CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen, and London locations, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabric engineering. DC Thomson, a family-owned company headquartered in Dundee, has properties spanning the UK, including both office and manufacturing assets. As a leading provider of facilities and workplace solutions in Scotland with significant technical expertise, CBRE’s focus will be supporting DC Thomson in protecting the integrity of the estate, implementing planned and proactive maintenance regimes, and enhancing statutory compliance. CBRE will also work closely with DC Thomson and their advisor, Cadeama Consulting, to preserve the company’s presence in the local communities in which they operate, crafting a bespoke supply chain strategy that prioritises local organisations and delivers social value. Alex Noyce, Business Unit Director – Scotland at CBRE GWS says: “We are thrilled to be working with DC Thomson and supporting them as they look to enhance their portfolio. “This collaboration brings together CBRE’s hard-services heritage with DC Thomson’s commitment to property maintenance, community engagement, and sustainability. Our shared values and understanding of the unique demands of the media industry make this relationship a perfect fit. “We look forward to supporting DC Thomson in protecting their heritage and assets. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the long-term preservation of their properties.” Ian Simpson, Head of Estates and Operations at DC Thomson says: “We are delighted to be working with CBRE GWS to deliver our facilities management services. Although they are a globally renowned organisation, we are impressed by their local expertise and commitment to developing an integrated and sustainable supply chain that promotes growth and jobs across the communities in which we operate. “We expect this appointment will deliver a step change in the way we provide services to the wider DC Thomson community. CBRE’s approach to date has given us confidence that working with them will achieve that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Property management and building consultancy specialist Workman LLP has been appointed by Sager House Almeida to deliver property management services at the high-profile Islington Square development in north London. Located on Islington’s bustling Upper Street, the 170,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme combines heritage architecture with a modern lifestyle offering. Workman will work closely with asset manager Sovereign Centros to attract new occupiers and support the performance and vibrancy of the estate. The development is already home to a wide variety of retail and leisure tenants, including Third Space, Odeon, a Heal’s pop-up, Megan’s, Anthropologie and A.P.C. Originally constructed in the early 1900s as a red-brick sorting office for the General Post Office, the building has been reimagined as a contemporary destination while preserving its historic character. James Simpson, partner at Workman, said:“We are very much looking forward to working alongside Sovereign Centros and Sager House Almeida to highlight the very best aspects of this much-loved asset, ensuring it performs to the top of its potential.” The appointment reflects Workman’s continued growth across landmark mixed-use and retail-led schemes, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for complex and character-rich urban developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme. The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between DHSC, the NHSE, and the Cabinet Office. It represents a shift in how the health system engages with its most critical suppliers – moving from traditional procurement approaches to a structured, collaborative model that emphasises relationship-building, long-term value creation, and innovation. Health organisations undertook a thorough process to identify the suppliers most vital to the delivery of health services. Following an invitation, Sodexo will now participate in this long-term, high-impact programme. Philip Leigh, CEO of Sodexo Health & Care UK & Ireland, said: “Being selected as a strategic supplier is a proud milestone for Sodexo. We look forward to contributing to the SSRM programme and are keen to see the programme accelerate the innovation and scale that partner organisations like Sodexo can bring to providers—driving efficiency, compliance, and improved outcomes.” The appointment builds on Sodexo’s long-standing position as a strategic supplier to the Government. It will continue to work separately with its own Cabinet Office Crown Representative. This development follows a series of recent milestones for Sodexo. In 2024, Sodexo Health & Care secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services framework. This national framework streamlines access for all UK public sector bodies to pre-approved suppliers, evaluated on both quality and cost. Additionally, Sodexo was recently appointed by East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust to deliver food and facilities management services across its Colchester, Ipswich, and community estate. Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), added: “Our healthcare system can’t function without its suppliers. They play a critical role in driving innovation, ensuring better value for taxpayers, and putting more money in people’s pockets through long-term growth.” In November 2024, Sodexo also achieved the highest maturity level in the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, which promotes carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, and social value creation in alignment with the NHS’s 2045 net zero target. Simon Lilley, Director of Strategy at Sodexo Health & Care, said: “We have worked closely with the senior leadership team at the NHS and, of course, NHS Trusts for many years. Therefore, this formal collaboration with the NHS, DHSC, and our peers is a natural extension—collectively fuelling change as we support providers and systems facing unrelenting clinical and financial pressures.” Sodexo’s inclusion in the SSRM programme signals confidence in the company as a trusted, strategic partner in transforming healthcare delivery across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new Freedom of Information request spotlights the UK’s leading universities for building repair and remediation works Recent figures reveal that the maintenance backlog for the Department for Education was in excess of £13.8bn in 2023-24.* The excessive costs spotlight the need for more cost-efficient repair and remediation works of education buildings in the UK, particularly with the discovery of RAAC across several education institutions. To investigate the state of building maintenance across UK universities, SFG20, the industry standard for facility management, submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to universities across the country. They received responses from 61 universities, who were asked to provide information on: total costs spent on repair and remediation works in the most recent financial year; completed repair projects; outstanding projects; and total budgets.  From the universities that responded, 904,000 maintenance projects were logged in 2023, however, as of January this year, there were still approximately 76,527 outstanding maintenance requests left to carry out. This demonstrates the sheer volume of maintenance tasks that need to be carried out to keep universities to a safe and habitual standard.  The universities that invested the most in building repair and remediation  The University of Oxford ranked top position for the university that had invested the most into repair and remediation works across its facilities and buildings, with an overall score of 75.41.  As part of their overall ranking, the University of Oxford had one of the highest repair project completion rates of the institutions that responded, with almost 40,000 completed. In the most recent financial year, the University of Oxford spent a total of £18,500,000 on building maintenance projects. With a budget of £26.4 million, they were also the university that came most under budget, reflecting their cost-efficient allocation of resources.  The University of Oxford was closely followed by the University of York, which spent a total of £12.8 million on repair and maintenance works in the most recent financial year, approximately £3 million under budget.  Universities such as the London School of Economics (53.28), Arts University Bournemouth (53.01), and The Open University (52.73) were categorised into the bronze tier category. The Arts University Bournemouth had the lowest average spend per maintenance request of all the universities that responded to the FOI request at just £23 per request, calculated with their total spend and total maintenance requests completed.  The London School of Economics and Edinburgh Napier University, both finished the most recent financial year exactly on budget for repair and remediation works to their buildings, having spent £3.02 million and £1.11 million respectively.  Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, on the issue of building maintenance in UK Universities, has said:  “Staying significantly under budget on maintenance costs and keeping a low cost per repair request are both strong indicators of a well-structured, proactive maintenance strategy – one that prioritises efficiency and minimises more serious and costly unexpected downtime. To attract and retain the best calibre of staff and students, universities must provide outstanding learning environments, supported by high-quality leisure facilities and living conditions. Even before Covid, we saw a shift towards improving indoor air quality to enhance student focus and well-being. Now, more than ever, delivering a great experience is critical. Well-maintained facilities not only create inspiring spaces for learning but also play a vital role in university recruitment and retention.” The full findings can be found here: https://www.sfg20.co.uk/blog/uk-universities-investment  *https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/maintaining-public-service-facilities.pdf Methodology:  To investigate the state of building maintenance across UK universities, SFG20 submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to 105 universities, between December 2024 and February 2025, who were asked to provide information on: From 61 responses, universities were ranked based on their answers to each FOI question in comparison to other universities and assigned a score out of 100. The higher the score, the more the institution invested both time and money into the maintenance and upkeep of their buildings. The need for building repair and remediation can be driven by a number of factors, which is why our overall ranking has been derived from several balanced metrics to show how universities compare to one another.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Graham Asset Management has secured an expanded facilities management contract with Solihull Council, strengthening a decade-long partnership. Following a competitive procurement process, Graham has been awarded a five-year deal, valued at up to £30 million, to deliver hard facilities management (FM) services across Solihull’s property portfolio. This builds on their existing collaboration, which began in 2013. The contract covers reactive and planned preventative maintenance, minor works up to £25,000, and larger-scale projects exceeding £25,000—with no upper project limit. It also introduces an enhanced scope, incorporating mechanical and electrical maintenance. Delivered under an open-book partnership model, the agreement has an estimated aspirational annual value of £6 million, with the option to extend for an additional five years. Graham Asset Management’s regional director, Alan Millar, expressed enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating:“Graham has worked alongside Solihull Council for over a decade, delivering high-quality building fabric maintenance. Securing the full hard FM contract allows us to further enhance service delivery, ensuring excellent facilities for Solihull residents.” Councillor Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, added:“Graham has an impressive track record, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to provide high-quality facilities for our community.” Since its inception, the partnership has grown significantly, with the contract value rising from £2 million to £12 million. The framework has also extended its reach, supporting additional public sector clients, including Sandwell Council, Acivico (on behalf of Birmingham City Council), Walsall Council, Worcester City Council, and Cherwell District Council. By leveraging local subcontractors and suppliers—many of whom have been involved since 2013—the agreement ensures continuity, consistency, and local economic benefits. This latest contract win cements Graham’s role as a key FM provider in the public sector, supporting essential infrastructure across the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals