A packed schedule of events, training and support services highlighting the benefits of membership has been revealed by The Textile Services Association (TSA). This year will see the TSA continue its focus on sustainability, building and strengthening partnerships within the industry and its partners, and working to ensure the voice of the sector is heard in government as well as in other industries. The association is also continuing to develop its comprehensive training programmes and support services, aimed at keeping its members at the forefront of best practice.

The training programme will build on the courses launched in 2025, with new additions designed to develop the knowledge of engineers. In June, they will introduce the laundry machinery maintenance course, with further courses to be announced as the year progresses. Many existing courses will be returning, including:

• Boiler management

• Mental health first aider

• Laundry microbiology

• Textile services management

“These always book up very quickly,” says Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of the TSA. “It shows the demand for bespoke training within the laundry industry. It’s worth members registering their interest early if they wish to take advantage of these courses.”

As usual the TSA will be holding its popular annual meetings and networking events, which are opportunities for stakeholders in the industry to get together, discuss the big issues and catch up with colleagues. These events kick off with the National Congress, which takes place in Edinburgh on 17 March. This is a strategic event for senior management and business owners and features a range of expert speakers and presentations.

The TSA’s Autumn Conference returns on 13 and 14 October. This is the industry’s main event for managers of all levels. Feedback from attendees of last year’s conference was overwhelmingly positive, and it is a great way to build and strengthen inter-industry relationships. Eduarda Savazoni, operations director at phs Besafe, described the benefits of the conference meetings: “It’s the kind of industry where companies and competitors can all come together and it’s rather amazing,” It gives us the chance to take a benchmark of where we all are, and you know that you’re not alone.”

Other events for the calendar include a programme of regular online membership webinars throughout the year, with the first session focusing on AI.

Beyond events and training the TSA will continue to develop its member support services. These include the Infinite Textiles certification scheme, which provides businesses with the framework to ensure they are responsibly and sustainably handling textiles throughout their life cycle. The association is also enhancing its carbon calculator, the Global Laundry and Rental Emissions (GLARE) platform, which is a free membership tool that allows members to record and quantify their carbon emissions.

The TSA provides other resources for members such as The Wellbeing Hub, which offers free mental health support to laundry employees provided by Via Vita Health; free employment law, HR and H&S expertise from Worknest; a free credit checking service from First Report; and access to relevant British and international standards through BSI Online.

“We’re committed to expanding the help and support we provide, while working to ensure the voice of the industry is heard by the government and other stakeholders,” says Kiviniemi Wilson.

Previous textile services management course graduates