Acis Group and MRI Software have won a prestigious award in the ‘Most Innovative Property Service’ category at the National Housing Maintenance Federation (NHMF) Awards 2024 held on January 23. The annual conference is devoted to housing maintenance and is run by asset management professionals. Acis Group, is a prominent
VIVO Defence Services today (Thursday, 1 February) marks its second anniversary looking after the UK Military’s Built Estate during which time it has undertaken more than one million maintenance jobs, completed nearly 25,000 special projects and contributed to a number of social value initiatives. Facilities management provider VIVO started working
SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, has launched a new software solution designed to address the ‘once in a generation’ challenges facing the facilities management industry. Facilities-iQ, a completely new ‘smart’ software solution has been designed to aid regulatory compliance, improve auditing, and facilitate better collaboration between building owners,
MARKET-LEADING provider of workforce management and access control solutions, MSite has appointed two new strategic partnership directors to lead the company’s mission to work collaboratively with the industry and make construction safer and more productive. With more than 55 years’ combined experience in technology and systems development for some of the
Leading property management company, Rendall & Rittner, is proud to announce that an impressive 20,000 of its residents have signed up for its e-communications platform. This achievement reflects Rendall & Rittner’s firm commitment to creating sustainable communities for people to live, work and play in. Having initially been recognised for
A new community of practice* has been formed by Sodexo’s Corporate Services division aimed at bringing together sustainability heads from some of the UK’s leading organisations to be change-makers through collaboration. In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability is a topic that concerns not just professionals in the field, but also
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the management company for Minster Court, a highly-regarded retirement community located in Axminster, Devon. Built in 2004, Minster Court comprises 44 one and two bedroom apartments that provide accommodation for residents of retirement age. The property will be an
The Right to Manage company (RTM) for Avenue Court in Poole has appointed Rendall & Rittner to take over management of the property’s 48 homes. Rendall & Rittner is one of the UK’s leading property management companies with a wealth of experience in working with RTMs and Resident Management Companies
CEG has just completed two floors of bespoke designed and fit-out space for transport, infrastructure, and engineering company SYSTRA, at the iconic 28-storey Alpha tower in Birmingham. The 10-year lease of 14,000 sq ft marks the largest custom fit deal delivered by the investment and development company to date. Richard
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has appointed Alan Todd as Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of its technology transformation project including MyPlace, its market-leading new customer portal. Alan will have responsibility for the implementation of the whole programme across all stakeholders internally and externally. His remit includes
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Acis Group and MRI Software have won a prestigious award in the ‘Most Innovative Property Service’ category at the National Housing Maintenance Federation (NHMF) Awards 2024 held on January 23. The annual conference is devoted to housing maintenance and is run by asset management professionals. Acis Group, is a prominent housing, education, and skills provider operating in Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. The award recognises the success of its collaborative partnership with MRI Software, a provider of real estate software solutions, and the impact it has had on the repair and maintenance sector. The partnership named ‘Operative Autonomy,’ has redefined the approach to in-house engineers’ responses to repairs and maintenance tasks, achieving remarkable results in a mere 12-month period. This initiative has transformed operational efficiency and made a positive impact on customer satisfaction. “This award truly celebrates the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our partnership with MRI Software,” remarked Greg Bacon, Chief Executive of Acis. “Together, we have embarked on a journey to revolutionise repairs and maintenance, empowering our in-house engineers to proactively address challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes for our customers. Congratulations to everyone involved on this well-deserved recognition.” The success of the partnership is evident in the improvement in customer satisfaction metrics. Since the introduction of ‘Operative Autonomy’, Acis has witnessed a significant reduction in missed appointment compensations and achieved an impressive 95% overall job satisfaction rate. Real-time feedback from customers is collected through monthly surveys via text and shows the positive impact of the partnership on enhancing their customer experience. “We are thrilled to have partnered with Acis in driving innovation and excellence in property maintenance,” said Lorna Given, Director of Product Management at MRI Software. “The ‘Operative Autonomy’ initiative has not only streamlined operations but has also demonstrated our collective commitment to delivering exceptional services and driving positive change in property management. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both teams.” For more information about Acis Group and how we support our customers visit www.acisgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVO Defence Services today (Thursday, 1 February) marks its second anniversary looking after the UK Military’s Built Estate during which time it has undertaken more than one million maintenance jobs, completed nearly 25,000 special projects and contributed to a number of social value initiatives. Facilities management provider VIVO started working on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) providing maintenance, asset management and project work at military bases across the southwest and central regions in February 2022. This covers a wide array of tasks such as maintaining hangars and runways at air stations, looking after Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and providing grounds maintenance across Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Strategic Command and Defence Equipment & Support bases. During that time, VIVO undertook around 260,000 preventative planned maintenance tasks in 2022 and over 372,000 in 2023. These were largely brought about due to VIVO moving the service towards one where planned maintenance work is carried out to keep things running, rather than the ‘fix on fail’ approach of the previous contract. In regards to reactive maintenance tasks, VIVO carried out around 148,000 in 2022 and nearly 226,000 the following year. In total, this equates to around 1,006,000 overall planned and reactive maintenance tasks across the more than 100 military bases it is charged with looking after stretching from the Scottish borders to Cornwall. VIVO also operates a 24/7 helpdesk across its Built Estate regions so military personnel can report maintenance issues directly and this received over 204,000 emails and phone calls in 2022 and nearly 246,000 in 2023. In fact, the helpdesk recently had its busiest day ever on 8 January 2024, following Storm Henk, when it received 1,099 calls and 679 emails in one day. VIVO has invested heavily in extra resources – increasing the number of people available on its contracts by 40 per cent – and carried out almost 25,000 Billable Works projects – work outside of the contract scope that includes everything from repairing a gate to building a new facility. For example, at MoD Ashcurch, in Gloucestershire, VIVO replaced all the windows in a 71-block barracks, making it warmer for those living in them and much more energy efficient. At RAF Waddington, in Lincolnshire, along with its supply chain partners VIVO completed a £3.6 million dye-bay for the Red Arrows in July 2023 – the first bespoke maintenance facility the world famous aerial flying team have had for their dye pods , which make their iconic smoke trails. The Red Arrows were so pleased with this they performed a fly-past to mark its opening (picture attached). VIVO also recently completed – with partners – a Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility at RAF Waddington for service personnel with musculoskeletal injuries and upgraded a data centre at ISS Boddington, in Gloucestershire. Other tasks have included rebuilding the historic grade II listed Serpentine Wall at RM Norton Manor, in Somerset, and refurbishing the entrance gates at Britannia Royal Naval College, at Dartmouth, Devon, which have been battered by the elements for 117 years. At the same time, VIVO has carried out much social value work including providing work placements for armed forces personnel to practice their trade skills in a private sector environment. This is aimed at helping them gain work when they leave active service. Other social value projects include working with partners to provide a safe space ‘listening ear’ for school children from military families and their friends to talk about concerns at a school in Dorset. The next 12 months will see a whole new range of billable work projects, for example, a new nine-mile security fence at RNAS Culdrose. in Cornwall, a glider storage building at RAF Shawbury, in Shropshire, and an accommodation block at MOD Kineton, in Staffordshire. Jerry Moloney, VIVO Defence Services Managing Director, said: “It has been a really busy, but productive time on our Built Estate regions over the past two years with more than a million maintenance jobs carried out and tens of thousands of special projects completed. “I am particularly proud that, in addition to the major contribution we have made to the military bases where we work, our people have contributed to some extremely worthwhile social value initiatives. This is a total credit to them, and I thank all our hardworking teams and our partners for everything they have done.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, has launched a new software solution designed to address the ‘once in a generation’ challenges facing the facilities management industry. Facilities-iQ, a completely new ‘smart’ software solution has been designed to aid regulatory compliance, improve auditing, and facilitate better collaboration between building owners, managers, maintenance teams, contractors, and consultants. The new product has been launched to help users stay on top of ever-changing legislation and regulation whilst also routinely managing maintenance tasks and their financial and technical risks. FM professionals will also find the content available through Facilities-iQ will also support them in striking the right balance between compliance and business criticality. The launch has followed a rigorous development process guided by the findings from FM professionals who shared the unprecedented challenges they’d experienced from a barrage of new legislation. The Fire Safety Act 2021, The Building Safety Act 2022, and the Fire Safety Regulations (England) 2022 are just three examples of how legislation has shifted priorities and responsibilities for everyone involved in the maintenance of built assets. A major benefit of this new smart software solution for FM professionals is that it allows users to tailor SFG20 content to suit the unique needs of their facility, while still benefiting from automated update notifications whenever SFG20 content is updated to align with regulatory landscape changes. This means users can update the library of best practice and compliance information combined with their own unique knowledge of a site and its assets. This will help them accurately target resources, including external contractors, to minimise costs and improve efficiency. Facilities-iQ is the latest innovation in the 30-year journey of SFG20. Kirsty Cogan, Managing Director at SFG20, said: “This launch is very much in tune with this new era of digital facilities management. “We have come a long way from the paper-based schedules created by those pioneering HVCA members whose work was also revolutionary in its day. “Today’s industry can now harness the power of the latest software tools to transform the way they manage their valuable and complex assets. As well as helping them achieve compliance with their increasingly onerous regulatory responsibilities, Facilities-iQ is a great way for FMs to provide evidence of how their work adds value by making our built environment safer, healthier, and more comfortable.” Facilities-iQ will be available on Wednesday 31st January. For more information about Facilities-iQ and how it can manage your building maintenance compliance with its revolutionary features and benefits, please register for SFG20’s pre-launch event on Wednesday 17th January at 12 pm here: https://www.sfg20.co.uk/webinar/facilities-iqCustomers can attend a unique preview on Tuesday 16th January at 12 pm Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MARKET-LEADING provider of workforce management and access control solutions, MSite has appointed two new strategic partnership directors to lead the company’s mission to work collaboratively with the industry and make construction safer and more productive. With more than 55 years’ combined experience in technology and systems development for some of the largest UK built environment organisations, Martin Ward and Dominic Howkins share MSite’s drive to better the industry by breaking down silos and reducing the performance gap for the millions of workers who set foot onto construction sites every day. The pair join an established business already supporting some of the largest and most forward-thinking construction businesses in the UK, with a shared goal of cultivating value from workforce intelligence throughout the construction community. Dominic said: “The construction industry has many well documented issues, primarily the slow pace of change, modern slavery, mass duplication of data and lack of collaboration. Prior to joining MSite we respected its leading approach to access and attendance but didn’t appreciate how aligned our visions and ambitions were on supporting the entire construction community. “Joining felt like a natural step. We’ll be bringing together our existing network, MSite’s extensive relationships and its talented team to make a simpler, more efficient, and safer industry for all.” Martin said: “Dom and I have worked together for over a decade, either as co-founders of new enterprises or in well-known construction industry businesses. Given the challenges we face as an industry, the need to connect systems and processes has never been greater. The opportunity to digitalise the construction workforce provides huge benefits across projects big and small, enabling improvements in safety, productivity and ESG. “MSite has an enviable customer base and huge reach. More than one third of the UK’s construction workforce and supply chain have interacted with MSite solutions in the past 12 months. I have already seen first-hand how closely MSite works with its customers, with real focus on raising the bar when it comes to innovation and service. The focus for 2024 is on software solutions and data insights that will drive real value across all stakeholder groups, and continued delivery of customer excellence. After spending many years in construction technology, this broader community focus is very refreshing.” Part of the Infobric Group, MSite has operated in the construction industry for more than 20 years with values based on embracing challenge, achieving together and doing the right thing. With an end-to-end workforce management solution ranging from pre-site registration and inductions through to access control, site briefings and workforce management, MSite is trusted by leading names such as Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, Sisk and BAM across all construction levels and sectors including commercial, housebuilding, infrastructure, refit and utilities. Robert Brent, CEO at MSite, added: “Martin and Dom have a proven track record of delivering change in the industry and I’m very pleased that they have joined us here at MSite to support our ambitions as a business. Their careers speak for themselves. “In a difficult market we have seen significant growth over the past 12 months working with more than 80 new customers of all shapes and sizes. We have taken huge steps to get closer to our customers and provide incredible service, which has been pivotal to underpin this growth. It’s exciting to consider our potential, especially working more closely with the wider industry through Martin and Dominic.” For more information about MSite, visit www.msite.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management company, Rendall & Rittner, is proud to announce that an impressive 20,000 of its residents have signed up for its e-communications platform. This achievement reflects Rendall & Rittner’s firm commitment to creating sustainable communities for people to live, work and play in. Having initially been recognised for its sustainable approach to property management in 2010, Rendall & Rittner has continued to strive for improvements to its robust ESG strategy. In 2023, the company received the first ever Environmental & Sustainability Impact Award at the ARMA Ace Awards. Key benefits of Rendall & Rittner’s e-communications solution include: Catherine Riva, CEO of Rendall & Rittner Ltd comments: “For many years, Rendall & Rittner has been committed to developing sustainable strategies and practices that are mindful of the wider impact of our work. By switching to e-communications, residents at the developments we manage have helped us to further minimise our environmental footprint. We want to say a big thank you to all the residents that have signed up so far.” Find out more at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/our-regions/south/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new community of practice* has been formed by Sodexo’s Corporate Services division aimed at bringing together sustainability heads from some of the UK’s leading organisations to be change-makers through collaboration. In today’s rapidly changing world, sustainability is a topic that concerns not just professionals in the field, but also senior directors and decision-makers across all departments. Building a climate and nature-aware business requires an understanding of the complex world of ESG and its potential risks and opportunities. In March this year Sodexo, in partnership with FuturePlanet, launched its community of practice for sustainability leads from its clients and suppliers in both the public and the private sector. Through a programme of intentionally designed events, a dedicated online community platform and community support, the Sodexo community of practice has three intentions: Members of the Sodexo community of practice have shared a multitude of challenges, solutions and ideas that can be used to transform their organisations and achieve net zero, nature and social goals. These have been reviewed, sorted and prioritised by each of the participants. Themes and solutions shared include carbon reduction particularly scope 3, supply chain engagement assessments with a particular focus on diverse supply chains, employee and wider stakeholder engagement. Topics covered with a shared relevance across sectors also include getting buy-in from stakeholders, climate related objectives for employees and sharing best practice on how to engage and empower employees to act. With support from FuturePlanet, Sodexo’s vision is to foster a community which continually collaborates online and in person to drive ongoing impact both in the short and long term so that all can collectively achieve climate and sustainability goals to drive systemic transformation. Julie Ennis, CEO Corporate Services, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “Navigating challenges such as calculating carbon emissions, influencing policy and regulations, leveraging business spend, and balancing ambition with delivery can be overwhelming for many. Through this new community we have co-created we are able to bring many organisations together from various industries to listen and learn from each other, so we can collectively achieve our climate and sustainability goals.” Carl Pratt, Founder of FuturePlanet adds: “It is inspiring and energising to feel the potential for impact that we have when we come together, share openly and collaborate. Everyone has a piece of the puzzle in their organisation, it is through intentional community building that we can start to the amount of collaboration required to move further and faster towards out climate, nature and sustainability goals. When we do that it creates the feeling that together we can do this! Which I love.” Claire Atkins Morris, Sustainability Director for Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We recognise that with our closest partners, we can play a role in leading adaptation, mitigation and transformation. I have thoroughly enjoyed the roundtables particularly connecting at a personal level, something so many events I have attended are missing. It is so important for change-makers to connect regularly to drive ambitious change in their respective organisations. By working together, sharing resources, co-creating solutions and amplifying our influence, we believe we can tackle the complexities of ESG, using anchor institute mentality to create impact in the communities we live, work and serve.” Comments from some of the community participants include: Justin Turquet, director of sustainability, Bunzl Catering and Hospitality division said: “I really enjoyed having a space to reflect and share with fellow professionals where we have aligned experiences and can learn from each other.” Paul Andrews, director of global energy, Smith & Nephew, said: “I feel encouraged that other businesses are ahead of us who have stories that we can learn from and use to encourage actions in our business.” Sodexo was one of the first organisations to have its UK and Ireland net zero 2040 target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In January this year, Sodexo recorded in its progress update report a 33% reduction in scope 1,2 and 3 GHG emissions for the UK and Ireland, compared to its 2017 baseline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has been appointed as the management company for Minster Court, a highly-regarded retirement community located in Axminster, Devon. Built in 2004, Minster Court comprises 44 one and two bedroom apartments that provide accommodation for residents of retirement age. The property will be an impressive addition to Rendall & Rittner’s extensive portfolio of managed later living accommodation when the company takes up its duties on November 1st, 2023. Lee Johnson, Divisional Director at Rendall & Rittner, comments, “Minster Court is a cherished retirement community and we are very pleased to be entrusted with its care. Our property management approach of extensive personal communication allied to sensitivity and thoughtfulness, align perfectly with the community ethos at the property.” Minster Court features a range of modern conveniences for residents including lift to all floors, a well-appointed residents’ lounge, laundry facilities, and a guest suite for visitors. A 24-hour emergency Careline response system also provides residents with both comfort and security. For over 30 years Rendall & Rittner has provided a dedicated service for later living accommodation delivered by an in-house expert team. The company is also a member of ARHM which provides specialised standards for the retirement and later living sector. Rendall & Rittner manage later living homes nationwide via its network of offices in Bournemouth, London, Milton Keynes and Manchester. The retirement portfolio is managed by locally based teams which enables Rendall & Rittner to provide an expert service, supported by high-quality locally based contractors. Find out more at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/our-regions/south-west/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Right to Manage company (RTM) for Avenue Court in Poole has appointed Rendall & Rittner to take over management of the property’s 48 homes. Rendall & Rittner is one of the UK’s leading property management companies with a wealth of experience in working with RTMs and Resident Management Companies (RMC). Rendall & Rittner is a trusted partner-of-choice for many hundreds of RTMs and RMCs, committed to best practice and is regulated by RICS, a member of RICS’s Client Money Protection Scheme and is highly accredited by ARMA, British Safety Council and Investors in People. The company, whose South West region is based in Poole, offers a tailored service to its clients and residents focussed on protecting financial liabilities and giving professional guidance on all aspects of property management. Divisional Director Lee Johnson comments: “At Rendall and Rittner we have the resources, safeguards, accreditations and the standards of service that come from being part of a national property management company, combined with the power of local expertise and knowledge. Our locally based property managers and independent contractors are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, backed by our robust systems and 30 year track record for customer service and innovation.” Lee Johnson adds: “Avenue Court is a highly desirable address in the local area and we are honoured to have been selected by the people who live here to take on the responsibility of managing their homes. Rendall & Rittner has extensive experience in collaborating with Resident Management Companies and Right to Manage companies, and we look forward to working together at Avenue Court to deliver an exceptional standard of service.” Avenue Court is an impressive collection of modern apartment buildings located off The Avenue, a conservation area to the west of Bournemouth known for its outstanding natural beauty. The property sits within large and well maintained communal grounds and has easy access to Branksome Beach, Bournemouth town centre and Poole. Rendall & Rittner will commence property management duties from 1st November, 2023. The addition of Avenue Court represents an impressive addition to Rendall & Rittner’s South West division which has recently seen notable growth in its portfolio of properties under management. The South West team is located a short distance from Avenue Court in Poole, however the reach of the team goes much further, covering all of Hampshire and Dorset, as well as a growing influence across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CEG has just completed two floors of bespoke designed and fit-out space for transport, infrastructure, and engineering company SYSTRA, at the iconic 28-storey Alpha tower in Birmingham. The 10-year lease of 14,000 sq ft marks the largest custom fit deal delivered by the investment and development company to date. Richard Brookes, investment manager at CEG, explains: “Most companies don’t employ experts at design and fitting out workspace. They have a business to run and staff to manage, so a landlord willing to deliver this, especially one that will amortise the costs within the lease, can help clinch the deal. “SYSTRA were already located on one floor, but as they swiftly grew, they wanted bespoke, contemporary workspace befitting the expanded team. We agreed a deal over two floors, with a full design and refit package, providing 160-strong workspace, meeting and board room and kitchenette facilities – all designed to retain and attract the best talent. “Our in-house team of building and project managers know Alpha better than anyone and were able to design the most efficient space, working in harmony with existing pipework, air/cooling system and fire constraints. We managed the process from end to end, meeting SYSTRA’s goals from design and layout to productivity, health and sustainability, with the client also making cost savings thanks to our supply chain buying power.” In recent years, CEG delivered a £16.6 million refurbishment of Alpha, creating a contemporary and collaborative working environment for corporates wanting space floor by floor to Let Ready fully furnished flexible studio space for smaller and growing companies. As a result, the building is now 85 % let. John Porter, facilities manager at SYSTRA said: “Alpha is well located within central Birmingham close to New Street station, which makes it really accessible for the team. The recent refurbishment has also provided some of the highest quality space in the city, and the Let Ready studios were ideal. “The ability to accommodate our fast growth within custom-designed space be-fitting of our brand was perfect, and the fact that it could all be delivered by the landlord at no risk to us was even better. “We have a well-motivated team which loves coming to work in our new workspace. they benefit from the café, wellness studio and gym on site, and the Life by CEG app is great for keeping everyone up to date with events and offers.” Since early 2022, CEG has delivered more than 150 Let Ready Custom Design + Fit Out deals, with the help of its UK network of agents. By the end of this year that is likely to grow to more than a 100 deals per annum, creating bespoke workspace for thousands of people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has appointed Alan Todd as Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of its technology transformation project including MyPlace, its market-leading new customer portal. Alan will have responsibility for the implementation of the whole programme across all stakeholders internally and externally. His remit includes co-ordinating the rollout of the system across Rendall & Rittner’s entire portfolio of developments over the next 12 months, ensuring training for staff, facilitating ways of working and managing customer impact. He has already established a cross-functional programme steering group with involvement from senior management to help ensure employees are engaged and on board. MyPlace has been developed as a bespoke, next generation online platform that will provide an easy to use, one-stop shop for customers. Also being introduced is a Customer Engagement System to enhance customer communications, whilst a client portal will start to be built from late this year. Alan has over twenty years’ experience in leading large programmes for a wide range of major companies including Mastercard, Western Union, Co-op and the Football Association. His expertise is in supporting and enabling major change within organisations, and he has broad experience across a variety of business sectors. Alan says: “I am very pleased that I can bring my broad experience and skills to deliver this major change to Rendall & Rittner effectively and efficiently. My role is to make sure that there is a plan in place that brings everything together at the right time to ensure our technology transformation project, including MyPlace, is implemented in a structured and successful way.” MyPlace and the Customer Engagement system are live and being used by the first group of properties, following their successful trials earlier in the year. More developments are being added constantly with the rollouts continuing in the coming months and into 2024. Richard Daver, Group CEO of Rendall & Rittner comments: “Successfully carrying through this sort of transformational change requires collaborative and joined up working across the business. We are delighted to welcome Alan to the team, who will be pivotal in driving the delivery of our digital transformation project forward and leading our company-wide commitment to make it as successful as possible for our customers, clients and ourselves.” Find out more at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/technology/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
