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The Bog Cast

The Bog Cast

Di: Becky and Charles Wall
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A podcast led by Becky Wall BEM who is the co-owner of the Loo Of The Year Awards. The Awards have a history going back almost 40 years and it involves nominees being assessed via an independent inspection of their site. The Awards cover any premises offering out-of-home washrooms across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The podcast will share the stories of those who work within the facilities management sector and those who value being able to use excellent toilet facilities.

© 2026 The Bog Cast Economia Gestione e leadership Leadership
Episodi
  • Fresh Thinking: Mark Wintle on Fragrance, Perception and Washrooms

    Fresh Thinking: Mark Wintle on Fragrance, Perception and Washrooms
    Oct 1 2026
    In this episode of The Bog Cast, Becky is joined by Mark Wintle, Brand Manager at P-Wave, to talk about fragrance, washroom standards, innovation, health awareness and why the washroom experience can have a much bigger impact than we might realise.The Power of FragranceMark explains how P-Wave helps make washrooms smell better through fragrance products and urinal mats, and why scent can influence how people perceive cleanliness.While fragrance can make a significant difference, Mark is honest about what it can and cannot solve. If an underlying problem will not be resolved by fragrance, he is happy to point customers towards other companies who can help.So, what is the most popular P-Wave fragrance? Becky and Mark explore why this fragrance has proved so popular, while discussing how personal fragrance preferences can be and how tastes change with the seasons. P-Wave's Spiced Apple fragrance, for example, sees a rise in popularity before Christmas before sales settle again in the New Year.Scent, Branding and the Washroom ExperienceThe conversation explores how important scent has become to brands and customer experience. Mark uses the example of hotel chains using the same signature fragrance across properties around the world, creating a familiar experience wherever customers visit.Becky and Mark discuss how washrooms are often the first and last places people visit at a venue, attraction, town or even a garage. Mark explains how improving the washroom environment, including its smell, can influence how people feel about a whole business.For P-Wave, it is not simply about making a washroom smell nice, but helping businesses understand what their washrooms are saying about them.Why P-Wave and Loo of the Year Awards Work TogetherMark explains why P-Wave feels closely aligned with Loo of the Year Awards, sharing a passion for improving washrooms and raising standards.He talks about the credibility that comes from independent inspections and the importance of recognising businesses that are working to improve their washrooms.Washrooms, Health and Well-beingMark talks about how COVID helped raise awareness of cleaning and hygiene, and why he believes this focus is continuing through better training, apprenticeships and education.He also discusses P-Wave's work with the NHS to raise awareness of bladder cancer. P-Wave introduced the message “Blood in your pee? Contact your GP practice” onto its urinal mats.An initial survey of 2,000 men found that 46% did not realise that blood in their urine could be a sign of cancer. Around two million urinal mats carrying the awareness message have since been placed in washrooms.Mark explains how a simple message in a urinal can provide a valuable nudge to someone who might otherwise have ignored a potential warning sign.Education, Children and Madley Primary SchoolBecky and Mark discuss their work together at Madley Primary School, including their shared passion for sustainability, education and giving children ownership of their environment.The children have been involved in looking after their school and encouraging other pupils to take pride in their surroundings. There is also time to discuss their favourite fragrances, with mango proving popular!Mark shares Becky's belief that education can help prevent anti-social behaviour and teach respect for shared facilities. They explore how the work at Madley could potentially become part of a wider programme.Sustainability, Science and Slow-Release FragranceMark talks openly about challenges facing the washroom industry, particularly the environmental impact of products such as aerosols.More environmentally conscious products can sometimes cost more, meaning customers have to balance environmental considerations against price. At the same time, legislation around products used in public places is becoming increasingly stringent.P-Wave products are predominantly plastic, and Mark acknowledges the challenges this presents. He explains the research and science behind an additive designed to support biodegradability in landfill and the importance of using the best materials and science available.Their products use slow-release fragrance, providing a consistent release over time rather than simply relying on how much fragrance is initially used.The Challenge of the UrinalBecky and Mark discuss why urinals can be particularly challenging when it comes to keeping washrooms smelling fresh.Mark shares how working with Loo of the Year Awards has opened doors to new opportunities, including a visit to a cider factory in Herefordshire to look at its washroom requirements.He particularly enjoys the challenge of stadiums, where large numbers of urinals provide an opportunity to use more mats and potentially reach more people with the NHS bladder cancer awareness message.They also discuss whether there could be a similar health message aimed at women. Mark explains that while P-Wave does not currently have an equivalent product, he ...
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    35 min
  • The Power of Collaboration: Paul Thrupp, IWSA & the Future of Washrooms

    The Power of Collaboration: Paul Thrupp, IWSA & the Future of Washrooms
    Sep 1 2026
    In this episode, Becky is joined by Paul Thrupp, Chairman of the Independent Washroom Services Association (IWSA), an organisation bringing together independent washroom service companies from across the UK for over 20 years. With 34 member companies, the IWSA is passionate about supporting its members through education, knowledge sharing and collaboration, helping them deliver the best possible service to their customers. Bringing the Washroom Industry TogetherPaul explains what the IWSA is all about and how its members benefit from being part of an association where businesses can come together, share experiences and learn from one another.The association holds three face-to-face meetings each year, alongside on line teams meetings, giving members the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and learn from experts and keynote speakers. Since becoming Chairman, Paul has asked members what they want from these meetings, leading to sessions covering subjects including AI, insurance, accreditation, waste management and the keynote speakers like Loo of the Year Awards. Becky reflects on attending one of the meetings and hearing from keynote speakers, highlighting how valuable it is for businesses to have access to education on sometimes complex subjects. The Importance of Washroom ServicesPaul explains that washroom services are an important part of facilities management, covering everything from washroom products and air care to sanitary disposal and ensuring appropriate facilities are available for staff, customers and visitors.He discusses how many of the challenges faced by washroom service companies are shared across the industry, making the opportunity to meet, communicate and share knowledge particularly valuable.For Paul, the IWSA is about helping its members understand complex issues and turn that knowledge into better services for their customers.People, Technology and the FutureThe conversation turns to one of Paul's biggest frustrations – attracting young people into the washroom and facilities management industry. He believes it can offer a rewarding career but needs greater visibility and recognition.Paul discusses how initiatives such as the Loo of the Year Awards can help shine a spotlight on the industry and encourage a new generation to consider a career within it. They also explore the role of cobotics, where robots and people work alongside one another rather than technology simply replacing people. Paul believes this could create exciting opportunities for the future, while stressing that the personal touch will remain incredibly important.Working Together to Raise Standards Becky and Paul discuss the new partnership between the Independent Washroom Services Association and Loo of the Year Awards, including the introduction of the IWSA Awards as part of the Loo of the Year Awards platform.The new awards will recognise the people and teams working within the washroom services industry, with an independent panel of judges.The partnership also provides an opportunity for both organisations to raise awareness of each other's work and encourage greater collaboration across the industry. Paul talks about the importance of working alongside organisations and supporting initiatives including toilet twinning and charitable work.Safety, Dignity and InclusionThe conversation also explores why washrooms are about far more than simply providing a toilet. Safety, dignity and inclusion are central to creating facilities that work for everyone.Paul explains how IWSA members are encouraged to consider full inclusivity within washrooms and how the association works to add value for its members, giving them the knowledge and support they need to help their own customers.Becky and Paul discuss their shared passion for washrooms and why bringing different organisations and industry professionals together can ultimately make a much bigger difference.Looking to the FuturePaul is excited about what the future holds, particularly the opportunities created by the partnership between the IWSA, Loo of the Year Awards and the wider washroom industry.He talks about an upcoming panel discussion at the Cleaning Show in early 2027, where he will join Raymond Martin from the British Toilet Association and Becky from Loo of the Year Awards.For Paul, the message is simple: the more we work together, the greater the impact we can make.He also encourages anyone looking to learn more about the IWSA, or anyone who needs help putting together a washroom specification, to reach out to one of its members. Their knowledge and experience would provide invaluable support.An informative and thought-provoking conversation about the washroom services industry, education, technology, people, inclusion and the power of collaboration – and why working together could help create better washrooms for everyone.For more information about the Independent Washroom Services Association :-www.IWSA.org.uk or Paul Thrupp on ...
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    22 min
  • From Headlines to Hygiene: Fiona Scott on Stories That Make a Difference

    From Headlines to Hygiene: Fiona Scott on Stories That Make a Difference
    Aug 2 2026

    In this episode, Becky is joined by Fiona Scott, founder of Fiona Scott Media Consultancy, an award-winning PR professional who has spent over 40 years working across radio, television, newspapers and public relations. Having run her own successful consultancy for the past 18 years, Fiona shares her passion for storytelling, helping businesses raise their profile, and making people visible through the power of the media.

    From Journalism to Public Relations

    Fiona reflects on her remarkable career, from working as a journalist covering stories for newspapers, radio and television to establishing her own media consultancy. She explains why she loves uncovering stories that matter and how consistent, authentic communication can build momentum, creating its own energy over time.

    Becky and Fiona also look back at how they first met through a mutual connection, Stefan Thomas, around two years ago. At the time, Becky was trying to manage all of the public relations for the Loo of the Year Awards herself. After meeting Fiona, it quickly became clear that her experience and enthusiasm would help take the organisation's profile to a new level. Eighteen months later, the partnership continues to go from strength to strength.

    Finding the Stories Behind the Awards

    Fiona admits that, like many people, she initially thought the Loo of the Year Awards was simply another awards ceremony. However, it didn't take long for her to realise it was something much more significant. She compares the grading scheme to the Food Hygiene Rating System, highlighting how independent recognition gives the public confidence and encourages businesses to continually improve their facilities.

    The conversation explores why high-quality away-from-home washrooms matter to everyone, particularly those living with health conditions or disabilities, where access to clean, accessible facilities can make the difference between enjoying a day out or feeling isolated at home. Fiona also shares how travelling around the UK with her husband in their caravan has made her even more aware of the importance of good washroom provision.

    Business, Books and Family

    Fiona talks about the two books she has written. Her first shares the realities of starting and running a business, offering an honest insight into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Her second draws on her years as a newspaper journalist, recounting some of the memorable stories and experiences she encountered throughout her career. Both books provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in business, journalism or storytelling.

    The discussion also celebrates the important role of micro businesses within the UK economy. Fiona explains why she is passionate about championing small businesses and dislikes seeing them underestimated. Becky and Fiona compare notes on how both of their children have become involved in supporting their respective family businesses and the value of working together across generations.

    Looking to the Future

    Looking ahead, Fiona shares her ambitions to continue growing her consultancy, expanding the range of services she offers clients and, of course, writing more books.

    Becky and Fiona also discuss how they can continue raising the profile of the Loo of the Year Awards. Ideas include taking The Bog Cast on the road, reaching new audiences, and continuing to normalise conversations around washrooms, hygiene and even the subjects many people still shy away from discussing, wee and poo.

    The episode concludes with Fiona encouraging listeners to become part of the campaign for better washrooms. If you spot a Loo of the Year Awards window sticker or certificate displayed in a business, take a photograph and send it in so together we can celebrate those organisations that are investing in excellent washroom facilities.

    An engaging and inspiring conversation about storytelling, entrepreneurship, raising awareness, and why giving recognition to excellence can make a real difference to businesses and communities alike.

    For more information about the Loo of the Year Awards, visit www.loo.co.uk, Becky Wall BEM | LinkedIn or for Fiona visit www.scottmedia.uk, Fiona Scott | LinkedIn
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    23 min
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