Four talented young people have been selected to receive the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s (CHSA) 2026 Bursary.

The Bursary offers substantial financial support to the children of CHSA members’ employees. For CHSA members it presents a valuable opportunity to thank employees for their contribution, while introducing the next generation of talent to the cleaning and hygiene industry.

Following a panel interview, chaired by David Garcia, Vice President and Treasurer of the CHSA, Finlay Dowling, Emma Lawrie, Elisha Round and Ellie Wakefield were selected as the recipients.  

The four recipients will each receive £6,000 over the course of their university career, paid in three installments. At the start of each academic year, or the first three years if the degree is longer, the successful applicants will receive £2,000.

Finlay Dowling is planning to study dentistry at Newcastle University. His parent works for CHSA member Essity. Emma Lawrie, whose parent works at Ramon Hygiene, is planning to study an MEarthSci Earth Science at the University of Edinburgh. Elisha Round is planning to study an MChem in Chemistry at Lancaster University. Her parent also works at Essity. Ellie Wakefield’s parent works at Vectair Systems. She is planning to study a BA (Hons) Business & Management at Sheffield Hallam University.

Since it was first awarded in 2016 in its current form, the Bursary has made it possible for young people to capitalize on the potential of all that is on offer at university. They have used it to pay for books and study materials, field trips and club memberships.

Applicants were assessed according to need, worthiness endeavour, and overall performance.   

David Garcia explained: “The Bursary is incredibly important to the CHSA. We are very proud of the opportunity to give something back in such a tangible way. “Meeting these talented young people is always a pleasure but making the final decision this year was more difficult than ever. We had a record number of applicants and the standard was extraordinary. We could have awarded the Bursary many times over, but we had to make a decision. After two days of interviews and detailed discussions we settled on the four who excelled in the criteria: need, worthiness, endeavour and overall performance. We very much hope the final four, and all the applicants, enjoy their time at university and wish them the very best for the future.”