of age or gender. For some groups in society it is particularly important. Take people with bowel and bladder conditions, sometimes they simply can’t wait. The same applies to small children.

DVERTISEMENT -

So what is to be done? Should shops, restaurants and pubs be compelled to open their toilets to non-customers or perhaps incentivised to do so through business rates? Possibly, but the issues are complex and demand broader solutions. While these are found, the closure of public toilets cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged - unless of course we are happy to create ‘no-go areas’ in our towns and cities. At a local level the work has already begun. Search online and you are sure to find details of local communities protesting against closures. In some cases community groups have even taken on the job of running and maintaining toilets rather than see them close. Yet, valuable as local efforts are, they don’t tend to have much traction when it comes to lobbying central government for legislative and policy changes. It was for this reason that the Toilet Consortium UK was formed and held its inaugural meeting at Portcullis House earlier this year. Comprised of many charities, from those supporting people with cancer, bowel and bladder conditions, through to the nation’s truck and lorry drivers, our collective voice is going to be difficult to ignore. The hope is that in these uncertain times, when budgets are squeezed and demands are many, we can persuade government to ‘spend a penny’ and save our monkey closets.

Dr Richard Biddle

Toilet Twinned Town Scheme

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:36:00 +0100

Toilet Twinning set ambitious targets for 2017 and they are always looking for new ideas to promote the charity to business and the wider community. They are always amazed by the creativity and commitment of their supporters - and hugely grateful! To encourage communities to twin together as a group, they set up the Toilet Twinned Town scheme. Their supporters in Eastbourne for example, have decided to set themselves a target of twinning 1,000 toilets in order to become a Twinned Town - 50 times the normal target! By working with local businesses, groups, churches, schools and individuals, they hope to reach their target within the year.

www.toilettwinning.org

Propelair – ‘The toilet re-invented’ - the latest 2017 Loo of the Year Awards sponsor

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:46:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards are proud to welcome Propelair as a sponsor of the 2017 Awards. Propelair have invented, produce and supply a high-performance toilet and water efficient solution, helping forward thinking organisations save water, energy and money.

Toilet flushing can account for up to 90% of water consumption in commercial buildings. Changing your toilets to a more efficient technology can really pay dividends when seeking to save water and energy. Propelair uses only 1.5 litres per flush, a fraction compared to the UK average of 9 litres. Average flush volumes can be significantly higher than their cistern capacity due to double flushing, leakages and valves issues.

A high-performance toilet and water efficient solution.

Less energy is required for water and waste processing, meaning the toilet’s carbon footprint is reduced by an average 80%.

Water leakage is reduced as Water is delivered through a siphon for a leak proof operation. water, energy and money.

Hygiene Vision become the latest 2017 Awards Supporter

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:43:00 +0100

We welcome Hygiene Vision as our latest Awards Supporter.

Hygiene Vision was formed in March 2009 by a group of business leaders from the international washroom hygiene market. They have many years’ experience and a proven track record in the invention, design and development of hygiene dispenser systems which have been driven from the market need and all our manufacturing is fully compliant with current legislation and quality standards.

Hygiene Vision know that there is room in the washroom hygiene market for improvement and innovation, not just in terms of product development but also in the way customers are looked after and business conducted.

Their business model is based on giving the best customer service, because they believe that good service is the key to winning and keeping business. Work with them and you’ll see the difference our products and approach will make to your business.

Evolve Security and Willings Services are combined Awards Supporters again in 2017

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:40:00 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Evolve Security Products Limited in association with Willings Services Limited have become the latest 2017 Loo of the Year Awards Supporters.

Willings coin handling expertise coupled with Evolves security turnstiles and gates have been combined to create a strong, reliable and robust revenue collection systems for public toilets. Evolve are proud to be associated with Willings who have supported the Loo of the Year Awards for eleven years.

Danfo confirmed as an Awards Supporter for eleventh year

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:39:00 +0100

Danfo are a leading supplier of toilets in the UK who have supported Loo of the Year Awards since 2007 and we are proud to be associated with them.

Since the company was founded in 1969, Danfo are extremely proud of having delivered thousands of toilet units in Sweden and worldwide. They provide public toilets of the highest quality, designed and built for the customer. Whatever the client’s circumstances, Danfo can provide a suitable toilet solution.

Danfo confirmed as an Awards Supporter for eleventh year

Thu, 18 May 2017 10:34:00 +0100

Danfo are a leading supplier of toilets in the UK who have supported Loo of the Year Awards since 2007 and we are proud to be associated with them.

ECOBreeze our latest new 2017 Awards Supporter

Thu, 11 May 2017 14:23:00 +0100

We welcome ECOBreeze as our latest new 2017 Loo of the Year Awards Supporter

ECOBreeze is an effective air filtration and room fragrancing system designed to enhance the atmosphere in all work place areas.

Being involved in the washroom service industry for over 20 years ECOBreeze had listened to their clients concerns across continents, they were tired of being offered air care solutions such as air fresheners that simply masked bad smells. It was obvious that simply spraying a burst of fragrance over a malodorous area was not going to eliminate the unwanted odours or freshen stale stagnant air. This is where the ECOBreeze concept was born.

The team at ECOBreeze knew that masking the smell in an often-enclosed area could no longer suffice and a solution was needed. ECOBreeze recognized that getting rid of the odours stale air and replacing it with fresh air was their priority. Once this was achieved they could then develop an added luxury by enhancing the air with a soft fragrance vapour. Creating a pleasant lasting memorable memories.

The Ecobreeze system has undergone 9 years of rigorous testing both in lab conditions and in various challenging locations. Ecobreeze was granted a British patent in 2011 and has since secured patent in various other countries. Ecobreeze is proud to be a British innovation and has won awards.

www.ecobreeze.com

Loo of the Year Awards Inspector opportunity

Mon, 08 May 2017 17:19:00 +0100

We require a seasonal self employed washroom inspector to inspect entrants washrooms located in the East Midlands - Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton and Nottingham areas - Postcodes LE, LN, NN and NG. Assistance required during August and September annually and full training will be provided. Knowledge of washroom services and washroom cleaning required. Please send CV to mike@loo.co.uk in first instance.

Dolphin Solutions renew sponsorship

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 09:17:00 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Dolphin Solutions are continuing as an Associate Sponsor of Loo of the Year Awards in our 30th Anniversary year. They have been working with architects, contractors and developers to create beautiful high performance commercial washrooms for nearly 20 years.

Dolphin will be sponsoring the Individual Categories National Award and UK/Ireland Trophy which will be presented by a director of the company at the Loo of the Year prestigious annual Event at St Johns Hotel in Solihull on Friday 8^th December.

From dispensers to hot air dryers, taps and bins to baby change units, every item they sell is intelligently designed, not just to look good but to be truly fit-for-purpose. Go to the sponsor page for more details

Top Comedain Terry Alderton will perform at the 2017 Event

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 10:48:00 +0100

Terry Alderton is the top comedian performing at this year’s 30^th Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards on Friday 8^th December.

Terry Alderton’s act is a riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy, extraordinary caricatures and stunningly acute impressions. Combining a fearless onstage presence, unshakeable confidence and streetwise hyperactive delivery, Terry leaves his audience exhilarated and exhausted with laughter.

Terry is one of the most exciting comedians around regularly performing all over the globe. In the last year alone he has played the Melbourne Australia Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, India and Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Terry has been Perrier nominated in Edinburgh and recently won the 3 Weeks Critics award as well as Best International Act at the New Zealand Comedy Festival. This frequent traveling has meant performing alongside some of comedy's biggest stars. Michael McIntyre has found Terry as a source of inspiration. He has recently worked with Joan Rivers who became an instant fan and Eddie Izzard who proclaimed him to be a ‘very funny comic with a fantastic comedy mind’, but someone who really ought to seek some sort of professional help.

“This is a main stream act that dares to be different, that comes from the soul. Effortlessly enjoyable yet excitingly different. He deserves a big future.” The Times

Toilet Twinning sponsor 2017 Loo of the Year Awards

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:34:00 +0100

Loo of the Year Awards welcome Toilet Twinning as the latest Associate Sponsors of the 2017 Awards.

Toilet Twinning is a registered charity which provides a simple, quirky way to solve a serious problem and save lives.

For just a £60 donation, donors can twin their loo with a latrine halfway around the world, in a country of their choosing. For a £240 donation, they can twin with a school block or toilets in a displacement camp.

Donors smallest room becomes the proud owner of a certificate, complete with a photo and GPS coordinates so they can look up their twin on Google Maps.

Toilet Twinning funds the work of international relief and development agency Tearfund. Donations are used to provide clean water, basic sanitation, and hygiene education. This vital combination works together to prevent the spread of disease. Children are healthier, and able to go to school; parents are well enough to work their land and grow enough food to feed their family. With better health, and more ability to earn a living, men and women discover the potential that lies within them to bring transformation.

Family by family, community by community, nation by nation, we are flushing away poverty.

www.toilettwinning.org

Clos-o-Mat Associate Sponsor for 2017

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:29:00 +0100

Clos-O-Mat are sponsoring the Changing Places, Hygiene Room Toilet Entries and Space to Change National Awards and Trophies again in 2017.

Clos-o-Mat is Britain's leading supplier for disabled toileting solutions for in and out of the home. With its 50 years' experience in the market, it is aware of the importance of appropriate toilet facilities, and how they impact on disabled people's ability to enjoy and participate in life. They have supported Loo of the Year Awards since 2008 being an Associate Sponsor since 2010.

“What is the ADi ROOM MATE ?”

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 09:51:00 +0100

The RoomMate is an electronic, wall-mounted device, which offers Blind and Visually Impaired visitors bespoke audio description in a disabled access toilet.

Listen to BBC Radio 4 interview with about Room Mate - select coverage - 12.06 minutes to 17.28 minutes on this link:

lhttp://aod-pod-uk-live.akamaized.net/mpg_mp3_med/2c978994578adce3015790518fb31ee2--audio--pod-InTouch-041016_mpg_mp3_med.mp3?__gda__=1490707799_f92c83001554b2545cc7f490f6dfe609

Each unit also comes complete with a high visibility door sign to indicate that the facility has an ADi RoomMate installed.

On entering the disabled access toilet an audio announcement is triggered and the unit advises that a recorded description of the room is available. If the user is visually impaired and requires the description, they are then given the instruction to wave their hand in front of the unit to activate.

The unit is placed to the left or right of the door frame at mid-height and the initial announcement advises which side of the door the unit is placed and has the addition of 4 sonic pings after the announcement, to guide the user to it.

There are 2 sets of identical phrases giving a sequenced description. The first set allows the visually impaired user to form a mental picture of the room, whilst the repeated set enables the user to navigate within the room.

This mains unit is delivered pre-programmed for each location and is thus ready for immediate installation. The volume is variable to allow for varying environmental noise factors.If features within the facility are altered at any time in the future new instructions can be entered on-site.

For further information go to www.adiaccess.co.uk Phone: +44 (0)330 0881805 Email: info@adiaccess.co.uk

http://www.adiaccess.co.uk/the-room-mate

Danfo support the 2017 Loo of the Year

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:18:00 +0000

We are delighted that Danfo, an excellent and leading provider of public toilets in the UK, has become a Loo of the Year Awards Supporter for the eleventh year running in this special 30th Anniversary year.

Since Danfo was founded in 1969, they are extremely proud of having delivered thousands of toilet units in Sweden and worldwide. They provide public toilets of the highest quality, designed and built for the customer. Whatever the client’s circumstances, Danfo can provide a suitable toilet solution. Quality is their keyword and they deliver an unsurpassed product and the best service imaginable, throughout the sales process and afterwards. Always with a professional approach and a great commitment.

New Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards introduced

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 12:00:00 +0000

New for 2017 - The Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards have replaced the previous Attendant of the Year Awards and relate specifically to the dedicated cleaning staff that look after the facilities, rather than the washrooms themselves.

While the range of gradings and national Loo of the Year Awards and UK/Ireland trophies provide adequate recognition of the washrooms and their providers, it is the people who look after each facility - be they individual washroom cleaners, in-house cleaning teams or external cleaning/FM contractors, who also deserve recognition.

All cleaning staff will automatically be entered for Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards for all entries that are declared as "Full time attended toilets" on the Entry Form. Judging will be completed at the same time as the Loo of the Year Awards inspection and any cleaning staff seen at the time of the unannounced visit are deemed to represent the whole cleaning team. There will be a number of Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award national winners in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and overall UK/Ireland trophies as follows:

INDIVIDUAL CLEANER NATIONAL AWARDS & TROPHY - will be presented to the cleaner(s) who in the opinion of the judges is performing a high quality "ambassadorial" role for the washroom provider in terms of appearance, attitude, commitment and efficiency.

IN-HOUSE CLEANING TEAM NATIONAL AWARDS &TROPHY - will be presented to the cleaning team employed by an washroom provider with multiple entries in Loo of the Year Awards who, in the opinion of the judges, are performing a high quality "ambassadorial" role for the washroom provider in terms of appearance, attitude, commitment and efficiency.

EXTERNAL CONTRACTOR CLEANING TEAM NATIONAL AWARDS & TROPHY - will be presented to the cleaning contractor company or organisation which, in the opinion of the judges, is providing a high level of service to one or more Loo of the Year Award entrants.

All change in Wellington for JD Wetherspoon customers

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 15:13:00 +0000

Wellington has become the most inclusive town in its area of Somerset, with the opening of a new pub….

JD Wetherspoon, which has already won many Loo of the Year Awards for its toilet facilities, hopes its new The Iron Duke- named after the Duke of Wellington- will continue its tradition: it is the latest of the chain’s venues to incorporate a Changing Places wheelchair-accessible toilet for anyone who also need additional equipment such as a bench and/or hoist.

Supplied and installed by Loo of the Year Awards sponsor Clos-o-Mat, the Changing Places means children and adults who needs a carer’s help with their personal hygiene has the appropriate space and equipment to do so hygienically. The alternative would be to curtail their visit, lie their loved one on the toilet floor to change them, or not be able to enjoy a relaxing drink and meal out with friends and family.

All toilets at The Iron Duke- women, men, baby change and the Changing Places- are accessed directly off the main bar area, with entry to the Changing Places toilet being via RADAR key.

Jon Matthews, Wetherspoon’s development manager, said, “Pubs traditionally are the focal point of any community. As a company we aim to ensure that all members of a community, including those with disabilities, can access and enjoy what we have to offer.”

A Changing Places toilet is ‘desirable’ under Building Regulations Approved Document M 2015, and BS8300:2009, for all new build and refurbishment projects involving buildings to which numbers of the public have access. Under British Standards, it provides a minimum 12m2, and includes a peninsular toilet, washbasin, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and ceiling track hoist.

Now, over 900 are open across the UK; JD Wetherspoon is the only leading brand of pub chain to incorporate the facilities wherever possible in its new build and refurbishment projects.

Clos-o-Mat is the leading player in the supply and installation of the away from home assisted accessible toilet facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, project management, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment means it is uniquely provide a reliable, single source for the whole process.

Loo of the Year Awards features on The One Show

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 13:35:00 +0000

The 2016 Loo of the Year Awards Event was featured on BBC1's The One Show on Wednesday 4th January and was viewed by 4.5 million viewers.

Introduced by presenter Matt Baker as an Award which there are 'none as important in our day to day lives ' there were filmed excerpts from the unique event held at the St Johns Hotel Solihull on Friday 2nd December attended by 360 guests. The feature included coverage of Baba Sechan, a cleaner employed by Birmingham's leading cleaning contractor We Clean, the only individual to be awarded the Attendant of the Year Awards Individual Attendant Team Trophy for the second time in the Awards 29 year history. It also covered the hospitality and exhibition which form part of the Awards and the 2016 Tork UK Loo of the Year Awards Trophy winner - Gatwick Airport.

Use BBC I Player to view the feature - 30 minutes from the start of The One Show Wednesday 4th January.

2017 Loo of the Year Awards entries open

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:53:00 +0000

Entries are now invited for the 2017 30th Anniversary Loo of the Year Awards.

You may enter as many washrooms as you like here on-line or by emailing information@loo.co.uk to be emailed or posted a copy of the 2017 Loo of the Year Awards entry form.

Every entrant will receive a 2017 Loo of the Year Awards Grading Certificate - Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. There are also many National and UK & Ireland Awards and trophies which will be presented at the special 30th Anniversary Awards Event (daytime) at the St Johns Hotel Solihull on Friday 8th December 2017. Excitement, superb surroundings, sparkling wine reception, four course lunch with wine, suppliers exhibition, celebrity entertainer and unrivalled networking opportunities. Ideal for entertaining staff, customers and prospects. Book your tickets now!

Gatwick Airport are the 2016 Tork Loo of the Year Award Winner

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:34:00 +0000

Gatwick Airport, the world’s busiest single runway airport was delighted be awarded the prestigious Overall Tork Loo of the Year Award Trophy at the Loo of the Year Awards annual presentation event on Friday 2nd December.

This is the first time in the Awards twenty-nine-year history that an airport has achieved this top award and was in recognition Gatwick being awarded Platinum Awards for every one of their thirteen entries which included toilets for all types of users including Changing Places toilets. Gatwick was also awarded the UK and Ireland Market Sector Award for Transport.

Awards managing director, Mike Bone quotes “Gatwick Airport first entered Loo of the Year Awards in 2015 with two entries in the South Terminal and won the National Category Award for England in the Airports Category and the UK and Ireland Market Sector Award for Transport. All their 2016 entries were exceptionally clean and well maintained. Gatwick work closely with their cleaning contractor ISS to ensure that the highest toilet cleaning standards are maintained despite coping with the needs of more than 40 million passengers each year”.

Other major UK and Ireland Trophy Winners included Asda, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Buttercrane Shopping Centre Newry, City Facilities Management, Heathrow Airport, intu, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Oxford City Council, Richmond Royal Park, We Clean and J D Wetherspoon. The winners were selected from entries in sixty entry categories across all market sectors.

Nearly 400 guests from throughout the UK, including representatives from leading cleaning and FM companies, attended the special Awards Presentation Event at the four-star St Johns Hotel Solihull. Peter Piper provided comedy as the excellent after lunch entertainment and guests enjoyed the supplier exhibition that forms part of the annual event.

The 2016 Awards were run in association with Headline Sponsor Tork and Associate Sponsors Clos-o-Mat and Dolphin Solutions. Leading suppliers; Danfo, Evolve Security and Willings Services supported this year’s Awards.

Full details of all of the 2016 Loo of the Year Awards and Attendant of the Year Awards can be found on the Awards tab of this website.

Awards Event tickets selling fast

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 17:18:00 +0000

It's less than three weeks to the 2016 Loo of the Year Awards Event the "Toilet Oscars" and tickets are selling fast!

This prestigious day time fun Event is on Friday 2nd December between 10.30 and 15.45 at the St Johns Hotel Solihull and over 300 tickest have already been sold!

Come along and enjoy a full programme recognising the very best 'away from home' loos in the UK and Ireland, first class hospitality, a suppliers exhibition and unrivalled networking opportunities. The must go to Event for all toilet providers and their suppliers.

Full details on this website - Events tab.

Asda breaks the stigma around invisible illnesses and disabilities.

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:23:00 +0100

Abbey, manager of the Asda Newark Store, has introduced a new initiative to break the stigma around invisible illnesses and disabilities.

And now, thanks to Asda’s diversity and inclusion team, more than 400 of their stores have followed Abbey’s lead and launched new signs for their accessible toilets to show that not all disabilities are visible.

The idea was sparked after two Asda customers, Tonya Glennester and her five-year-old daughter Evalynn, were questioned by another customer about why they used the accessible toilet.

Abbey, the new manager at the store, said ”I feel very proud that a simple conversation with a customer and her daughter has resulted in this initiative to raise awareness of invisible illnesses.

We want to make sure our customers have the best experience in our stores and feel comfortable shopping with us. This will go some way in helping people’s understanding of this issue and not jumping to conclusions.

We’ve been able to implement the change quite quickly so over the next few weeks this will be rolled out to all 421 Asda stores that have a separate disabled toilet”

It follows Asda’s introduction of a Silent hour to support autistic and disabled customers at the Asda Manchester Fort store, and is a step to help customers feel comfortable when using their loos.

New Changing Places toilet in Cwmbran store

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 10:57:00 +0100

Asda improves store facilities for customers with additional needs

Asda in Cwmbran has improved it’s accessibly facilities for customers as part of the store’s £2m refit.

The store’s accessible toilet has been upgraded to a Changing Places room, a national initiative that promotes the needs of people with physical and mental disabilities.

The team at Asda’s Head Office worked with Changing Places to understand the needs of disabled users and create the most functional facility, which was officially opened this week. The new accessible toilet includes a full-length changing bench, a fully adjustable electric hoist, and a specialist toilet, providing a safe and clean environment for customers.

This is one of the first Asda stores to have a Changing Places room installed and this is the only one in a 15 mile radius of the town.

Matt Dodd, General Store Manager at Asda Cwmbran, has a severely disabled son and understands the challenges families and carers have gaining access to the right facilities while out shopping. He has been working with the Disability Networking Group at Asda on a range of ideas to support customers with additional needs.

He said: “As a parent and a retailer, I understand the benefits of accessible facilities from both sides, and this is something that is very close to my heart.

“My son, Noah, is three and half – he is Quadriplegic and is deaf and blind so he requires 24 hour care. Facilities like Changing Places make a massive difference to parents and carers when they are out shopping but they are very few and far between.

“There is no other facility like this in a 15 mile radius and offers much more privacy for disabled customers and their carers. I am so pleased our Changing Places room is now open and we are already receiving encouraging feedback from customers.”

As well as having the right equipment to assist parents and carers, the room also has a lock, which can be opened using a universal Radar Key, to avoid the space being abused. If a customer doesn’t have a key of their own, colleagues on the customer service desk will be able to assist with opening the Changing Places room.

The campaign was launched in 2006 as a quarter of a million people are not able to use standard accessible toilets.

Rossanna Trudgian, co-chair of the Changing Places Consortium, said: “We are delighted to see Asda working to improve the facilities it offers to disabled customers, to ensure they are the best they could be. This shows growing recognition of the additional needs of many customers.

“However, there are still many large public places across the UK that lack Changing Places toilets and therefore deny people’s rights.

“We will continue to fight to make sure every single one of the 14 million people in the UK who require a Changing Places toilet, can access one.”

The installation of a Changing Places room has also been welcomed by Cwmbran Shopping Centre, where Asda is located.

Rikki Teml, Cwmbran Shopping centre manager, said: “Asda’s new facilities will give disabled visitors to Cwmbran Shopping much more freedom and flexibility, allowing them and their carers to shop without having to stress about issues such as accessibility and hygiene.”

Asda displays new accessible toilet sign to show that ‘not every disability is visible’

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 11:07:00 +0100

Accessible toilets are something that shouldn’t cause controversy but sadly, they often do. t’s often because of the sign showing an image of someone in a wheelchair.

While nobody bats an eyelid as the accessible loos are used for the purpose of baby-changing and for a parent to avoid taking their young child into a bathroom for the opposite sex, there are other needs for the toilet that are often ignored.

Those needs can even leave a person in need feeling humiliated and upset. This becomes a particular issue when someone has invisible disabilities

There are many conditions that class as ‘invisible disabilities’. This means while a person may seem physically able, they are fighting their own disability on the inside. Because of this, there is a need for them to use an accessible toilet. This might be for extra room and a more sanitary area to place treatment that needs to be applied or maybe, if they’re only able to travel short distances and need extra help sitting up and down, help can be offered.

There are many reasons as to why someone with an invisible disability needs to use the accessible loo – and they shouldn’t be made to feel victimised because of it.

To stop the stares, the mutters under the breath and even the confrontation that comes with someone who looks ‘physically-abled’ using the disabled toilets, Asda has stepped up by changing their accessible toilet signs.

It was a young girl who herself suffers with inflammatory bowel disease, an invisible disability, who first spotted the sign, in an Asda in York. A picture of the sign, which reads: ‘Not every disability is visible’, was posted to Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s Facebook page, and it has so far received 9,300 likes.

Many people have commented to express their happiness after seeing the sign. One person said: ‘Finally some recognition for those hidden disabilities, Crohn’s has been my nemesis for years yet I always feel judged for using disabled facilities. Well done Asda.’ Another added: ‘That’s a great sign. I’ve heard the grumbling public whispering loudly how I shouldn’t be using an accessible toilet. Well done Asda.’

Peter Piper to perform at Loo of the Year Awards Event

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:24:00 +0100

We are delighted to announce that Peter Piper, aka Graham Heywood, international comedian and actor, will perform at the 2016 Loo of the Year Awards Event on 2^nd December at the St Johns Hotel Solihull. Join us and enjoy this amazing entertainer.

Born in Stockport, Peter has had many roles in American TV series including Party Of Five, The Martin Short Show, and Tarzan and also worked as a voice over artist for Disney and Paramount including Black Beauty and Pocahontas. He is also established himself as an actor on British soil whilst maintaining his roots in comedy. He recorded a one-man special Stand & Deliver for Sky TV and played the guest lead as Eddie Walker in Holby City.

Record entries

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:39:00 +0100

Despite some loss of notable past loyal local authority entrants, including National and UK Award winners, as a consequence budget cuts, the 2016 Loo of the Year Awards entries are already 15% above the 2015 entries, with some entries yet to be received.

We are also delighted that 15% of alll entries so far are from new entrants!

Its not too late to enter now!

Dolphin unveils new branding and showroom

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:58:00 +0100

2016 Loo of the Year Awards sponsor, Dolphin, a leading UK based manufacturer and global commercial washrooms solutions provider, has unveiled its new branding during a launch event which took place at its refurbished East Sussex showroom.

The new branding and accompanying website encapsulates the company’s dedication to high quality washroom solutions and commitment to making the specification process as seamless as possible.

Featuring a ‘collections’ tool on the new website, product combinations which have been hand-chosen by Dolphin’s experts aim to inspire and support the washroom design process. The tool also provides the capability for specifiers and architects to develop their own private collection for sharing with their team and clients.

Jonathan Beattie, Managing Director of Dolphin, comments: “We are delighted to unveil our new branding and website. This is an important step for us in positioning Dolphin as a quality and credible washroom solutions provider. We hope that our new website will continue to support and improve our clients’ design and purchasing journeys.”

Dolphin’s showroom now exudes the feel of the company’s trendy Clerkenwell studio, featuring Dolphin’s many washroom ranges, including its high impact plastic Excel range, stainless steel solutions, chrome collections and the Alavo range.

“Architects, specifiers and facilities managers are welcome to use our showroom as a place to meet with clients and see first hand the vast range of products and solutions available to them,” Jonathan continued.

Visit the new look Dolphin website here: www.dolphinsolutions.co.uk

Changing Places toilet installed in JD Wetherspoon Bedford pub

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 09:50:00 +0100

One of Bedford’s most popular pubs is set to be even more so, as it reopens its doors after a major refurbishment that has turned it into the most accessible inn in the area.

JD Wetherspoon has invested £3.5million in refurbishment of the historic, 150 years-old Pilgrims Progress, creating a 31 bedroom hotel above, and enhanced facilities in the main pub. Those include a state-of-the-art assisted accessible toilet, a Changing Places, supplied and installed by Britain’s leading toileting independence provider, Clos-o-Mat.

The Changing Places means anyone who needs a carer’s help with their personal hygiene has the appropriate space and equipment to do so hygienically. The alternative would be to curtail their visit, or lie their loved one on the toilet floor to change them.

Bigger than conventional wheelchair-accessible toilet, it also has a hoist and adult-sized height adjustable changing bench as standard. JD Wetherspoon has conveniently located it adjacent to other WC facilities, by the beer garden entrance, and ensured level access throughout. Users simply need a RADAR key to enter.

“Wetherspoon’s has a reputation for setting the standard for toilets in the hospitality sector. We have won the UK Trophy for Accessible Toilets, and almost 450 of our pubs won at least a gold rating, at the Loo of the Year Awards. It was at the Awards we saw Changing Places,” explained Pilgrims Progress manager Mark Judd. “Changing Places toilets are included wherever possible can as part of our ongoing upgrade schemes. The size and layout of the Pilgrims Progress made it an ideal candidate.”

Added Kelvin Grimes, “The Changing Places at the Pilgrims Progress means that visitors who have special needs can relax and enjoy their time at the pub, knowing there are suitable toilet facilities for them.”

A Changing Places toilet is now ‘desirable’ under Building Regulations Approved Document M 2015, and BS8300:2009, for all new build and refurbishment projects involving buildings to which numbers of the public have access. So far, over 850 Changing Places have been opened at venues across the country.

Clos-o-Mat is the leading player in the supply and installation of Changing Places facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, project management, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment means it is uniquely provide a reliable, single source for the whole process. Further, its website www.clos-o-mat.com, is an essential reference point for anyone considering installing a Changing Places toilet, offering white paper, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, standard layouts, and video.

Entry period extended

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 09:45:00 +0100

Due to high levels of late entries the closing date for entries in the 2016 Loo of the Year Awards has been changed to 31st July. Please contact 01531 640715 or email information@loo.co.uk if you need any futher information or assistance.

Tork Press Release

Mon, 16 May 2016 12:47:00 +0100

Before and after study reveals how Internet of Things impacts cleaners’ work

A study by SCA and its global hygiene brand Tork investigates how Internet of Things (IoT) impacts work by cleaners and facility managers. The results show increased quality and efficiency in combination with reduced stress amongst cleaners. The study is based on Tork EasyCube^TM, an IoT-based service that provides real-time information about cleaning and refill needs. The service is also nominated for the upcoming ISSA Innovation Awards at ISSA/INTERCLEAN in Amsterdam.

Internet of Things is often referred to as a phenomenon for the future. Yet, early solutions already exist for the cleaning industry. One example is Tork EasyCube – a digital service with connected devices that provide cleaners with mobile access to real-time information about cleaning and refill needs. The service was showcased in beta mode at ISSA in 2014 and has since been finalized and implemented at facilities ranging from amusement parks to industrial sites.

“While others are still in development or beta phase, we have solutions in place on the market, used by numerous customers. This gives us the possibility, and perhaps also responsibility, to investigate the impact Internet of Things can have on the work done by cleaners and facility managers”, says Anna Königson Koopmans, European Marketing Manager for Tork Solutions.

To investigate changes in ways of working, Tork has carried out a unique before and after study of Tork EasyCube – based on observational studies complemented by data from the system. The study has been carried out at IKSU Sport, northern Europe’s largest sports facility, in Umeå, Sweden. A 22,000 sqm facility with 1,500,000 yearly visitors and a team of 30 cleaners. In total, 300 connected dispensers have been implemented in toilets, changing rooms, gyms, sports halls and other areas.

The results show a new logic for cleaning. Instead of static cleaning rounds the team has shifted to need-based cleaning, resulting in increased efficiency. Knowing in real-time what’s needed, when and where have for example enabled the team to reduce dispenser controls by 77%. These kinds of effects has also made it possible to reallocate cleaning activities to where they matter most to achieve a noticeable higher quality. From a situation where complaints about cleaning quality and empty dispensers occurred frequently they now don’t occur at all. The study also shows a boost in staff’s motivation thanks to increased control, less stress and more focus on what matters most.

“The system makes the job more dynamic and meaningful, I feel like I have the energy to do more when I know that everything I do matters” says André Söderberg, cleaner working at IKSU.

Key results:

Shifting from static to need-based cleaning: The Tork EasyCube service has enabled the cleaning teams to work in new ways than before, and shift from static cleaning rounds to need-based cleaning, leading to double-digit improvements across efficiency and quality.
Unnecessary work reduced: Instead of running back and forth to physically check if a dispenser needs a refill, cleaners now know in real-time what to do. Before only 1 out of 4 dispenser controls led to a refill, and after the implementation, 7 out of 10 dispenser controls are motivated by a refill. The total number of dispenser controls has also been reduced by 77% - saving valuable time and work for the cleaners.
Increased amount of actual cleaning activities: No time wasted has freed up time that can be focused on additional and more thorough cleaning with a direct impact on quality – especially in frequently used areas, where cleaning activities have increased by 62%.
Reduced time with empty dispensers: The time dispensers are out or almost out of refills have been reduced by 76 % and in critical areas with most visitors, the same figure is 88 %, with a direct impact on washroom quality.
No complaints: Before the implementation of Tork EasyCube, cleaning was a major problem area, with frequent complaints. With the system in place, and the shift from static to need-based cleaning, complaints about cleaning have been completely eliminated.
Smoother hand-over between shifts: Better overview and no time wasted makes it easier to finish tasks on time, handing over facilities in better shape to the next shift, which removes the risk of conflicts and frustration.

Refined planning and staff allocation: With insights from the system, the management team has been able to make new decisions; including charting and comparing monthly needs to more efficiently allocate resources over the year. As a result staffing hours will be shifted from the winter period to the fall and spring, which require more intense cleaning.
Higher sense of meaningfulness amongst staff: The study shows increased pride among the cleaners,
and tasks that used to be repetitive and dull feel meaningful when adapted in real-time to exactly what is needed. The cleaners feel more in control and less stressed, while at the same time being more effective. This has also resulted in reduced sick leave.
Easier to attract and train new staff: Being able to work with the support of the system has been an attractive argument to recruit new staff, and the training time for new cleaners has radically decreased. They can start working and become part of the team straight away.

“I had underestimated what can be done with this system. Before Tork EasyCube™ was implemented, our management team was considering building new changing rooms to solve the cleaning quality problem, which would have cost millions. Now that money can be used more efficiently, and we’re already thinking about how to take the next step“ says Bo Andersson, property manager and head of facility management at IKSU.

Implemented live at ISSA/INTERCLEAN in Amsterdam
The discussion around Tork EasyCube at IKSU started at ISSA in 2014, which led to implementation of the service. The development of Tork EasyCube has since moved from beta phase to business case, with the service being fully launched and used by many Tork customers. For ISSA in Amsterdam 2016, Tork EasyCube is nominated for the ISSA Innovation Award. And at the exhibition Tork will also upgrade the biggest washroom with the latest generation of the service.

“Tork EasyCube is nominated for the ISSA Innovation Awards and implementing it on site enables more visitors to review and explore it live at the exhibition. ISSA is also a perfect place to showcase the service.
The exhibition attracts 25,000 people and the visitor flow is disruptive throughout the day, which puts pressure on cleaning. But handling that is easy if you get real-time information about what’s needed where and when”, says Anna Königson Koopmans, European Marketing Manager for Tork Solutions.

About the study

The before and after study at IKSU Sport has been executed by ScandInfo on commission by SCA. The study consists of observation studies and interviews before and after implementation of Tork EasyCube at the IKSU Sport facility with 20,000 visitors/week. Before and after implementation 24 hours of observation (4 shifts over 3 days) and 9 interviews with cleaning staff and facility management have been carried out. The results have been compared between the two time periods. In addition, based on data from the Tork EasyCube system, the time when dispensers are out or almost out of refills, have been analyzed and compared. For this analysis, data from March in 2015 (before implementation) has been compared to data from the same month in 2016 (after implementation).

For additional information please contact:

Jamie.wright@sca.com

About Tork®

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of SCA, and a committed partner to customers in over 80 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit:

About SCA

SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company. The Group develops and produces sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products. Sales are conducted in about 100 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and regional brands, such as Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo and Vinda. As Europe’s largest private forest owner, SCA places considerable emphasis on sustainable forest management. The Group has about 44,000 employees. Sales in 2014 amounted to approximately SEK 104bn (EUR 11.4bn). SCA was founded in 1929, has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. For more information, visit www.sca.com

Tork continue Headline Sponsorship

Fri, 13 May 2016 15:00:00 +0100

Tork is showing its commitment to improving washroom standards all over the UK by signing up as Headline Sponsor for the 2016 Tork Loo of the Year Awards.

The tie-up with Loo of the Year Awards will also raise the profile of Tork while increasing brand awareness among customers.

"We are very excited about being headline sponsor of Loo of the Year Awards" said SCA's Product Manager Steve Palmer. "We are passionate about improving washroom standards and as the leading professional hygiene paper brand in the UK and Ireland, Tork is the logical choice."

Mike Bone, Loo of the Year Awards Managing Director remarked "We are proud to be associated with Tork, a leading global brand in workplace hygiene, and delighted that Tork have committed to a second year as Headline Sponsor."

CHANGING THE OPTIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:19:00 +0100

Making ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the built environment to ensure compliance with the Equality Act is being made easier with the launch of a new solution for ‘away from home’ accessible toilets.

Space To Change toilets plug the gap between conventional (Building Regulations Approved Document M 2013) wheelchair-accessible toilets, and the ‘desirable’, additional, larger and better equipped Changing Places⁺toilets.

The concept enables venues that are limited financially and/or on space to meet the needs of up to three million British children and adults^* who need changing and lifting facilities for their personal hygiene. It encompasses a 7m²+ (3m x 2.5m min) wheelchair-accessible toilet that further includes an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist. Space To Change has been developed with leading Changing Places campaigners and Clos-o-Mat (Britain’s leading supplier of disabled toilet solutions at home and away). Firefly Community, an online special needs community, will drive the campaign, supporting campaigners and raising awareness of the need for accessible toilets that include height adjustable changing benches and hoists.

“So often, venues and organisations say they understand the need for a Changing Places toilet, but, in existing buildings, as it should be provided in addition to other accessible toilets, they haven’t the extra space- 12m²- or cannot afford the cost of potentially extensive building works to create the additional space, and the ancillaries and equipment,” explains campaigner Tony Clough.

Adds fellow campaigner Sarah Brisdion, “Under the Equality Act, providers are required to make reasonable adjustments to the built environment to avoid situations where a disabled person would be at a ‘substantial’ disadvantage, BEFORE the person experiences difficulties. Not being able to access suitable toilets is, we believe, a substantial disadvantage.

“In an ideal world, we would always prefer to have a Changing Places, but Space To Change gives a viable alternative for providers constrained by space and/or money. Without these facilities, we either have to lie our loved one on the toilet floor- which you wouldn’t even expect to do with a baby- or we have to cut our trip short, or not go at all. Many wheelchair-accessible toilets are already big enough, so all that is required to create a Space To Change, which gives everything needed, is the addition of the changing bench and hoist!”

Full details of the Space To Change concept, plus technical support, CAD blocks etc, can be found at www.clos-o-mat.com and http://community.fireflyfriends.com/campaigns/space-to-change.

Dolphin Dispensers sponsor 2016 Awards

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 14:32:00 +0100

We are delighted to welcome Dolphin Dispensers who are a new Associate Sponsor of Loo of the Year Awards. They have been working with architects, contractors and developers to create beautiful high performance commercial washrooms for nearly 20 years.

Sponsors retained for 2016

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 10:30:00 +0000

Clos-O-Mat are sponsoring the Changing Places and Hygiene Room Toilet Entries National Awards and Trophies again in 2016 and in addition the new Space to Change National Awards and Trophy.

Danfo are an Awards Supporter again in 2016.

Danfo are a leading supplier of toilets in the UK. Since the company was founded in 1969, Danfo are extremely proud of having delivered thousands of toilet units in Sweden and worldwide. They provide public toilets of the highest quality, designed and built for the customer. Whatever the client’s circumstances, Danfo can provide a suitable toilet solution. Quality is their keyword and they deliver an unsurpassed product and the best service imaginable, throughout the sales process and afterwards. Always with a professional approach and a great commitment.

NEW CENTRE’S ‘FLAGSHIP’ STATUS EXTENDS TO ACCESSIBILITY

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 19:05:00 +0000

The new Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre will transform the famous seafront into one of the most accessible in Wales- helped by its toilets!

The £13.4m facility for Neath Port Talbot Council incorporates a pool with moveable floor, spin room, dance suite, sports hall, youth facilities, café and community rooms. Further helping set the centre apart are its toilets, which include two state-of-the-art assisted accessible facilities- Changing Places.

Supplied by leading disabled toilet specialist Clos-o-Mat, and installed for main contractor Heron Bros. by mechanical engineers FP Hurley, the Changing Places mean anyone who needs a carer to help them go to the toilet will still be able to enjoy all the facilities on offer- in both the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas of the Centre.

Changing Places facilities include more space, plus a changing bench and hoist alongside the ‘standard’ fittings in a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Otherwise, the tens of thousands of children and adults who need that equipment face either having to be changed on the toilet floor, cutting their trip short, or not going there at all.

Cllr Ali Thomas, OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, observed, “The leisure centre is the latest in a series of improvements to transform the area. The Centre will have all the necessary modern facilities, and will be a focal point in enhancing our strategy for regenerating the whole area.”

The Changing Places toilets at the leisure centre compliment a further facility in the area, at the new Port Talbot Parkway Station. Under latest guidelines and regulations, Changing Places toilets are ‘desirable’ in any building to which numbers of the public have access, yet fewer than 800 exist across the UK.

Clos-o-Mat has a proven track record in the supply and installation of fully accessible toilets, including a substantial number of Changing Places facilities. It is unique in its ability to deliver- in-house- design advice, supply, installation, commissioning, project management and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, including the Clos-o-Mat wash and dry (automatic) toilet. To help leisure providers ‘get it right’, the company has a raft of downloadable information on its website, www.clos-o-mat.com, including sector-specific white papers, CAD blocks, room renders and videos.

GO TO THE LOO TO INCREASE VISITOR NUMBERS

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:16:00 +0000

Venues can increase their share of a £multi-million market by making the toilets more accessible.

So claims new research, reinforcing a theory presented by the market leader in toilet assistive technology at home and away, Clos-o-Mat. The research, undertaken by Disabled Access Day with Euans Guide, highlighted that having an accessible toilet was the second highest influencing factor for respondents, with 80% of those surveyed listing it as important.

“We go to the toilet on average eight times a day, so the chances are if you’re visiting somewhere away from home- whether a simple trip to the shops or a day out- you will need to make use of washroom facilities,” explains Robin Tuffley, Clos-o-Mat Marketing Manager. “Research also shows that for the 1/4million+ people who need the help of a carer, or many of the 6million people with bowel issues- conventional accessible toilets are not appropriate. They need extra space, and/or equipment. They represent a significant number of the 11million people registered disabled in the UK, who spend over £200billion a year!

“So there is strong justification for making the capital investment in appropriate toilet facilities: sometimes just adding a hoist, adult changing bench or wash & dry toilet makes the difference, but in an ideal world, a fully-equipped Changing Places assisted accessible toilet would be desirable, as per current Building Regulations.”

Clos-o-Mat is Britain’s market leader in the supply, installation, and support of away from home assisted accessible toileting, including Changing Places facilities, and has a proven track record in the sector. It is unique in its ability to deliver- in-house- design advice, supply, installation, commissioning, project management and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, including the Clos-o-Mat wash and dry (automatic) toilet. To help travel hubs ‘get it right’ it has a raft of downloadable information on its website, www.clos-o-mat.com, including sector-specific white papers, CAD blocks, room renders and videos.

www.clos-o-mat.com; e:info@clos-o-mat.com

Chris is running the London Marathon

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:00:00 +0000

✨ Wishing Christopher Hunt Skelley MBE PLY the very best of luck for the upcoming London Marathon! 🏃🏼‍♂️💚

GO TO THE LOO TO INCREASE VISITOR NUMBERS

Wed, 06 Jan 2016 19:18:00 +0000

Venues can increase their share of a £multi-million market by making the toilets more accessible.

Closing date for entries extended

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:53:00 +0100

The closing date for entries in the 2015 Loo of the Year Awards has been extended to Friday 14th August. Please phone 01403 258779 if you need any assistance.