Local MP Visits TDS Commercial to Discuss Sustainability, Small Business Challenges and the Future of the Commercial Laundry Industry

Rona Tait, Managing Director of TDS Commercial and Ruth Cadbury, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, discussing sustainability and local business challenges

In November 2025, TDS Commercial was delighted to welcome Ruth Cadbury MP, the Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth, to our commercial laundry facilities in West London.

Invited by our Founder and Managing Director Rona Tait, Ruth’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the realities facing small and medium-sized businesses and the vital role independent commercial laundries play within the UK economy.

Ruth Cadbury has represented the local area since 2015 and is well known for her work on employment, business and environmental issues. Her visit to TDS Commercial reflected a shared interest in supporting local employers, family-run businesses and industries that are essential to the local economy.

Discussions on the challenges facing small businesses

During the visit, Rona and Ruth had constructive and open conversations around several key challenges currently affecting UK businesses. One major topic was the significant increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, and the growing financial pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises. Like many operational businesses, commercial laundries are labour-intensive, and rising employment costs directly impact our ability to invest, grow and to remain competitive.

They also discussed recent and upcoming UK government changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), which from April 2026 will increase the tax burden on many small, family-run businesses. These changes risk placing additional strain on long-established companies that play an important role in local employment and regional economies.

Ruth was supportive of these concerns and committed to raising them with Treasury Ministers, recognising the importance of ensuring that government policy reflects the realities faced by small and family-run businesses.

Demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and water efficiency

A key highlight of the visit was showcasing TDS Commercial’s continued investment in sustainable laundry technology, particularly our advanced water recycling and management systems. We demonstrated how these systems significantly reduce the use of fresh water which lowers the environmental impact, while maintaining the high-quality standards expected by our hospitality and commercial clients.

Ruth was impressed by the scale of our investment and the measurable results achieved. This reinforced the message that sustainability within commercial operations is not only possible, but also essential for the future of the industry.

Strengthening industry and government connections

We were also honoured that Ruth has kindly agreed to act as Parliamentary Sponsor for an upcoming cross-party industry meeting at the House of Commons in Spring 2026. This event will be attended by Rona through the Textile Services Association, and will bring together stakeholders from across the commercial laundry sector.

Commercial laundries are integral to sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, leisure and tourism and yet often operate quietly behind the scenes. The aim of the meeting is to raise awareness of how independent commercial laundries operate, the scale of their contribution to the economy and the extensive work being done to improve sustainability, support employment and strengthen local and national supply chains.

A positive and collaborative visit

Ruth was highly supportive of TDS Commercial’s investment in sustainability and of our broader commitment to strengthening links between industry, local communities and government. Her visit highlighted the value of open, collaborative dialogue between policymakers and local businesses, helping to ensure that decisions made at a national level are informed by real-world experience on the ground.

At TDS Commercial, we are proud to play our part in supporting the local economy, creating employment and driving sustainable change within the commercial laundry industry. We look forward to more visits and continuing to work collaboratively to ensure our sector remains resilient and well understood.

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