Since the beginning, it’s always been about people

ISS began life in Copenhagen in 1901 as a night watch company, before pioneering contract cleaning in the 1930s. From its earliest days, the business grew by investing in its people, with training, professional standards and employee welfare at its heart.

That approach travelled with ISS when it arrived in the UK 60 years ago, in October 1966, during a period of rapid European expansion from ISS. The UK quickly became one of the Group’s most important early growth markets, and in 1989, became a major partner to the NHS, a relationship that we proudly continue today. And, since operations expanded to the Republic of Ireland in 1994, the UK & Ireland has grown to be ISS’s largest region globally, and an engine for workplace and service innovation.

Today, that same enterprising spirit lives on in our people-first approach, built on the belief that workplaces should empower our colleagues who look after them, enable our customers to make better decisions and inspire our building users to be their most productive.

Recognising colleagues across the country

That’s why, to mark this special milestone anniversary, ISS UK & Ireland’s leadership team has held roadshows throughout 2026 in Dublin, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London, bringing colleagues together and recognising individuals and teams, including more than 1,100 cumulative years of long service for those who have dedicated much of their careers and talent to ISS.

Explore ISS’s history through our virtual ‘museum’ at discoverissuk.com/125years.

Scott Davies, Chief Executive Officer at ISS UK & Ireland, said:

“At ISS, we’re proud to be marking 60 years in the UK. Facilities management has always been about people, and every year, every decade, a new chapter is written in the ISS story. But that story doesn’t write itself. It’s written by our people, who keep hospitals, schools, factories and workplaces of all kinds running smoothly every day.

“This year’s roadshows have given us the chance to thank them, including many who have given decades of their working lives to ISS. As we celebrate our 60th birthday in the UK, I’ve been encouraging colleagues to think about the role they play in writing the next chapter, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

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For media enquiries:
Jonny Bisby | jonny.bisby@uk.issworld.com | Tel: +44 (0) 7542 269 965

About ISS:
ISS is a leading workplace experience and facilities management company, operating in more than 30 countries, with more than 27,000 employees across the UK and Ireland. ISS provides workplace solutions that contribute to better business performance and make life easier, more productive and enjoyable, delivered by people who care.