FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Douglas Cooke, Founder and Executive Chairman of Principle Cleaning Services has been named in the Top 100 Influential People 2026. The programme administered by Awards Intelligence, recognises those whose leadership, innovation and impact extend beyond business results to influence positive change within their industries and communities.
Following five decades of leadership, innovation and advocacy, Cooke is a highly influential figure in the cleaning and facilities management industry. Cooke founded Principle in 1989, and today the company employs over 3,000 people, generates a turnover exceeding £120 million and is the trusted cleaning partner to many of London’s most iconic buildings, towers and mixed-use estates.
Under his leadership, Principle is known for exceptional service, innovation, corporate social responsibility and employee wellbeing. In 2023, Cooke led the company’s transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (a London-first for a cleaning partner). He was an early advocate for the London Living Wage, influencing the introduction of the National Living Wage, and he pioneered daytime cleaning through Principle’s trademarked Hybrid Cleaning Process, enabling full-time employment and transforming cleaners into visible workplace community members.
Beyond Principle, Cooke has significantly shaped the industry and has so far served as a CSSA Director for 33 years, including eight years as Chairman. His wider roles included Chair of the British Cleaning Council and UK representative to the World and European Cleaning Federations. He received the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards Lifetime Achievement Award (2016) and the CSSA Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) and was instrumental in Principle achieving the Cleaning Industry Management Standard.
Cooke commented: “I am deeply honoured to be included in the Top 100 Influential People 2026. This recognition reflects not only my journey, but the dedication and passion of every member of the Principle family. I remain grateful for the trust of our clients, the commitment of our people and the strength of our partnerships. I hope this acknowledgement inspires others in our sector to lead with integrity, courage and a focus on people first.”
According to the 2026 UK Facilities Management Market Research Report by askporter, facilities management professionals want clear, verifiable evidence of work being delivered, with teams that can communicate progress in real time. This requires technology that is affordable, intuitive, and quick to adopt.
Yet the report found that:
Over three quarters of FM professionals (76 per cent) experience operational inefficiencies caused by siloed software which results in a lack of real-time visibility.
Communications challenges lead to maintenance issues, with 73 per cent of teams being forced into reactive problem-solving on a weekly basis.
A worrying level of compliance gaps, with 44 per cent of admitting that half or less of their compliance tasks are tracked and automated within their systems.
Closing this gap requires the establishment of transparent and consistent communications using affordable software that gives FM teams the ability to track, evidence and improve their services.
This webinar provides a valuable overview of the main findings of the report by askporter followed by a panel discussion by FM thought leaders on practical, strategic solutions that can help close this communications gap.
To register for the webinar taking place 29 January 2026 at 11:00am click here.
