Care Show Announces Keynote Speaker.
The Care Show Swindon has announced its keynote speaker for its autumn event: Becky Wall BEM. She’s the co-director of the prestigious Loo of The Year Awards, a quality system that celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
Becky will share the importance of toilets and washrooms with attendees. And her mission to educate and empower organisations to increase revenue, customer and staff loyalty by taking care of a room we all need to use.
‘We all need to use the ‘loo’ – it’s a room we’ll need to enter and spend time in several times a day. For some people a suitable, accessible and clean washroom is at the heart of their decision-making. Whether for a day out or in booking a hotel, going on holiday, or even taking a job role,’ Becky said.
Banging the drum
‘For almost 40 years, we’ve been banging the drum that washrooms are a vital part of every community, every building and every public space. They can support wellbeing, inclusivity and the overall care of visitors, staff, clients or customers. I’ll be talking about our grading system – it’s not just about awards. And our mission to get everyone to take toilets seriously.’
Founded in 1987, The Loo of The Year Awards mission is one of celebrating excellence in out-of-home washrooms. Five years ago, Becky Wall and her husband Charles (who had entered the awards with their mobile toilet business) took on the brand. They did so because they held a passionate belief that the mission should continue and evolve.
Since then the Loo of The Year Awards has gone from strength to strength. It’s now recognised across the UK as a quality mark. And this year the brand has received a domination for an international award for the team’s work.
Organisations from shopping centres, caravan sites, to hotels, pubs, cafes and popular tourist attractions enter. They then receive an unannounced visit from a qualified inspector across the summer months. Their washrooms are then rated from bronze to diamond against more than 100 criteria to measure excellence.
This ranges from cleanliness, accessibility to lighting and safety as well as ambiance and many more factors. Venues can also ask for a report so they can make improvements and improve their own grading. Each year the best get invited to attend an awards event. The event highlights those who’ve made significant improvements or who’ve achieved excellence.
Part of the work
‘The awards are a small part of our work,’ Becky said. ‘Our team of inspectors are all committed to travel the UK visiting venues and grading their washrooms against 101 criteria. It’s a huge task. Yet it’s so important that people know where the best ‘loos’ are. And recognise those organisations that care about their experience in the room we all need to use.’
Following a successful relaunch earlier this year, The Care Show Swindon will take place on Saturday 10 October at New College Swindon. It’s in partnership with SWITCH (Swindon and Wiltshire Innovative Technology Care Hub).
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a range of care providers, wellbeing specialists and technology experts. And to explore the latest innovations designed to improve quality of life.
Director of the event, Hannah Edwards said: ‘One of the highlights will be a keynote talk by Becky Wall BEM, co-director of The Loo of the Year Awards. She’ll speak about the importance of accessible, inclusive and high-quality public toilet facilities. And the role they play in supporting dignity, independence and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities. Becky will be with us during the day and will be giving her talk during the morning.’
The partnership with SWITCH at this event also allows visitors to experience emerging care technology. Thus giving professionals and members of the public the opportunity to see practical solutions that are transforming health and social care services.
Directors Hannah Edwards and Kevin Griffiths took over the Care Show Swindon after recognizing how confusing the care sector can be to naviagate. And to identify the support available to them.
We’re all affected by care needs
Care touches every one of us at some stage in our lives,’ said Kevin. ‘Whether it’s:
- social care
- wellbeing
- financial planning
- assistive technology or accessibility.
We want people to leave our show knowing where they can turn for trusted advice and support. By bringing together such a diverse range of organisations, we’re helping people make informed decisions. Decisions that can make a genuine improvement their lives or the life of a loved one.’
Alongside returning exhibitors from the care, wellbeing and financial sectors, visitors can once again meet therapy horse Vino who proved popular the team’s last event. For more information or to register, visit www.thecareshow.co.uk
See also:
https://swindonian.me/2026/07/09/care-show-gets-new-venue/
