The Power of Collaboration: Paul Thrupp, IWSA & the Future of Washrooms
In this month's episode of the Bog Cast, Becky is joined by Paul Thrupp, Chairman of the Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA), an organisation bringing together independent washroom service companies from across the UK for over 20 years. With 34 member companies, the IWSA is passionate about supporting its members through education, knowledge sharing and collaboration, helping them deliver the best possible service to their customers.
Bringing the Washroom Industry Together
Paul explains what the IWSA is all about and how its members benefit from being part of an association where businesses can come together, share experiences and learn from one another.
The association holds three face-to-face meetings each year, alongside on line teams meetings, giving members the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and learn from experts and keynote speakers. Since becoming Chairman, Paul has asked members what they want from these meetings, leading to sessions covering subjects including AI, insurance, accreditation, waste management and the keynote speakers like Loo of the Year Awards.
Becky reflects on attending one of the meetings and hearing from keynote speakers, highlighting how valuable it is for businesses to have access to education on sometimes complex subjects.
The Importance of Washroom Services
Paul explains that washroom services are an important part of facilities management, covering everything from washroom products and air care to sanitary disposal and ensuring appropriate facilities are available for staff, customers and visitors.
He discusses how many of the challenges faced by washroom service companies are shared across the industry, making the opportunity to meet, communicate and share knowledge particularly valuable.
For Paul, the IWSA is about helping its members understand complex issues and turn that knowledge into better services for their customers.
People, Technology and the Future
The conversation turns to one of Paul's biggest frustrations – attracting young people into the washroom and facilities management industry. He believes it can offer a rewarding career but needs greater visibility and recognition.
Paul discusses how initiatives such as the Loo of the Year Awards can help shine a spotlight on the industry and encourage a new generation to consider a career within it.
They also explore the role of cobotics, where robots and people work alongside one another rather than technology simply replacing people. Paul believes this could create exciting opportunities for the future, while stressing that the personal touch will remain incredibly important.
Working Together to Raise Standards
Becky and Paul discuss the new partnership between the Independent Washroom Services Association and Loo of the Year Awards, including the introduction of the IWSA Awards as part of the Loo of the Year Awards platform.
The new awards will recognise the people and teams working within the washroom services industry, with an independent panel of judges.
The partnership also provides an opportunity for both organisations to raise awareness of each other's work and encourage greater collaboration across the industry. Paul talks about the importance of working alongside organisations and supporting initiatives including toilet twinning and charitable work.
Safety, Dignity and Inclusion
The conversation also explores why washrooms are about far more than simply providing a toilet. Safety, dignity and inclusion are central to creating facilities that work for everyone.
Paul explains how IWSA members are encouraged to consider full inclusivity within washrooms and how the association works to add value for its members, giving them the knowledge and support they need to help their own customers.
Becky and Paul discuss their shared passion for washrooms and why bringing different organisations and industry professionals together can ultimately make a much bigger difference.
Looking to the Future
Paul is excited about what the future holds, particularly the opportunities created by the partnership between the IWSA, Loo of the Year Awards and the wider washroom industry.
He talks about an upcoming panel discussion at the Cleaning Show in early 2027, where he will join Raymond Martin from the British Toilet Association and Becky from Loo of the Year Awards.
For Paul, the message is simple: the more we work together, the greater the impact we can make.
He also encourages anyone looking to learn more about the IWSA, or anyone who needs help putting together a washroom specification, to reach out to one of its members. Their knowledge and experience would provide invaluable support.
An informative and thought-provoking conversation about the washroom services industry, education, technology, people, inclusion and the power of collaboration – and why working together could help create better washrooms for everyone.
For more information about the Independent Washroom Services Association :-www.IWSA.org.uk or Paul Thrupp on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thrupp-cmgr-mcmi-fbicsc-242455b/
For more information about the Loo of the Year Awards, visit www.loo.co.uk, email information@loo.co.uk, or call 01531 640715.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2591293/episodes/19738348
