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FEATURED IN:
18th May 2026
Zube/eLaundry strengthens shared living strategy with senior appointment
Philip Hillman, Consultant, Zube/eLaundry
Former JLL living sector specialist Philip Hillman joins Zube/eLaundry to support growth across the PBSA and Build to Rent sectors.
Former JLL student housing and living sector specialist Philip Hillman has joined Zube/eLaundry as a Consultant, supporting the company’s growth across the PBSA and Build to Rent sectors.
Philip joins with immediate effect to provide strategic guidance alongside Founder Nav Dulai as the company expands its presence within operational residential environments.
“Zube/eLaundry have an exciting sector-changing product that offers a significantly enhanced laundry experience for residents and new opportunities for operators,” said Philip Hillman, Consultant, Zube/eLaundry.
Philip brings over 35 years of experience with PBSA developers, operators, and investors, including senior roles at JLL as former chair of living capital markets and head of student housing.
During his time at JLL, Philip was involved in major UK PBSA transactions worth billions of pounds. He also consults for QX Global and Places for People.
“We are delighted to welcome Philip, his unparalleled experience will be invaluable as we scale our platform and deepen partnerships with leading operators,” said Rav Hayer, CEO of Zube/eLaundry.
The appointment comes as operational performance, resident experience, and service integration become closely aligned across PBSA and Build to Rent, with operators increasingly exploring technologies designed to support day-to-day engagement and operational efficiency.
FEATURED IN:
4th December 2025
ZUBE ELEVATES FINANCIAL LEADER RAV HAYER TO CEO TO DRIVE EXPANSION AND DIGITAL INNOVATION
Rav Hayer, CEO at Zube
Zube is delighted to announce the appointment of Rav Hayer as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
After serving as Zube’s CFO, Rav now steps into the organisation’s top leadership role, guiding the next phase of growth, innovation and national expansion.
A CIMA-qualified accountant with more than 20 years of experience in consulting, technology, and financial services, Rav has been an invaluable asset to Zube since joining the company. His transition from CFO to CEO reflects both his exceptional leadership abilities and the clear, strategic direction in which Zube is heading.
“I am thrilled with the appointment of Rav Hayer, our new CEO. He embodies the vision and innovation needed to elevate our company.
“Having spent years on building the solid foundations for transformational change, I am confident that under Rav’s leadership, we will continue to thrive. It has been an honour to lead this team, and I look forward to our future together.”
Nav Dulai, Founder
A Leader With Vision, Experience And Commitment
Throughout his time as CFO, Rav played a crucial role in strengthening Zube’s financial strategy, streamlining operations, and preparing the business for scale. His background in digital transformation, fintech, and data-driven decision-making will undoubtedly contribute further to help cement Zube’s reputation as the UK’s leading student laundry service.
Prior to joining Zube, Rav held senior roles at PwC and Accenture, where he led high-impact transformational programmes across the financial sector. His expertise in data analytics, technology adoption, and operational excellence has made him a trusted leader with a strong record of delivering measurable results.
Driving Zube Into The Future
As CEO, Rav will oversee Zube’s continued expansion across universities, PBSA providers, and regional hubs nationwide. His balanced approach – blending strategic clarity with empathy and a people-first philosophy – makes him ideally positioned to lead Zube into its next chapter of growth.
With a vision centred on innovation, digital excellence and outstanding customer experience, Rav aims to further elevate Zube’s role as a pioneer in student-focused laundry solutions.
“It’s a genuine privilege to lead the team at Zube. Our entire operation is founded on Nav’s core vision and mission: to create the most convenient, hassle-free, and green solution possible for busy student lives.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our service is truly built by students, for students, leveraging continuous innovation to give you maximum time back in your week. We want Zube to be your easiest and most trusted choice.”
Rav Hayer, CEO, Zube
With Rav’s leadership, Zube is poised for a new era of innovation, expansion, and impact – strengthening its position at the forefront of digital transformation within the laundry and textile care industry.
FEATURED IN:
1st December 2025
ZUBE STUDENT LAUNDRY VICTORIOUS AT LADAS
Pictured left to right: Rav Hayer, CEO at Zube Student Laundry, Mason Lee, Operations Manager at Zube Student Laundry, and Nicole Kirby, General Manager at Xplor SPOT.
Zube Student Laundry has been victorious at the annual Laundry and Dry Cleaning Awards (LADAs). The Tyneside company, which offers a 24-hour door-to-door student laundry collection and cleaning service, was created by a leading textile care specialist and mental health and wellbeing advocate.
Zube was recognised as a transformational game changer delivering excellence within the industry, securing the coveted Best Digital and Technical Award 2025, sponsored by Xplor Spot.
“Winning a LADA in our first year as a company is a monumental achievement that validates the vision, hard work, and dedication of our entire team. The LADAs represent the pinnacle of our industry, and to be recognised amongst such high-calibre peers is a true honour.
“We are incredibly proud to contribute to the high standards the awards seek to celebrate and to be recognised for bringing transformational change to the way student laundry operates, and empowerment to students in the region and beyond.”
Nav Dulai, Founder of New North East Company, Zube Student Laundry
Zube is also pleased to announce that it has been busy working on an impactful short-length documentary on student mental health and environmental concerns, revealing the changes desperately needed at the heart of student laundry provision in this country.
Set for release in January 2026, the documentary highlights the core values of Zube and features groundbreaking insights from leading experts and professionals.
“I am incredibly pleased to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Zube has already established a clear trajectory of remarkable market growth, built upon our commitment to the student community. Our strategic mandate is now to lead through innovation and environmental accountability.
“We are committed to integrating student-driven insights into every operational advance, ensuring we raise the industry standard, and build the most trusted and environmentally responsible laundry service in the United Kingdom.”
Rav Hayer, Chief Executive Officer, Zube Student Laundry
The LADAs, hosted by industry event specialists MEG Events, have become the definitive benchmark for excellence since their launch in 2015. The awards were created to fill a crucial gap in the market by identifying and celebrating the very best talent, innovation, sustainability and service standards across the sector.
The glittering ceremony, which brings together industry leaders and innovators, was delivered flawlessly by MEG Events at the luxurious Midlands venue, The Belfry. The event marked the awards’ successful eleventh year, reinforcing their commitment to promoting quality and spotlighting future trends in the market.
“We can’t believe how the industry has taken to these awards; each year they just get better and better. The word is spreading about what a great occasion and venue the gala ceremony is. This is becoming the must-attend event on the industry calendar.
“Entries were made by individuals or nominated colleagues, so we anticipated the highest calibre of candidates being put forward – and we weren’t wrong; the event has grown year on year.”
Mark Gleed, Event Organiser, The LADAs
FEATURED IN:
10th June 2025
ZUBE UNVEILS PBSA & UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP GUIDES
With a unique student focused approach and services, Zube has launched its PBSA & University Partnership Guides.
Student laundry service Zube – who has established itself as a trusted partner for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) operators – has launched its Zube PBSA & University Partnership Guides.
Zube is a disruptive, student led organisation which places the wellbeing of its student employees and student community at the core of its mission. At the heart of its ethos lies a set of core values: care for laundry, finances, mental health, wellbeing, each other and the planet. These principles guide every aspect of the company’s operations, shaping its partnerships and influencing the services it provides.
The comprehensive guides highlight the unique benefits and compelling unique selling propositions (USPs) that PBSA operators can enjoy by partnering with Zube.
With a deep understand of the critical role that efficient laundry services play in enhancing the living experience for students, Zube’s new guides outline the advantages of collaborating with the company:
Why partner with Zube?
Extensive Network Of PBSL:
Zubes plans for a comprehensive network of (PBSL) Purpose-Built Student Laundries, will ensure nationwide coverage and consistent quality across locations allowing multi asset and national operators to streamline their operations.
Additional Premium Services:
Zube offers duvet and bedding laundry, dry cleaning, steam pressing and delicate item care for ‘ do not tumble dry’ and ‘hand wash only’ items.
Specialised high value premium add on services and uplifts are frequently purchased by international students
Flexible Laundry Subscription Plans
Our choice of flexible subscription plans which can be ‘built’ into room rates will accommodate varying student lifestyles and budgets, promoting user engagement and satisfaction.
B Corp & ESG Policies
Zube’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies align with the values of both students and PBSA operators, a commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.
Increased Revenue & Asset Value
Partnerships provide opportunities for earnings through various commission structures, including multiple subscription and pay-as-you-go models, as well as ZUBE COMMERCIAL short-term rental turnover. This framework enables operators to leverage additional revenue streams
This commitment extends to its collaboration with the UK’s leading student mental health charity Student Minds – which directly supports programs that promote mental health awareness and provide essential resources to students.
Zube’s impact goes beyond clean laundry. Currently seeking B Corp certification, their dedication to supporting education equality, reducing water poverty, and minimising environmental impact underscores a broader commitment to social responsibility.
With a mission to provide efficient services while addressing the broader challenges faced by students and the PBSA sector, Zube’s services not only enhance guest experiences but also supports PBSA operators in maintaining cost-effective, sustainable operations.
Working together, a transformative living experience can be created for students and their accommodation operators alike.
PBSA operators and university accommodation operators can delve into the guides to discover how Zube can elevate your laundry service offerings. To access the guides, please visit their website and complete the form on the contact us page.
FEATURED IN:
31st January 2025
NEW STUDENT LAUNDRY SERVICE LAUNCHES WITH WELLBEING AT ITS CORE
An established textile care specialist has launched a new service catering, initially, to students in the North East.
Zube, launched in October 2024, has set out to ‘revolutionise the student laundry market in the UK’.
Zube currently operates in Newcastle, Northumbria and Durham universities. Sites either have a manned or mobile van kiosk on the university campus or a locker installation conveniently located for access/ drop off. They’re also trialling a drop off/ pick up direct to PBSA (purpose built student accommodation) sites.
Students use the Zube app to book, track and pay for their laundry service, as well as customise their service with the ‘Build your Wash’ feature. Laundry is processed in a central unit off campus.
Outside of term time, Zube Commercial works with PBSA operators to process laundry when the accommodation is often used for other purposes. This helps the business to generate revenue throughout the year.
Behind Zube is Nav Dulai. A leading textile care veteran with 28 years of experience within the commercial laundry, linen hire and drycleaning industry.
Zube was four years in the planning for Dulai. It was born out of the pandemic when his existing drycleaning and laundry business came to a standstill. All contracts were lost. A lifesaving call from local student accommodation led to a new stream of work. The seed for Zube was planted.
Zube operates with a student led model and Dulai actively seeks out ways to add value, empower students and support those in need.
He said: “We’ve always been about more than laundry, and we’re committed to supporting students on every step of their transition to university, through exams and deadlines and right through to graduation. We are proud sponsors of PBSA News and also official corporate partners of Student Minds, the UK’s leading student mental health charity.
“For every student registration fee of £12 we donate £2 to Student Minds, as well as a portion of profits. Our mission aligns closely with their values, focusing on providing financial support, mental health resources, and community engagement to create a healthier university experience for all.”
Zube also offers employment opportunities to the local students and has plans to make wellbeing and community facilities available to students at his processing units.
Sustainability is also key to the team at Zube and, despite the infancy of the business, they are already working towards achieving B-Corp status.
A project like this doesn’t get off the ground without collaboration and Zube has teamed up with some industry heavyweights to get the service started.
App providers CleanCloud said: “CleanCloud is proud to support Zube Laundry, a dedicated student laundry service in the UK. With CleanCloud, Zube can provide fast, convenient, and eco-friendly laundry solutions tailored specifically for students.
“Providing all the tools needed to offer door-to-door service, real-time tracking, and online booking options, students can focus on what matters most while we handle the rest.”
Jeremy Paul, head of commercial sales at Girbau, Zube’s equipment providers, said: “Girbau are very pleased to be partnering with Zube on this exciting project, as we feel that there are many synergies with how we approach the market, through continually innovating, offering unparallelled levels of service, and always considering our social and environmental responsibilities.
“The student community throughout the UK is such an important sector and we are happy that Zube have chosen to use our latest technology machines, so we can help to fully support them in achieving the highest benchmarks in operational efficiency and cleanliness, while ensuring the students wellbeing is at the forefront of all the operations.“
Ian Fittock, sales and project manager with Jensen said: “The Jensen Group is delighted to collaborate with Zube, a forward-thinking startup redefining sustainable laundry solutions for students and beyond. Our shared vision for innovation and environmentally conscious practices inspires us as we look forward to supporting Zube in their exciting journey, from layout planning to installation, and contributing to a greener future in laundry automation.”
The business had a soft launch in October as the team work to fully establish, test and refine their processes, and collect data about what’s working well and what needs to be tweaked. This will then shape their plans for rollout to other universities in the UK.