The TSA’s fast approaching Autumn Conference heads to the Cotswolds with a focus on practical change, sustainability and people
The Textile Services Association’s (TSA) Autumn Conference 2026 will soon bring its members and the wider industry together in the Cotswolds for two days of insight, discussion and networking built around the theme Small Changes, Big Impact. Designed for management teams across the sector, the event will combine practical workshops, keynote speakers and industry-specific presentations focused on the issues shaping commercial laundry businesses today. Taking place at De Vere Tortworth Court on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October, the conference is fast approaching and places are filling quickly. Set in 30 acres of grounds near Junction 14 of the M5, it’s an accessible base for delegates travelling from across the country.
The Tuesday programme begins with a supply partner meeting and lunch, before moving into a series of focused sessions on people, sustainability, safety, cyber security, health and hygiene. Topics for the people session will include an employment law update from David Eastwood of Worknest, future workforce recruitment with Anne Kinsman from the Department for Work and Pensions, workplace wellbeing with Sean Liddell of Via Vita Health, and an open forum on the people issues that matter most to delegates.
The sustainability session will be led by the newly appointed co-chair of the TSA’s Environmental Steering Group, Mike Barry, former director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer. Those attending will be invited to explore with him the shape and future direction of the Steering Group. Delegates will review progress to date, discuss the next steps for the sector roadmap and consider how the industry can work together to deliver meaningful change. Another workshop will look at protecting laundries through updates on health and safety, cyber security and biofilm research, including contributions from sector specialists and the De Montfort University research team.
The second day of the conference opens with Charlie Betteridge, TSA chair, followed by TSA chief executive David Stevens and managing director Emma Kiviniemi Wilson. The programme then moves through a wide range of business-critical topics, from neurodiversity and workplace culture to research, sustainability and transport.
Among the keynote speakers is Penny Haslam, former BBC business journalist and award-winning speaker, who will deliver Make Yourself a Little Bit Famous, focusing on communication and confidence. Later in the day, leadership and mindset speaker Caspar Craven will challenge delegates to think bigger in a session exploring how small changes can create major impact.
Other featured speakers include Professor Katie Laird of De Montfort University, who will share research relevant to the sector’s ongoing work on infection prevention and hygiene, and Stuart Murphy, head of fleet transformation at Royal Mail, who will discuss the future of sustainable transport. Brand and culture specialists Adrian Walcott and Martin Roach of Brands With Values will present on whether organisational culture is genuinely supporting business strategy, followed by an industry panel featuring Kevin Godley, CEO of CLEAN; Mark Franklin, CEO of Elis UK; and Simon Fry, chair of Micronclean.
The conference offers delegates plenty of opportunities to connect with peers from across the industry, including networking breaks, lunch, pre-dinner drinks and the conference dinner on Tuesday evening.
Conference tickets are £130 + VAT, with dinner tickets priced at £55 + VAT and Tuesday night bed and breakfast available at £120 + VAT. Spaces are filling up fast and approaching sell out. Room bookings should be made as soon as possible through the TSA rather than directly with the hotel to secure the agreed rate.
For more information about the conference, contact the TSA team on 0203 151 5600 or events@tsa-uk.org.
The TSA is the trade association for the textile care services industry. The TSA represents commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large, multi-national companies. Visit www.tsa-uk.org for more information.