Trades & Services : Property & Facilities Management News

FM Giant ISS Wins Contract for Key International Manufacturer

As of January 2021, ISS will provide integrated facility services for an international industry and manufacturing client. The partnership involves facilities management of sites across the United States, Canada and Latin America.  The five-year contract, once fully operational and phased in, will be one of the largest contracts in the United

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Virtual Awards honours ‘exceptional effort in exceptional times’ as profession and people salute FM’s COVID ‘heroes’

The sequins may have been in shorter supply at this evening’s virtual 2020 IWFM Impact Awards, but the star quality shone out as an online audience of hundreds celebrated the gamechangers whose extraordinary achievements were honoured at the most unusual ceremony in the flagship event’s twenty-year history. Transmitting from home,

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Fusion21 invites bids for £1.1bn facilities management framework

Fusion21 has launched a £1.1bn workplace & facilities framework, to meet the facilities management needs of a range of public sector organisations Designed to meet the facilities management needs of a wide range of public sector organisations in the blue light, central government, education, health, housing and local authority sectors,

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Arthur McKay Appoints Managing Director

Arthur McKay Appoints Managing Director

Arthur McKay, a leading building support services provider in the UK and an Atalian Servest company, has appointed Steve Wallbanks as Managing Director to spearhead growth. With more than 30 years’ experience in the FM industry, Steve will be responsible for steering the strategic direction of the company and expanding

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IWFM partners with other member organisations to launch “Resilience Alliance’

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has announced the launch of the Resilience Alliance – a new professional relationship aimed at developing and promoting resilience globally. IWFM will work alongside member organisations – Airmic (risk management and insurance professionals), ASIS International (security professionals) and the Business Continuity Institute

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Huddersfield Estate Secures Tenants

Huddersfield Estate Secures Tenants

Carter Towler has secured two new tenants for a newly refurbished industrial estate in Huddersfield. Simply Door Handles will move to the Ringway estate from its former site on Leeds Road into Unit 29 on the estate, which measures 1,940 sq ft, while Kirklees Council will establish a 15,200 sq

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Brushtec Launches the Sweepertec Range

Sweepertec is Brushtec’s popular forked vehicle brush attachment range. Known for its extreme durability and longevity, the Sweepertec is the best choice for swift, efficient, indoor, and outdoor cleaning. Brushtec is now proud to announce that the Sweepertec 2800 is available for purchase. At 2800mm wide Sweepertec 2800 is the

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NSS wins sole supply agreement with global FM group

Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS) has been awarded a long-term service contract by ISS, the leading workplace experience and facilities management company. As a strategic partner for almost 10 years, “NSS now delivers all aspects of window and technical cleaning across the UK for ISS”. The 5 year Framework Agreement was

Read More »

Mitie Security launches thermal imaging service to help businesses protect against the spread of COVID-19

Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings

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Latest Issue
Issue 324 : Jan 2025

Trades : Property & Facilities Management News

FM Giant ISS Wins Contract for Key International Manufacturer

As of January 2021, ISS will provide integrated facility services for an international industry and manufacturing client. The partnership involves facilities management of sites across the United States, Canada and Latin America.  The five-year contract, once fully operational and phased in, will be one of the largest contracts in the United States and amounts to an annual revenue of approximately 1 per cent of the 2019 Group revenue. The contract covers more than 63 sites, including offices, warehouses, production and research facilities across the United States, Canada and Latin America. Wide Range of FM Services Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Group CEO, ISS, commented:  “We are excited and look forward to building this strategic, long-term relationship. We will work closely with our customer to ensure compliance, reduced complexity and cost leadership in their workplace, while at the same time delivering a safe working environment and a fantastic workplace experience for all their employees, visitors and partners on sites.”  Dan Ryan, CEO Americas, ISS, said: “Our customer intends to transition from a local sourcing model in facility management to a regional and centralized setup and ISS will be the primary supplier of integrated facility services. “ISS will use its proven technology and hygiene solutions and leverage best practices from our global COVID-19 service experience to provide the highest standards of service to our customer. With high levels of self-delivery, our trained and engaged colleagues within ISS will be on sites to serve our customer and their end-users.”  ISS will deliver a wide range of services, including facility management, food services, cleaning and hygiene, security and reception, waste management, technical maintenance, engineering support, landscaping, mail and parcel services, amongst others. Operations will go live starting in January 2021, and new sites will be onboarded throughout the year.

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Virtual Awards honours ‘exceptional effort in exceptional times’ as profession and people salute FM’s COVID ‘heroes’

The sequins may have been in shorter supply at this evening’s virtual 2020 IWFM Impact Awards, but the star quality shone out as an online audience of hundreds celebrated the gamechangers whose extraordinary achievements were honoured at the most unusual ceremony in the flagship event’s twenty-year history. Transmitting from home, in full tuxedo, IWFM Chairman Martin Bell said: ‘This year, workplace and facilities professionals have been helping their organisations confront unprecedented challenges. Yet we have also been at the forefront of new opportunities around the evolution of work and workplace during and post-pandemic. ‘I would like to thank all of the organisations that entered across all of our categories this time, when everyone was managing significant challenges in their organisations or with their clients; without you, the impact on society from COVID-19 is unthinkable, and we must recognise our relevance and our impact.’ Eleven winners, representing teams and individuals from across the sector, were revealed via video-link by the lead judges whose independent teams had scrutinised and shortlisted scores of entries they whittled down to thirty-seven finalists across the diverse categories. A further four winners were also announced, chosen by public vote from a second shortlist of twenty finalists in an additional ‘COVID Response’ category. Launched in the summer, the new category was devised to recognise the contribution made by workplace and facilities managers in the wake of the pandemic. The award proved so popular it was divided into four discrete awards to recognise the scale and variety of initiatives. Chair of Judges Julie Kortens said:   ‘It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in the COVID Response Award. It acts as a true reminder of how special workplace and facilities management really is. Whether it’s maintaining safe, productive and connected working environments, supporting the wider community, responding directly to the pandemic or adapting to new realities; every single one of you is a true FM hero.’ A new Trailblazer Award, recognising an individual who is a leading light and inspiration to others and for the positive and profound impact they have on the workplace and facilities management profession, went to Steve Gladwin. Describing Gladwin as a quiet, distinguished pioneer of all matters relating to workplace and facilities management, IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis said:   ‘In recent years, [he] has been at the heart of these very Awards, but that is only one of the contributions that this industry titan has made. He is a well-recognised figure, both in the UK and on the world stage. He has been a Board member of BIFM, as we once were, Chair of the Facilities Management Association in Australia, Chair of the umbrella organisation, Global FM and, of course, Chair of Judges for these, Awards.’ The winners were: Workplace Experience: Office/Corporate Environment Edinburgh Park Office, Diageo & Sodexo Workplace Experience: Non-Office/Corporate Environment 12 Day Mobilisation of all FM Services at NHS Nightingale North-West, Interserve Group Positive Climate Action Barings Social Value Homeworks Garden and Home Improvement Service, PM Training Technology Matrix Booking, Hubs Network Collaboration Collaboration ‘WeCo’ – at the leading edge of Vested partnership, Johnson & Johnson together with Sodexo Wellbeing Authentic Wellbeing, EMCOR UK Newcomer of the Year Jack Flanagan, Pareto Facilities Management Manager of the Year Stephanie Welch, Ove Arup & Partners Team of the Year (Private sector) Yorkshire Ambulance Service Interim FM Team, Sewell Facilities Management Trailblazer Award Steve Gladwin. The COVID Response winners were: COVID-19 Response Award: Keeping Good Work Going Covid-19 Response, Lloyds Banking Group and Mitie COVID-19 Response Award: Supporting the Community Edmonton Green Shopping Centre – Supporting the Community throughout COVID-19, Ashdown Phillips & Partners COVID-19 Response Award: On the COVID Frontline Facilities Management Team, NHS Property Services COVID-19 Response Award: Adapting to New Realities University of Greenwich IFM Mobilisation, Sodexo, The University of Greenwich and Gardiner & Theobald LLP Read the winners’ stories here.

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Fusion21 invites bids for £1.1bn facilities management framework

Fusion21 has launched a £1.1bn workplace & facilities framework, to meet the facilities management needs of a range of public sector organisations Designed to meet the facilities management needs of a wide range of public sector organisations in the blue light, central government, education, health, housing and local authority sectors, the framework is aligned with market requirements. Opportunities are available for both large organisations and SMEs. Lots 1 and 2 are multi-sourcing options that allow the appointment of a service provider to deliver multiple services (bundled or TFM) incorporating elements of physical asset management, service management and process management. Lots 3 to 6 offer individual services and will allow interested suppliers to bid for lots specific to their capability. The full lot structure includes: Lot 1 – FM principal contractor Lot 2 – FM managing agent Lot 3 – Cleaning & washroom services Lot 4 – Security services Lot 5 – Waste management Lot 6 – Building engineering services (M&E) The framework includes flexible call-off processes with options for both direct awards and further competitions. ‘In response to market demand’ Peter Francis, director of operations at Fusion21, said: “Set for launch in February 2021, this framework has been developed in response to market demand – reflecting feedback provided from both our members and the supply chain. “It marks the next stage in developing Fusion21’s FM offer which has grown from strength to strength over recent years. “Fusion21 is an established framework provider that is well respected throughout the public sector. “Our procurement teams are experienced technical experts in their fields that understand the needs of suppliers when tendering and a contributor to our success is how we work for the mutual benefit of our suppliers and members. “We welcome applications from interested organisations that meet the criteria set out in the tender documents are now available on the Delta e-Sourcing Portal. The submission deadline for the framework is 9 December at noon.

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Arthur McKay Appoints Managing Director

Arthur McKay Appoints Managing Director

Arthur McKay, a leading building support services provider in the UK and an Atalian Servest company, has appointed Steve Wallbanks as Managing Director to spearhead growth. With more than 30 years’ experience in the FM industry, Steve will be responsible for steering the strategic direction of the company and expanding the its service offerings. He brings a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise that will be fundamental in improving service quality. Steve joins Arthur McKay following his role as Integration Director UK, US & Asia at parent company Atalian Servest for the last two years. Prior to this he worked for Servest SA, in Johannesburg, as CEO South Africa & Africa Business.  Steve Wallbanks said: “I’m pleased to be joining the Arthur McKay team and I am excited about heading up this growing business. Having worked with Atalian Servest for the last two years I have a clear understanding of the proposed development initiatives for Arthur McKay and I’m proud to be driving these forward with the rest of the team.”  Commenting on Steves’ appointment, Daniel Dickson, CEO UK & Ireland, Atalian Servest said: “Steve brings with him the expertise to really drive forward new projects for Arthur McKay, challenging traditional service approaches to enhance customer experience in the process. I know Steve and his team will continue to deliver the highest standards of operation that the company is known for.”

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IWFM partners with other member organisations to launch “Resilience Alliance’

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has announced the launch of the Resilience Alliance – a new professional relationship aimed at developing and promoting resilience globally. IWFM will work alongside member organisations – Airmic (risk management and insurance professionals), ASIS International (security professionals) and the Business Continuity Institute (business continuity and resilience professionals) – to collectively promote the importance of resilience and establish best practice ‘resilience’ initiatives. The Alliance  will also will address the implications of the changes and sudden disruptions faced by organisations already in 2020, whilst also aiming to develop and promote a common mutual understanding of what is meant by the term ‘resilience’. The basis for the collaboration lies on the belief that there is no single discipline that can claim to cover all aspects of resilience, and organisational resilience is most effectively delivered when operational and professional silos are broken down. Resilience is delivered by multidisciplinary specialists working together towards a common purpose, therefore risk management, workplace and facilities, security and business continuity professionals all play a key role. Each member organisation of the Resilience Alliance has developed its own lens and approach to the subject of resilience based on its unique purpose, activities and individual member interest. However, they also recognise that many resilience challenges are faced and shared by all. The Resilience Alliance will undertake joint communication, thought leadership initiatives and research projects on the good practices organisations can develop and adopt to better prepare themselves for the impact of sudden disruptions or crises. Each body has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to demonstrate that risk professionals across the spectrum believe that resilience is a team game and that by collaborating they are stronger. Linda Hausmanis, Chief Executive of IWFM, said: “We are excited to be a part of the Resilience Alliance and look forward to building on our existing collaborations towards a knowledge exchange platform that will benefit all of our members. Covid-19 has underlined the importance of resilience as organisations have needed to be adaptive and flexible in the face of challenging and uncertain circumstances. Resilience will continue to be paramount in the coming months as we emerge from the crisis; likewise, flexibility will remain key to any newly laid plans as we continue into the unknown.” Julia Graham, Deputy CEO and Technical Director of Airmic, explained: “The Resilience Alliance is a fantastic opportunity to drive change in organisations, making them fitter and ultimately more ‘risk intelligent’. The events of 2020 have shown us we live in a fast moving, volatile and connected world – one that is constantly changing and where working in silos is no longer an option.  “Airmic is delighted to work with our fellow Resilience Alliance members on the projects and thought leadership issues, across public platforms, which will demonstrate the power of collaboration.”  Peter O’Neil, CEO of ASIS International, stated: “Resilience plays a significant role in the security profession as a whole, particularly as it relates to crisis management and business continuity challenges. The ability to prepare for, and adapt to, changing conditions and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions is a major role of security professionals worldwide. We are excited to join the Resilience Alliance and look forward to developing future tools and resources for our profession (and others) to strengthen organisations across the globe.”

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Huddersfield Estate Secures Tenants

Huddersfield Estate Secures Tenants

Carter Towler has secured two new tenants for a newly refurbished industrial estate in Huddersfield. Simply Door Handles will move to the Ringway estate from its former site on Leeds Road into Unit 29 on the estate, which measures 1,940 sq ft, while Kirklees Council will establish a 15,200 sq ft warehouse facility in Unit 9/10. Hazel Cooper of Carter Towler said: “The improvement programme has been a wise and timely investment by the landlord, it has significantly enhanced the appeal of the estate. We have seen a marked increase in the number and quality of enquiries which is now beginning to manifest as positive lettings. “New tenants as well as existing occupiers such as Tool Station, Rexel, Edmundson Electrical, Crown and Johnstone’s Paints have fully endorsed the modernisation. There are just two units remaining now, one is 5,430 sq ft and the other 14,400 sq ft with a further 23,000 sq ft under offer.” The Ringway estate, located on Beck Road in Huddersfield is asset managed by CBRE Global Investors and Howlings Hodgson. Jonathan Hodgson of Howlings Hodgson added: “This is no longer the Ringway Estate that people remember. It’s been completely refurbished to provide a modern business offer capable of supporting a range of businesses so we shouldn’t be surprised that the market is responding despite the challenges of Covid. “The refurbished units have received new roofs, automatic roller shutters, modern and remodelled office, kitchen and welfare facilities and eco-efficient LED lighting. The common areas such as the secure yards, fencing and landscaping have all been enhanced too and the estate has been rebranded to reflect its new improved status.” Carter Towler is joint agent for the estate with Knight Frank Leeds office.

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IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis’ comment on the draft Building Safety Bill

IWFM welcomes the draft Building Safety Bill and hopes this development will provide some comfort to those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. We believe the new statutory role of Building Safety Manager (BSM) is key to avoiding any repeat of such a tragedy and we are pleased to continue to help with developing the competence framework for the role. The importance of the BSM in ensuring the safety of buildings and the people occupying them cannot be understated. Where previously there often was a lack of both clarity on who was responsible for building safety and competence to ensure that safety, a BSM with oversight should ensure that all of the updated safety requirements are met, residents have a clear point of contact, and lives are protected. We urge facilities managers to engage with the Bill and provide feedback to us via: policy@iwfm.org.uk. Professionals in FM will be at the front-line of this Bill’s implementation, being those most likely to be assigned or hired to the BSM role; it is therefore critical that our profession is knowledgeable of the contents and its implications for the future of building and people safety. We must never face a repeat of that tragic night and, while there is still work to do, we are much closer to that goal with this draft Bill. Further information: The BSM can be an individual or organisation whose principal role is to support the Accountable Person in the day-to-day management of fire and structural safety in the building. In either circumstance, the individual or a nominated individual must have the competence (or skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours) to carry out the statutory functions. The skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours are not detailed in the draft Building Safety Bill, which is a high level Bill; instead, the detail of the competences will be outlined in future statutory guidance and a Publicly Available Specification.

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Brushtec Launches the Sweepertec Range

Sweepertec is Brushtec’s popular forked vehicle brush attachment range. Known for its extreme durability and longevity, the Sweepertec is the best choice for swift, efficient, indoor, and outdoor cleaning. Brushtec is now proud to announce that the Sweepertec 2800 is available for purchase. At 2800mm wide Sweepertec 2800 is the largest in our Sweepertec range, supplementing the Sweepertec 2000 and Sweepertec 1200 to provide sweeping performance for the largest of areas. Size aside, the main feature of the Sweepertec 2800 are its wings which act as a scoop for pushing large quantities of finer debris into position. Continuing from our core philosophy of durability through simplicity the Sweepertec 2800 is quick to assemble, provides excellent performance, and requires no maintenance. With a hot dip galvanised steel frame, a Sweepertec is protected for use in harsh environmental conditions – such as slurry – without the fear of corrosion. The Sweepertec brushes are the only one on the market to come as one-piece, highly durable brush backs – no rows of flimsy bristle tied together. This means that with its heavy duty 2.2mm bristles the Sweepertec can clear any debris from snow and slurry, to grain and stone. When sweeping is completed, the Sweepertec needs only to be put down and unclipped; the heavy-duty bristles are self-supporting – no need to waste time setting the brush on a stand. Excellent performance, and no hassle, allowing you to get cleaning done quickly and onto other jobs. Advantages: Highly durable, heavy-duty, welded steel chassis with no moving parts to break. Resistance to corrosion due to the hot-dip galvanising. Hot-dip galvanising has the ability to self-heal scratches to its surface. 16 to 20 rows of stiff long-life bristle which are so rigid and strong as to be self-supporting without a stand, make the Sweepertec the best performance yard sweeper on the market. 100% British made.

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NSS wins sole supply agreement with global FM group

Nationwide Specialist Services (NSS) has been awarded a long-term service contract by ISS, the leading workplace experience and facilities management company. As a strategic partner for almost 10 years, “NSS now delivers all aspects of window and technical cleaning across the UK for ISS”. The 5 year Framework Agreement was renewed following an in-depth negotiation process, significantly expanding on the existing relationship between the two companies. Over the period, the value of the new contract is anticipated to be in the region of £35m. NSS is made up of four divisions: cleaning; maintenance; testing and hire. The business operates from bases in Slough, Dartford, Manchester, Leeds and Falkirk to provide complete and responsive coverage to customers across the commercial property, retail, healthcare, and public sector markets. Commenting on the win, NSS group commercial director Eugene Boyle said: “As a business, we’re consistently striving to provide a best-in-class and reliable service. We understand the importance of a clean, well-maintained and fully operational building, and the impact any interruption to this can have on our customers’ own customers or employees. We’re delighted to be partnering with an industry-leader like ISS.” Derren Chamberlain, ISS procurement director for UK & Ireland added: “We were looking for a truly specialist partner with a genuine focus on safety and commitment to quality. NSS’ track record for delivering responsive and effective service combined with its ‘at-height’ expertise made the opportunity to work together a compelling one.”

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Mitie Security launches thermal imaging service to help businesses protect against the spread of COVID-19

Mitie Security has launched new fever-screening solutions, using thermal imaging to identify individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 The solutions are designed to support both businesses on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic such as hospitals, and those preparing to return to business post lockdown, such as retailers, venues and buildings with a significant number of employees Mitie Security is helping businesses mitigate against the spread of Coronavirus with the launch of a new suite of fever-screening solutions. The solutions, which have been developed by adapting existing thermal imaging technology, quickly and easily identify individuals with a fever that may be symptomatic of COVID-19. This fever-screening technology is able to detect human temperatures to within an accuracy of 0.3ºC, raising the alarm to monitoring teams should it identify an individual with a fever. However, it is important to note that some people believe that this kind of fever monitoring tech can pose privacy risks depending on who has access to the data collected from these devices. However, these more focused programs are a far cry from dragnet surveillance cameras constantly surveilling the public like the mass surveillance in China. These solutions have been designed to support the wide range of industries on the frontline of the nation’s fight against coronavirus, as well as those looking to prepare for when current restrictions are eased. Applications for the technology include: Healthcare: Identifying potential COVID-19 sufferers as they enter hospital which will allow healthcare professionals to take precautions, such as limiting contact with other patients and ensuring all staff they encounter are wearing appropriate PPE. Public spaces: Scanning people’s body temperature on entry to public spaces, such as railway stations, airports and large venues. This will allow individuals potentially suffering from COVID-19 to be isolated and reduce the further spread of the virus in crowded places. Retail: Thermal imaging technology will support the safety of staff and customers in supermarkets or other shops in identifying individuals with fevers and potentially diverting them away from the stores. Business Headquarters: For businesses preparing for the return of large number of employees to their Head Offices. These fever-screening solutions will detect any employees or visitors who are potentially infected with COVID-19, preventing it from spreading further within the office. To enable use in different situations, the technology has been developed in several formats from hand-held units to mounted cameras. For example, locating the thermal cameras at site entrances allows a larger number of people to be checked at one time, such as in public areas or when a large number of employees are entering a building at the same time, for instance, during shift changes at manufacturing site, or employees arriving for work at a large office block. The portable hand-held solution meanwhile can be used to check individuals, enabling the detection of anyone showing an elevated body temperature. Mitie’s specialist Fire and Security Systems’ Team has also developed a process guide to be used alongside the fever-screening solutions, including best practice guidelines and procedures to manage individuals with a high body temperature, depending on the scenario. For instance, potential COVID-19 sufferers could be diverted to a safe area for further checks to be performed by an employee wearing appropriate PPE, before determining if access to the site will be granted or denied. The fever-screening solutions, alongside these guidelines, will allow businesses to protect their employees and customers, by minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19 infections. Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services, Mitie, said: “Ensuring the safety of our clients’ employees and customers has always been our priority, and this is even more important during the Coronavirus pandemic. As many businesses start planning a return to work after lockdown, we must ensure that we all play our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. “As the UK’s leading technology-led security provider, we are evolving to meet this new threat. By harnessing thermal technology we can support businesses in keeping people safe – be that those at the coal face of the pandemic or others looking to find safe ways to return to daily life as and when restrictions begin to ease.”

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