In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia Contract Cleaners Association (BCCCA) | Organization that advances the interests of contract cleaners. Check out the News page.
ISSA | The ISSA is a worldwide cleaning industry association. Check out the Education page.
- ISSA Canada, the Canadian branch of ISSA, provides Canada specific e-newsletters. It represents member companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sales of sanitary maintenance products and services.
International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) | An organization that promotes professionalism and ethics in the janitorial and cleaning services industry.
American Cleaning Institute | An organization that shares information on the safe, beneficial and proper use of cleaning and hygiene products.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Cleaning & Maintenance Management Magazine | Both in print and online, this publication delivers informative content to all segments of the cleaning and maintenance industry. Published monthly.
Cleaning and Maintenance Magazine | UK-based publication aimed at the cleaning and support services market. Published monthly.
Housekeeping Solutions | Industry magazine issued by Cleanlink.com published 6 times per year.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.