The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has announced the winners of the 2026 CHSA Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment across the cleaning and hygiene industry.
The winners are:
- Manufacturer of the Year: Cromwell Polythene
- Regional Distributor of the Year: Newhall Janitorial
- National Distributor of the Year: Jangro
- Rising Star: Emily Downing, Cleenol Group
- Outstanding Contribution: Paul Fleetwood, Cromwell Polythene
The CHSA also made the occasional award for Lifetime Achievement, naming Mike Stubbs. During his long career in the sector, Mike has played a pivotal role in developing the industry and driving up standards. He worked tirelessly to create and develop the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, and in doing so transformed standards in the industry. He also mentored many individuals, recognising their talent and supporting their progress.
The winners were revealed at the CHSA’s annual Gala Ball on Thursday 18 June at VOCO St John’s, Solihull, in front of leading industry professionals.
CHSA members were invited to nominate their candidates for the awards, the final selection being made by a panel of industry leaders comprising Stephen Harrison, Jo Long, Mike Revell and David Garcia. Panel members were recused from the category relevant to their business.
The Distributors of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year were assessed according to their values, quality and commitment, and their approach to sustainability. Their values had to support and embody CHSA values, demonstrate their commitment to maintaining standards and ethical practice, and promote sustainability best practice.
Cromwell Polythene has been a long-standing supporter of the CHSA, active on the CHSA’s Governing Council and the working group taking forward the Accreditation Scheme for Plastic Sacks. Cromwell Polythene is also vocal about the value of its membership of the CHSA, and is an active contributor to the CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability.
Newhall Janitorial was recognised as an outstanding independent distributor, operating with strong ethical principles and delivering exceptional service across all areas of its business. Under the leadership of the Powells, the company has successfully transformed a traditional janitorial operation into a modern, forward-thinking organisation.
Jangro was acknowledged as a highly active CHSA supporter, playing an important role in the ongoing development of the Association and the wider industry. They also demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, embedding it as a core pillar across its network.
The Rising Star evidenced exceptional performance, impact, rapid growth, initiative, a commitment to development, professionalism and collaboration. The Outstanding Contribution to the CHSA winner has a track record of going above and beyond, making a significant impact on the CHSA and industry.
Emily Downing joined Cleenol as the most junior member of the technical team 18 months ago, and is already developing an industry reputation. She consistently goes above and beyond her immediate responsibilities to identify improvements and new possibilities. Within three months of joining the business, Emily was representing the technical department in meetings with external suppliers and customers. When the person holding the post took maternity leave, Emily stepped into the role of Lead Chemist: her reliability, technical ability and maturity making her very capable despite her relative lack of experience.
Outside her core role, she works with the marketing team to deliver a more effective and engaging education strategy to internal and external audiences. Emily continually seeks to improve her knowledge and personal growth, regularly attending British Chemicals Association seminars and exhibitions. Outside her company role, Emily tutors young people in STEM. Emily also supports Cleenol’s CSR initiatives by taking part in the Day to Make a Difference scheme. Last year, she completed the Oxford Half Marathon raising over £700.
Paul Fleetwood has been a long-standing, passionate and key influencer in the CHSA’s Accreditation Scheme for Plastic Sacks, and has been on the CHSA’s Governing Council since April 2009. He is committed to the Association, consistently attending and contributing to Council and panel discussions. His focus has always been and remains on the importance of the CHSA and what it represents.
Tracey Black of SC Johnson, CHSA Council member and the driving force behind the creation of the awards, said: “The CHSA Excellence Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations driving our industry forward. These winners exemplify exceptional performance, commitment and leadership, and we’re proud to recognise their contribution.”
