We are saddened to report on the passing of David A S Clark, a respected and much-loved figure in the cleaning industry.

Born in Walthamstow, London in 1935, David – or ‘Bilko’ as he was known to many of his friends – first joined the industry when he started Stretton Chemicals in his garage, before moving out into a butcher’s basement, then a timber yard warehouse, before building offices and warehouse in a Lye industrial estate.

David was a founder member of JANSA, the Janitorial Suppliers Association (now known as the CHSA), where he rose to council member and in 1979 became Chairman. He was also an active member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and the Guild of Master Cleaners (now the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners), and in 1999 he became Master.

Following Stretton Chemicals, David’s other successes include Stretton Contract Services, Unger Equipment UK, Diplomat International, and even though he officially retired in 2000, he continued to be an active part time director for Trojan Bins Ltd.

We would like to pass on our condolences to David’s friends and family at this difficult time.