Behind the Badge

The CHSA’s five Accreditation Schemes maintain a recognised high standard of product performance and guarantee “what’s on the box, is what’s in the box”. In April 2024, Nicky Biggart was elected by the CHSA Council into the voluntary role of Accreditation Scheme Chair with a clear mission: to evolve the Schemes, strengthen standards, and ensure they keep pace with an ever-changing industry.

We asked her about her ambitions for the Schemes and how she unwinds outside the office.

Tell us about a typical week as Accreditation Scheme Chair?

At its heart the role is about governance and oversight.

The Schemes must be credible, which means this is much more than box-ticking. Working with the Inspector, I make sure members operate transparently and in line with standards and regulations of the relevant Scheme. As the Schemes have evolved and become tougher, we are spending more time supporting and guiding members to foster their continued compliance.

I have the tricky challenge of balancing my full-time day-job as Sales Manager UK & Europe for Evans Vanodine International plc with this role. Emails come in continually from members asking for advice and information, and I work closely with the Inspector addressing issues that might arise during audits. I work with the Membership Secretary on new member applications, attend Council meetings, Chair Accreditation Scheme working group meetings and represent the CHSA at trade events. I would not be able to do any of this without the support of Evans Vanodine!

Why did you get involved in the CHSA in the first place?

Evans Vanodine International is a long-standing member of the CHSA. I was their representative on the Council and active in setting up the Accreditation Scheme for Manufacturers of Cleaning Chemicals.

During COVID the chemical manufacturing industry became a little like the wild west, new entrants making extreme and misleading product claims. I came together with the members of the Accreditation Scheme to embed the need for robust and transparent evidence into the Accreditation Scheme technical regulations and standard.

What’s a misconception about the Accreditation Schemes?

Some think it just another marketing logo to stick on your website to look good! That’s a very long way from the reality. We have rigorous standards and technical regulations, and compliance is independently audited. It’s not about looking credible; it’s about being credible!

What do you think members might not realise about the work that goes into maintaining the Schemes?

What many don’t see is the work to align with existing legal regulations and standards. This means we must stay up to date with new regulations, integrate the relevant ones into our Scheme standards and bring members with us. It’s complex … and it never stops!

What are the biggest challenges facing cleaning and hygiene suppliers today?

We are dealing with increasing competition from overseas product. Their pricing may be competitive, but their manufacturing processes do not always align with the standards we expect in the UK and transparency can be a challenge. Costs across raw materials, transportation and packaging are rising quickly. Employment laws are becoming tighter and environmental regulatory compliance is getting much tougher. Balancing these challenges is complicated.

What do you enjoy most about working with the CHSA?

I’ve been in this industry for over 36 years, with distributors and manufacturers; I understand the challenges and value the industry from all perspectives.

Working with all members to support them and evolve and shape standards is very satisfying. It gives me the chance to contribute beyond commercial goals and give something of real value back to the business-to-business professional cleaning and hygiene industry.

If you had to describe the CHSA in three words, what would they be?

Standards Shape Markets!

Where will we find you outside the ‘office’?

I love the outdoors.

I love competing in dressage and showjumping on Vigor, my horse. My two mad working springer spaniels keep me climbing the Lake District fells near home and when I get the chance in the summer, I sail along the Northumberland coast.

If you weren’t working in this industry, what do you think you might be doing?

I honestly cannot think of anywhere else that would provide the same access to such a wide network of amazing people and offer the opportunity for travelling to various parts of the world and receiving wonderful hospitality!

Finally, what message would you like to share with CHSA members?

Our combined strength lies within the Scheme standards we commit to. It protects the credibility and trust in our products and ensures customers can make confident buying decisions.

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