TSA members played vital role in driving engagement from MPs across all major parties
The cross party meeting organised by the Textile Services Association in Westminster on the 19th May 2026 was a big success that has helped to increase awareness of how the TSA can support the government and collaborate to help them achieve many of their priorities, as well as highlighting the importance of the laundry industry to the UK’s economy among MPs .
The meeting, hosted by Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, aimed to inform those in attendance about the role of the commercial laundry industry plays in supporting the NHS and healthcare, and how it supports the wider economy through sectors like hospitality and industrial markets. The TSA also outlined how the research it carries out in partnership with De Montfort University promotes infection prevention, hygiene and building national resilience.
MPs were invited to attend the meeting by local TSA members. Ruth Cadbury was invited by TDS Commercial, a company in her constituency. “It’s a sector that most of us don’t think about, but the meeting explained very clearly the size of the sector, and its importance to us all,” she says.
This view was echoed by Andrew George, MP for St Ives. “It was very eye opening to learn how the sector helps to sustain so many aspects of the economy,” he says. “I think everyone who attended is keen to make sure the government looks carefully at what the industry needs to take it forward.”
One of the motives for the TSA’s lobbying resulted from the Covid pandemic, where the laundry industry was underutilised, with single use PPE being prioritised over reusable textiles. It is a proven solution currently used across approximately 20% of the NHS estate, supported by UK supply chains, British manufacturing and fully compliant reusable products meeting all national and international healthcare standards. The environmental and financial benefits are significant. A Cabinet Office analysis found that single-use gowns produce 1,164% more carbon emissions than reusable alternatives. Liz Saville-Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd says “It was a shock to learn that the expertise of the laundry industry was ignored during this critical time, so it’s absolutely essential that we understand its role in our national health security.”
MP for Northeast Fife Wendy Chamberlain had previously visited Fishers Laundry Services in her constituency as part of the Laundry Open Week organised by the TSA. “Part of the challenge for the industry is that it’s hidden,” she says. “Whereas people have some knowledge of the hospitality sector, those companies that support it as part of its supply chain operate behind the scenes.” Her visit to Fishers helped to inform her on the importance of commercial laundries, and she praises the TSA’s work in raising the industry’s profile. “It’s important that the association has been engaging with parliamentarians from across the UK.”
Sarah Gibson, MP for Chippenham, was particularly interested in the industry’s contribution to developing sustainable practices and how this can help meet the nation’s Net Zero targets. “Promoting reusable fabrics rather than single use items should be a priority for the government, I am very happy to support the TSA and its members in raising awareness of how they can help with this.”
Gareth Davies, MP for Grantham and Bourne agrees. “It’s vital that everybody in parliament gets behind the industry, ensuring they have the support they need and the recognition they deserve,” he says. “Understanding the importance of laundries to our hospitals and the hospitality sector will help us plan for any future crises.”
“Finding out why this industry is so important has been very interesting,” says Steve Yemm, MP for Mansfield. “I’m looking forward to working with them to get them noticed and appreciated for the work they do.”
Representatives of the laundry industry were in attendance to provide MPs with their expertise.
Rona Tait is managing director of TDS Commercial in Isleworth and a board member of the TSA, and as Ruth Cadbury is her MP played a key role in organising the meeting. She was extremely pleased with the response to the meeting from MPs. “It’s important for us to keep the industry on the radar of MPs,” she says. “Everyone who attended seemed to understand the problems we’re up against, and wants to help us find solutions.”
Oliver Moore is managing director of County Linen in Chelmsford, and also a TSA board member. His MP Marie Goldman agreed to attend the meeting after visiting his business recently. “She found the meeting very informative,” he says. “I’m delighted with the response to the meeting, we’ve had a great turnout and all the MPs were really engaging with us.”
Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, the TSA’s managing director, echoes this sentiment. “I think today has really helped MPs recognise what the laundry industry does and how important it is,” she says. “This sector does essential work in supporting not just the NHS, but the healthcare sector as a whole, as well as pharmaceuticals, hospitality and food.” Emma is delighted with the response to the TSA’s ongoing lobbying. “Helping our government be better informed how commercial laundries keep the UK’s economy going is a key part of our work at the TSA, and whenever we speak to them they get it. The response is always encouraging, they leave appreciating where we’re coming from and are eager to help us in the future.”
She is unequivocal that the success of the meeting is down to the enthusiasm of TSA member companies in getting their MPs to engage with the issues. “Working together with one voice really helps to push what we’re trying to achieve.
“This meeting was another step in the right direction, but we need to keep the momentum going.” The next step will be to drive the key priorities outlined in the letter the TSA wrote following the meeting and to follow up with any MPs who offer to help. “We have already had support from MPs who attended the meeting, with parliamentary questions being asked, as well as letters being sent to relevant ministers, and meetings are being arranged with government departments,” says Emma. “If you’re a commercial laundry and not a member we urge you to get in touch and help us have your voice and insight amplified in government.”
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.