PODCAST | Cleaning industry insights with Avril McCarthy (President of EFCI)
Thursday, 23 October 2025
In this episode of "Spotless", Robert Stelling speaks with Avril McCarthy, President of the Irish Contract Cleaning Association and EFCI, and General Manager of Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists.
Key points discussed include:
- Leadership in cleaning: Avril shares her journey from family business to industry leadership, emphasizing collaboration, vision, and adaptability.
- EFCI’s priorities: Strengthening member engagement, expanding lobbying efforts, and reviewing membership structures to broaden industry representation.
- AI and automation: The industry must prepare for the EU AI Act and national regulations, ensuring compliance while integrating technologies like cobots, IoT sensors, and data-driven cleaning models.
- Workforce challenges: Labor shortages remain a key issue. Solutions include promoting daytime cleaning, improving industry perception, and supporting labor mobility across Europe.
- New roles emerging: The rise of technology creates demand for robot supervisors, data analysts, and IT specialists within the cleaning sector.
- EFCI’s role: Through lobbying, toolkits, webinars, and annual events, EFCI aims to inform, support, and elevate the industry across Europe.
- Final message: People are the core asset of the cleaning industry. Investing in their growth and placing them at the center of change is essential for a resilient and future-ready sector.
