Building & Facilities Management December 2023

NOV/DEC 2023 www.bfmmagazine.co.uk building & facilities management

BUILDING & REFURBISHMENT | FIRE & HAZARD | SECURITY

Leading Net Zero Consultancy expand Utility Connections Division see pages 14-15

INSIDE:

Lavazza Professional acquires Scottish vending operator SV24-7

see page 8

Procurement Essentials

How to build sustainability into procurement A sustainable procurement strategy reaches every corner of your supply chain, from sourcing and suppliers to materials and workers. Some examples of sustainable procurement include: •

purchasing electricity from renewable sources

•

using energy efficient technologies such as LED lighting

•

changing fleet vehicles to ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) or electric vehicles (EV)

•

using low carbon construction materials

As sustainability continues to grow in significance on the global agenda, it’s imperative to align your procurement strategy with the evolving values of stakeholders, customers, and employees.

Learn how building sustainability into procurement can help you achieve net zero: crowncommercial.gov.uk/procurement-essentials-cnz

On the cover: Leading Net Zero Consultancy expand Utility Connections Division

Nov/Dec 2023

BFM Team Business Development Director

James Scrivens

james@abbeypublishing.co.uk Production

Sarah Daviner

sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk Accounts Manager

Katie Brehm

accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk

see page 14-15

Contents News

4

UK Power Networks takes to the skies to fix power cuts faster and safer

18

RBH Hospitality Management shares top trends and predictions for the hotel industry in 2024

Cleaning & Hygiene

Special Feature

20

Dyson 2024 Trends & Predictions

22

Ongoing maintenance is key for working buildings

Fire & Hazard Protection BFM is published digitally 10 times a year b ­ y Abbey Publishing Ltd. To receive a copy free of charge, contact our offices.

Tel: 01933 316931 Email: bfm@abbeypublishing.co.uk www.bfmmagazine.co.uk www.abbeypublishing.co.uk www.twitter.com/ BFM_Magazine

Subscriptions are available via www.bfmmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

Security & Access Control

24

Shaping the Future with Interconnected Door Hardware

Building & Refurbishment

26

Completion of a new teaching block opens to students at Solihull

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission from the publishers.

The publishers do not accept any responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any views expressed in articles, letters or supplied advertisements.

Some manufacturers and suppliers have made a contribution toward the cost of reproducing some photographs in this magazine.

All contents © Abbey Publishing Ltd 2017 ISSN: 1470-5281

Building & Facilities Management

3

News

UK Power Networks takes to the skies to fix power cuts faster and safer

Electricity response teams are being equipped with drones to help restore customers’ power quicker and safer.

UK Power Networks is exploring innovative ways in which drone technology can help improve fault response along its rural networks. The firm is testing whether using high quality video images from drones can pinpoint damage and help restore power supplies up to 30-minutes faster.

Eight engineers at UK Power Networks have been trained as pilots with Heliguy to safely fly drones above high voltage overhead electricity lines in the South East and East of England, helping spot any potential defects or damage on the line and move repair crews and equipment into position faster.

The technology is being tested in Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells areas of East Sussex and Kent, and the Colchester area in Essex, exploring customer and safety benefits.

Engineers teamed up with UK Power Networks’ innovation team to trial the DJI Mavic 3 drones giving a bird’s eye view of power lines from a laptop.

Pilots will fly the devices along the line of sight, logging all flights and abiding by Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

Phil Burke, leading the trial at UK Power Networks, said: “The reason we want to try drones is to find the causes of power cuts faster, work even safer and make power cuts shorter.

A typical high voltage fault impacts 100 properties, after our initial process to quickly return power to as many as possible.

4

News

We estimate that flying drones will cut our restoration times by 30 minutes on average.

“Traditionally we send a team to walk the length of the overhead line to find out where the fault is. Our teams face hedgerows, wire fences, ditches, woodland, fallen branches and uneven ground.

Sometimes we’ll reach an obstacle like a fence and need to walk further away from the line to return to the same spot and continue the line patrol.

“Depending on the ground conditions, walking one kilometre of line can take anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Drones can fly a section of overhead power lines much quicker and safer than our linespeople could walk the line or climb a wooden pole to inspect equipment, reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls in rural areas.”

Heliguy instructor Jack

Sharp, who delivered the training to UK Power Networks, said: “Drones are a powerful tool for utility inspection, collecting highly-accurate data more efficiently and safely than traditional methods.

“It was a pleasure to deliver the training, helping UK Power Networks adopt drones and ensure its pilots are best prepared to deploy the technology legally, safely, and effectively.

“This will enable them to achieve maximum returnon-investment, helping to spot defects and minimise downtime to reduce the impact of power cuts to the benefit of their customer base.”

Foot patrols will still be required in situations such as windy weather and darkness, and the company’s regular helicopter patrols will continue to cover longer distances more quickly.

Building & Facilities Management

The UK’s leading commercial heating manufacturer Providing a range of solutions to decarbonise heat

ECOMOD Heat Pumps

EVOMAX 2 Commercial Condensing Boilers

To view our full range of products visit:

idealheating.com

POD

Heat Interface Units

News

New commercial heat pump resources from Ideal Heating include CIBSE accredited CPD Ideal Heating – Commercial Products has released a range of new resources to assist people and organisations in their quest to transition to low carbon heat pumps. These include the new CIBSE accredited Heat Pumps – Technology and Principles CPD; the ‘Roadmap to Decarbonisation – Planning Your Journey’ white paper; plus a brochure on Ideal Heating’s own ECOMOD range of commercial heat pumps.

The new CIBSE accredited CPD introduces the technology and principles underpinning the mechanics and operation of heat pumps in commercial applications, such as thermodynamics, refrigerants, and efficiency. It looks at the different types of heat pumps available, along with their strengths and weaknesses, and how these compare with traditional gas boilers and hybrid systems. It helps installers and specifiers understand the importance of sizing heat pumps through correct specification, sizing and heat loss calculations.

Market drivers, such as industry bodies and regulations, are also addressed. The hour long Heat Pumps – Technology and Principles CPD can be delivered online or in person, either at a customers’ premises or at one of Ideal Heating’s Centres of Excellence in Hull and Leeds. Visit https:// idealcommercialboilers.com/ cpd-courses to book.

‘Roadmap to Decarbonisation –

6

Planning Your Journey’ is Ideal Heating’s latest white paper and provides readers with an overview of the Government’s current net zero strategy in relation to heating and why heat pumps are fundamental to this. It addresses the challenges faced in the journey to decarbonising heating, from public mistrust in heat pumps and the lack of trained installers, to comparatively high costs when compared to gas boilers. The white paper puts forward three strategic steps to implement the transition to heat pump technology.

‘Roadmap to Decarbonisation – Planning Your Journey’ is available to download from https://idealcommercialboilers. com/net-zero If you’re already sold on heat pumps, then Ideal Heating’s

ECOMOD commercial monobloc air source heat pump brochure is the next step. It covers all seven models in the Ecomod range in detail, including features and specifications of each, plus accessories and options, such as how to combine Ecomod heat pumps with Ideal’s commercial condensing boilers. Information is supplied in short, easy to digest text, icons, graphs and diagrams, for maximum convenience. Download a copy of the brochure from https://idealcommercialboilers. com/products/ecomod Ideal Heating delivers commercial heating solutions that are at the forefront of technology and developed in line with the latest market trends and legislation. For more information visit: https:// idealcommercialboilers.com

To subscribe to BFM magazine, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk News

Building & Facilities Management

Most people would run away, we’re not most people.

Meet Paul.

Paul crawled underneath patients’ beds in an infectious ward to clear a blocked stack.

Without this, the ventilators would have stopped, leaving patients without life-saving equipment.

Complete water in, waste out solutions.

Find out more: www.metrorod.co.uk

News

Lavazza Professional acquires Scottish vending operator SV24-7 Lavazza Professional announces the acquisition of SV24-7 Vending (Stirlingshire Vending) Ltd, a multi-awardwinning vending operator based in Alloa, Scotland. The acquisition continues Lavazza Professional’s commitment to customers to invest in and further bolster their national service offering. SV24-7 is a family business, with over 60 years of experience in the vending industry. The company provides vending and office coffee services, including fully managed Micro Markets.

As operators anticipate continued industry growth, with Micro Markets becoming increasingly popular due to the nature of hybrid working [1], this is a positive step forward for Lavazza Professional to ensure rising demand across Scotland can be met and excellent service provided.

Ken MacIsaac, UK Business Leader at Lavazza Professional, is confident that the combined reputation of

8

News

both businesses will strengthen the presence of Lavazza Professional in the market as a national vending service provider. “By welcoming such a well-established and reputable provider to the Lavazza Professional family, we can continue to deliver a ‘one-stop-shop’ solution for machines, drinks, snacks and exceptional service to customers in the central belt of Scotland; from Glasgow to Edinburgh, to Tayside and everything in between” he says.

MacIsaac is incredibly pleased with how smoothly

the transition has progressed.

It was carefully planned and managed by teams at both organisations, ensuring it was ‘business as usual’ for customers. “The changes have been well received and we’re looking forward to unlocking the opportunities that the acquisition presents,” he said.

Fiona Chambers, former Director of SV24-7, explains: “Over the years, we built our business on providing our clients with the most effective vending solutions, underpinned by our commitment to service excellence and a product portfolio tailored specifically to the needs of each client – aligning perfectly with Lavazza Professional.

“We have built strong relationships with our customers over the last 11 years, so with both businesses sharing the same values, it was a logical step for us to move the operation when the opportunity arose.”

Building & Facilities Management

Asckey Adverts - Jan23.pdf

2

01/02/2023

08:27

News

Facilities Management Made Simple C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Since 1995, Asckey Data Services Ltd. has been providing specialised software applications to a wide range of organisations within the private and public sector. fmfirst® is a comprehensive facilities management software suite, designed to aid with the demands and responsibilities of modern estates and facilities management.

Applications can be used independently, integrated with each other or third-party systems, enabling you to build your own comprehensive facilities management including a full CAFM system.

For further information, please contact us as below.

www.asckey.com sales@asckey.com 01480 469 001

Protect Monitor Control

Environmental monitoring experts and the AKCP partner for the UK & Eire.

Save Energy with AKCP Sensors Contact us for a FREE site survey or online demo to learn more about our industry leading environmental monitoring solutions and how they can help to reduce your energy costs. Scalable, with Ethernet and WiFi connectivity, over 20 sensor options for temperature, humidity, water leakage, airflow, AC and DC power, a 5 year warranty and automated email and SMS text alerts.

0800 030 6838 hello@serverroomenvironments.co.uk

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

Cooling | Power | Fire | Racks | Monitoring

News

9

News

67,000sq ft Heathrow Sustainable Industrial Warehouse Approved by Council AIPUT (Airport Industrial Property Unit Trust) has today announced that the London Borough of Hounslow has granted planning permission for a new 67,000 sq ft GEA (Gross External Area) high-spec industrial warehouse building at its Radius Park industrial campus at Heathrow Airport.

The new ‘RP6’ warehouse will be a consolidation of two previous warehouse buildings at AIPUT’s 16-acre Radius Park campus. The building will be stripped back to the structural steel and floor slab to create a new high quality, sustainable and flexible single warehouse building that will also include Grade A first floor offices and benefit from a highly secure, fenced location.

The new warehouse has been designed to achieve EPC A+ energy sustainability performance, incorporating a range of environmental initiatives including roofmounted photovoltaic panels

10

News

and other Low and Zero Carbon technologies designed to minimise both embodied and operational carbon.

Additionally, large areas of sustainably sourced timber cladding will be used on the new building. The finished warehouse is projected to achieve a minimum of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A+’ ratings.

RP6 represents the latest step in the delivery of AIPUT’s Pathway to Net Zero strategy, which seeks to decarbonise the fund’s operations and its entire logistics real asset portfolio by 2040.

The site enjoys exceptional access to Heathrow Airport via the Perimeter Road at Hatton Cross (including key control posts such as the Heathrow Maintenance Base) and enjoys easy access to key highway routes including the M25, M4, A30 and A312.

Commenting on the Radius Park refurbishment, AIPUT Fund Manager, Nick Ireland,

said: “We are delighted that the London Borough of Hounslow has supported our proposal for this significant investment in the enhancement of AIPUT’s Radius Park industrial campus.

“Our new building has been designed to incorporate a range of environmental standards supporting AIPUT’s ambition to decarbonise the fund’s real estate portfolio by 2040.”

Subject to the timing of final legal agreements, AIPUT hopes that the new RP6 warehouse will be ready for tenant occupation by Q4 2024. The fund’s existing customers at its Radius Park campus include ASC Cargo, Brinks, Customs Clearance Limited, ECMS Global and Gate Gourmet.

AIPUT was advised on the planning application by PRC Group and Northland, with JLL and Logix appointed as letting agents. Further details of RP6 can be found here. www.aiput.co.uk

Building & Facilities Management

News

£3.8m green recovery fund unlocks EV chargers at Extra’s Cobham Services One of Britain’s busiest motorway service stations has upgraded its Electric Vehicle charging station, backed by a £3.8 million green recovery investment from UK Power Networks.

The regional electricity network operator has delivered new electricity infrastructure to power 12 new IONITY ultrarapid charge points between J9 and J10 of the M25 at Extra Motorway Service Area’s (MSA) Cobham Services to support EV uptake, reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality.

The project was funded by UK Power Networks’ Green Recovery programme, which is delivering low carbon energy projects across the South East, London and East of England, supporting Government’s ten point plan for the UK’s green industrial revolution.

Adam Lakey, leading the Green Recovery projects for UK Power Networks, said “This significant investment in new power infrastructure for the motorway network at Cobham Services will enable more drivers to make the switch to EVs, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“We have worked with local communities, Government and Ofgem to invest in electricity infrastructure, promote jobs and economic growth and make tangible progress to connect more electric vehicles to accelerate the country’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.”

As part of UK Power Networks’ Green Recovery programme, power upgrades are progressing at several motorway service stations to 12

News

connect more electric vehicle chargers. At Cobham, UK Power Networks has installed 5km of new 33,000volt cabling and new equipment at a substation in Effingham.

Tom Dobson, chief executive of Extra Motorway Service Area Group, said: “As the UK’s number one motorway operator, we’ve made a commitment to going the extra mile for our customers, which includes exceeding the government’s 2023 targets for the number of charge points at MSAs through our work with both UK Power Networks and IONITY. We look forward to building on this fantastic work through the planned expansion of our EV offering at a total of five of our sites across the next year.”

Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland at IONITY, added: “In working alongside MSA operators such as Extra, we are leading the way to support drivers, as well as the wider environment, with the UK’s transition to EV. Our 350kW ultra-fast IONITY charging points are among the highest-powered facilities available on the UK motorway network. We look forward to working closely with Extra over the coming years to provide even more EV drivers with access to convenient, ultra-fast, and emission-free charging, enabling them to continue their journey with ease.”

Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “I welcome this further investment

by Extra, UK Power Networks and IONITY, which will improve EV charging provision on England’s motorway network. This will not only support EV drivers on UK roads, but also help the Government’s drive towards a greener motor industry.”

UK Power Networks has a critical role at the heart of the future energy landscape, enabling the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy as more renewables, heat pumps and electric vehicles connect to its electricity networks, which serve 8.5 million homes and businesses.

The company’s £66 million fund in the Green Recovery programme included 76 Electric Vehicle (EV) rapid charging stations to be installed across its regions, as well as enabling heat pumps, low carbon public transport and community energy schemes.

The successful projects were chosen because they all demonstrated how they met the Government’s Net Zero objective and the Ten Point Plan. They were also assessed to understand their contribution towards improving air quality, creating jobs and alleviating fuel poverty.

Building & Facilities Management

Music in the workplace Put the power of music at the heart of your workplace with TheMusicLicence.

0808 134 8364 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday

pplprs.co.uk/get-themusiclicence

Leading Net Zero Consultancy expand Utility Connections Division The Consultus International group are no strangers to change, having recently undergone developments to relaunch and expand their Utility Infrastructure Management Division.

Now branded as ‘Connectus Utilities’, the division focus on delivering all aspects of connection, disconnection and relocation when it comes to industrial, construction, commercial and residential developments and bring with it a wealth of experience in utility connections that can take the pressure off any development and multi-site scheme.

Connectus Utilities act as a project manager’s first port of call when considering business utilities, by offering ‘turn-key’ solutions, through strategic decision-making.

They work with businesses who have multiple sites across different regions that may require water, electricity, natural gas, telecoms and other services. Managing these utility connections efficiently and effectively is a complex juggling act that demands time, resources and expertise.

Covering electricity/gas metering and energy contracts, electricity, water, telecoms/ICT sewerage and other utilities, Connectus Utilities handle all aspects of connection, relocation and disconnection for all industrial, commercial and residential settings. Our experience in multi-utility connections spans sectors including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, government, transport, leisure

Join a revenue generating partner channel and hospitality. They can advise and support projects, from the earliest stages.

Lee Ackerman is the Utilities Business Manager for Connectus Utilities and commented – “We’re proud to be recognised in Lee Ackerman the industry as keen problem solvers. We strive to get involved in projects at the earliest stages where we can really add value and bring our expertise.

Rebranding to ‘Connectus Utilities’ give us our own unique identity and strengthens our proposition even further. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2024 will bring in terms of new relationships and opportunities”.

Bringing positive energy to businesses for nearly 30 years

Consultus as a group has been around since 1994, originally trading as The Energy Brokers, specialising in energy procurement for businesses. Since then, they have grown into an international group focused on helping companies to achieve their Net Zero goals by providing them with trusted advice, buying services, market insights and ongoing management for Business Energy and Business Water, for national utility markets and cross-border.

They were voted Most Trusted Consultancy – Large Customers

Consultus also partner with organisations ranging from developers and architects through to local business groups, national federations, membership bodies and global consultancies and are actively seeking new partners.

The benefits of which bring: • The ability to offer more services and create re-occurring monthly revenue streams • Making Net Zero a central part of your service offer and capability • Introducing unique products and services to customers that will reduce costs and carbon • Full marketing and communications support provided, with options including co-branding.

For more information contact partnerships@consultus.com at the Energy Live News Awards (TELCA) in 2019 and 2020, then in 2021 awarded Best Technology Business Solution for our Net Zero Pathway tool and Consultancy of the Year – Large.

Most recently, Consultus have been working with organisations to support the reduction of carbon emissions and to meet set government targets in a number of ways, including; Green Energy and offsetting such as Power Purchase Agreements, Energy, Carbon & Compliance Reporting including Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR).

Consultus recognise that every business is different and have developed their own unique Net Zero Pathway tool which delivers a clear and understandable bespoke pathway for your own organisation to achieve its net zero goals within defined timelines.

To find out more, visit: www.consultus.com/net-zero/ www.connectus-utilities.co.uk

We deal with utility networks so you don’t need to Utility Infrastructure Management Connectus Utilities provides us with real value for “ money, in terms of the effort involved in sorting out utility connections, saving us a great deal of time and hassle ” Steve Juson, Managing Director, Kind & Co

100% independent, we take the pain away from a process that can be a massive drain on resources

For your utility review, contact us today: WhatsApp us on 07494 115383 info@connectus-utilities.co.uk www.connectus-utilities.co.uk

News

University prioritises student safety and wellbeing by upgrading to IoT alarm systems within student accommodation

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has upgraded its student accommodation alarm systems via the implementation of IoT connected smart home sensors from Aico.

The university offers guaranteed accommodation, to all students during their first year. Following the most recent British Standard revision for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in UK domestic premises, CCCU sought to upgrade all of its fire and smoke alarms to a Category LD1. This is the highest level of protection and incudes alarm coverage in all areas where a fire could start.

Alongside fire detection, Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution has been designed to gather data on indoor environmental conditions. monitoring indoor air quality, Aico HomeLINK connected devices check temperature, humidity, ventilation, and carbon dioxide levels, enabling proactive maintenance and improved indoor conditions across CCCU’s student homes.

The sensors give occupants actionable insights into the indoor environment in their student accommodation to help them prevent condensation, and damp and mould and provide a better experience within their accommodation The Aico HomeLINK solution also minimises nuisance and false alarms, by offering the university’s security and fire teams real-time data and trends in alarm activations to help them reduce call-outs that were not genuine fire or smoke alerts.

16

News

Aico’s HomeLINK solution gives CCCU remote monitoring for property management so the right departments and people receive custom notifications and tags at the right times. This in itself has saved the university the cost of not-needed callouts as the Aico Gateway only sends personalised notifications to whoever needs the alert and data.

A CCCU Estates Team spokesperson said: “The Gateway system with instant notifications has helped us already to identify which students are triggering the alarms and then addressing the issue. The added benefit of the environmental sensors has led us to prioritise some remedial works to improve thermal efficiency of certain properties.

Overall, so far it has shown how technology can benefit us as landlords, and plans are already in place to roll out across more of our properties.”

The installation of the Aico Gateway sensors has tackled more problems than initially intended thanks to insights highlighting the key areas that need addressing in properties’ ventilation and insulation, and assuring the university that all of their alarm systems are working as they should.

Chris Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Aico|HomeLINK, comments: “Canterbury Christ Church University is just one of the educational institutions we

are working with to help keep their students safe and well.

By leveraging IoT technology and integrating their teams with constant monitoring via sensors in real-time, the notifications allow the university to determine if there is a fire in progress or if the alarm is just a low battery or false activation in error by one of the students.”

Aico|HomeLINK works with educational institutions across the UK, including the Universities of Bristol, Leeds and York, and Harper Adams University in Shropshire, to name just a few.

Brad Wain, Regional Specification Manager, Aico, concluded: “I was thrilled to see CCCU implement Aico’s HomeLINK technology. Student accommodation providers play a key role in supporting these students as many leave home for the first time.

Providing these properties with not only LD1 multi-sensor protection, but environmental sensors to monitor air quality, showcases the utmost care and consideration for the students staying in these properties.”

To find out more about Aico’s HomeLINK Connected Home Solution, please visit: www.aico.co.uk/homelink Building & Facilities Management

WHO KEEPS THE LIFE-SAVING SYSTEMS WORKING SAFELY? As the UK’s leading provider of specialist services for buildings, Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) exists to protect people, property and places.

We work closely with buildings and facilities managers in every industry sector to ensure their assets remain compliant and safe for their users.

PTSG Electrical Services Ltd (pictured) delivers lightning and surge protection systems, power earthing solutions and electrical compliance testing. The work of our engineers ensures that systems continue to protect lives.

Ask us about what we offer in all five of our independent business divisions.

01977 668771

info@ptsg.co.uk

ptsg.co.uk

Cleaning & Hygiene

RBH Hospitality Management shares top trends and predictions for the hotel industry in 2024

RBH Hospitality Management’s Executive Committee each share their top trends and outlooks for the UK hotel industry as we look ahead to 2024. From cost efficiencies to decarbonisation practices and keeping on top of regulations, hear what the experts have to say.

Increased consolidation to maximise efficiencies in service provision - Dave Hart, CEO We continue to see an increase in the number of smaller companies offering a thirdparty management service to hotel investors, including some owner-operators seeking to bolt on such a service to their own internal operations. Where smaller companies have only a few hotels under management, or the conflicting requirement to maximise the bottom line of their owned hotels, then we believe they will struggle to afford the appropriate infrastructure to offer the all-encompassing service that experienced hotel investors look

18

Cleaning & Hygiene

for today and therefore their ability to drive sustainable profitability will be under pressure. As a result, we expect that we will start to see some consolidation in the industry and streamlining of management teams to maximise efficiencies and ensure hotel investors are able to access the range of services they require with their chosen management company.

Cost efficiencies and operational scrutiny paramount - Louisa Green, Incoming Managing Director (January 2024) The hospitality industry will continue to prove its resilience in 2024. The focus on cost efficiency will be paramount – particularly following the Autumn Statement and increased National Living Wage (a 9.8% increase on 2022, and 39% increase on 2019’s NLW). This puts a lot of pressure on all other salaries to maintain pay differentials. We need to continually evaluate the ways to reduce the level

of working hours required, for example the opening hours in our restaurants and bars, or the level of housekeeping services a hotel offers. This, of course, cannot be at the detriment of the guest experience as consumer expectations will continue to rise.

Receiving both value for money and a memorable experience will remain key and personalizing the experience is now expected, such as room preferences.

An opportunity for investors and developers amidst refinancing difficulties - Andrew Robb, Chief Financial Officer We have had an unusual year with, generally, very positive trading performance and a stabilisation of some costs.

But, with specific areas such as Food and Beverage remaining challenging in terms of profit margin, which is being driven by continued high inflation in the price of food, the forthcoming rises in the National Living Wage will not help this. Despite the headwinds in the industry, the like-for-like RBH portfolio of hotels has a Gross Operating Profit which is 13% ahead this year than 2019, and we are very confident of continued trading growth in 2024.

We have added eight hotels to the RBH portfolio in 2023 and have a further three hotels scheduled to open in 2024 already. We continue to generate a number of leads seeking a change of operating solution, but new build developments will continue to be tough in the short term due to increased cost of construction and debt financing costs. The transaction landscape has also been challenging with 2023 UK transaction volumes in hotels significantly behind historical norms. I predict that we will see a material increase in transactions Building & Facilities Management

Cleaning & Hygiene in 2024, which will generate additional opportunities for growth in RBH, and I also believe we will see additional signs of distress caused by the high interest rate environment and reduced levels of debt being offered upon refinancing. Whilst challenging for those directly impacted by such debt servicing scenarios, this in itself will generate opportunities for investors and developers to target the higher returns they have been seeking for several years.

Enhancing existing assets a priority over new transactions - Gregor MacNaughton, Chief Technical Officer Despite the reduced number of hotel transactions in 2023, it will be positive to see hotel owners looking to refurbish existing assets and potentially look to buildings with a different purpose, such as commercial office spaces, with the intention to repurpose and refurbish to

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

become hotel accommodation.

As ESG continues to be a growing focus for hotel owners, we expect to see further investment in energy-reducing technologies to help decarbonise their properties. ESG will likely be a key point of consideration for owners when investing in new build hotels, extensions, and refurbs, particularly in regard to green technologies, such as refrigerant gas in AC systems, recycled products and FF&E, etc.

Furthermore, we will continue to address all fire life safety concerns with cladding and render insulated buildings on existing hotels, but more and more focus will be directed to fire compartmentation which is now becoming critical in all sales processes.

AI to help fuel evolution of business decisionmaking - Vibhu Gaind, Chief Information Officer The world is evolving at a

pace that is unprecedented; with AI coming truly of age, we will see a move towards private AI environments coming to the market wherein organisations will have the ability to feed their entire data set for AI-based instant analysis and outputs. The data analytics and management world will take a massive stride towards instant and ready access – making business decisionmaking a more evolved process.

For the hospitality industry, a key difference will be more Opexbased spending with capital spend and financing being under pressure. Most portfolios will require investment in door locking solutions, phone system refreshes as analogue networks across the UK are decommissioned by 2025, and a constant increase in guest data demands will force necessary upgrades to WIFI and connectivity networks. www.rbhmanagement.com

Cleaning & Hygiene

19

Special Feature

Dyson 2024 Trends & Predictions Dyson spokespeople: Giles Morgan, Senior Category Engineer, RDD Design Engineering, Dyson Freddie Garnham, Lighting Category Manager, RDD Design Engineering, Dyson

As the year draws to a close, the promise of 2024 brings with it new trends and factors that might impact businesses and their decision making as well as end-user demand. Dyson Professional is looking to the year ahead and predicts what trends will be prevalent in the year to come.

As the technology engineered touches various business needs in a range of sectors, we are seeing overall trends that impact all businesses, regardless of industry alongside those specific to each product area, from the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis to consumer preferences.

20

Special Feature

Energy Efficiency

Energy costs have been a hot topic of conversation recently, and it is due to remain on the agenda for 2024. Costs are projected to continue being high and as a result, businesses will continue to look for ways to make these overheads more affordable and cut costs where they can.

Despite high energy costs, businesses are often left without a choice, with many appliances integral to operations and customer experience. This is why businesses must look at reducing energy consumption across the whole building to be as cost effective as

possible. Businesses will continue to invest in areas such as appropriate lighting solutions to meet their needs.

Embracing technology can control costs and energy usage in this category – from smart app control to LEDs that have better energy efficiency.

Increasing energy efficiency in appliances can be a simple solution to solve this issue.

Replacing older technologies that may be energy intensive, outdated, and inefficient can be a first step. For example, a superior quality hand dryer, like the Dyson Airblade hand dryer, that reduces the time it takes to dry hands – longer

Building & Facilities Management

Special Feature

dry times means more energy is consumed. Hot air hand dryers can take around 40 seconds to achieve a hygienic level of dryness, whilst a jet air dryer can only take around 10 seconds to achieve the same level.

Cutting Costs

Many businesses’ budgets are getting tighter. Finding ways to cut other operating costs goes hand in hand with being conscious of energy usage.

Businesses are often confronted with a cost analysis, choosing between a solution that has a lower initial cost but one that is higher in the long-term, versus a solution that is more expensive upfront but will pay dividends. For many products currently on the market, there are opportunities to lease a machine, offering a flexible way to upgrade the technology with affordable payments and no upfront investment – spreading the cost over a period of time.

Of course, this is not always a possibility and is dependent on current business expenses and capital available, however they should consider this balance. www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

A good example of this is the comparison between paper towels and hand dryers.

Paper towels of course have a low initial cost; however, they require consistent replenishing, storage, and disposal, not to mention the unforeseen costs such as blockage removal.

Meanwhile, a superior hand dryer is an investment but does not need constant replacing.

In fact, some modern models are so energy efficient that the upfront cost can be recouped in energy savings compared to that of replacing paper towels.

Dyson’s savings calculator can help businesses of all sizes see how much they could save by switching from paper towels to Dyson Airblade™ technology.

As a bonus, switching can also be a more sustainable alternative to keep washrooms hygienic at a time when 75% of people are concerned about the use of single-use consumables.

Finding efficiency in technology

Another cost-cutting solution for businesses that we predict will continue to rise in 2024, is seeing suppliers provide

multifunctional machines, such as heating/cooling systems fitted with an air purifier, or hand dryers with handwashing capabilities. Not only does this minimise the number of appliances or machines requiring investment, but it can also reduce energy usage, space used and carbon footprint as well as space. There has been a decline in preference of products just offering one answer to a problem and this is particularly true with air purifiers, with some on the market having the capability to not only purify, but to heat or cool a room at the same time, providing the opportunity for more innovative design and technological advancements. In 2024, we predict purifiers with heating/ cooling technology will continue to grow in popularity alongside those with the capability for indoor air quality measurement.

Combining cutting costs and energy management will continue to be high on the business agenda into 2024, with these considerations being key in purchasing and usage decisions as they look for ways to do more with less.

Special feature

21

Fire & Hazard Protection

Ongoing maintenance is key for working buildings

Simon Plummer, Divisional Manager for Axial Fans at Nuaire, says ongoing maintenance is key for working buildings to remain safe and compliant when it comes to smoke management and fire safety.

Many people are surprised to learn that in fire situations, most fatalities suffered are due to smoke, not the actual fire. In 2021 over a third of fire-related fatalities – where a cause was known – were down to people becoming “overcome by gas or smoke” and yet still smoke management in buildings is, unfortunately, a thing that isn’t seen and therefore misunderstood.

Smoke is a product of fire and should therefore

22

Fire & Hazard Protection

be treated, in terms of safety, as seriously through the building management system (BMS) and fire safety alarm system - not just at the design and specification stages of a build, but right through the whole process including installation, testing, maintenance, and service.

Smoke fans, or high temperature axial fans, have been supplied to the marketplace for over 40 years. They are the main airflow driver with a smoke control system and respond to alarms but, before 2005, not all fans were created equal.

Older standards set out that high temperature axials, and the motors on which they run, could be certified by the

factory where they are made, not necessarily independently, meaning there was room for problems to occur. As a result, worryingly many of these fans may now not be fit for purpose.

With the new regulation in the Fire Safety Order and Building Safety Act (PAS 8670), the rules around testing and compliance have now positively changed. Nowadays all smoke fans need to meet set building legislation and be certified to EN12101 Part 3 to be specified. Performance is now independently tested by third party test houses and independent factory audits are conducted through the BSI, meaning that fans going into new builds are up to the job.

Disturbingly though, these standards are not retrospective and where a building has a pre-2005 fan installed, there is no legislation to say that it should be replaced. Emergency use fans for heat and smoke control systems, manufactured for safety-critical operations, should be replaced as a good practice every 25 years and yet we know that isn’t the case.

It is unfortunately common that when a building is finished and handed over to facilities management teams problems can occur.

As smoke control fans and their associated motors are a life safety product, maintenance rules differ from those applied to normal fans. Anything that operates on the alarm system must be tested periodically and maintained accordingly – in this case, prevention really is better than cure. We wouldn’t dream of running a car for five years without a service or MOT and yet we are just assuming our smoke management systems are working as they Building & Facilities Management

Fire & Hazard Protection should without regular testing.

Fan maintenance and servicing are often overlooked or put off as it isn’t as straightforward as simply testing the smoke alarm works each week. These fans are often hidden away – in ceiling voids, up on roofs, or stuck up inside a riser – so are easily missed, or simply too inaccessible for a maintenance engineer to reach.

Smoke control fans often only run during testing or if called upon to perform a primary smoke control function.

This means, that as a critical component within the building, steps must be taken to ensure that they operate effectively during an emergency as well as day to day, known as the “smoke control duty”.

When looking at any testing of these fans, it’s important to think about how a building functions over time.

It’s rare for a building to be continually used for the same purpose as it was originally designed, and yet as these changes occur and office layouts change, the occupancy levels change, we often don’t stop to think about how these changes might affect the safety systems within the building.

Along with building changes also come personnel changes and unless thoroughly handed over by conscientious facilities teams, service histories and maintenance records for axial fans get lost and in time, and the maintenance gets forgotten.

For those living with a mechanically, electricallymanaged, life-saving safety system the when and how it should be tested and serviced is very much dependent on how it is used.

As a rule of thumb, if the information is available then this generally indicates that the system is being maintained but building caretakers should never be afraid to ask for clarity on when the products were made and installed, documentation www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

for service dates, the products DoP, relevant test certificates or ask for a copy of the approved installer service scheme certificate. All these questions will identify gaps, which could save lives.

When it comes to the maintenance of smoke fans, you can’t be too thorough. I would always recommend: 1. Get set up in the right way – all building designs will have fan requirements stated within the fire strategy, make sure these match up. Determine the year of manufacture (pre2005 or 2005 onwards) and that the fan being used is certified to EN 12101-3. It must also have a CE or UKCA label attached. Then check you have the appropriate installation, operating, maintenance and service instructions and that a valid maintenance record exists.

2. Test weekly with the full fire safety system – the Smoke Control Association (SCA) recommendation is that smoke control systems should be tested weekly with each fan being tested at least once per week. They should be run up in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance documentation, ideally for between 15 and 30 minutes to minimise the risk of the lubrication grease hardening and to reduce bearing corrosion. Recommended maintenance intervals are dependent on the fan function.

3. Book bi-annual servicing - a regular service

(every six months) of all fans by a suitably trained, competent supplier to ensure any underlying faults are dealt with. Look for a member of the SCA who specialises in fan maintenance and servicing.

They will have been fully audited so you know you have a reputable engineer. Thirdparty certification is important.

4. Keep everything updated and accessible - Fan installation records and associated DoP documents must be held in a safe and accessible location.

This will provide critical access for review by fire authorities, risk assessors, service and maintenance operatives. These records are for conducting a risk assessment of the smoke control systems. Dated and signed records are imperative.

If you are unsure of what fans are operating in your building or need help with regular testing, always seek the help of an expert and don’t put it off. As active members of the SCA, Nuaire has the technical knowledge and experience to provide further advice. We’re dedicated to the protection of buildings and those operating within them by producing the best standard of axial fans and post installation servicing.

Founded in 1966, Nuaire is an indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist based in South Wales, providing solutions for commercial and residential customers. www.nuaire.co.uk Fire & Hazard Protection

23

Security & Access Control

Shaping the Future with Interconnected Door Hardware

The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware.

The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle.

While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this ageold challenge, but why?

Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a

24

Security & Access Control

revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it, and as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8 billion in 2023 to £11.8 billion by 2028.

Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door

hardware products now utilise smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics for example, and most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use.

From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of realtime status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has

Building & Facilities Management

Security & Access Control

led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments - whether at home or in a public access property.

The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk until it is found or replaced.

Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics.

As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards.

While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

international standards, such as ISO 27001 for example.

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely recognised and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability, and functionality. This standard ensures that access control products from different

manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one size fits all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards.

Security & Access Control

25

Building & Refurbishment

Completion of a new teaching block opens to students at Solihull Construction works for a new two-storey teaching block at Alderbrook School in Solihull has been successfully completed by Midlandscontractor, G F Tomlinson.

Delivered on behalf of Solihull Council, the works have provided the school with an additional seven classrooms, ancillary spaces, toilets, a reception area, school bus parking, cycling storage and increased car parking for staff and visitors. A new security access and egress gate to the school grounds was also incorporated.

Built using a structural steel frame system and blockwork, the building features a flat roof, with rendered walls and full height curtain walling to three of the elevations.

As part of the scheme, G F Tomlinson also planted a number of trees and wildflowers on the school grounds - with the help of Alderbrook School pupils - enhancing the existing ecology of the site and attracting insects and animals to thrive within the grounds.

G F Tomlinson committed to providing social value-added initiatives throughout the scheme and pledged to deliver 27% ‘social value added’ against the project. The contractor, achieved 48% added value, almost doubling their initial target, resulting in a social economic value of over £1.7 million.

During the project, G F Tomlinson sourced 92% of local labour within 40 miles of site and hosted a local Supply Chain Collaboration event to encourage local companies to get involved in the project.

They recycled 95% of site waste and rescued 3.4 tonnes of materials from the waste stream collected by VCSE Community Wood Recycling.

26

Building & Refurbishment

G F Tomlinson offered work experience placements on-site for Alderbrook pupils, and supported the school’s ‘Life Ready’ day, which included ‘career in construction’ workshops and mock interview sessions.

The contractor also supported the local Marston Green Parish Hall by donating materials for a much-needed refurbishment of its welfare facilities alongside key supply chain partners - MGD Specialist Interior Finishes Limited and Palings Mechanical & Electrical Services Limited. Materials donated to the communal charity building included providing hygienic cladding, a toilet, urinal, handwash basin, taps, a radiator, wall fan, new light fittings, and hand dryer.

Chris Flint, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased to have completed works on the new-build teaching facility for Alderbrook School and are proud with all of the ‘social value added’ opportunities we achieved as part of this scheme.

“I want to say a huge congratulations to our hardworking team for not only delivering a high-quality teaching space, but also for exceeding

our social value-added target by such a significant amount. This is testament to our dedication to this project and passion for giving back to the communities in which we operate.”

Tom Beveridge, Headteacher, Alderbrook School, said: “The completion of the building ready for September has been transformational for our school; students are enjoying learning in state-of-the-art classrooms and the creation of outdoor play space has markedly improved the experience for our students. We are delighted with the enhancements this project has brought to our school and are very grateful to all involved in this project.”

Councillor Michael Gough, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “I am really pleased that these works have been completed at Alderbrook School, providing much improved facilities for our children for the future.

It is also a great example of investing in local resources.

Well done to all involved.”

To find out more about Alderbrook School, please visit: www.alderbrookschool.co.uk Building & Facilities Management

Building & Refurbishment Your Commercial Hire Partner Do you need a fast, reliable, tailor-made hire solution? We’re not just a supplier for all of your hire needs nationwide, but your hire partner who will work alongside your business to provide expertise, consultation and a complete hire procurement service, saving you valuable time and money.

Whether it’s powered/ manual access, plant hire, tool hire, temporary accommodation, power generation, waste disposal and more, we’ll coordinate all your hire needs, end-to-end with a single point of contact.

• • • • • • •

End-to-end hire management with a single point of contact Nationwide set rates Unrivalled knowledge & expertise Kit ready, on-site and on-time Great value every time Certainty, reliability, ease & speed Working with your deadlines - speedy & smooth deliveries

Whatever your challenge, we’ll get it sorted.

Contact us today for a free quote: Customers@wownowhire.co.uk www.wownowhire.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/company/wownowhire/ WowNow Hire | Facebook

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

Building & Refurbishment

27

Building & Refurbishment

Sustainable Leisure And Wellness Centre Opens In North Yorkshire

Today [December 11], North Yorkshire Council has delivered an early Christmas present to the residents in Knaresborough in the form of a new £17.5 million energy efficient leisure and wellness centre.

The new build centre, developed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, was originally commissioned by Harrogate Borough Council and is now part of a wider £47.9 million leisure transformation project by the newly Combined North Yorkshire Council. Investment has also delivered an extensive refurbishment of The Harrogate Hydro – rebranded the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, which creates a network of modern, sustainable leisure and wellness hubs designed to serve the community for many years to come.

In Knaresborough, the new Leisure and Wellness Centre delivers a range of wet and dry facilities for all ages to enjoy. In addition to a six-lane 25-metre pool, complete with pool pod, a leisure pool with flume and a 60-station fitness suite, there is also a sauna and steam room, a group fitness studio, an immersive group cycling studio and a café.

Outside, a children’s play area constructed from natural materials will open in the new year and has been designed to blend in with the surroundings. Electric car charge points and bicycle storage have also been added to encourage sustainable travel.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “By moving the service offer from being a conventional swimming pool to a community health and wellbeing service we aim to help people move more, live well, feel great and reduce the proportion of the population that is physically inactive.”

In addition to delivering on facilities and community needs, the new Leisure and Wellness Centre also delivers on energy 28

Building & Refurbishment

efficiency. Old school gas boilers have been swapped out for efficient air source heat pumps whilst roof mounted solar panels provide an ongoing source of renewable energy. LED lighting throughout is complimented by a modern building management system and state-of-the-art electrical infrastructure, all contributing to an anticipated 60 per cent reduction in carbon output compared fossil fuelled alternatives.

James Foley, Commercial Director, Alliance Leisure says: “In Knaresborough, the new build facility is also achieving BREEAM Excellent status, a recognised third-party certification for sustainability performance.

Achieving the ‘excellent’ standard of efficiency places the development amongst the top performing leisure facilities in the UK when it comes to energy efficiency. This is good news for the council’s net zero targets, good news for residents and ultimately, good news for the planet.”

The Centre in Knaresborough is also delivering significant social value. Foley adds: “More than 60 per cent of project works has been delivered via the local supply chain whilst targeted training opportunities have created several apprenticeship opportunities. This development is truly a project delivered by the community for the community and it’s been an absolute privilege to be involved.”

The Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre, along with the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre and the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre are all managed by Brimhams Active, a community health and wellbeing company, wholly owned

by North Yorkshire Council.

Speaking of the centre’s

opening, Mark Tweedie, Managing Director, says: “At Brimhams Active we have a simple vision: to ensure everyone in our community can lead an active, healthy and happy life. The creation of this new Leisure and Wellness Centre provides a modern, safe space where all walks of life, at every stage of life’s journey, can come together and enjoy a range of activities from swimming and fitness to dining and relaxing. The investment really does deliver something for everyone. I’m now looking forward to working with my team to bring these facilities to life.”

‘Meeting communities where they are’ has been a mantra of the project. Working alongside Brimham’s, the Alliance TA6 team have been supporting project success with the delivery of strategic marketing, delivering branding personas that truly reflect the philosophy of ‘helping people move more, live well, and feel great across the Harrogate district’.

Speaking about the project delivery, Sean Nolan, at Alliance Leisure says: “It has been a real pleasure working with the team to support the ambitions of the Council. We set out to meet these ambitions head on and truly working in partnership with our colleagues in North Yorkshire, have delivered regeneration that will secure the health and wellbeing of the communities of Harrogate and Knaresborough for decades to come”.

All works at Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre has been delivered by leading leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure, working alongside construction partner, ISG and GT3 Architects. Works have been delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

Building & Facilities Management

Sustainability

www.twitter.com/BFM_Magazine

Sustainability

29

BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER OF THE PSSA The Public Sector Sustainability Association (PSSA) provides a professional association and network for all those working in the Public Sector who have a common interest in sustainability. The aim of the association is to bring together a wide group of people working across all areas of the Public Sector – to help educate, train, support and connect as we work towards a more sustainable future.

Becoming a Corporate Member of the Public Sector Sustainability Association highlights your organisations commitment to sustainability and offers a unique platform to reach our membership of committed and influential sustainability professionals in Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Education and Housing Associations. The PSSA offers a single level of Corporate Membership, providing a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition and exposure with our Public Sector membership.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • • • • • • • • • •

Comprehensive listing in Suppliers Directory Unlimited opportunity to supply press releases, articles & news to feature on PSSA website One release for inclusion in monthly Newsletter Opportunity to promote your own events/webinars/training courses to PSSA members Logo on PSSA homepage as ‘Corporate Member’ of the PSSA Introductory email sent to our members as the latest Corporate Member of the PSSA Logo - ‘Corporate Member of the PSSA’ to use on your own websites/materials Potential to conduct research/surveys through the PSSA 3 x Full Page Advertisements within either Energy Manager magazine or Building & Facilities Management magazine 2 x Advertising Banners to appear on the PSSA Newsletter

WHAT DOES IT COST The current rate to become a Corporate Member of the PSSA is £1,495+VAT per annum.

Interested in becoming a Corporate Member of the PSSA? Get in touch today - call us on 01933 316931 or email us at corporate@pssa.info

www.pssa.info