David Garcia, New British Cleaning Council Chair
In June 2025, the British Cleaning Council (BCC) elected David Garcia as its new Chair during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, succeeding outgoing Chair Delia Cannings. Having served as Deputy Chair for the past two years, Garcia steps into the role with deep experience, a long industry track record, and a commitment to uniting and elevating the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector across the UK.
Who Is David Garcia?
David Garcia has been active in the cleaning and hygiene industry for nearly five decades. He was the founder and former Chairman/Managing Director of Polaris (Plastics), a prominent supplier of refuse sacks, bin liners and related products to the “away-from-home”/commercial hygiene market. Within BCC’s member associations, Garcia has long been active in the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), serving as Treasurer and Vice-President, and leading initiatives such as its undergraduate bursary scheme.
On his appointment, Garcia said:
“I’m delighted and honoured to become Chair of the BCC … I’ll be doing my best to fill [Delia’s] big boots and add to the recognition and awareness of the sector and the BCC, which has grown immensely during her leadership.”
“An important theme which I will be prioritising during my tenure is unity. … Our industry is one of the biggest in the UK, worth nearly £66.9 billion a year to the country’s economy and one which employs 1.49 million people … We are stronger together and must demonstrate that.”
He also pledged to continue past Chairs’ work, acknowledging that Delia will “kindly continue to lead on the education and training strand of our work” and hoping that Jim Melvin continues to lead on the BCC’s lobbying campaign.
What Is the British Cleaning Council (BCC)?
The BCC is the umbrella body representing the UK’s cleaning, hygiene and waste sector. Its mission is to provide a unified voice for the sector, to promote standards, training, education, and to engage with government and key stakeholders on policy, regulation, and recognition of the industry.
Some of its notable past achievements (especially during Delia Cannings’ term) include:
• Launch of the UK Cleaning Career Development Zone to help structure career pathways in cleaning and hygiene.
• Securing approval for a Level 2 Cleaning Hygiene Operative Apprenticeship, enabling industry-standard training pathways for staff.
• Strengthening the BCC’s lobbying presence, particularly in promoting the importance of hygiene, cleaning standards, and raising the sector’s profile in policy discussions.
Under its programmes, the BCC supports education, accreditation, research, engagement with government, and acts as a forum for collaboration among its member bodies.
David Garcia’s Proposed Priorities & Plans
While Garcia steps into the role with a broad brief, some of his stated priorities and anticipated focus areas include:
• Unity and cohesion across BCC members and across the broader sector: Garcia emphasises that “we are stronger together” and wants to amplify the collective voice of cleaning, hygiene and waste firms.
• Raising recognition and awareness: He intends to build on Delia’s progress and add new visibility to the BCC, seeking to increase public, stakeholder and government recognition of the vital role the sector plays.
• Continued emphasis on training, education and skills: While education and training will continue to be overseen by Delia Cannings, Garcia supports that strand, particularly in delivering practical pathways and attracting new talent.
• Sustaining and deepening lobbying efforts: He has expressed hope that Jim Melvin continues with the BCC’s lobbying campaign, as the campaign has reportedly gained traction in recent months.
In summary, David Garcia steps into a pivotal role at a time when the cleaning sector is navigating post-pandemic challenges, workforce shortages, and evolving regulatory demands. With his decades of industry experience, leadership in supplier associations, and a vision centred on unity, recognition, and training, Garcia’s tenure could help steer the BCC toward greater influence and impact.
