fm

Sodexo and Sensori announce new FM alliance

As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings

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Amey puts weight behind recycled paint within its prison FM operations

The new partnership will see Paint360 installed as the sole provider of paint to Amey’s Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) programme. Paint360 is a social enterprise that turns waste paint back into new paint. Each litre contains a minimum 65% recycled content, while competing on quality and price with

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RICS launches new Facilities Management Survey

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is looking to gather insights into how the Facilities Management sector is reacting during this challenging situation and would be very grateful to receive your input if you could find the time. Given the current environment, some extra questions related to the impact

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FirstPort and Mainstay join forces in industry leading combination

FirstPort, the UK’s largest residential property manager, has today announced a transaction which will see it combining with leading property and asset manager, Mainstay Group. For FirstPort and Mainstay customers, clients, employees, management, and supply partners day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. Completion of the transaction only remains subject to approval

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B38 GROUP WINS THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH WELLBEING PROVIDER MYTIME ACTIVE

Social enterprise Mytime Active has appointed B38 Group to provide a range of facilities management services at its 26 sites over the next three years. The Wakefield-based FM company will carry out mechanical and electrical engineering on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Mytime has 22 golf and leisure sites

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Commercial property insights: what does a post-build clean involve?

Whether a commercial property has just been constructed or undergone a renovation, it will need a clean up before it is let or employees can return following a refurbishment. A great deal of dust and debris is generated during any construction project or renovation, and as commercial premises are usually

Read More »

BSRIA REVISES ITS SOFT LANDINGS AND BUSINESS-FOCUSED MAINTENANCE GUIDE

BSRIA has launched its free-to-download topic guide on Soft Landings and Business-Focused Maintenance (BFM). This guide aims to inform those involved in the design, construction and operation of a building about how an effective BFM regime can be developed and achieved through the soft landings approach. Nick Blake, the guide’s

Read More »

HORBURY SECURES FIRE SAFETY UPGRADE FOR SHELTERED HOUSING

Horbury Property Services, part of the Horbury Group, has been selected to provide fire safety services for over 55s accommodation managed by Sheffield-based Arches Housing. The contract involves Horbury Property Services providing fire door replacement and fire compartmentation upgrades, which will be completed within a four-week schedule, as part of

Read More »

CENTIEL & G4S Facilities Management Team-up To Provide Critical Power Protection for Channel Islands’ UPS Installations

Leading UPS manufacturer, CENTIEL, has teamed-up with G4S Facilities Management to provide critical power protection services for clients based on the Channel Islands.   With CENTIEL’s 4th generation, three-phase, modular UPS system now successfully deployed in two data centers on Guernsey, G4S Facilities Management’s engineering staff are undergoing extensive technical training

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

fm

Sodexo and Sensori announce new FM alliance

As organisations redesign their workplaces for the future, leading workplace services provider Sodexo Ireland has announced a new strategic alliance with Sensori Facilities Management, as it continues to build its Vital Spaces proposition. Sodexo’s Vital Spaces is the company’s approach to serving adults at work, wherever they work and brings together a full suite of workplace and employee-focused services including workplace consultancy, workplace design, workplace management, worklife services and workplace technology and analytics.  Sodexo’s expertise in workplace transformation combined with Sensori FM’s expertise in digital intelligent building solutions will appeal to companies seeking that single point of contact in the design and creation of more flexible, higher performing and sustainable workplaces.  Clients can reap the benefits of real time data analytics, remote monitoring of assets, predictive maintenance, workspace and seating usage analytics, as well as air quality, occupancy and health and safety analytics, to better manage its workspace experiences. Sustainability and the decarbonisation of buildings are now key objectives for all businesses as research by the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) found that 73% of business leaders say that existing and potential employees are scrutinizing their sustainability policies and demanding more climate-positive action.  As expert service providers, Sodexo and Sensori FM will collaborate with clients on the creation of strategies to enhance sustainability roadmaps and help reduce their carbon footprint, energy and water. This can include detailed energy audits, costings and design solutions, to ensure buildings and assets perform at their optimum level of efficiency with visibility of real time digital interface reports. David Fox, managing director, Sodexo Ireland, said: “The management of office space is central to a balanced flexible working strategy and organisations will continue to optimise technology to bridge digital and physical worlds, with a core focus on employee and environmental wellbeing. Our relationship with Sensori FM brings a single point of contact for organisations embarking on new workplace transformation programmes, from the initial consultation right through to the implementation of next generation FM solutions. We are with our clients every step on the journey towards optimising their business workplace.” Mark Cullen, managing director, Sensori Facilities Management, added: “Sensori is at the forefront of delivering high performance buildings and we are delighted to be partnering with Sodexo, creating innovative and bespoke solutions that support its key pillars of Vital Spaces.  “There is a strong alignment of company culture and core values across our two businesses.  Now operating as an integrated team, we are looking forward to offering a wider scope of services to both existing and new clients.” Sensori Facilities Management is a leading name in delivering complete FM packages, customised to suit the needs of its clients.  It directly employs more than 350 multi-skilled personnel, including 70 mobile technicians who operate across Ireland 24-7. With offices in Dublin, Limerick, Clare and Cork, the Sensori Facilities Management team works with clients across a host of sectors including pharmaceutical and life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, education, corporate, government, retail and public buildings. Sodexo Ireland employs 2,000 people at over 100 client locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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Amey puts weight behind recycled paint within its prison FM operations

The new partnership will see Paint360 installed as the sole provider of paint to Amey’s Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) programme. Paint360 is a social enterprise that turns waste paint back into new paint. Each litre contains a minimum 65% recycled content, while competing on quality and price with premium brands. It collects waste paint from waste management companies, councils and contractors and recycles it. Amey’s CRED programme seeks to give offenders a fresh start after they are released, providing workplace training within its prison facilities management operations. The Paint360 partnership follows a trial at HMP Holm House, where the quality of paint provided by Paint360 was confirmed as matching that of leading industry providers. Amey estimates that the paint provided by Paint360 will help save 26 tonnes of CO2 in the 14 prisons where the CRED programme operates, with further plans to roll this out to 19 prisons maintained by Amey once CRED is active in those.   Amey is also providing advice via its Consulting business to help Paint360 expand its operations to support a future pipeline of work which would see Paint360 providing paint materials for use on Amey’s defence, schools, local authority and central government building FM contracts across the UK.  Craig McGilvray, managing director of Amey Secure Infrastructure & Utilities, said: “By working with Paint360 across our CRED programme we are helping to tackle economic inequality, including creating new jobs and skills, as well as increasing supply chain resilience and reducing wastage across our contracts.  Our ongoing commitment to social enterprise organisations will be integral to the long-term sustainability of our business, and the wider industry, and I encourage our teams to take advantage of these services where possible.” Paint360 managing director Lee Cole said: “Amey has supported Paint360 from the beginning and was one of our first customers to buy our re-engineered finished paints. Seven years on, it’s been an incredible journey and we look forward to supporting the CRED scheme in its’ roll out while being able to help more young people with barriers into employment.”

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RICS launches new Facilities Management Survey

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is looking to gather insights into how the Facilities Management sector is reacting during this challenging situation and would be very grateful to receive your input if you could find the time. Given the current environment, some extra questions related to the impact of Covid-19 have been added at the end of the questionnaire and feedback here would be especially useful. The aim of the survey is to capture sentiment towards key issues across the FM sector such as: changes in demand, business confidence, skills shortages, expected areas of growth, attitudes towards sustainability, investment in technology and resources allocated to training/apprenticeships. Complete the questionnaire online.

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FirstPort and Mainstay join forces in industry leading combination

FirstPort, the UK’s largest residential property manager, has today announced a transaction which will see it combining with leading property and asset manager, Mainstay Group. For FirstPort and Mainstay customers, clients, employees, management, and supply partners day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. Completion of the transaction only remains subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority. Last year FirstPort welcomed Equistone Partners Europe as its new majority investors to support its continued growth, investment in a comprehensive digital transformation programme and make further enhancements to its customer service offering.  To date, FirstPort has completed two previous transactions, strengthening its team and service offerings with the acquisitions of Barratt London’s property management company, BRAM, in 2019 and Linden Homes’ property management provider, Pentland Estate Management, in 2017. For Mainstay Group, 2019 was a significant year with the business achieving record growth, winning appointments on a number of high-profile developments and securing a national, multi-million-pound portfolio. Nigel Howell, CEO of FirstPort, commented: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Mainstay to deliver the very best property and asset management services for our customers and clients.  Mainstay’s achievements and track record are impressive, and we are proud to be welcoming them into the FirstPort group.  This is a great milestone for both businesses, which will see us learning from each other and working together to continue to drive the highest industry standards and realise new market opportunities.” Luke Sanders, Group Managing Director of Mainstay, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Mainstay Group to continue to deliver a market-leading service, while benefitting from the skills, expertise and efficiencies available by being part of a larger group.  I am very much looking forward to working with FirstPort, as the right partner for our next phase of growth and to help build on Mainstay’s achievements and successes to date.” About FirstPort FirstPort is the UK’s leading full-service residential property manager, caring for more than 196,000 homes in England, Wales and Scotland across 3,900 developments. With over four decades of experience and 3,200 employees, FirstPort works with developers, investors, freeholders and over 300 Resident Management Companies. FirstPort is a member of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM), and Property Managers Association Scotland (PMAS). It holds a Five Star Rating from the British Safety Council, has been awarded the British Safety Council’s prestigious Sword of Honour, is an accredited Safe Agent and belongs to The Property Ombudsman. FirstPort holds a Silver Investors in People accreditation and has been named as one of the UK’s Top Employers by the Top Employers’ Institute for the last two consecutive years. www.firstport.co.uk About Mainstay Mainstay Group is an independent residential property and asset management company providing leading services to over 80,000 homes and award-winning commercial facilities management across the UK. Established in 2000, Mainstay works with many of the top 20 homebuilders, institutional investment funds, landed estates, resident management companies and private investors to maximise value and drive better returns by pioneering a community and people centric, empowered approach to service and innovation. Mainstay is accredited to ISO9001 and OHSAS18001, is a member of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) and is a proud Investor in People. www.mainstaygroup.co.uk

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B38 GROUP WINS THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH WELLBEING PROVIDER MYTIME ACTIVE

Social enterprise Mytime Active has appointed B38 Group to provide a range of facilities management services at its 26 sites over the next three years. The Wakefield-based FM company will carry out mechanical and electrical engineering on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Mytime has 22 golf and leisure sites nationwide, plus a head office in Bromley. Established in 2004, Mytime Active aims to “improve wellbeing by making it simple for people to get active, be positive, spend time with friends and eat better”. The organisation runs lifestyle preventative health services across the UK at six leisure centres and 16 pay-and-play golf courses in London, the Midlands, and on the South Coast. B38 Group will take a more strategic role including the provision of maintenance staff, training and support, as well as building life cycle management with forward maintenance planning. The FM group offers a comprehensive range of operations for private sector clients and blue-chip organisations nationwide, working across the retail, manufacturing, logistics, corporate, education and healthcare sectors. 

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Commercial property insights: what does a post-build clean involve?

Whether a commercial property has just been constructed or undergone a renovation, it will need a clean up before it is let or employees can return following a refurbishment. A great deal of dust and debris is generated during any construction project or renovation, and as commercial premises are usually quite large, the post-build clean is generally a pretty big operation. Dust and mess can be extremely hazardous, so it is important during office refurbishments that employees are briefed about where they can go as there is a chance they could breathe in harmful dust or chemicals. See tips on how to maintain safety during your office refurbishment here. Let’s take a look at what the post-build clean of a commercial property involves. There are generally two stages to a post-build clean: The initial rough clean An in-depth clean The initial rough clean The first stage involves getting rid of any rubbish, debris and excess concrete dust left by the builders. Some of this will be done before the build or renovation is completed, such as cleaning dust prior to carpet or floor tiling installation, or before fitting kitchen and sanitary facilities. The external windows, frames and cladding may also be cleaned before internal work is finished up. Who does a post-build clean? Most commercial property developers hire a professional cleaning company to do this work, often tendering the contract to a selection of cleaning businesses before choosing the best deal (who incidentally may not necessarily be the cheapest). Some builders will do a rough clean and remove rubbish and debris before contracting out the in-depth post-build cleaning to save money, while others may leave a lot of the construction debris on site for the cleaning company to deal with. What about health and safety? Health and safety for cleaners on a post-build site is paramount. There are many risks associated with an almost constructed or newly constructed buildings. Common risks include trip hazards and improper supervision. Post-build cleaning operatives should have sufficient health and safety training. A risk assessment is also an important step required to protect workers. Supreme Cleaning are one of many commercial cleaning companies who send cleaning operatives on Site Safety courses and provide them with CSCS cards (CSCS is the Construction Skills Certification Scheme). Cleaning operatives are required to understand site-specific method statements and risk assessment requirements before they are assigned to a particular job. Where cherry pickers or scissor lifts are required for cleaning work at height, operatives should be IPAF qualified (this is a bit like a driving license for mobile elevating working platforms). What does the in-depth clean involve? The specification for a post-build clean will obviously vary according to the type and size of the commercial property and the scale of the build or renovation, but can include: The removal of stickers, paint splashes, render and protection from internal and external windows and frames The removal of protection from floors, doors, radiators and other areas Thorough cleaning to remove builders’ dust from all surfaces, including inside cupboards – this can involve some cleaning at height Cleaning of light switches and electrical points, radiators and fire extinguishers Removal of dust and finger marks from ceiling panels Cleaning of all doors, woodwork, ledges, shelving and skirting boards, as well as door handles and hinges Floor scrubbing and buffing and any carpets or matts vacuumed Thorough cleaning and sanitising of all kitchens and bathrooms, including the removal of stickers, paint spots and plaster, and the polishing/wiping of tiles and chrome to leave it free of smears Removal of grout haze from tiles and paint spots from flooring Cleaning of glass entrance doors (inside and out) and the reception desk Cleaning of all staircases and lift cars, including lift doors, balustrades and handrails Ventilation duct cleaning Most cleaning companies operating a large post-build commercial clean will allocate an on-site project manager to liaise with the commercial property manager or the business conducting the renovations. The cleaning project manager is responsible for checking the quality and progress of the clean. How to choose a post-build cleaning company Regular domestic cleaning companies aren’t suitable for the post-build cleaning of commercial properties. Be sure to choose a reputable cleaning company with construction cleaning experience. It’s a good idea to check out testimonials. It could be worth contacting a previous client of your preferred cleaning company for a reference. If the cleaning company is as good as they say they are, they won’t mind you doing that. Above all, before hiring a cleaning contractor, be clear about budgets, what is included in the clean and time-frames.

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FM Services Operative apprenticeship provides crucial entry-level pathway to the profession

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has published the new Level 2 Facilities Services Operative apprenticeship standard and assessment plan. The Level 2 Facilities Services Operative (FSO) apprenticeship is ideal for those new to the profession who are looking for an entry level role in the industry. It offers the opportunity both to master practical workplace skills and gain IWFM professional recognition.  On completion of this standard – typically in 12 months – FSOs will be able to provide facilities services support to customers and facilities management departments in a wide range of workplace environments. The FSO role is outward-facing and will involve substantial liaison with customers, as well as compliance with legislation and organisational policies. IWFM played a key role in the Trailblazer group which created the new standard, working alongside sector employers, training providers and educational institutions. This built on our earlier collaborations developing the higher level FM apprenticeship standards critical to providing the industry with the professionals it needs to help address its productivity and skills challenges, whilst also promoting social mobility. IWFM Head of Professional Development Fraser Talbot, said: “This key entry level pathway to our profession couldn’t have come at a better time for those wanting an opportunity to take the first step to a career in workplace and facilities management. “Apprenticeships provide a valuable alternative to academic routes and they are crucial to bringing new talent into the profession.  As an apprentice you earn as you learn, gain a professional qualification and get an experience-based launchpad to a career, irrespective of your background. Employers gain assurance that their workforce has the knowledge and skills they require.  Investment in professional development also provides a more engaged and productive workforce. It’s a perfect win-win” For full details of the apprenticeship standard click here.

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BSRIA REVISES ITS SOFT LANDINGS AND BUSINESS-FOCUSED MAINTENANCE GUIDE

BSRIA has launched its free-to-download topic guide on Soft Landings and Business-Focused Maintenance (BFM). This guide aims to inform those involved in the design, construction and operation of a building about how an effective BFM regime can be developed and achieved through the soft landings approach. Nick Blake, the guide’s co-author and principal consultant on facilities management, said: “It is fundamental to involve the facilities managers (FMs), where known, from early on in the design stage. The knowledge and experience of the FMs can inform better design of systems and make BFM more readily adoptable and easier in operation. “Maintenance can have a major impact on the success of a business and, therefore, can deliver a competitive advantage. It shouldn’t be considered as an overhead – but as a way of adding value to the business. Each building, therefore, should have its own bespoke maintenance programme, which can enable the FM to prevent asset failures through a more pragmatic approach.” He added: “BFM can help the team to first decide which assets are crucial in achieving the business goals and the end users’ needs. Then, soft landings success criteria in terms of the availability, accessibility and manageability of those assets can be set. And the asset strategy and maintenance schedules should be gradually developed during the project and be completed and available at the pre-handover phase.”

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HORBURY SECURES FIRE SAFETY UPGRADE FOR SHELTERED HOUSING

Horbury Property Services, part of the Horbury Group, has been selected to provide fire safety services for over 55s accommodation managed by Sheffield-based Arches Housing. The contract involves Horbury Property Services providing fire door replacement and fire compartmentation upgrades, which will be completed within a four-week schedule, as part of enhancing fire safety for residents. Richard Sutton, General Manager at Horbury Property Services, said: “This is our second major contract with Arches Housing and we are very pleased to be working with them again to enhance fire safety in one of their sheltered housing schemes.  Fire safety is an essential requirement in all buildings, and we aim to ensure that the residents of Arches Housing are offered the best possible fire protection.” Luigi Iantorno, asset compliance & reinvestment officer at Arches Housing, said: “Horbury Property Services secured this contract as a result of a rigorous competitive tender.  The upgrade to fire doors and fire compartmentation is an important part of our planned maintenance works as we aim to ensure our homes are as fire safe as possible.” As well as fire door and fire compartmentation services, Horbury Property Services provides a full range of works, which can form part of planned maintenance programmes.  This includes ceiling and dry wall partitioning inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of fire doors, joinery works, fire stopping, sealing, fire compartmentation, fire alarm and emergency light testing, portable appliance testing, electrical testing and installation work, building fabric repairs as well as external cladding and render repairs. In addition, the wider Horbury Group provides painting and decorating, flooring refurbishment and installation, amongst others. The company has its head office in South Yorkshire, plus regional offices in London and South Wales, ensuring a truly national capability. This regional presence enables its teams to successfully deliver responsive repairs or large planned refurbishment and maintenance programmes. Arches Housing is a community-based social landlord, which was established in 1975 and provides more than 1,200 affordable homes in Sheffield and Rotherham. For more details, visit www.horburypropertyservices.com or call 01709 917555.

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CENTIEL & G4S Facilities Management Team-up To Provide Critical Power Protection for Channel Islands’ UPS Installations

Leading UPS manufacturer, CENTIEL, has teamed-up with G4S Facilities Management to provide critical power protection services for clients based on the Channel Islands.   With CENTIEL’s 4th generation, three-phase, modular UPS system now successfully deployed in two data centers on Guernsey, G4S Facilities Management’s engineering staff are undergoing extensive technical training to be able to provide first level support, PAN Island. Wayne McKane, critical power and HVAC engineer, G4S Facilities Management confirms: “We chose CENTIEL as our partner and trusted advisor to deliver these important projects as the company is a leading manufacturer at the very forefront of the industry.  At the start of 2018, we were looking for a truly modular solution to ensure efficient running and maintenance of systems within data centres, where our staff could be easily trained to exchange modules if required.  We were also looking for the very latest technology to ensure maximum availability combined with a low total cost of ownership and CENTIEL ticked all the boxes. “So far, only CumulusPowerTM, CENTIEL’s 4th Generation Modular UPS has been installed on the Islands,” continues McKane.  “However, the association between our two companies now means G4S will have access to CENTIEL’s full product range to fulfil the needs of our valued client base regardless of their size or power protection requirements.” Louis McGarry sales manager, CENTIEL confirms: “The G4S Facilities Management team visited our R&D facility and factory in Switzerland earlier last year as part of their selection process.  Dealing directly with a manufacturer can have numerous advantages in terms of speed of implementation and the replacement or supply of spare parts for example.  CENTIEL provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for our partners, plus we are planning numerous marketing and technical seminar ventures to showcase our industry leading product and joint service capabilities with G4S Facilities Management in the future.” CumulusPowerTM  known for its “9 nines” (99.9999999%) system availability and low total cost of ownership through its Maximum Efficiency Management (MEM) and low losses of energy, has now been installed in datacenters and comms rooms in over 60 countries across five continents.  More than 50 MW of critical power loads are now protected with CumulusPowerTM in locations across the world including:  the UK, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic and now the Channel Islands. For further information please see:  www.centiel.co.uk

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