Facilities Management Journal August 2023

VOLUME 31 | 08

AUGUST 2023

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

ROUND THE CLOCK

A new 24/7 automated deli solution at Royal Stoke University Hospital is fuelling front line staff

FM Clinic: Safeguarding the UK’s strong track record in occupational safety and health

28

FLEET MANAGEMENT

Transitioning to EV

30

32

Cobotic cleaning

Craig McGilvray, MD, Amey Complex Facilities

FLOORING

INTERVIEW

M

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

this month...

kpm media Unit 1 Mill Place, Platt Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 8TB Tel: 01322 662289 Editor Sara Bean sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk Assistant Editor & Social Media Development Sarah O’Beirne sarah.obeirne@kpmmedia.co.uk Tel: 01322 476815 Director & Designer Warren Knight warren.knight@kpmmedia.co.uk Mob: 0780 1947757 Sales Director Danny Grange danny.grange@kpmmedia.co.uk Mob: 07867 418994 Business Administrator Maxine Howell maxine@kpmmedia.co.uk Accounts Diane Jarvis accounts@kpmmedia.co.uk Group CEO Nigel Copp nigel.copp@kpmgroup.co.uk Editorial steering committee

Alan Hutchinson, Facilities Director, Howard Kennedy LLP Charles Siddons, Head of Operations, NHS Property Services Darren Miller, NBCUniversal, VP for International Workplace, Facilities & Real Estate Ian Wade, Head of UK Estates, British Medical Association Lucy Hind, Senior FM Lecturer, Leeds Beckett University Marie Johnson, Head of Workplace & Wellbeing, Nominet Paul Cannock, Head of the Estates and Facilities Management Department, European Space Agency Russell Wood, Facilities Manager at Dentsu Aegis Network Russell Burnaby, Head of FM, Regeneration and Environment, Brent Council Simon Francis, Director of Estates and Facilities, The Institute of Cancer Research Simone Fenton-Jarvis, Group Director of Workplace Consultancy and Transformation, Vpod Solutions Stephen Bursi, Facilities Lead, BAE Systems Wayne Young, Facilities Manager - Chair People Management SIG, IWFM

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comment

The impact of global warming has been all too evident this summer, as António Guterres the Secretary-General of the UN noted in his opening remarks to a press conference on climate change in July.

Official data released by the World Meteorological Organization and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed July 2023 was set to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history, which he said, marked the end of the era of global warming and the arrival of the era of global boiling.

Guterres added it is still possible to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change. This is where of course the built environment can make a huge contribution. In a position paper submitted to the European Commission’s consultation on an emissions target for 2040, the World Green Building Counsel has called for the 2040 climate target to be set at over 90 per cent, bringing the EU closer in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

As the built environment accounts for 40 per cent of total energy consumption and 36 per cent of CO2 emissions across Europe there is huge potential within the buildings sector to achieve this target. The paper outlined ways the building sector can be decarbonised in areas such as building regulations, waste and circularity, sustainable procurement and sustainable finance.

In this month’s interview with Craig McGilvray, Managing Director, Amey Complex Facilities (page 32) and in the blog from Siobhan Riordan, Head of Sustainability for ISS UK & Ireland (page 18), both remarked on how behaviour changes and setting a positive example with clients, stakeholders the supply chain and end users can all play a part in addressing climate change. The will is there and the FM sector has the expertise, the fortitude and the tools to make a difference.

As always, we’d welcome your feedback about any aspect of the magazine, together with your insight into what’s happening in the FM sector.

sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk

Find your next role with the FMJ Jobboard Visit jobs.fmj.co.uk for hundreds of roles in FM and associated industries

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

jobs.fmj.co.uk

AUGUST 2023

3

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CONTENTS

THIS MONTH...

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FEATURES

FLOORING

30

FMJ NEWS

06

This month’s summary of everything that has hit the headlines in the FM sector.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

08

The latest news and views from the BCC and IWFM.

ADVICE AND OPINION

29 31 CASE STUDY

24

Through an innovative partnership with SV365, Sodexo is the first to launch a ready to eat hot and cold range of food 24 hours a day at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

FLEET MANAGEMENT

OPINION

10

12 28 29

New research by Metro Rod in partnership with FMJ reveals operational downtime poses a significant risk for businesses that neglect their drainage systems warns Peter Molloy.

COMMENT

12

Mite’s Group Fleet Manager Heidi Thompson describes how the facilities provider is accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles in its bid to go fully electric by the end of 2025.

What do you do if your sites can’t support the new EV charging infrastructure needed?

Matthew Lumsden of Connected Energy explains some of the options available.

FM CAREERS

A shift towards combining security services offers numerous benefits that not only streamline operations but also maximise outcomes advises Kieran Mackie of Amulet.

16

Web3.0 and the open Metaverse could potentially transform the way facilities are designed, managed, maintained, optimised and experienced reports Piers Zangana.

BLOG & SOCIAL MEDIA

18

In a summer beset by record temperatures, Siobhan Riordan, Head of Sustainability – ISS UK & Ireland explains why addressing climate change means changing behaviours.

FM CLINIC

20

While health and safety legislation is not to be removed under the Retained EU Law, there is the possibility it could be revoked in the future. In the meantime, what can be done to continue to ensure good health and safety at work?

32

Craig McGilvray, Managing Director, Amey Complex Facilities explains how a change of ownership offers the asset and facilities management services provider the opportunity to broaden its reach.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

35

Cloud migration can optimise costs, streamline efficiencies and ensure systems and data are available to employees anywhere. So why isn’t everyone doing it? asks Dick Kronman of ABB.

36

14

FAST FACTS

INTERVIEW

MIFM

COMPLIANCE How do you know your PPE and safety equipment is compliant? asks the CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation Alan Murray.

Stefano Bensi of SoftBank Robotics explains how all types of floors can be kept clean and in good condition through the use of collaborative robotics.

Richard O’Connor from First Mats explains why standing too long causes more than just sore feet, and how Anti-Fatigue Mats work to alleviate the problem.

44 PEOPLE

43

Find out who’s moving where in the facilities management profession.

RECRUITMENT

44

Emma Grigson describes how social recruitment positively impacts the labour market and Bridget Brookfield outlines what this means for its approach to recruitment.

TRAINING

45

Training provider Develop’s newest addition is a fully to-scale artificial street designed to replicate real-life work scenarios for delegates undertaking training and assessment.

CAREERS NEWS

46

A brief roundup of the latest careers news in the facilities management sector.

New product and service launches and company news from the FM industry.

Next Edition With commercial tenants demanding top-flight amenities to attract staff into the workplace, a workplace design and build expert reveals the must-have office facilities. In our sustainability focus we ask, should only the most sustainable buildings command a rent premium or shouldn’t all buildings aspire to meet greener targets? And we take a look at the ways BMS technology can help organisations lower building emissions.

Hybrid working means offices need designated places for collaboration and for quiet focused work. We look at acoustics solutions that can isolate and reduce noise in different areas - from simple and modular panels that absorb noise reflection to complete fit-outs. Finally, our regular September winter prep feature offers step-by-step guidance on how estates teams can winter-proof their outdoor and indoor spaces.

sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk To register for your free copy of FMJ visit fmj.co.uk AUGUST 2023

5

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FMJ.CO.UK

LEGAL VIEW RACKING FITTED BY A SEIRSCERTIFIED COMPANY HELPS MEET YOUR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES Mike Gordon, Sales Director of Racking Specialist Filstorge With the popularity of hybrid working, unprecedented energy prices, ESG considerations and a host of other challenges facing the FM sector, many operators are seeking efficiencies to help secure their margins.

Whereas this is understandable given the macro-economic outlook, there is no excuse for cost cutting to become a corner cutting exercise in a move that could potentially put staff and customers at risk.

As a business that has been supplying industrial racking, as well as design and fitout services, to logistics clients, builders’ merchants, and other sectors reliant on large warehousing facilities for 30 years, we are increasingly seeing racking become a victim of cost cutting.

At best this is false economy. At worst, it is a major disaster waiting to happen.

If you doubt that, type ‘racking collapse’ into YouTube and watch the countless examples of fully laden storage systems crashing towards earth, in many cases narrowly missing the operatives below.

The failure of racking presents a nightmare scenario for any business, not to mention the potential for long and costly legal battles, but incidents could conceivably increase in regularity if companies continue to cut costs.

The problem, however, lies less with the companies themselves, and more with the legislation that governs the installation of racking.

Although the majority of fitting teams are highly competent, the fact is racking fitters are subject to few regulations and this leaves space for uncertified businesses to undercut their qualified counterparts, such as those with SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme) certification.

SEIRS certification demonstrates businesses have undergone rigorous training to prove their competency, and this qualification should be sought when looking for a fitting team.

But for some businesses, the temptation to employ unqualified fitters is too great as they promise significant efficiencies when replacing old racking systems.

Others are opting out of this cost altogether, by relying on in-house teams to erect racking.

The situation is dangerous and needs addressing as soon as possible. Poorly installed racking can kill, and the thought it can be erected by unqualified people who may never have done it before is frightening.

Even if such unqualified fitters have put up racking before, experience doesn’t necessarily equal competency, and that’s not a gamble worth taking if it means putting lives at risk.

But while fitters do not have to abide by regulations, companies certainly do.

Warehouse operators are legally bound to ensure pallet racking is serviceable, fit for purpose and certified by a competent person.

Failure to do this because the racking has been improperly installed could contravene the Health & Safety at Work Act, or in the case of a fatality, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. The problem doesn’t end there, however. In a bid to realise further cost savings, some companies are buying second hand racking instead of investing in new, which can also come with problems.

Warehouse racking has a hard life. It has to withstand the strain exerted by heavy products while being bashed into by forklift trucks, which can dent and weaken the load bearing structures.

So whereas there is good quality second hand racking on the market, not all of it will be. And unless you have it inspected by a professional, the first time you find out it is damaged or compromised may well be when you try to put it up.

Wanting to cut costs at times of high inflationary pressure and an unpredictable economy is understandable.

But scrimping on racking is no way to achieve this.

Having racking fitted by a SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) qualified company will help you meet your legal responsibilities. And if costs pressures mean you have to buy second hand, having it inspected by a professional before you purchase it is the best way to ensure it will stay standing for years, not weeks.

You wouldn’t trust a plumber who wasn’t Corgi-registered to fit a gas boiler would you? Why would you treat your racking any differently?

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AUGUST 2023

OFFICE LEASE LENGTHS MAY BE FALLING IN THE UK, BUT WORKSPACE FOOTPRINT IS INCREASING

Responding to reports from property management platform, Re-Leased, that the length of UK office leases has fallen to the lowest on record, global workplace creation expert Unispace, is warning firms against rash decisions regarding office footprint.

The study – Returning for Good, a Unispace Global Workplace Insights report, which surveyed 9,500 employees and 6,650 employers from 17 countries worldwide – revealed that while employees in the UK spend the least amount of time in the office compared to any other country, there is an expectation that this will increase as workers face limited access to career progression opportunities while working remotely.

According to the data, just 34 per cent of employees in the UK are in the office four or more days a week, well below the global average of 50 per cent. However, the same study revealed that staff who are not in the office are more likely to be overlooked for promotions, pay rises and bonuses.

The majority (75 per cent) of employers highlighted that career progression will be negatively impacted for hybrid workers. This is likely one of the drivers behind the 53 per cent of UK workers who indicated that they will eventually be in the office at least four days per week.

To read the Unispace Global Workplace Insights report visit https://bit. ly/44MU8iF

BIGGEST CLADDING REMOVAL SCHEME IS LAUNCHED

The government has launched the Cladding Safety Scheme, which it says is its “biggest building safety intervention to date” and will give thousands more buildings access to government funding to fix dangerous cladding across England for the first time.

The full opening of the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) means that costs associated with removing unsafe cladding in mid-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres across England and high-rise buildings over 18 metres outside of London where fire safety professionals have recommended that works must take place, will now be covered by government funding, protecting leaseholders from costs where the responsible developer cannot be made to pay.

The scheme will also be available to the social housing sector.

The CSS will be funded by both the £5.1 billion allocated by government to fix the most dangerous buildings and through revenue from the Building Safety Levy on new development.

Building owners who believe they are eligible for funding need to apply through Homes England Cladding Safety Scheme application portal.

Any leaseholders or residents living in a building they think is eligible for funding will be able to provide further information about their building using Homes England’s ‘Tell Us tool’.

To view the cladding scheme guidance visit https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/cladding-safety-scheme

FMJ.CO.UK

Mitie reports Q1 revenue growth Mitie has got off to a “good start” in Q1 FY24 with double digit revenue growth.

In the FM provider’s latest trading update for the three-month period ended 30 June 2023 (Q1 FY24), Group revenue grew by 11.4% to £1,053m (Q1 FY23: £945m). Mitie states this good performance was driven by an increase in projects and variable work, particularly in Central Government & Defence and Technical Services, as well as contract re-pricing and the contribution from prior year acquisitions.

During the quarter Mitie won or extended several significant new contracts with up to £1.1bn TCV (Q1 FY23: £0.8bn TCV).

Notable new wins included the Defence Infrastructure organisation (DIO) and the Home Office, and Phoenix Group. Notable renewals/ extensions included the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Lloyds Banking Group, the Ministry of Justice, Network Rail and Stellantis.

Mitie reports that one c£35m per annum government contract in Central Government & Defence was not renewed in the quarter and will be handed over at the end of Q4 FY24. Mitie added this is the “only significant CG&D contract” that has not been successfully renewed or extended since Interserve FM was acquired in 2020.

Looking ahead Mitie said: “Traditionally Q1 is the quarter with the lowest revenue for the Group. Given the good growth achieved, the Board remains confident in the Group’s ability to meet its growth expectations for FY24, particularly as margin enhancement initiatives continue to be delivered.”

NEWS & ANALYSIS

LEADING BUILDING SECTOR DATES FOR THE FM DIARY STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCH PACT FOR SKILLS FOR 07 SEPTEMBER 2023 SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES

Smart Buildings & Sustainability Leaders Forum The VOX Birmingham http://bit.ly/3Z8JmjX

13-14 SEPTEMBER 2023 RWM Letsrecycle Live NEC, Birmingham www.rwmexhibition.com

17-19 SEPTEMBER 2023 The Flooring Show HCC, Harrogate https://www.theflooringshow.com/

I

FMA EMEA, EU.BAC and REHVA have long championed the importance of upskilling the existing building workforce and effectively training the next generation of building professionals and have now come together to launch the Pact for Skills for Sustainable Facilities.

The partnership aims to ensure that as the European Union continues to develop a text road map to achieve energy and sustainability goals, training for building operations and maintenance continues to be a priority.

Operations and maintenance account for more than 85 per cent of a building’s cost over its useful life. It is during the operational phase of a building’s life cycle when energy savings are achieved and sustained. As demand for built environment efficiency evolves, so too does the skill set required to operate and optimise facilities and the systems that support them.

The Pact for Skills for Sustainable Facilities will enhance: Continuous improvement of skills and knowledge: The signatories commit to continuous learning and improving the skills and knowledge of sustainable operations professionals through ongoing education, certification, and training.

Awareness about the role of building operations in achieving designs for performance.

Development of Pan-European resources to upskill professionals currently working in the building environment.

IWFM UNVEILS IMPACT AWARDS FINALISTS 2023

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has announced the finalists of its IWFM Impact Awards 2023.

The awards underline the impact the profession has on the organisations it serves and to celebrate the people, processes and products making a daily difference to the workplace experiences of millions.

The overall winners will be announced on 16 October 2023 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.

To view the IWFM Impact Awards finalist 2023 visit https://www. iwfmawards.org/2023-finalists/ To find out more about the Awards ceremony and to book your table visit https://www.iwfmawards.org/awards-ceremony/

19 SEPTEMBER 2023

Healthcare Facilities Management The National Conference Centre, Birmingham www.healthcarefacilities.co.uk

22-26 SEPTEMBER 2023 International Security Expo Olympia, London www.internationalsecurityexpo.com

03-05 OCTOBER 2023

UK Construction Week Birmingham NEC Birmingham https://www.ukconstructionweek.com

12 OCTOBER 2023

BESA Annual Conference Novotel London West www.thebesa.com

18 OCTOBER 2023

Workplace Trends: The Office As A Desired Destination Cavendish Conference Centre, London https://workplacetrends.co

18-19 OCTOBER 2023 Smart Buildings Show ExCeL, London https://smartbuildingsshow.com/

22-23 NOVEMBER 2023 EMEX: The Net Zero & Energy Management Expo ExCeL, London https://www.emexlondon.com/

AUGUST 2023

7

NEWS & ANALYSIS

FMJ.CO.UK

ASSOCIATION NEWS

BCC THANKS INDUSTRY MEMBERS WHO ARE HELPING LOBBY MPS

B

usiness people from the cleaning and hygiene sector have urged industry colleagues to get behind the British Cleaning Council-led lobbying campaign to make cleaning and hygiene a national priority.

Dave Wheadon, CEO of BCC member the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA), Billy Russell, owner of Billy Russell Cleaning and Angela Gill, Managing Director of Bio-Productions, are among those who have met and lobbied MPs recently in support of the campaign.

The cleaning, hygiene and waste industry came together earlier this year to call for sector staff to help lobby MPs to have the recommendations in the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, entitled Embedding Effective Hygiene for a Resilient UK, accepted in full.

Since then, individuals, businesses and trade associations across the country have been downloading and adapting a pre-written letter about the campaign from the BCC website and emailing it to their local MP. Wheadon asked fellow NCCA directors –

including Billy Russell - to give their backing to the campaign, so Russell wrote to his local MP, the Rt Hon Jesse Norman, Minister of State in the Department for Transport.

Norman, who is MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, responded to Russell’s letter and agreed to visit his company office to discuss it with both of them.

Speaking after the meeting, Wheadon said it had been a wide-ranging discussion on issues including the need for recognition for cleaning staff, the need for an industry-wide Apprenticeship and how to attract young people to the industry.

He said: “The meeting went really well. It was a good, detailed discussion and Jesse was really interested, he listened and asked how he could help.

“Without our industry, the country would not have dealt with COVID as effectively as we have but what our industry did has been forgotten.

“We have to make sure they don’t forget what our industry did during the pandemic, we need to maintain our voice and get behind this campaign.”

Russell said: “I don’t think a lot of people understand what the industry entails, but Jesse really took it all on board and we gave him a lot of information.

“The only way we will make this succeed is by working together as an industry. The more people take part, the more likely this campaign will work.”

Angela Gill, who is also a Freeman with BCC member the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, met with Mims Davies, MP for Mid Sussex and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and had a ‘comprehensive’ and ‘constructive’ discussion.

Gill said: “We’re at the end of a two or three-year period where hygiene became the top priority for the entire world. Now is the time to capitalise on that momentum and awareness and not let the lessons of the pandemic be forgotten.

“This campaign is about ensuring cleaning and cleanliness remain top of the agenda for years to come so we can protect the vulnerable, and so we aren’t caught unawares next time a new virus comes along.”

3 carbon emissions. IWFM has played a key role in supporting the tool’s development and forms part of a project board that aims to ensure the tool receives industry acceptance upon its expected release later this year.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Scope 3 emissions account for 70 per cent of organisations’ CO2 emissions, but to date, the lack of an industry-wide Scope 3 framework has been a major barrier to driving down carbon emissions.

SFMI’s Scope 3 framework tool is therefore much needed. Also, as an added bonus, it will show to the world, through the data collected, the importance of the operation phase and its considerable impact on climate change.

Working with FM providers Skanska, Bouygues, Optima, and founding partner BAM, and in consultation with IWFM, the SFMI has used real-life examples to produce a framework of methodologies for measuring and reporting Scope 3 emissions, which will become mandatory for most companies by 2025.

Now the SFMI is calling for FMs to engage in the consultation phase of its Scope 3 framework tool.

It closes on Friday 15 September and you can take part by visiting: www.acclaro-advisory.com/sfmi/ draft-consultation-scope-3-framework-for-fm/ On Monday 7 August, the Institute will launch the IWFM Sustainability Survey 2023 so we can assess the state of play in FM and understand the key challenges and factors influencing how our sector is engaging with the agenda.

Among last year’s findings, we discovered that 43 per cent of FMs lack clear net zero targets, only 14 per cent have comprehensive skills integrated into normal service, and just 31 per cent have comprehensive baseline and ongoing data. When asked about the barriers they face in setting targets and reducing emissions, by far the most popular answer came from the 63 per cent of respondents who blamed the high upfront costs of installing technologies. Please take part and help us build a comprehensive picture of where the sustainability agenda stands in 2023. We may be a long way from a better, healthier, more sustainable future, but with our profession’s help, we can get there.

SPEEDING UP SUSTAINABILITY I

n his final report as Chair of the UK Climate Change Committee, Lord Deben warned that continued delays in policy development and implementation meant Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy, IWFM that reaching climate goals is “increasingly challenging”.

If we are to succeed in minimising human impacts on the environment, FMs are critical to delivering it, especially by driving down emissions during the operational phase of buildings. But I wouldn’t want to undersell facilities management’s influence here because it also goes much deeper: they are the lynchpin to achieving sustainability outcomes in organisations due to their unique role of bringing together the needs of the landlord, end-user and supply chain.

Talking of the supply chain, the Sustainable Facilities Management Index (SFMI) has made great progress in developing a draft framework tool to help FMs manage their organisations’ Scope 8

AUGUST 2023

Eight things we install in every Colt service engineer.

1 Be punctual. Always be on time, but if delay is unavoidable, try to let the customer know.

2 Be thorough. Don’t cut corners. Don’t take short cuts.

3 Be meticulous. Leave no stone unturned. Work steadily.

Work calmly.

4 Be efficient. Use your experience to get the job done quickly and correctly.

5 Be careful. Be painstaking. Be vigilant. Be watchful.

6 Be knowledgeable. Know your trade inside out – and never stop learning.

7 Be safe. It would be ironic if work to safeguard people put yourself and others at risk. So don’t take any.

8 Be polite. Be respectful to everyone you come into contact with, colleagues and customers alike.

Colt engineers. The UK’s most trusted.

With an extremely comprehensive, ongoing training programme, Colt engineers are widely considered to be the best in the country. In fact, many engineers who join us from other companies are surprised at the level of quality we expect. The strict set of guidelines all our engineers work to means you can rest assured that your system is fully safe and operational.

Service

4062.22 Colt Service - FMJ.indd 10

Competency is crucial.

When it comes to smoke control maintenance, you must ensure your service provider is highly competent and certified by a third party. Colt is the UK’s first company to be certified to both IFC SDI 19 and SDI 05 schemes, awarded in recognition of our skill as an installer and service provider of smoke control systems and fire curtains.

Each one of our expertly trained engineers has one aim in mind – to keep your buildings safe and legal, whether your system was designed and installed by Colt or not.

Smoke is different to fire.

That’s why you need specialist maintenance. Fire grabs more headlines, but in the event of a fire, stopping the spread of smoke can often prove more effective in preventing damage and injury.

As crucial life safety systems, smoke ventilation products need to be carefully designed, installed, commissioned and maintained by fully competent experts. Colt is just such a company.

To find out more, visit us at: coltinfo.co.uk/service-maintenance calls us on 02392 491735 or email service@uk.coltgroup.com

Choose Colt

Expertise built on experience.

22/03/2023 09:24

ADVICE & OPINION

SURVEY

DRAINAGE SCHEME New research reveals operational downtime poses a significant risk for businesses that neglect their drainage systems. Peter Molloy, CEO of Metro Rod and Franchise Brand’s B2B Division reports

encouraging businesses across the UK to invest in pre-planned maintenance, so businesses of all kinds can keep their premises fully operational.

PPM TO AVOID DOWNTIME PPM is a service plan which can be put in place for routine drainage and pump maintenance. It can be scheduled in at regular intervals to suit yours and your customers’ schedule.

The typical works covered by a PPM schedule are: » Drain and pipework cleaning » High-pressure water jetting » Gully clearance » Gutter clearance » Urinal descaling » Grease trap emptying and cleaning » Interceptor maintenance » Shower trap and hand basin trap cleaning » Service of sewage and freshwater pumps » CCTV drain surveys to identify problems We recommend a visit from a drainage engineer every six to 12 months depending on the site and how frequently each facility is used.

POLLUTION PREVENTION

T

housands of businesses are prioritising office refurbishments over drainage maintenance, leaving them at risk of disruption from operational downtime – something many say is their biggest challenge today.

A recent survey conducted by Metro Rod, in partnership with FMJ, shed light on the challenges faced by businesses with operational downtime emerging as one of the most significant challenges for respondents, ranking just behind material shortages. Staff skill shortages, energy prices, and rising costs followed closely behind. When asked about the activities they’ve conducted in their business in the last 12 months, a significant portion reported focusing on non-drainagerelated endeavours such as lighting upgrades, off ice improvements, accessibility improvements and window and door replacements. Surprisingly, less than a quarter have invested in a drainage or asset map – despite nearly one-third saying they’ve experienced drain blockages in the past year and a similar percentage incurring drain maintenance expenses.

Building and maintenance services carried out at usiness premises in the last 12 months

Windows/Doors replaced 5.8%

Energy efficiency 6.6%

Drain unblocking 12.8%

Drainage related 35% Drainage or asset map 10.2%

Office improvements 11.1%

Drain maintenance 11.9% Fire safety plan 15.5%

Non-drainage related 65%

Improved accessibility 10.2%

Lighting upgrades 15%

Research conducted by Metro Rod in conjunction with FMJ in Apr/May 23

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AUGUST 2023

The survey also highlighted that respondents recognised the benefits of having a drainage plan in place. They identified planned maintenance, no foul smells or odours, minimal operational downtime, and an improved environmental footprint as the advantages.

Despite this, only 38 per cent had a pre-planned maintenance (PPM) plan, leaving a significant portion of businesses unaware of the condition of their underground drainage system.

Which of these benefits of a drainage plan would have an impact on your business?

39%

No foul smells or bad odours

34% BENEFITS OF A DRAINAGE PLAN

Minimal operational downtime

32%

Respondents selected...

20% 39%

Improved environmental footprint

Cost saving

Planned maintenance

Research conducted by Metro Rod in conjunction with FMJ in Apr/May 23

Furthermore, many revealed they’re only engaging with drainage maintenance companies in an emergency or when they know something isn’t working properly – the moment at which they could be forced to close their doors.

THE BENEFITS OF PPM Operational downtime can lead to a loss of income, poor reviews and damage to a brand’s reputation.

So why, when drainage can have such an impact on business do so many not have a proactive plan in place to ensure their drains flow freely?

Working in partnership with FM providers, we’re

Another benefit of pre-planned maintenance is pollution prevention, and with 72 per cent of respondents saying pollution prevention is a priority for their business, it demonstrates the urgency and importance of setting a plan which is tailored to your business.

Drain maintenance goes a long way towards creating a proper functioning drainage system and reducing the risk of contaminants entering the watercourse. For example, drain cleaning removes debris, sediment and other materials which accumulate, which when left to build-up could lead to sewage overflowing. CCTV drain surveys and proactively acting on repairs are there to help identify cracks, leaks and any damage which firstly, can help reduce the cost of large repairs but importantly for the environment identify any misconnections or leaks of contaminated waste.

A well executed drain maintenance plan can help ensure your business has the proper disposal of waste in place. Routine collecting of grease from grease traps will ensure their continued correct operation, reducing problems of blockages in foul water sewers. Alongside this, routine maintenance of petrol interceptors will ensure similar protection of our surface water sewers and watercourses.

Maintenance practices such as these will help ensure legislative compliance in addition to safeguarding the environment.

When businesses face such a wealth of problems, the risk of downtime because of drainage shouldn’t be one of them. By proactively investing in drainage plans and adhering to proper waste disposal practices, businesses can minimise operational downtime, protect their bottom line and prevent pollution.

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ADVICE & OPINION

COMMENT

SECURE PACKAGE

Kieran Mackie, Managing Director of Amulet explores the benefits of a packaged security approach and how to approach the tender process to attract the best responses

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing security services. Rather than relying solely on manpower, advancements in technology can supplement and enhance security measures. Smart vehicles, equipped with sensors to monitor areas of concern, have immense potential and can even offer value beyond traditional security.

For example, the Amulet Hub vehicle, trialled at London Zoo with the Zoological Society of London, has explored the potential use of sensors to track both animal and human behaviour and detect signs of aggression. Drones can also be employed for aerial surveillance, while audio tracking systems can identify potential threats. Such innovative solutions add significant value when offered as a combined services approach.

When we discuss these solutions as one, we allow for long-term planning and collaboration between clients and security providers. By establishing a partnership based on shared objectives and security spending, both parties can work towards continuous improvement and adapt to evolving needs effectively.

THE MODERN-DAY SECURITY OFFICER

I

n the security sector, I often see multiple tenders from the same company for different security services, such as access control, manned guarding and CCTV. This approach can be inefficient and costly and points to a lack of internal collaboration prior to tenders being issued.

Instead, a shift towards combining security services required offers numerous benefits that not only streamline operations but also maximise outcomes.

It is essential to begin the tender process by identifying the desired objectives. Whether the aim is to add value, reduce anti-social behaviour, or protect property, a clear understanding of the goals is crucial. Equally important is conducting a comprehensive risk assessment before initiating the tender. By bringing these issues to the table, clients allow the security service providers to develop tailored solutions that address their specific needs.

Then, security providers can develop contracts based on the client's desired outcomes rather than simply selling hours. This approach prioritises expertise and focuses on achieving specific goals.

Unfortunately, many security companies today find themselves bogged down by tender responses centred around minor details such as uniform costs and training, detracting from the key aspect of security.

An ideal tender process involves defining risks, issues, and key performance indicators (KPIs), while leaving the security firm the flexibility to

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determine the most effective approach to achieving the desired outcomes. By shifting the focus away from measuring hours and instead emphasising results, clients can encourage innovative problemsolving and foster a partnership that drives eff iciency and cost reduction.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH The practice of procuring separate tenders for various security services, such as guarding, CCTV, access control, visitor management, and cyber security, is not only ineff icient but also isolates different providers and inhibits collaboration.

Integrated services, on the other hand, provide a more holistic and cost-effective solution. For example, by planning guarding and CCTV together, the need for a large number of off icers is reduced.

If two separate firms are providing these services, there will be a lot of overlap and you may end up with sites that have plenty of off icers on the ground along with an extensive CCTV operation.

Furthermore, the procurement of different services through separate tenders often leads to conflicting requirements from different departments within an organisation. This lack of alignment can be counterproductive, hindering the development of a cohesive security strategy.

By bundling services, stakeholders from various departments can work together to identify shared goals, paving the way for a more effective and integrated approach to security.

INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY

Focusing on outcomes instead of hours also helps get the best from the modern-day security off icer. The stereotype, perpetuated by films and television, is of a middle-aged man sitting in a security booth. This couldn’t be further from the truth and does a disservice to our industry.

The role of the security off icer nowadays is much more customer-focused and relies heavily on soft skills, such as communication and problemsolving. An outcome-based approach will ensure you get the best out of off icers, rather than stipulating that they must be on-site for no other reason than that’s the way it’s always been.

FM HAS A PIVOTAL ROLE It is essential for organisations to align their objectives and perspectives on security services internally. By consolidating the procurement process into one combined approach, different departments can synchronise their efforts and work towards the same goal. Facilities management can play a pivotal role in leading this alignment, bridging the gap between different stakeholders and helping build trust and collaboration over time.

Begin by collating your existing security contracts and all the services being delivered. When the contract expires, you can start to determine which services can be procured as one and when this will be possible.

Underpin this by considering what you want to achieve from your security. It should be much more than defining hours or the number of off icers. The outcomes-based approach will give bidders the freedom to develop expert tender responses, and you may well find they are able to add value in areas you had not even considered.

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ADVICE & OPINION

COMPLIANCE

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR PPE AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS COMPLIANT? In association with

With high volumes of substandard PPE and safety equipment on the market, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) CEO Alan Murray explains how specifiers and users can ensure their products are fit for purpose

P

ersonal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to guard against hazards in the workplace. However, it will only do so if it is adequate for the hazard, suitable for the wearer, used correctly, and stored and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Failing to check your PPE is fit for purpose could leave you or your employees, for whom you have a duty of care, vulnerable and unprotected, and exposes your organisation to the risk of prosecution.

A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM The BSIF’s latest non-member product tests show non-compliance is worryingly high, putting users and wearers at risk.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, we completed tests on 127 non-member products, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15 per cent) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85 per cent) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users and putting them at risk.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS Knowing what questions you should be asking when buying PPE and safety equipment will go some way towards helping you and your business ensure that

your PPE complies with the law and conforms to the PPE Regulation 2016/425.

This is why we have launched a handy checklist to help specifiers and users check that their PPE is fit for purpose. The checklist highlights the responsibilities of buyers and distributors, and covers questions related to product markings, required documentation, product condition, and storage.

Examples of questions included in the checklist are: Does the PPE have a UKCA, UKNI or CE Mark applied to it?

Was the PPE issued with User Instructions included?

Is the PPE clean, undamaged and suitable for use?

Was the PPE stored correctly, according to the User Instructions?

If any questions present cause for concern, users are advised to seek support and guidance from their company’s health & safety advisor and the manufacturer of the PPE. The BSIF can also provide general guidance. The checklist can be downloaded for free at: Check-your-PPE.pdf (bsif.co.uk) Our ‘Is it Genuine – Certification Checklist’ provides further advice on how to check if the supporting documentation for your PPE is genuine and what to do if you are concerned. It can be downloaded at https:// www.bsif.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2023/03/ Is-it-Genuine-2023.pdf

USE A REGISTERED SAFETY SUPPLIER As a buyer or specifier of PPE, you are responsible for ensuring the product is properly certified and approved, but often you will not have the knowledge and resources to validate suppliers’ claims. However, the BSIF offers a supplier verification 14

AUGUST 2023

https://www.bsif.co.uk

scheme – The Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) scheme – to help. Just look for the shield.

Companies displaying the scheme’s shield have signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations, and is UKCA and/or CE marked following appropriate testing and approval. When using a Registered Safety Supplier, you can be confident you will receive genuine products that are fit for purpose as well as genuine information and guidance.

RSS members’ products are subject to further annual tests and if they fail to meet the test’s strict criteria, any issues must be addressed and rectified immediately for members to remain part of the scheme.

We encourage all those charged with specifying PPE to: CHECK your supplier is BSIF-registered. BSIFaudited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy. Don’t settle for less.

SELECT appropriate, certified and compliant products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.

PROTECT your workforce and your business.

Registered Safety Suppliers go above and beyond, helping to keep your people safe and helping your business to thrive.

A full list of registered suppliers is available to view at https://www.bsif.co.uk/rsss/

CONCLUSION Selling PPE and safety equipment comes with complex responsibilities and it can be hard for even the most diligent suppliers to keep up with the rules and regulations.

The BSIF’s new PPE checklist is a reminder that while anyone can sell safety, you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone. Specifying a Registered Safety Supplier is the easiest way to ensure you are only dealing with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers.

ADVICE & OPINION

FAST FACTS

FM AND THE METAVERSE FMJ AIMS TO SUPPORT TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN THE FM MARKET

Web3.0 and the open Metaverse could transform how facilities are designed, managed, maintained, optimised and experienced. Andy Charalambous, Co-Founder of Renovi speaks to Piers Zangana of Susa Comms

W

ith the workplace experience at the absolute forefront in a competitive labour market, organisations are looking to innovative solutions to enhance how people work, interact and socialise.

Web3.0 and the open Metaverse (or what we would once understand as being the ‘virtual world’) is high on the wish list.

While Web2.0 brought about user-generated content and social media where internet users access information through a central server, the next evolution, Web3.0, is based on decentralised applications, blockchain technology and enhanced user control over data.

This could be a game-changer for FM businesses and brands. Like Web3.0, the Metaverse is a decentralised system, and both allow users to own, use and trade digital assets, and have a virtual presence to showcase activity, and collaborate with others.

Businesses can utilise blockchain (which is essentially a digital ledger) to track, verify the origin, check for authenticity, and monitor their products and services either on site, or through their supply chain.

This transparency and control can help build trust with customers, and also help to differentiate brands in the market, taking businesses to another level.

DATA CONTROL AND SMART CONTRACTS Web3.0 can also create cost savings through blockchain-based smart contracts. Self-executing contracts can automate tasks such as supply chain management or payment processing, reducing the need for intermediaries and associated costs.

Data such as maintenance records, equipment warranties, and service contracts, can be stored on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and traceability, reducing the risk of fraud, 16

AUGUST 2023

improving accountability, and enhancing trust between facilities managers, service providers, and clients.

Once established, facilities managers can offer customers virtual-guided tours or interactive digital signage, providing unique and engaging experiences, improving user satisfaction, and differentiation from competitors. The Metaverse can also support by remotely monitoring and controlling facilities from a centralised virtual environment.

With Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and connected devices, real-time data on energy consumption, temperature, security, and other critical parameters can be gathered and visualised within the Metaverse, allowing facilities managers to identify anomalies, manage

maintenance tasks, and respond to emergencies promptly, increasing operational efficiency and reducing the need for physical presence on-site.

Data analytics and machine learning algorithms can also be used to optimise building performance.

By integrating real-time data such as occupancy levels, energy consumption, and equipment efficiency, facilities managers can identify patterns, detect inefficiencies, and implement measures to optimise resource usage and reduce operational costs, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective practices.

Smart contracts can automate contract management and facilitate secure transactions between facilities managers, service providers, and vendors.

ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY Web3.0 can streamline workflows, improve communication, and increase productivity, allowing team members across different offices or even countries to securely access and update project information in real time. Improved and more transparent data capture means businesses can analyse data with better integrity more effectively, leading to better-informed decision-making.

Whether it’s a virtual store showcasing products, a conference centre for 1,000 delegates, the Metaverse is already offering businesses a central platform to meet, socialise and transact. It also provides facilities or estates

managers a platform to use virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) technologies to create immersive virtual designs, allowing them to explore different layouts, test environmental conditions, and make informed decisions regarding space utilisation, lighting, and equipment placement, saving time, reducing costs, and optimising layouts before they’re even built.

COLLABORATION AND TRAINING Teams, meanwhile, can benefit from virtual training and simulations offered by the Metaverse, allowing them to practice emergency response scenarios, equipment maintenance procedures, and safety protocols in a risk-free environment.

The Metaverse also fosters collaboration between facilities management teams, service providers and stakeholders across different locations, with teams able to meet virtually to discuss projects, share information, and exchange, best practices in a more immersive and engaging environment than a flat video call.

BRAND AWARENESS While different sectors are at different stages of their Web3.0 and Metaverse journey, a key driver for activity for many has been through the opportunities it presents for brands.

Right now, these platforms offer a new and innovative opportunity for brands to showcase who they are and what they do, to a new audience. Over the next few years, there will be an acceleration of activity from marketing departments to ensure that their brand has presence.

It will be an extension of their existing communications vehicles.

Web3.0 has the potential to revolutionise facilities management by leveraging blockchain, IoT, and decentralised applications.

The transparency, efficiency, and collaboration it fosters can enhance asset management, streamline vendor relationships, optimise energy usage, and improve user experiences within facilities.

Embracing these technologies can unlock new possibilities for facilities managers, allowing them to operate more effectively, reduce costs, and provide sustainable and user-centric environments. Outside of that, brands will simply want to be seen.

There will be sceptics out there. People in certain sectors doubted social media once upon a time, look how that panned out. Early adopters will help to drive and shape the evolution of FM within the physical and virtual workplace. That’s virtually guaranteed.

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ADVICE & OPINION

SOCIAL - BLOG

SIOBHAN RIORDAN, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY – ISS UK & IRELAND

@UKGBC UKGBC joins other ‘G20’ GBCs in an open letter with @WorldGBC to the G20 Climate and Environment Ministers. The letter reminds ministers of the role the built environment can and must play in meeting G20 goals. https://twitter.com/UKGBC/ status/1684944276730331136 Andrew Hulbert MSc FIWFM linkedin.com/in/ andrewhulbert So very genuinely privileged and humbled to be re-elected for a second, three-year term, as an Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management non-executive director. #Congratulations to the two new #NED colleagues too. I remain firm in my #commitment to focus on the #commerciality of the IWFM and drive a meaningful #EDI agenda that we’ve built together over the last three years. @LivingWageUK “It’s helped us to attract people who want to be with us & invest in building a legacy business” says Lara Omoloja, Founder of Living Wage Employer @greenwichpantry. 94% of Living Wage Employers have reported benefits to being accredited. Find out more: https://ow.ly/ sHXa50P9CEj Amita RaiCIWFM linkedin.com/in/amita-raiciwfm-6131a7171 Facilities Officer at Brent Council. I’ve just completed managing the delivery of new refurbished washrooms, disabled toilets and baby feed/ change facilities at Brent Civic Centre. Following the refurbishment I’m confident that our customers will be left with a positive impression and these washrooms will serve us and our customers well for many years to come. @AlisonDoig #ccus is not a clean tech, it is industrial waste processing, an excuse for oil & gas, not technically viable and is expensive, it won’t catch any emissions from cars or homes. It is an excuse for fossil fuels. Wind, solar, insulation, public transport are clean and do work Peter Ankerstjerne @P_Ankerstjerne Societal demands, #technology, and #data are reshaping the very fabric of real estate and #facman and #ESG challenges are taking centre stage. #CRE #IFM https://t.co/ Uaa7ppq3G7 Suzanne Howe linkedin.com/in/howesuzanne Entries are now open for the Golden Service Awards 2024! https://lnkd.in/epDCesZe

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SUSTAINABILITY: WHY CHANGING THE WORLD MEANS CHANGING BEHAVIOURS

T

he world is at a critical moment, facing unprecedented global environmental challenges and societal change.

We’ve just seen the hottest-ever recorded temperature on earth, while this summer and 2020 matched 2016 as the hottest year on record.

We’ve also emerged from a period of ecological instability, accompanied by some forceful warnings from the world’s leading climate scientists, into a more climate-conscious era.

We are determined to take those warnings of irreversible planetary damage seriously.

To address these pressing issues, it’s important that we understand the link between changing our behaviours and changing the world. It’s our responsibility, both as individuals and as organisations, to adopt sustainable behaviours and lead the required transformational change.

It’s no surprise that this growing ethical standpoint would extend to the working world.

The worldwide return to the workplace brought with it a renewed perspective, favouring social responsibility and employee wellbeing.

Committing to a sustainable rhetoric gave businesses a double-barrelled approach to these evolving expectations.

As Head of Sustainability, I’ve seen these growing demands, delivering on them for clients and demonstrating those same high standards within our own workplaces. We are, after all, a business built for people, and championing sustainable workplaces is as crucial to their success as it is to ours.

As such, ISS’s net zero aspirations are clear; the company has committed to net zero carbon emissions across scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and scope 3 by 2040. Much of the preliminary work has been technological, providing data-driven insights and efficiencies and sourcing lower CO2 products; simple to implement and equally as effective as prior solutions.

But products alone aren’t the answer. People are the bringers and benefactors of this push for sustainable solutions and as such, we trust in them to shape and convey our ambitions.

Earlier this year, we introduced our new signature ‘ROC’ principles — a three-step approach of reducing waste, optimising usage and changing behaviours. It’s this last one, changing behaviours, that is crucial; whilst making material improvements to the built environment, those working in it also need to establish the right behaviours to deliver.

Changing behaviours means encouraging and advocating for sustainable solutions. And with 360,000 placemakers on customer sites worldwide every day, ISS is perhaps uniquely positioned to drive behavioural change. The aim is to make sustainable thinking a natural part of working practice — so ingrained into

Siobhan Riordan, Head of Sustainability – ISS UK & Ireland

our everyday working lives that it becomes a standard, not an afterthought. This approach, however, requires businesses, their suppliers and their customers to be aligned, and that can’t begin without societal change.

Having returned to the office after a tumultuous start to the 2020s, the social and collaborative possibilities of the workplace have a renewed importance. The FM industry has the most to gain from this redirection, not least when tailoring its premises for sweeping workplace initiatives.

For us, prominent additions such as resource hubs and establishing a circular economy mindset within customer estates have provided a social springboard, providing natural nudges towards better eco-consciousness. More overt changes, like Winnow’s food waste monitoring technology, give those of us responsible for food and catering the real-time and predictive statistics we need to reduce waste and costs.

Spending and savings are now quantifiable, driving performance.

But engagement and behaviour change must go beyond training — it’s more than that. It’s how you recruit, communicate, deliver services, engage with customers, develop your people and connect with local communities.

And while these touchpoints are crucial, commitments need to be made loud and clear to help bring attention and set an example for others. Already, ISS has committed to partnering with suppliers and organisations that share our sustainability outlook and meet our rigorous criteria, from food and cleaning to hard FM and beyond. In remaining steadfast to our values and our vision when it comes to our own suppliers and partners, we set a positive example of what truly sustainable action looks like, both for our clients, our colleagues, our industry and even our society. That, one hopes, is the spark to ignite significant change that will help deliver much needed action to decarbonise our world and deliver a sustainable future.

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ADVICE & OPINION

FM CLINIC

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 has been passed into law with an accompanying schedule listing approximately 600 pieces of legislation that is set to be ‘sunsetted’ by the end of 2023. While health and safety legislation were not among that to be removed, there remains the possibility it could be revoked in the future. Amid this confusing picture, what can be done to continue to ensure good health and safety at work?

that set specific obligations for particular activities which were likely to be impacted, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM); the Work at Height Regulations 2005; the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; as well as The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

While the imminent threat to these may have been removed, there is no guarantee they won’t be threatened again in the future. However, what has changed with the Act is that there will be consultation opportunities before any changes are to be made.

For businesses, the key thing to remember is that they must ensure they continue to prioritise their workers, to prevent harm

In FMJ's regular monthly column, our team of FM experts answer your questions about the world of facilities management THE INSTITUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH’S VIEW RUTH WILKINSON, HEAD OF POLICY, IOSH The UK has a very strong track record when it comes to occupational safety and health. This record has been improved over the past 50 years since the implementation of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and secondary legislation which followed it.

That is why the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) was hugely concerned by the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, which threatened to ‘sunset’ EU derived health and safety legislation from 31 December this year.

With other like-minded bodies, we campaigned strongly against this, and we were pleased to see the Government amend the Bill, removing health and safety-related legislation from the list to be revoked.

Now this has become law, however, a threat remains as there is still the possibility that further legislation – including those related to health and safety – could be removed in the future.

What then does this mean for businesses and how can they continue to ensure good health and safety at work?

One thing to note is that the actual Health and Safety at Work etc Act was never under threat. It was in fact the regulations

Ruth Wilkinson

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and comply with current legal requirements. Organisations cannot be resilient and sustainable in the current world of work without committing to protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of their most vital resource: their workers.

Consumers, investors, and employees are now more socially aware and expect their health and safety to be protected.

Socially sustainable organisations are those which recognise and prioritise the adoption of a holistic person-centred approach to everything they do. They recognise the value of their workers, treat them as an asset and invest in them.

This includes the provision of a safe and healthy working environment, the creation of conditions to promote decent work for their workers which underpins corporate performance and sustainability.

Businesses need to adopt forward-looking, long-term strategies and broader measures of social sustainability and human capital value. They should adopt enhanced disclosure and reporting frameworks, to assess and report on the performance and value of the workforce and seek to achieve better corporate human capital performance.

Occupational safety and health professionals play a crucial role in helping organisations to create reporting and learning cultures in which prevention lessons are learned. They are best placed to work across the business to support social sustainable practices and OSH performance evaluation and reporting.

Businesses need to take this seriously now, or risk falling behind.

THE BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL’S VIEW PETER MCGETTRICK, CHAIRMAN OF BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL When I last wrote for Facilities Management Journal on the subject of the Retained EU Law (REUL) Bill, back in March, no

FMJ.CO.UK

ADVICE & OPINION

FM CLINIC

process of review by special “sifting committees” would ensure one could have imagined just that Statutory Instruments will not pass unnoticed where they how much the Government’s need wider debate. Whilst the recommendations of the sifting plans would change. committees are advisory, they are routinely followed. Where there This piece of legislation had are more significant reforms, the Government will go to public been intended to overhaul consultation. our entire stock of EU-derived Even with these verbal reassurances, and the change of laws still on the UK statute approach by the Government, a number of concerns remain. book. That would mean, by The REUL Bill means that many thousands of laws can still be the end of this year, all of revoked between now and 2026, and the Law Society has called them would simply disappear, on the Government to “publish an exhaustive list of every piece of unless individual Ministers legislation being revoked as soon as possible to ensure adequate decided to keep or amend scrutiny of the affected laws”. them. ick The Bill introduces the concept of ‘total regulatory burden’, For many of us, this posed a Petter McGet tr which any future changes must not add to – they can only risk too far – given many of the maintain or reduce it, even if they are vital protections we rely on laws we rely on to protect our in other ways for our health and safety. health, safety and our environment were among the 4,500 plus And there is more reform to EU-derived laws to come. We know that were introduced while we belonged to the EU. that the Financial Services and Markets Bill and the Procurement It also meant that other laws could be affected, Bill will between them revoke around 500 more pieces of retained having had their underpinning legislation EU laws. removed. And it threatened to open up So, in many ways, the reforms have only just begun and the equivalent of a legal black hole, in we will be keeping a careful watch on how they may which cases would in future have Despite the confusion regarding affect the UK’s excellent reputation for health, safety to be decided by the courts, health and safety legislation in the UK, and wellbeing. rather than being defined clearly in regulations. ensuring a building is compliant and has the THE COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE But, on 10 May, the necessary risk assessments for work to take PROVIDER’S VIEW Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch confirmed to PENNY BRINSLEY, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, place remains the priority. Regulators and Parliament, following much SERVICE WORKS GLOBAL organisations alike will be checking that speculation, that there work permits are secure, up-to-date, and would be a complete sea Despite the confusion regarding health and change in how the REUL Bill safety legislation in the UK, ensuring a building is in line with current regulations would work. Now, instead of compliant and has the necessary risk assessments around health and safety.” a ‘sunset clause’ threatening for work to take place remains the priority. Regulators and organisations alike will be checking that work all 4,500 laws, a list of around 600 Penny Brinsley permits are secure, up-to-date, and in line with current would be the only ones to be revoked or amended this year. regulations around health and safety.

This, the Minister argued, was being done for practical reasons and, while it clearly disappointed The importance of some who wanted to finally ‘get Brexit done’, was the only way delivering exceptional the Civil Service could realistically deliver it. health and safety But this was only the start of the real work, as the Bill was about cannot be overlooked to go to the Lords for Report stage and then its 3rd Reading,

by FMs. The average where many amendments would be proposed to try and put fine for businesses some curbs on the significant power grab that it represented, that are found guilty with little or no Parliamentary safeguards. of not complying with Despite a number of very hard-fought and valiant attempts by current health and the Lords, however, each time the Bill was sent back to the House safety regulations can of Commons, all amendments were rejected. Finally, following a be as high as £150,000. series of ‘ping pongs’ between the two houses, the Minister in the Larger organisations Lords, Lord Callanan, gave some reassurances from the dispatch that commit serious box, which the Lords accepted, and the Bill went to Royal Ascent offences can face even on 29 June. higher fines that reach closer to millions of pounds.

The commitments the Government made were that it would The reputational damage that comes when procedures aren’t “not row back on environmental protections” and any major in place can be even more costly than the fines themselves. Legal changes to the levels of environmental protection under the action and other risks can perpetuate the issue, leading to impacts remit of the Bill would be subject to consultation and protection on profitability and staff retention. Keeping up with compliance is conferred by the Environment Act 2021. It also said that the essential and not a risk you want to take.

Penny Brinsley

AUGUST 2023

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ADVICE & OPINION

FM CLINIC

There are various processes that can help make compliance easier to manage. For example, a work permit system streamlines the procedure of requesting and obtaining work permits for contractors and building managers. It assists in creating permits, issuing team members with the relevant clearance documents, and attaching requirements for the job such as health and safety qualifications or equipment certifications.

Furthermore, integrating a work permit system with a building’s CAFM software comes with numerous benefits including better workflows and pre-set approvals that guarantee the right sign-offs have taken place before work begins. This ensures accountability at each stage and creates a digital trail that can be easily accessed for regulatory checks.

This end-to-end permit approval and allocation solution helps to keep compliance issues at bay and ensures work permit documentation is organised. Permit applications can include hazards or equipment types, ensuring qualified and accredited contractors and operatives are carrying out the work, therefore maintaining health and safety, and upholding compliance.

A facilities manager can create a permit approval process that suits the needs of the organisation by creating as many stages of approval as necessary for its specific health and safety requirements. This means FMs don’t need a separate system for people carrying out maintenance on their site, saving valuable time and resources while keeping all contractors and building users safe.

When planning maintenance activities for your site through a CAFM-integrated work permit system, data is centralised, ensuring all relevant information is prepared for the necessary work and/or closures. This also enables better health and safety management, as all team members understand the nature of the work that is taking place, what potential precautions are required, and when work permits are needed.

Having an effective health and safety management system in place will serve as protection for building managers and contractors alike and ensure good health and safety precautions at work. Creating a safe space should always be the priority, no matter the law.

THE WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANCY’S VIEW KELLY MANSFIELD, INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE As part of managing the health and safety of your business, you must control the risks in your workplace. To do this you need to think about what might cause harm to people and decide whether you are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm.

According to IOSH, managing safety is not just about complying with the law. A moral responsibility exists because it is not right that people should be harmed by work. Work should be a fulfilling, rewarding and beneficial activity. A financial responsibility exists because accidents and ill health cost money, waste resources, disrupt business and endanger the success of an enterprise. A legal responsibility exists because the moral and financial responsibilities on their own have not always proven to be sufficient to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy.

Risk assessment is a legal requirement in many countries. The current Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that: “Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment… of the risks to the health and safety of his employees, and of the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment.”

Employers have a duty of care to assess risks and control hazards 22

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in their organisations.

Codes of practice give advice on how to comply with legal requirements, how to carry out risk assessments and control risks.

Failure to follow this guidance might make an employer liable to prosecution under current law.

Removing laws essentially takes away the toolkit that guides us in carrying out our health and safety responsibilities. However, organisations have a legal requirement to protect – and that won’t ever go away. No matter what laws are ‘sunsetted’, employers still have to have processes and documents in place to show they’re safe. Indeed, now is a good time to review safety management plans and processes and ensure that both managers and workers are trained and understand their role in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.

Workers need to understand workplace hazards and risks, their impact and how to control them, and the ways in which safety, health and wellbeing are managed and improved within the workplace.

Training is not always about legal responsibility; it offers good practice guidance to help maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

Now is the time to make sure all staff and managers understand their health and safety responsibilities.

Even with the potential loss of health and safety legislation, very little needs to change in the running of the workplace to maintain a healthy and safe workforce. Organisations need to keep doing what they’re doing – and that includes keeping up with training to ensure they’re on top of developments and changes in the workplace.

Training can and should run throughout the organisation – from the workers on the shop floor, dealing with hazards like asbestos, legionella and dangerous substances, to managers across the company, to senior management and directors.

With or without the EU regulations in place, executives and directors retain responsibility for determining and implementing effective safety and health management and monitoring its success.

It’s therefore vital that they understand the key issues in their organisations, and take action.

Kelly Mansf ield

An organisation needs to demonstrate: Strong and active leadership from the top, with visible, active commitment from the Board.

Worker involvement, engaging the workforce in the promotion and achievement of safe and healthy conditions.

Assessment and review, including identifying and managing health and safety risks.

Do you have a question that you’d like answered by the FMJ Clinic?

Email: sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk

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CASE STUDY

ROYAL STOKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

FUELLING FRONTLINE TEAMS Through its innovative partnership with SV365, Sodexo is the first to launch a ready to eat hot and cold range of food 24 hours a day at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. FMJ reports

I

n November 2022 NHS England published its new standards for food & drink in healthcare, eight standards for hospital food for patients, staff and visitors. The standards were developed following the Independent Review of Hospital Food (2020), chaired by Philip Shelley, which set out recommendations and highlighted the need for updated food and drink standards to ensure that patients, staff and visitors have good quality, healthy, nutritious food options, wherever they are in the country.

Explains Simon Lilley, Director of Strategy & Marketing, Health & Care Sodexo UK & Ireland: “We were honoured to have been part of the working group which developed the new National Healthcare Food & Drink Standards and although the focus is rightly on improving the wellbeing and recovery of patients it is 24

AUGUST 2023

just as important to do the same for those caring for them.

“Nutrition is a key part of our expertise, and this new automated retail solution will ensure we can play our part every day, by serving a selection of hot and cold food around the clock for frontline teams, visitors and patients. It also critically builds on our focus of increasing support for SMEs – 57 per cent of the products we buy in the UK are from SMEs, and now through the 24/7 Deli again we are finding another channel for smaller specialist suppliers to work with Sodexo – it’s something we are very proud of.”

All NHS organisations will be legally required to meet these standards as part of the NHS Standard Contract. The focus of these standards is rightly on improving the wellbeing and recovery of patients, and equally as important is to do the same for those caring for them which is why the

new standards also include a requirement for the provision of suitable food and drink solutions for all staff over a 24/7 service period.

ROYAL STOKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL The Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke on Trent is now leading the way in addressing this standard with the introduction of a new 24/7 automated deli solution which is now providing its staff and visitors with a wide selection of fresh, nutritious hot and cold food options throughout the day and night.

The Trust’s catering partner, Sodexo together with unattended retail experts, SV365 Technologies, developed the solution and in late April the new offer went live at the hospital and is proving popular with hospital staff and visitors now having access to fresh, nutritious hot and cold food

FMJ.CO.UK

ROYAL STOKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

For example, they can select the strength of the options throughout the day and night. coffee they choose. The machine also allows the Tim Radcliffe, Net Zero Food Programme customer to use their own cup and has a low Manager for NHS England and Co-Chair of the energy consumption.

Expert Panel focusing on 24/7 feeding for NHS For smoothies and soups customers Staff recently visited Royal Stoke Hospital and Alberts uses robotics technology that said this of the new 24/7 Deli there: “The new prepares popular blends for fresh standards aim to improve the quality, nutritional smoothies, hot soups and vegan value and sustainability of our hospital catering shakes. Customers can choose from services, while also addressing the experience and popular choices or by using Alberts environment in which food is consumed. app they can customise their choice.

“A key imperative is that staff working long, busy The machine uses frozen ingredients shifts in hospitals have access to good quality food which retain the nutrients in the fruit and this new Deli does just that. It has or vegetable and minimises created an oasis area for staff to waste. A unique come and have a sit down at smoothie machine 2am after a busy session enables the to enjoy some delicious One of our key objectives as a customer to choose food and downtime from six popular away from the ward.

Trust is the wellbeing of staff and we flavours or if they It’s fantastic to see know that they have been through a difficult prefer they can create the difference it is number of years, and so one of the key things their own option. making to the team Hot meals are at the hospital.” we want to make sure of is that our staff can available in a matter of access nutritious hot food 24/7, seven days minutes, thanks to the a week throughout the whole of the year CATERING FOR ALL infrared and microwaves and we’ve now got that facility to NEEDS built into the machines.

Among the options available Situated alongside enable that.” are popular items such as the hospital’s restaurant stone-baked pizzas and crispy fries and staff rest area the 24/7 as well as main meals including: Deli offers 55 food items and 15 hot drink items sourced from small and Chicken paella medium enterprises and with sustainability at the Sweet potato and spinach korma centre of the offering.

Smokey chipotle meatballs The hot drink offer is provided by Change Please, Roasted aubergine in creole sauce a social enterprise which invests all of its profits to provide homeless people with housing, training and a living wage. Currently offering 18 options for barista coffee, loose leaf tea and hot chocolate, the customer is able to tailor their drink to their taste.

Jerk chicken with rice & peas Mauritian chicken curry French beef stew

CASE STUDY

The hot meal options are sourced from Field Doctor (Somerset) which provides dietitiandesigned, chef-prepared frozen meals and African and Caribbean specialist meal provider Coco Labelle, with a comprehensive range of popular bakery items supplied by Jake & Nayns.

Also available are sweet and savoury bakery goods and ice desserts. Dishes include allergenfree, healthy choices, halal, vegetarian and vegan options.

The meals on offer can be tailored to suit a hospital’s site population and any particular dietary requirements.

Royal Stoke’s deli is proving popular with 35 per cent of sales occurring during 8pm to 8am and 25 per cent over the traditional lunchtime period of 1-3pm.

Tracy Bullock, CEO of the University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust says: “It’s always great to be the first in the country to do something and we are the first Trust in the country to have these Deli machines.

“One of our key objectives as a Trust is the wellbeing of staff and we know that they have been through a difficult number of years, and so one of the key things we want to make sure of is that our staff can access nutritious hot food 24/7, seven days a week throughout the whole of the year and we’ve now got that facility to enable that.

“I’ve received very positive feedback in terms of the quality of the food, it does come out piping hot and staff are pleased with it.”

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY The Deli is the first of its kind in the UK and was invented by SV365 Technologies, which aims to support small to medium enterprises, cut costs for consumers, and to reduce waste.

Using cutting edge technology the Deli provides an automatic food court that can be left unattended and with one stylish unit housing the AUGUST 2023

25

CASE STUDY

ROYAL STOKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

seven machines the Deli helps provide a relaxing environment for hospital staff and visitors to take a break and refuel.

SV365 provide a fully managed service to Sodexo and the Trust which includes the supply and fill of all products, stock management, cleaning and maintenance, technical support and waste removal.

The suppliers deliver the products to a central hub which is then transported to

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AUGUST 2023

convenient and accessible way to purchase the hospital, this reduces the number of fresh food & drinks. The 24/7 Deli provides deliveries being made to the busy hospital nutritionally balanced food choices which site. meet or exceed NHS nutritional standards The new automated retail solution whilst tasting great.” not only enhances customer Sodexo Health & Care provides some 5.2 choice and improves the million meals a year across 53 hospitals. food options available It continuously reviews and evolve throughout the day, The new automated retail solution its offers to support NHS Trusts and but it supports not only enhances customer choice other healthcare providers meet the requirement the new standards. for hospitals and improves the food options available Sodexo is the first provider to provide 24 throughout the day, but it supports the in the UK to offer this groundhours access requirement for hospitals to provide 24 breaking automated retail to nutritious hours access to nutritious food and drink solution and is looking forward to food and drink sharing its success with other NHS as mandated in as mandated in the new National Trusts. the new National Healthcare Food & Drink Healthcare Food Standards...” & Drink Standards published in November 2022.

USEFUL LINKS Walter Gill is the Co-Founder of SV365 Technologies, said: “We are thrilled Royal Stoke Hospital 24/7 Deli: https://youtu. that our 24/7 Deli is the first to be rolled out be/5TybGO1utt8 in the healthcare sector in 2023. Over the National Standards for Healthcare Food & drink years we have scoured the world finding https://bit.ly/3rzRPB9 the newest, most exciting technologies Change Please: https://changeplease.org/ to deliver the best quality automated Alberts: https://alberts.be/en-gb/home/ food solutions for our partners. Our team Field Doctor: https://www.fielddoctor.co.uk/ has worked tirelessly to ensure that it is Coco Labelle: the market leader in automated retail https://feast-it.com/suppliers/coco-labelle technology, providing customers with a Jake & Nayns: https://jakeandnayns.com/

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FOCUS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

operation, we’re proud to boast one of the largest pure electric fleets in the UK.

DRIVING CUSTOMER SUCCESS Our decarbonisation success doesn’t stop at our own operations, as our expertise and experience help to support and progress our customers’ own net zero strategies too.

Mitie was the first FM company to commit to reaching scope 1 & 2 net zero by 2025 through our ‘Mitie Plan Zero’ initiative, which also pledges to support our customers in achieving their own decarbonisation strategies. For many of our customers, this includes supporting them to roll out EVs across their own fleets through our Plan Zero Transport Consultancy team. In fact, our EV roll-out capabilities are now an integral part of almost all carbon reduction opportunities we present to our customers.

THE NEED FOR ROBUST INFRASTRUCTURE

AN ELECTRIFYING

JOURNEY

Heidi Thompson, Group Fleet Manager describes how Mitie is accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles in its bid to go fully electric by the end of 2025

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or many organisations striving for net zero, electric vehicles (EVs) are an essential part of reaching this goal.

At Mitie, our fleet accounts for over 90 per cent of our overall scope 1 and 2 emissions, so targeting carbon our vehicles create is crucial to reducing our environmental impact. We have made great strides so far, with the introduction of thousands of EVs to our operations up and down the country, meaning 50 per cent of our fleet is now electric. We also have decarbonisation experts to hand to navigate any challenges to ensure we

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remain on track to achieve a fully electric fleet in a matter of years.

ACCELERATING OUR ELECTRIFICATION Our EV journey started in 2018 and has progressed at pace since then, in our bid to go fully electric by the end of 2025. Every journey our colleagues make behind the wheel of an EV can make a difference. That’s why our EVs are used right across our estate, from our mobile engineers driving between jobs, to our security vehicles on patrol and our many company cars. With more than 3,500 electric-powered vehicles now in

While we’re proud of the speed and scale of our EV roll-out so far, its success relies heavily on the infrastructure we have in place to support this widespread change.

Operating one of the largest EV fleets in the UK requires significant investment in infrastructure, especially in the face of the limited initial set-up in place when we started our journey.

Recognising the need for a robust charging network to support our own and customers’ EV roll-out, Rock Power Connections, Mitie’s high-voltage connections business, is on hand to provide this specialist support.

With Rock we’ve now installed over 2,800 EV charging stations across our customer’s sites and colleagues’ homes. As the demand for electric vehicles increases, the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure is needed to keep up. Through this proactive approach, we’re driving this expansion by installing charges at both work places and depots for customers, and by connecting super hubs and ultra-rapid charging stations across the UK.

LEADING THE CHARGE With over 50 per cent of our fleet now made up of EVs, putting us on track to become fully electric by 2025, our electrification journey will have an important impact on Mitie’s overall carbon footprint. Outside of our own business, there is a real opportunity to make great strides in decarbonisation with the early adoption of EVs, as organisations of all sizes strive towards ambitious net zero goals. By pioneering fleet electrification and engraining it into the fabrics of our business, we are actively driving corporate responsibility and helping accelerate the transition to a greener future for ourselves, and our customers.

FMJ.CO.UK

FLEET MANAGEMENT

FOCUS

HIGHLY CHARGED Electrifying the fleet is high on the agenda for most FMs. But what do you do if your sites can’t support the new charging infrastructure needed? Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, explains some of the options available

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acilities managers are increasingly expected to be experts in new areas. First it was fleet management, now it is energy management - and these two spheres converge in electric vehicles (EVs).

The first phase of EV adoption was relatively straightforward as most commercial premises only required a few EV chargers. However, as we move into the mass adoption phase, sites will have to install more infrastructure to support the transition.

This would not be an issue if we had a grid prepared for wholescale electrification. Instead, we have a grid that is getting better, but in many areas is simply not ready for the big switch to EVs.

EXPENSIVE CHOICES EV chargers are high load items – they draw down a lot of power from the grid and this obviously rises with each additional charger you install. Many commercial buildings share a grid connection, and to ensure that everyone gets a fair share, the distribution network operator (DNO) sets a limit on how much electricity you can draw down. This is known as your maximum import capacity (MIC), or your kVA allowance. Install too many EV chargers and you will breach your MIC, resulting in surcharges on your energy bills.

If you are lucky, there might be some headroom in your shared connection, and you can pay your DNO to secure it for your business. But in many cases, it either doesn’t exist or has already been grabbed by one of your neighbours. In this instance, if you want more energy, you’re going to have to pay your DNO to upgrade your connection – this is a big capital expenditure and at present has a long lead time due to high demand.

AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE An affordable alternative to a DNO upgrade, or paying MIC excess charges, is to install a battery energy storage system (BESS). These systems are containerised battery packs designed to act as energy reservoirs. They draw down power during quiet periods – ideally overnight when energy is cheaper – and provide it during periods of peak demand.

If you have rooftop solar arrays, a BESS can also help improve the return on investment by ensuring renewable energy is not wasted. If you produce more than you use, the BESS can store that energy for when it is needed. This can help you meet your

sustainability goals as well as helping to further reduce energy bills.

If sustainability is a high priority for your organisation, think carefully about what type of BESS you buy. Many use new lithium batteries, with all the environmental impact that entails. However, some companies are now offering BESS using second life batteries, which is much more environmentally friendly.

Connected Energy takes batteries from end-of-life electric vans and gives them a second life in a BESS. These batteries typically still have up to 80 per cent of their energy storage capabilities so are ideal for this application and should still last more than 10 years.

In this way, the batteries from yesterday’s EVs can help you power your EV fleet of tomorrow.

CASE STUDY: NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL North Tyneside Council is revitalising its Killingworth site depot, in a multi-million-pound project supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The depot – which is home to around 1,000 council staff and partners - now includes a solar PV array and car ports delivering 700 kilowatts at peak generating around 600,00kW/h of electricity per annum. There are also more than 40 electric vehicle (EV) chargers being installed in the coming months, which will increase as the authority

transitions a significant part of its fleet to EV over the next few years.

Connected Energy installed its E-STOR battery energy storage system at Killingworth to help optimise its solar energy and support EV charging.

Ian Lillie, Strategic Facilities Manager for North Tyneside Council, with responsibility for the depot, said: “Since installing and commissioning the PV array in February 2023 we have already generated over 100,000kW of green energy. However, we’ve had to give back over 20,000kW to the grid because we can’t store it.

“By using Connected Energy’s battery energy storage system, we can capture that energy and use it to charge our electric vans and indeed the buildings on site overnight. And in the winter, we can use E-STOR to store energy from the grid on lower tariffs at night, to use during the day. The combination of solar and BESS should significantly reduce our electricity bills while also cutting carbon emissions from our energy consumption.

“E-STOR repurposes batteries from end-of-life electric vans, so the ability to power the vans of the future using batteries from the vans of the past was a compelling argument for us. On top of that, the scalability of the E-STOR solution means we can ramp up our use of BESS on site as the Council expands its own EV fleet.”

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FOCUS

FLOORING

FUTURE OF FLOORS Flooring maintenance and upkeep often requires a labour-intensive approach. Stefano Bensi, General Manager SoftBank Robotics EMEA explains how floors can be kept clean and in good condition through the use of collaborative robotics

A

n under-appreciated but crucial aspect of facilities management is the upkeep and maintenance of flooring.

It’s a part of a building that can make or break the space. Although it’s not the first thing an employee or visitor sees, it’s the first physical contact someone will have with the building. The bad news is that where there is repeated high footfall across large surfaces areas, such as offices or hospitality venues, floors need to be maintained regularly and often by hand.

For facilities managers, this represents a time and labour-intensive task, not made easier by the current staffing challenges sweeping through service industries.

As recently as May, the British Cleaning Council Chairman Jim Melvin accused the government of “once again ignoring the million-plus vacancies that cannot be filled”.

One consequence of these staffing shortages is underservicing, or not completing floor maintenance to a satisfactory standard, and this can lead to damage, negative health effects for occupiers and higher spending. For example, replacing just one square footage of flooring can cost anywhere upwards of £80 for a low-tomedium specification of carpet.

So, what can facilities management teams do about it? As is the case with most other

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industries, it’s becoming impossible to ignore the impact and potential of technology to transform cleaning services. Innovations in so-called “smart” technology, such as robotics, AI, and the internet of things, have the potential to increase efficiencies, provide a whole new level of accuracy and robustness to decision-making, and support staff to a greater extent.

Last year, in a SoftBank Robotics survey of facilities management professionals, 79 per cent agreed that real-time data from smart technology solutions was important for measuring cleaning services, despite nearly one in three (30 per cent) claiming they lacked the knowledge of what’s available in the market.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS Sound carpet cleanliness and upkeep brings with it an investment of longevity, durability and cleanliness, so extending the lifespan and timeliness of any replacement. Soil and dirt can damage carpet fibre and, if left for enough time, will eventually bring the useful life of the carpet to an untimely demise, resulting in extra labour, costing and materials.

That’s not all. Businesses also need to consider that a clean floor contributes directly to the health, comfort, and

happiness of occupants. Carpets do a great job of acting as a filter, trapping damaging air pollutants such as pollen fungi, chemicals, bacteria, and other residues.

When there’s insufficient vacuuming, however, these substances and pollutants can build up, which is bad news for people with asthma, other allergies, eczema and susceptible to rhinitis. This can also lead to poorer air quality, a particularly worrying outcome now that organisations are working hard to make their indoor environments safer considering what we know about the dangers of virus transmission since the onset of COVID-19.

Alongside creating a healthier environment, flooring can enhance the guest or employee experience. A well-maintained carpet enhances insulation and comfort, ensuring people have an optimal working environment. One Harvard study, published in 2021, found that poor air quality may even diminish people’s cognition and productivity.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT As businesses move ahead with more environmentally conscious practices, it’s important to remember that underservicing carpet over time will result in the need to refurbish, repair, or replace with greater frequency. Each of these acts has its own associated environmental impact to some degree, meaning flooring upkeep is an integral part of any sustainability strategy or commitments.

In 2021, the carpet industry was valued as a £199 million industry, with UK manufacturers selling an estimated £645 million worth of tufted textile floor coverings. It’s suggested that the driving force behind this upwardly growing industry is the continuous need for replacement and refurbishment of flooring, resulting in around 130,000 tonnes of carpet incinerated annually. With the consideration of just how much we interact with carpet on a day-to-day basis, there is significant foot traffic across offices and public spaces that they’re within. These statistics reflect the need for meaningful action to preserve carpeting with sound and thorough cleaning.

FMJ.CO.UK

FLOORING

FOCUS

TAKING A STAND Richard O’Connor from First Mats explains why standing too long causes more than just sore feet, and how Anti-Fatigue Mats work to alleviate the problem

THE SMART AGE That’s where technology comes in. AI-based technology shouldn’t be feared. Collaborative robots (cobots) are described as such because they exist to support the teams that deploy them and they do this by taking responsibility for the time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks, such as vacuuming large floor surface areas.

Generally, cobots undertake the monotonous, dirty, or hazardous stuff. Clearly, during a time when teams are understaffed, the technology will help fill those gaps by allowing cleaners to do more in a shorter space of time. What’s more, it frees them up to concentrate on higher value or more specialised tasks they know are important to the client and ensure a higher level of quality control across the operation. Importantly, cleaners still play a crucial role in the operation of these cobots by helping them learn the routes, recharging their batteries, emptying them when they are full and aiding them if they get stuck.

As AI gets smarter, those in charge of cleaning operations must also consider the extent to which data can improve floor maintenance and upkeep. Cobots can be connected to a SaaS application that handles cleaning data. This integration captures each commercial robot vacuum’s coverage and runtime, plus identifies and reminds users of regular maintenance needs for peak performance. Through the data collection dashboard, users can provide employees and guests visibility into cleaning operation and confidence in the health and safety of their surroundings. The reporting features track business goals and provide actionable suggestions to get the most out of the cobot. The combination of telemetry with data analytics, machine learning, and a responsive user experience supports users in better managing their environments and quantifying robotics’ value to their workplaces.

Businesses are starting to embrace advancing technologies as a viable solution. Indeed, the market for collaborative robots reflects the growing successful integration into businesses, with the market share expected to expand annually an estimated 32 per cent, from 2023 to 2030. The bottom line is that keeping flooring in good condition is crucial but a growing challenge during this period of staffing shortages, with teams being stretched further and further, and technology presents an incredible opportunity to forge a path forward.

I

f you’re one of the 11 million people in the UK(i) who spend most of their working day on their feet, you’ll be all too familiar with the aches and pains standing can cause. Extended periods of standing increases pressure on joints and muscles, eventually causing Musculoskeletal Conditions (MSDs), affecting over 470,000 people in the UK. These pains, combined with reduced blood circulation, lead to feelings of fatigue, reducing wellbeing and productivity.

Anti-fatigue mats address this issue by inducing micro-movements in leg muscles through their cushioned surface, promoting blood flow and reducing muscle stiffness. The cushioning nature of these mats relieves pressure on the knees and back and creates a slight instability that prompts the leg muscles to adjust constantly. This continuous adjustment is crucial for blood circulation, as the leg muscle contractions pump blood back to the heart.

When standing still, the calf muscles do not contract and relax as they do during walking, leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs, and consequently causing discomfort and fatigue.

Additionally, the cushioning effect of anti-fatigue mats leads to natural, frequent changes in standing position, ensuring even weight distribution between both feet, improving posture and minimising joint and muscle pain. Furthermore, the soft surface of anti-fatigue mats presents a warmer alternative to cold hard floors. A cold floor can lower body temperature, making the heart work harder to maintain warmth.

Anti-Fatigue Mat Studies,(ii) including one conducted at the Center for Ergonomics at the University of Michigan, validate their efficiency. This study, in particular, concluded that workers who used anti-fatigue mats reduced their fatigue and discomfort by up to 50 per cent.

Material selection is an essential aspect of

anti-fatigue mats. Natural rubber, vinyl, PVC, polyurethane, and foam are common materials.

Foam-based mats are ideal for dry areas and light to medium-duty applications. Rubber mats are recommended for areas with heavy machinery. Vinyltopped mats, which consist of a foam centre and a vinyl surface, are also suitable for heavy-duty areas.

While one might assume that thicker mats are more effective, this is not always true. An optimal balance between softness and stability is necessary.

The commonly used 9mm thickness is suitable for medium-duty and continuous-use applications.

Heavy-duty applications may require thicknesses ranging from 10mm to 14mm.

Studies have also shown that businesses using anti-fatigue mats report improved productivity and staff wellbeing while reducing absenteeism. For this reason, anti-fatigue mats should be seen as an investment for workers who spend most of the working day on their feet. (i) www.safeworkers.co.uk/health-wellbeing/standing-for-long-periods (ii) www.firstmats.co.uk/blogs/buying-guides/what-are-anti-fatigue-mats

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FOCUS

INTERVIEW

BROADER REACH Craig McGilvray, Managing Director, Amey Complex Facilities explains to Sara Bean how a change of ownership offers the asset and FM services provider the opportunity to broaden its reach

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t’s been an eventful few years since Craig McGilvray became Managing Director for Amey Secure Infrastructure (now Complex Facilities) in early 2020. Just six weeks after his appointment came the pandemic, in 2021 he oversaw the divestment of the critical infrastructure provider’s legacy utilities business and early this year, Amey UK completed its sale to UK investment firms One Equity Partner and Buckthorn Partners in a deal worth £400 million.

McGilvray however is unfazed by the changes and excited about the opportunities the new ownership presents. This is perhaps not surprising given his considerable experience in senior financial and commercial management roles within the facilities management and utilities sectors. He joined M&E business Stiell as Group Finance Director in 1996, and following its sale to Alfred McAlpine in 2002, moved into the Managing Director role for the Business Services Division, which he ran from 2004 to 2008 when it was taken over by Carillion.

After a few years running the Emprise cleaning business in London, in 2014 he joined Balfour Beatty as MD of its Gas and Water Division, which delivered engineering and project services to major UK and Irish utilities. He was appointed MD of Amey Infrastructure Services in 2020 with the remit of helping ensure the business was readied for sale by its Spanish owners Ferrovial.

COMPLEX FM Speaking of the deal, which was finalised in January, McGilvray says: “Amey is a very high-quality brand and I think it’s got a positive culture.

The problem was that under the previous ownership it was very risk averse, and the business wasn’t growing, so the biggest change is that the new owners are ambitious, they want the business to return to growth and want to expand the customer base.”

This current portfolio requires the delivery of asset and facilities management services for clients operating in complex environments – including defence, justice, education, and health across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This encompasses around 155 schools and colleges, 18,000 military homes and 60 prisons. Amey Complex Facilities is also one of the UK’s core defence contractors, maintains NHS estates for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, and runs a number of workplaces for public sector organisations including National Highways, The UK Hydrographic Office, and local authorities.

Says McGilvray: “While Amey deep down feels similar to some degree to previously, it’s clear that the new investors want to do more for a wider set of customers.

Following the collapse of Carillion, the Carillion-Amey venture ended up in my business and therefore it was dominated by defence. Our second largest activity was in the prison service, so the focus was entirely on the public sector, and we thought our selling points were working in 32

AUGUST 2023

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FMJ.CO.UK

INTERVIEW

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that kind of environment.”

The new owners want to look at a broader customer set, so amid discussions about seeking business to business rather than exclusively concentrating on business to government came the name change from Amey Secure Infrastructure to Complex Facilities. According to McGilvray, the new name gives them access to a much broader area to work with.

He explains: “Our thinking is that it is not just us that carry out complex engineering solutions, but our customer estates are complex to manage and work for, so we thought it was a name which was selfexplanatory, one that is broader than secure infrastructure and reflects the fact that we have customers who have complex needs that play to our skills.”

GOING FOR GROWTH Over the past few months, the firm has had a lot of successes on the public sector project framework side, where McGilvray remarks they have the pedigree to present an offering that is compelling for its customers. “We haven’t achieved this yet in the FM side but there is plenty of opportunity ahead of us in this market.”

Within the private sector, while he can’t envisage landing contracts within for example financial services, he’s positive about the contribution Amey could make in areas like logistics and warehousing, which are entirely dependent on the M&E services to run efficiently, and which need help in transitioning into more energy efficient sources such as renewables.

Regarding the public sector, he says: “We’re living in a very long shadow of the pandemic and while it has allowed more flexibility and ways of working, the public sector is still trying to figure out where and how their workforces will want to operate in the future. Given the impact of the cost-ofliving crisis, the other challenge is money.

Value for money was always important for the public sector customer, but the need to do more for less may make them take decisions faster than previously.

“Currently, we’re working collaboratively with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and our supply chain to create workplaces that will encourage people back in to public buildings.

“Then there

is meeting the net carbon challenge. Here you can spend a lot of time thinking and talking - so I got to the point of saying ‘let’s pick a school and go in and see what we can actually do’.”

The Amey team carried out a full analysis of what to do with the chosen school’s building infrastructure to help with the decarbonise process, with the purpose of creating a menu set that can be applied across the entire education estate.

“We first looked at the cost-free options.

You can save about 10 per cent of energy bills by spending no money then look at swapping off older kit, not because it doesn’t work but because it’s energy inefficient.

Then you move to the harder things like getting rid of gas heating which is a longer-term goal.”

The new owners want to look at a broader customer set, so amid discussions about seeking business to business rather than exclusively concentrating on business to government came the name change from Amey Secure Infrastructure to Complex Facilities.

According to McGilvray, the new name gives them access to a much broader area to work with.”

ESG As a group Amey has stated that its greatest priorities are to meet net zero targets, energy transition, and continue to develop its ESG programme to achieve social value. One of the ways to achieve this is by supporting regional and local supply chain AUGUST 2023

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INNOVATION

We’ve got the in-house consultancy skills to continually improve performance. Everything I see comes down to the data we have and using the data we gather to manage buildings better.

The challenge is in taking out the noise of the data and getting to the bits you want to see underneath...” partners, which account for around 70 per cent of Complex Services spend.

Explains McGilvray: “It’s not only our obligation to government to support the supply chain but because we want the work to go locally to wherever the contractors are based.

“The other part of it is helping those in the supply chain to become better businesses.

For example, we’ve launched an information campaign on the safe use of ladders and working at heights, which is the sort of thing we can do to help them manage the risks by both holding them to account and hopefully helping to develop their resources.”

Within the business, meeting net zero revolves mainly around the fleet, including a company car policy which enables staff to go electric as well as looking at ways of transitioning the firm’s maintenance fleet to Electric vehicles (EV). However, most of McGilvrays focus is in the client space, from encouraging schools to do LED lighting swap-outs that pay back in about four or five years to employing the latest tech to measure emissions.

“The next step is to carry out an analysis 34

AUGUST 2023

of where the energy is being used,” says McGilvray. “This is mostly focused on the M&E issues in a building, and we’ve got drone cameras on trial to help carry out external audits of buildings. But I believe it’s also about challenging user behaviour, like encouraging clients to turn down the heat by two degrees, ensuring doors are closed and assets are switched off if they’re not needed.”

“We’ve got the in-house consultancy skills to continually improve performance.

Everything I see comes down to the data we have and using the data we gather to manage buildings better.

“The challenge is in taking out the noise of the data and getting to the bits you want to see underneath. We have our own data analytic teams who aren’t just theorists because I need to deliver it once they come up with the solutions they think will work for us.

“This combination of the thinking and the doing means we’ve got the in-house data analytic capabilities where we can look at an issue and say ‘how can we solve this problem together?’”

Facilities management providers are often challenged to deliver innovation in contracts, but many complain that clients are unclear on what innovation looks like in practice.

Says McGilvray: “Often our customers can spend a lot of time deciding what they want to procure, but by the time they finalise the contract their world has moved on.

“While the length of a contract is important - it’s the over specification of the detail rather than the desired outcomes which are often a mistake. During my years in the water sector they engaged in the conversation earlier and adjusted what was happening, which in some cases meant dropping a project entirely if it was decided it would bring little of benefit.”

He adds he’d like to see more engaging of the supply chain at the beginning of a process affording both parties the opportunity to have ‘grown up conversations’ on what can really be achieve. Meanwhile within the existing portfolio McGilvray says he’s a great fan of pilots - so alongside the school’s projects, the team is currently focusing on a single prison as a test bed to see what can be done to improve performance.

When it comes to meeting net zero targets and advancing the social value agenda he explains: “We’ve been developing a rehabilitation programme in the prison service teaching offenders’ trades and offering them life skills they can use post release; we’ve a social enterprise in the defence sector to give spouses of service people more support and in the education sector we’ve followed up the Kick Start programme with Headstart - the UKs first contractor-led adaptation of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP)’s Kickstart programme which supports young people in to work, and have also started discussions around a programme which will encourage over 50s back in to employment.

“For us social value means not just fixing the building but having a positive impact on the communities that use the buildings as well. To help achieve that I’d like some new customers as well, which will enable us to achieve more, give staff additional career opportunities and invest further in social value.

“Ultimately we want to create a sustainable future for our people, our clients, and the wider environment.”

FMJ.CO.UK

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

FOCUS

CLOUDED JUDGEMENT? Dick Kronman, Global Solution Technology Manager, Digital Systems at ABB, on why some FMs are still reluctant to embrace the cloud and puts the record straight about the most common myths and barriers to implementation

C

loud computing – essentially, the act of storing and accessing all your data, applications and infrastructure over the Internet as opposed to a physical hard drive – can have a transformative effect on the efficacy of modern facilities management.

Fundamentally, by moving an FM application to the cloud, your data can be accessed remotely, in real-time, anywhere in the world. This makes it easier to manage facilities and work orders across multiple locations and support the needs of an increasingly dynamic and mobile workforce by ensuring that everyone has access to the latest information.

Also, cloud software, because it is virtually based, drastically reduces the number and type of expensive hardware devices needed on site, meaning less to install, update and maintain, along with significantly lower electricity bills.

Through the ability to access real-time data, a cloud-based approach empowers FMs to make better-informed decisions about energy use and emissions. More so, as more key applications such as lighting, HVAC and security become digitalised, the visibility afforded by a cloud approach ensures FMs are able to embrace the full benefits of each technology.

Yet the pace and scale of cloud adoption within the FM sector remains limited. The fact is even in asset-intensive industries a large majority of FMs are still trying to make do with outdated, legacy IT infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose – but why?

CASE FOR THE CLOUD The first challenge to face is demonstrating the business case and return on investment for migrating to the cloud. All too often there seems to be a misunderstanding about how critical the cloud is to meet today’s facilities demands.

Some businesses may think that the cloud is ‘just

another fad’ and won’t last. There may also be a misconception that migrating to the cloud can be hugely expensive.

That is not our experience; cloud adoption continues to see exponential growth as it becomes more widely recognised as the ultimate cost-saving technology to tackle high energy costs and achieve net zero targets. In this way, even though the initial investment may seem significant it will pay for itself virtually overnight by making operations much more efficient, reducing downtime and enabling the same equipment to give more output using the same – or less – energy.

MAINTAINING BUSINESS OPERATIONS Another common misconception is that cloud migration is hugely complex and entails lots of costly disruption.

The reality, however, is that the longest part of any migration activity is usually the planning stage – reviewing existing infrastructure, robust testing and preparing employees and end-users. More so, a good migration partner will work with you to assess your exact needs and help map out a complete migration plan to ensure you understand how your new infrastructure will run, and give your team the chance to learn how to use it before going live.

So long as it is well planned, it’s possible to conduct a ‘lift and shift’ model where the migration takes place behind the scenes over a period of a few weeks while maintaining business-as-usual operations.

CREATING TRUST IN THE CLOUD Security is often listed as another concern for companies considering cloud adoption. As data breaches and information hacks continue to rise, there appears to be a belief that data is more secure if it’s on the premises. However, this is far from accurate.

The reality is that both hardware and cloud-

based solutions have vulnerabilities. However, the difference with dealing with cloud providers is the protection of both the infrastructure and the cloud services is priority one and their capital investment belongs to it. Not only will they have invested heavily in the latest security research and innovation, but FMs can rest assured of having the top IT security talent to work solely on keeping their data secure.

It is also important to note that the cloud can be audited, updated, and secured much easier and quicker than physical infrastructure.

CLOUD CONTROL There is also a misplaced view that the cloud limits control because if something is in the cloud and they can’t physically see it, they may not be able to access it whenever the need arises.

The reality is quite the opposite. At ABB, our Digital Systems team is able to develop bespoke, future-orientated cloud solutions for various electrification processes and infrastructure segments designed to drive a new era of modern facilities management.

Through an intuitive, custom-built interface, these solutions enable FMs to access, view and control data on multiple facilities and devices, both locally and globally, whenever they need it and from anywhere. Everything from energy performance through to environmental properties of facilities can be viewed and monitored in real-time, enabling in-depth analysis and better strategic decisions. In addition, predictive maintenance features can help to identify and address problems early before they become a more serious issue.

Through better control of energy usage alone, this approach can help FMs save hundreds of thousands of kilowatt hours per year and shrink their carbon footprint while preparing for almost every eventuality – all without even having to step foot on site.

AUGUST 2023

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MONTH IN FM

BEAT THE HEAT ON SITE Snickers Workwear Summerwear - long-lasting, innovative fabrics for comfort, sustainability and longevity.

Clothes change as the seasons do. That’s why Snickers Workwear’s summer working clothes for professional tradesmen and women combine superior comfort and protection for beating the heat on site.

This summer’s LITEWork range combines all the features of highperformance sportswear.

Its 37.5® Technology fabric technology is quick-drying and functional as well as providing UPF 40+sun protection. It’s also longer-lasting than other comparable workwear making it a sensible, sustainable choice.

There’s also new Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, and Jackets and High-Vis summer clothes with new styles and stretch features for enhanced freedom of movement, including trousers that feature the bio-based Sorona® fibre for a more sustainable fit on site.

But for the ultimate in working comfort, durability and ventilation, check out the LiteWork garments for precisely the right clothes to fit your workday in summer.

NON-CORROSIVE BATTENS FROM KNIGHTSBRIDGE PROVIDE PERFORMANCE The new Torlan suite of LED battens from Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wiring accessories and lighting – provides a non-corrosive, energy efficient and high performance lighting solution for a wide range of applications ranging from residential to agricultural and industrial.

As the heart of the Torlan collection is TorlanComm. Suitable for indoor and outdoor commercial applications, TorlanComm comes in two versions, CCT adjustable and Digital Addressable Lightning Interface (DALI) CCT; three colour temperatures and a huge choice of wattages.

Either side of the TorlanComm sit the TorlanEco and the TorlanPro. TorlanEco is a cost-effective IP65 and IK06 rated budget LED batten suitable for indoor and outdoor applications in residential and commercial premises.

With tool-free cable termination and fast-fix fittings, it is easy to install on walls or ceilings, and comes in three lengths, three wattages (depending on length) and two colour temperatures – 4000K (cool white) and 5700K (daylight).

Designed for the toughest of environments such as farms and other extreme applications that demand robust, dust and watertight, impact-resistant lighting, the heavy-duty TorlanPro is a simple but effective LED batten offering contractorfriendly fast-fit electrical connection without opening the luminaire, easy operation and high levels of illumination. For suspension use only, TorlanPro is also IP69K waterproof as standard and high impact-resistant to IK08.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk/products/litework

www.mlaccessories.co.uk

sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

01582 887760

01484 854788

TESTED & APPROVED: REFORMULATED DULUX TRADE DIAMOND MATT EXTENDING LIFECYCLES AND IMPROVING SUSTAINABILITY

AHU EVAPORATIVE COOLING CPD

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt has been reformulated in line with customer feedback to deliver durability and improved sustainability credentials, helping the industry move towards a more sustainable future. Architects and specifiers can be confident that Dulux Trade Diamond Matt meets key industry standards and will provide their clients with quality results for years to come.

Designed for high traffic areas, the new formula will help extend maintenance cycles further with walls that stay looking newer and cleaner for longer. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt delivers ultimate durability and is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt can therefore be repeatedly cleaned and scrubbed, ensuring that unwanted stains can be easily removed without damaging the paint film on the wall.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt also delivers great opacity and is now available in 150 additional extra deep colours.

In a recent survey, 71% of professional decorators said their clients now regularly request sustainable paint options. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is 99.9% VOC (volatile organic compound) free, so it has lower impact on indoor air quality and the overall carbon footprint of a project when compared with the previous formulation.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is also compliant with green building accreditations BREEAM, LEED and WELL.

Condair is pleased to offer a CIBSE-approved CPD seminar on "Using humidifiers for evaporative cooling in AHUs". The 45-minute presentation includes training on the psychrometrics of evaporative cooling, a review of the three main AHU strategies (direct, indirect and exhaust-air indirect), analysis of three real-life case studies that employed these cooling strategies, and a comparison of the latest adiabatic humidifiers.

Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Director, commented: “A single adiabatic humidifier can provide up to 680kW of evaporative cooling to an AHU from as little as 0.3kW of consumed electrical energy. Their potential for delivering low energy cooling to an air handling unit is great and we frequently see this application being employed in modern AHU designs. This CPD is an invaluable chance for consultants and building designers to explore how humidifiers can be used in AHUs to take advantage of this low energy cooling method. The case studies detailed in the session provide a clear understanding, beyond the theory and physics, of the actual energy savings that can be enjoyed.”

The seminar has been developed specifically for mechanical engineers and consultants, and is CIBSE-approved. All attendees will receive CIBSE points towards their CPD record.

The presentation can be given in-house at a recipient’s office or online via a webinar platform. Bookings can be requested at (www.condair.co.uk/CPD.)

http://www.duluxtrade.co.uk/diamondmatt

www.condair.co.uk uk.sales@condair.com

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AUGUST 2023

01903 850 200

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

THE ESSITY GROUP WINS ANOTHER ECOVADIS AWARD FOR ITS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE Essity group, a leader in hygiene and health, has been awarded the platinum medal for the 3rd time by EcoVadis, the world leader in evaluating and improving companies' CSR performance.

This result places Essity in the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis for their sustainable development performance. To help the group achieve its performance targets, Tork, its professional hygiene brand, supports and assists professionals with its innovative, environmentally-friendly hygiene products and solutions, thereby helping to raise hygiene and health standards in establishments.

Essity received 78 points out of a maximum of 100 points in this year’s rating, which means that the company is among the 99th percentile of companies assessed. This is the third rating since 2020 that Essity has received a Platinum medal from EcoVadis.

This year’s index is based on the sustainability

performance data derived from more than 62,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis between 2018 and 2022 across four themes:

Environment Labour & Human Rights Ethics

says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity.

EcoVadis is a well-renowned sustainability rating index, analysis and collaborative performance improvement tool and Essity frequently shares the results and insights with customers globally.

EcoVadis’ sustainability scorecards provide detailed insight into the environment as well as social and ethical risks in companies across more than 200 industries and 175 countries.

Sustainable Procurement As a global hygiene and health company providing products and solutions to more than a billion people every day, Essity is committed to responsible business practices throughout our value chain. “We are proud to receive the Platinum EcoVadis medal once again since it recognises this commitment,”

https://www.essity.com/

KÄRCHER PROFESSIONAL UK LAUNCHES USED EQUIPMENT SERVICE Kärcher Professional UK is delighted to announce the launch of Kärcher Used, which offers expertly refurbished professional cleaning machines for sale, all backed up by a Kärcher used equipment warranty.

Kärcher Used provides a cost-effective, sustainable solution for businesses looking to

purchase quality commercial cleaning equipment on a budget. The service offers a wide range of preowned professional equipment, from scrubber dryers to pressure washers, vacuums to floor sweepers, all refurbished by Kärcher engineers and delivered free to anywhere in mainland UK with a Kärcher warranty.

Driven by Kärcher Professional’s purpose ‘renew to sustain’, Kärcher Used gives the cleaning machines a second life, rather than being scrapped.

Refurbished by Kärcher’s own, specially trained team of engineers, the equipment is suitable for a range of industries from factories and warehouses to supermarkets and offices – any commercial space that requires cleaning.

Paul Bensley, Sales Director at Kärcher UK said: “We are proud to announce the launch of Kärcher Used and delighted to provide customers with a new route to quality cleaning equipment. In keeping with our company purpose, this new service offering lives up to our efforts to make a powerful impact towards a cleaner world.

Pre-owned Kärcher equipment still has plenty of cleaning left in it, particularly post-refurbishment, and it’s important to recognise and release this value. We do hope customers take full advantage of Kärcher Used and find it to be a genuinely useful facility.”

For more information, visit https://karcherused.co.uk

https://karcherused.co.uk kue.uk@karcher.com 01295 752 190 AUGUST 2023

37

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MONTH IN FM

NEXT GENERATION ‘FLEXSTEP’ PLATFORM LIFT IS LAUNCHED

WOODFORD RENEWABLES & SMARTTECH LAUNCHES INNOVATION HUB

The Platform Lift Company announces to UK specifiers and architects the arrival of the newly enhanced FlexStep complete with an automatic onboard barrier feature.

FlexStep is a 2-in-1 platform lift providing both stairs and a stairlift to customers needing a space saving alternative access solution.

The Danish manufacturer Liftup has now developed the product by incorporating an automatic onboard barrier combined with an active ramp to create the ultimate user experience.

Existing customers of the FlexStep can also benefit from this new feature which can be retrofitted. The Platform Lift Company qualified engineers can fit the automatic onboard barrier and ramp to an already installed FlexStep. An automatic onboard barrier is suitable for models that have four, five or six steps.

The Platform Lift Company is a certified distributor and provider of parts and technical training for Liftup in the UK. Orders for the automatic onboard barrier for new and existing FlexStep models can be placed from today.

Leading building services contractor Woodford Renewables & SmartTECH has successfully launched its state-of-the-art Innovation Hub. Based at the company’s headquarters in Essex, the Hub will play a key role in Woodford’s new division going forward, as it looks to promote energy saving strategies and technologies among consultants, engineers and facilities managers in both the commercial and domestic sectors.

Following its official opening by Woodford Chairman Roy Alderslade, the Innovation Hub will be used to demonstrate the latest sustainable products and technologies, as well as provide staff with valuable training to improve their understanding of renewables as the UK continues its journey to net zero. The venue also provides a base for local businesses and Woodford’s industry partners in London and the South East to come and learn more about sustainable buildings, along with CPD opportunities.

By working closely with MEP consultants, engineers and FMs, Woodford Renewables & SmartTECH ensures businesses are functioning efficiently, helping them reduce operating costs while delivering maximum return on investment.

From installing solar PV through to optimising HVAC systems, Woodford can advise on compliance-led change and provide payback modelling, ensuring renewable energy is accessible and affordable for all projects.

The Renewables & SmartTECH team is fronted by Sheaun Carpenter, Operations Director, alongside Woodford’s newly-appointed Head of Business Development, Jamie Lewis.

www.platformliftco.co.uk

www.woodford.ltd/renewables

01256 896000

020 8531 0004

MHIAE ADDS NEW ZTL SERIES TO ITS LINE-UP OF INDOOR AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

MAG LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY TO REACH NET ZERO BY 2040

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning Europe (MHIAE) has extended its range of indoor units for the European market with the launch of the new ZTL series for residential and commercial applications. The ZTL range fits into the Standard Plus category of products and is available in a choice of five smaller capacity models: SRK15 – 50ZTL-W (1.5kW – 5.0kW at 798mm wide) and two larger capacity units: SRK63 – 71ZTL-W (6.3kW and 7.1kW at 998mm wide). The 1.5kW unit is designed for single split use and fits perfectly into any small or well insulated room. The full range offers high seasonal efficiency performance up to A++ in cooling and heating.

In addition, the new ZTL series offers the convenience of integrated wireless LAN. When used in combination with the Smart M-Air app units can be operated and monitored from a smartphone or tablet for optimum ease of use and control. The app also offers other useful features such as allowing users to check their electricity consumption, and an alarm which will notify users if they leave their property without turning off the air conditioner.

In developing a contemporary new external look for the ZTL range, MHIAE teamed up with Tensa, one of Europe’s leading product designers, based in Italy. This collaboration focused on a fusion of Japan’s design heritage of clean, simple lines with the ‘softer’ European look.

One of the leading suppliers of commercial laundry solutions, MAG Laundry Equipment, has committed to reaching net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK Government’s target.

Dedicated to responsible energy and water consumption, MAG has restructured its operations to support a sustainable approach to business, as well as continuing to invest a further five million pounds into research and development for all product ranges.

100% of MAG’s electricity now comes from renewable energy sources, and its fleet of service vehicles comprise both electric and hybrid models, with ambitions to fully electrify all vehicles later this year.

Committed to impacting the reduction of CO2, MAG has pledged to plant 1,000 trees this year, one for every commercial washing machine supplied, doubling the number planted by the team throughout 2022. Single use plastics have also been removed and replaced with sustainable alternatives at its Halifax headquarters.

With the laundry specialist’s product ranges remaining some of the most efficient in the world, MAG’s machines can utilise an innovative water recycling system, saving up to 70% on water consumption without compromising on the high-quality wash results the business is known for.

https://mhiae.com/

https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk sales@laundrymachines.co.uk

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info@woodford.ltd

sales@platformliftco.co.uk

AUGUST 2023

01422 557 766

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

TRANSPORTING FUEL ACROSS YOUR SITE THROUGH PIPEWORK? When efficiency demands 100% uptime from the pipework transporting fuel, liquids or gases across your site, the solution is APIApipe™ .

In April Fuel Storage Solutions (FSS) won The King’s Award for Enterprise, recognising their excellence in innovation for inventing, designing, patenting and bringing to market APIApipe™.

APIApipe™ for full reliability and assurance This unique ‘pipe in a pipe’ fully bunded system eradicates fire and environmental risks

associated with pumping hazardous to health, or environmentally unfriendly liquids or gases, including diesel fuel, in sensitive, live situations where safety and compliance are non-negotiable.

Typically only 40% of the cost of traditional welded pipework due to simple assembly; no hot works involved avoiding special measures during installation; corrosion-proof stainless-steel pipework requires no additional surface protection so costs are further reduced.

Unique patented engineering solution keeps sites supplied with fuel in emergencies 10 year warranty 24/7 leak detection for inner and outer pipes Approved for use with over 3,000 liquids & gases Designed for Critical Sites that cannot have a line fail

of complete commercial and industrial fuel storage solutions, from supply to maintenance of tanks for oil, diesel and petrol.

Co-Directors Jonathan and Katharine Barnett launched FSS in 2002. Today it is one of the UK’s leading and most well-respected fuel system solutions providers, employing 40 people nationwide. They service a wide range of market sectors including leading Facilities Management Companies.

APIApipe™ is approved for use by Government Agencies and specified by Consultant Engineers. FSS has installed over 50 Kilometres of APIApipe™ for more than 30 different clients.

Contact Vince McCarry, Operations Director, on 01274 813 003 or read more on our website.

Providing Fuel Storage, Pipework, Maintenance and Safety Solutions FSS is an award-winning OFTEC registered provider

www.fuelstoragesolutions.co.uk sales@fuelstoragesolutions.co.uk 01274 813003

NORTHWOOD REVAMPS WHISPER BRAND Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd – the leading manufacturer and supplier of away-from-home (AfH) professional paper hygiene and wiping products – is rolling out a new brand refresh for its Whisper range of premium toilet tissues and facial tissues.

Since its launch over a decade ago, Whisper has grown to become one of the leading brands in the away-from-home (AfH) luxury toilet tissue and facial tissue market. Now, the brand and packaging has been overhauled to achieve a more consistent look and feel across the entire range and appeal to the needs of modern customers.

Paul Mulready, Marketing Manager at Northwood, said: “Whisper has grown into one of the leading brands in the AFH category with many loyal customers across the hospitality industry. After a

really successful preview at the Cleaning Show this year, we’re very excited indeed to unveil a bold new look for Whisper.

“The new branding has been designed to be fresh and recognisable to stay in tune with 21st century customers who want a contemporary, ethically produced product that doesn’t compromise at all on quality or softness.”

The new packaging is currently being rolled out across the seven products within the Whisper toilet roll range – Whisper Gold, Whisper Silver, Whisper Eco, Whisper Classic, Whisper Ultra, Whisper Soft and Whisper 320.

All the products within the Whisper range will be manufactured and packaged in the UK. Furthermore, every product within the range is made from pure pulp, with four products – Whisper

Gold, Whisper Silver, Whisper Classic and Whisper Eco – also being FSC® certified.

Continues Paul: “The feedback from customers on the new brand so far has been terrific and we’re sure this range will continue to grow in market share following the revamp. But that’s not all – we will be announcing a very innovative new product launch very soon too. This is a major step forward for us in our ambition to make our products and packaging more environmentally conscious than ever before and we’re very proud to be at the forefront of development. Watch this space!”

In addition to the imminent new product launch, Northwood will also unveil a new range of Whisper facial tissues later this year. The tissues will be manufactured at Northwood’s Grantham site, which is Northwood Group’s Centre of Excellence for the production of facial tissue.

www.northwood.co.uk 01952 236 930 customer.service@northwood.co.uk AUGUST 2023

39

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MONTH IN FM

BIGCHANGE ANALYTICS DASHBOARDS TRACK BUSINESS COSTS AND PROFIT BigChange has launched a series of Analytics Dashboards to display critical business information for FM firms.

Big-screen graphs and tables provide an instant view of performance, such as job costs, productivity, customer service, and finance. The dashboards receive live data from across the business, including job updates from field service operatives equipped with mobile devices, giving managers and staff complete visibility of all aspects of the business.

The Dashboards are part of the BigChange job management system which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management and business intelligence. As a cloud-based system, BigChange can be accessed anywhere and the dashboards are ideally suited for display on a large screen in the office.

The current dashboards cover job performance, resource utilisation, customer service, sales, invoices due, quote status and job profitability. Behind the easy-to-view graphs and tables is a comprehensive business information management system that analyses and processes data from across the business.

Humidity control specialist, Condair, is launching an ecommerce website, (www.condairparts. co.uk), offering humidifier spare part identification and online purchasing.

The website includes a wide range of parts for many Condair humidifiers, offers part identification from exploded diagrams, purchasing via credit card and rapid delivery from stock for most items.

Tony Fleming, Managing Director at Condair, commented: “Condair’s dedicated spares department has been supporting our customers with consumables for many years so it’s wonderful to be developing this side of our business with an online store. Our team are experts at helping customers identify what part is required, and we’re still always on-hand to talk customers through the identification process, but condarparts.co.uk will make the ordering process even more convenient.

“The platform is already very well established, having been used by Condair in North America for many years, and we’re looking forward to seeing it benefit our customers here in the UK.” Tony concluded.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Ltd, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares.

www.bigchange.com

www.condair.co.uk

0113 457 1000

01903 850 200

info@bigchange.com

uk.sales@condair.com

CARPET RECYCLING UK: BIG INCREASE IN 2021 WASTE DIVERSION FIGURE

WATERBLADE CONSISTENTLY BREAKS THE ONE MONTH BARRIER, A REMARKABLE 1200% ROI

Carpet Recycling UK has reported a large increase in the amount of carpet and textile flooring waste being diverted from landfill in 2021 with 82% of the 462,000 tonnes of waste generated finding alternative reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal routes.

Commenting on the figures released at their Annual Conference and Awards event, Adnan Zeb-Khan, Scheme Manager said: “This percentage increase is reflecting the final effects of the pandemic when most of the waste captured by the waste management sector was sent to energy from waste facilities.”

Adnan emphasised the need for the industry to take action to develop and lead its own Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislative framework, saying: “We are leading this strategy with the development of four key working groups with their core members to address key areas such as data management, take-back scheme, sustainability pledge and EPR based policy. These key areas will allow us to develop a road map of favourable and workable policies for the sector.”

The CRUK annual member awards recognised businesses taking voluntary and proactive action to demonstrate and drive sustainability in the sector. The 2023 winners are: • Recycling Champion of the Year Simon Westley Designer Contracts • Take Back Partner of the Year Designer Contracts • Reuse Member of the Year Greenstream Flooring CIC • Recycler of the Year Foleys Equestrian Surfaces Ltd • Circular Economy Initiative - Rawson Carpet Solutions www.carpetrecyclinguk.com info@carpetrecyclinguk.com

40

CONDAIR LAUNCHES SPARES WEBSITE

AUGUST 2023

0161 440 8325

Using our new calculator, we are now regularly calculating savings achievable for potential clients. These savings are based on data you provide us. We used to expect a payback period of 6 months. Increasingly we are finding that the cost of investing in Waterblade is repaid in just one month. The main factor is of course the rise in energy costs. This is also because our prices have remained the same for 3 years despite materials price increases. We can do this because our manufacture costs have dropped as our sales volumes have risen.

If you want to save water and energy on your washroom taps, we are happy to calculate your saving and send you a sample to try out.

Waterblade is WRAS approved and UK manufactured in premises with ISO 9001 and 14001. It offers the best handwashing performance there is at low flow.

www.thewaterblade.com nigel@thewaterblade.com

07956 247392

MONTH IN FM

FMJ.CO.UK

WORKWEAR UNIFORM GROUP LAUNCHES WITH MULTI-MILLION INVESTMENT PROGRAMME TO DELIVER BEST IN MARKET CUSTOMER SERVICE

T

wo of the leading names in technical workwear and corporate uniforms have come together in a major new Group to deliver an ambitious strategic growth plan.

Direct Corporate Clothing Plc and Incorporatewear Ltd are now trading names of Workwear Uniform Group Ltd (WWUGL). They will continue to operate as their own brands and service their respective clients, but with significant investment in physical infrastructure and new systems, will work even closer together to offer best-in-industry, top-to-toe solutions.

The new WWUGL brand portfolio also includes Workwear Uniform Group BV, which services the Group’s European customer base, global sourcing specialists GiSa and Sri Lanka-based K&D Manufacturing which provides in-house production support.

Sam Sohal, WWUGL Chief Executive said: “Each Group brand excels in a distinct phase of the workwear lifecycle. Bringing them together means we can offer that excellence across our customer base – delivering fully managed, cradle-to-grave contract solutions.

“We believe this consolidation and sizable investment will deliver sustainable growth, the best in market service for our customers and commercial and financial security for the Group and its family of companies.”

Boasting £100m annual turnover and an international reach, WWUGL is now a UK market leader in the sourcing, design, manufacture and distribution of technical workwear, PPE and bespoke

corporate uniforms to large, multisited organisations.

A substantial, internally financed investment programme is now being delivered which aims to double turnover over the next five years.

That programme includes a new £15m, state-of-the-art, fully automated warehousing and distribution product handling system which will transform the Sam Sohal, Chief Executive of Rebecca Jones, MD of Direct speed and quality of customer Workwear Uniform Group Ltd Corporate Clothing service. positioned with the flexible, responsive in-house Group company processes are being amalgamated capabilities and supply chain control we now have. under a single ERP system and a further sizable We have our own manufacturing facility – 80% of our investment is being made in online digital platforms. garments are made by us – and we are the first in the Rebecca Jones is Managing Director of Direct marketplace to have a fully automated warehouse.”

Corporate Clothing, experts in large-scale coWWUGL brand is investing heavily in its ordinated rollouts of high-volume orders for major organisations in key industries including construction, management team and employees. To foster greater collaboration and the sharing of experience and facilities management, rail, logistics and retail. expertise, its 150-plus UK workforce are relocating She said: “The new Group enables us to service to newly refurbished headquarter offices in Oldbury, and provide solutions to customers across the entire West Midlands. workwear lifecycle, Rebecca added: “We are from designing and committed to a progressive sourcing products to sustainability agenda and their manufacture, I’m genuinely excited about distribution and even the range of innovative and end-of-product-life market leading initiatives that processing. we will be delivering.

“We’re uniquely “For example, we estimate there will be a 46 per cent reduction in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions as a result of our head office refurbishment and new automated warehouse.”

Edward Grigg is Managing Director of ICW. He said: “The new Group is a real statement of intent to the market and a promise of industry-best excellence to our customers.

“We’ve already experienced considerable growth over the last three years and WWUGL is making significant investment in future strategic growth with state-of-the-art infrastructure and greater system synergy.

“This means we can provide unrivalled managed contract solutions to customers across the entire workwear lifecycle, from designing and sourcing products to their manufacture, distribution and even end-of-product-life processing.”

“The launch of WWUGL heralds a new exciting chapter in our story and will build even further upon Work underway on the new £15m, state-of-the-art, fully automated warehousing and distribution the great reputation we have in the industry.” product handling system

https://www.wwugl.com info@wwugl.com 0121 543 1335 AUGUST 2023

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TO ADVERTISE IN MONTH IN FM PLEASE CONTACT DANNY.GRANGE@KPMMEDIA.CO.UK OR CALL 01322 476811

MONTH IN FM

GRAPHENSTONE UK ANNOUNCED AS THE OFFICIAL PAINT SUPPLIER OF FULHAM PIER Fulham Football Club is pleased to announce a partnership with Graphenstone, as the Club’s Official Paint Supplier of Fulham Pier for 2023.

The partnership will see Graphenstone's carbon-saving paints used in multiple locations across Fulham Football Club’s new and game-changing development at Fulham Pier.

Graphenstone UK's independently certified paint formulations will ensure that air quality and wellness are front and centre, thanks to its unique photocatalytic capabilities. Graphenstone paint offers high CO2e absorption whilst reducing humidity levels and mitigating condensation.

Throughout the partnership, Graphenstone will leverage the Club’s events and spaces for B2B opportunities, alongside content creation and access to Fulham FC executives for case studies.

Graphenstone UK's Founder, Patrick Folkes, said: "This is a fantastic partnership announcement for Graphenstone UK and a collaboration that we are really excited about. It demonstrates the increasing appetite for our superior sustainable coatings formulations available at scale as part of the broader net-zero specification landscape. Our clean-tech ranges create safe and healthy environments, and clients feel safe using products which have been rigorously and independently tested and meet BREEAM, WELL, and LEED compliance requirements." www.graphenstone-eco paints.store

01379 772940

Prolectric, the off-grid, renewable lighting and power specialist, has won the highly coveted Carbon Reduction Champion award at the prestigious Construction News Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair on Thursday 13th July 2023.

Beating off strong competition from nine other market leading brands, Prolectric impressed judges through clear demonstration of how its systems provide practical and commercially viable ways for businesses to stop using polluting fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon reduction commitments.

Serving a wide range of industries from construction, housebuilding and rail to major infrastructure, Prolectric’s sustainable technology is easily accessible providing a direct replacement for diesel systems. Since launching its first solar lighting tower in 2017 Prolectric estimates that its clients have saved 26 million kg of CO2 and reduced diesel usage by more than 10 million litres. As a result, the firm estimates it has saved customers more than £9 million.

The judges remarked that reducing carbon emissions was in Prolectric's ‘DNA from the start’ with a “clear logical strategy and focus on product development with a five year plan and are highly respected in the industry after a relatively short time.”

The company’s solar lights, hybrid generators and CCTV, provide highperformance temporary and permanent site lighting, power and security - with minimal environmental impact and low running costs. www.prolectric.co.uk

01275 400570

info@graphenstone.co.uk

info@prolectric.co.uk

DELIVERING QUALITY FLOORCARE AT THE UK’S FIRST ENERGY-EFFICIENT PASSIVHAUS LEISURE CENTRE

DEPENDABLE DOOR CONTROL SOLUTIONS FROM DOOR CONTROLS DIRECT

Exeter’s £44m energy-efficient St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, designed to use up to 70% less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre.

“St Sidwell’s Point opened one year ago, and footfall through the centre has exceeded all expectations, so keeping the premises clean, particularly as it is so busy, is an ongoing challenge,” says Jonathan Brown, Centre Manager.

“From day one, we needed the best possible equipment, but the first floorcleaning machines we tried simply were not reliable or robust enough. We were therefore delighted when our janitorial supplies contractor H.D.Adcock Nelson Ltd recommended floorcare machinery from Truvox International.

“At the in-house demonstration we were extremely impressed with the ease-ofuse and efficiency of both the Orbital 1500 and the Multiwash™ PRO 340.”

The Orbital 1500 combines orbital and rotary motions into one, providing a constant vibration that increases cleaning efficiency, while the Multiwash™ PRO 340 is a scrubber-dryer, which leaves the floor clean and dry as well as adding a finishing touch to the floors.

“With the two machines from Truvox International we can guarantee perfect cleanliness and hygiene across the flooring throughout the site as they solve all of our complex floorcare issues,” concludes Jonathan Brown.

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PROLECTRIC WINS CARBON REDUCTION CHAMPION AT CONSTRUCTION NEWS AWARDS 2023

Placing the emphasis on safety and security, we at Door Controls Direct understand the unique requirements of the fire safety and building industries.

We pride ourselves on being your dependable source for comprehensive fire-rated door solutions and quality, compliant door hardware.

Our GAI-qualified technical sales team can help you to find the right product for the right job, ensuring compliance with building regulations and product standards.

Our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability has earned us the trust and loyalty of our customers across various industries. We are dedicated to delivering superior products, exceptional service, and expert guidance to help you find the perfect solutions for your project or facility. Whether you are searching for commercial door closers, mechanical locks, access control systems, or any other door hardware products, you can depend on Door Controls Direct.

www.truvox.com/our-products/scrubber-dryers

https://doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk sales@doorcontrolsdirect.co.uk

+ 44 (0) 23 8070 2200

01305 263300

AUGUST 2023

sales@truvox.com

FMJ.CO.UK FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - PEOPLE

BESA ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT

Claire Curran has been elected President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2023/24.

Curran, who is Managing Director of building services specialists Linaker, has almost 25 years’ experience in the building services industry having previously worked for GSH, ISS, Kier, and Wates. She has a business and marketing degree, financial qualifications, and an MBA, and is a former winner of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Excellence in a Major Project Award. She was also on the shortlist for construction Leader of the Year.

In her speech to this year’s BESA Annual General Meeting, she thanked members for showing faith in her and giving her the opportunity to give something back to an industry “that has given me so much”.

She said her presidential year would be marked by considerable change with an acceleration in the adoption of digital systems and a deepening of the impact of new safety legislation.

DESPINA KATSIKAKIS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE BCO The British Council for Offices (BCO) has elected Despina Katsikakis, Executive Partner & Global Lead, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield, as its new President with immediate effect.

Katsikakis is one of the leading voices in the office sector. She has over 35 years of experience advising global companies such as Microsoft, Barclays, Unilever and BP as well as investors of landmark developments worldwide. She pioneered the role of workplace consultancy in the 1980s and led the transformation of the workplace as an experience. In her role at Cushman & Wakefield and, as President of the British Council for Offices, she continues to lead on latest trends, guiding the approach towards offices that enhance employee wellbeing, deliver social value and business performance.

Since joining the BCO’s Board of Management in 2021, Katsikakis has advocated for a human-centric approach to workspaces. She chaired the 2023 BCO Conference in Dublin, which explored how offices can contribute to ensuring the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of cities.

SENIOR HIRE AT LONSDALE CONTRACTS Mark Johnson has been appointed Business Development Manager at Leedsbased facilities management and maintenance firm, Lonsdale Contracts.

Johnson, a former first–class cricketer, brings a wealth of experience to Lonsdale having worked for blue-chip organisations such as Norland (now CBRE), NG Bailey and Lorne Stewart where he was instrumental in securing building maintenance contracts.

The appointment is part of a strategic growth plan for the business. Formed in 2008, Lonsdale Contracts provides bespoke commercial and residential facilities management and maintenance through its own in-house workforce to clients including pension funds, managing agents, housing associations and estate management companies. The business also provides new build after-care to the construction industry.

MEET THE TEAM If you are looking to grow your facilities team across either engineering or soft services, then our FM recruitment team have a rapidly expanding network of job seekers available for temporary, permanent or contract vacancies.

Simeon McTighe | Associate Director

Marcus May | Business Manager

Simeon leads the FM team here at Build. He

Marcus started his career in recruitment in 1997 and has

personally specialises in senior FM appointments,

since built up a vast amount of experience within the built

Simeon works with a number of service providers

environment. Largely focused on the Public Sector, he

and direct clients, sourcing for senior FM and

has successfully recruited for roles within the NHS,

technical services. Working on both a temporary and

Healthcare, and Higher Education, across Estates

permanent basis, Simeon is your ‘go to’ if you’re

Directorates, FM (Hard & Soft) and Capital Works. He

looking to expand your team.

has supplied staff on a Retained, Permanent, Fixed Term

T: 07809 575 715 | E: simeon.mctighe@buildrec.com

Contract, Freelance and Interim basis at all tiers up to Executive Director Level.

T: 07951786236 | E: marcus.may@buildrec.com

Elliot Cariss-Smith | Recruitment Consultant With a five-year background in facilities management Elliot specialises in all things managing agent and

We have specialist consultants in mechanical and electrical FM, who work with

property management here at Build. Due to his time

all trades staff and engineers in the commercial sector, including air

within FM he has very good understanding about

conditioning, fabric, mechanical, electrical, gas and lead engineers, Our

what the industry needs to move forward and

consultants can help you keep your building running across one floor or an

recognises top talent within the industry. Elliot is

entire estate with either temporary or permanent recruitment. Build

responsible for all roles through to management and

Recruitment also have consultants who specialise in soft services including

director level and is happy to give advice and assist in

cleaning, admin, reception and other front of house roles.

your career move.

T: 07960253264 | E: elliot.cariss-smith@buildrec.com

www.buildrec.com

info@buildrec.com

AUGUST 2023

43

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - RECRUITMENT

PEOPLE PLUS Emma Grigson, Partnership and Social Value Solutions Director of PeoplePlus explains how social recruitment positively impacts the labour market and one of the founder members of the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group, G4S HR Director Bridget Brookfield, outlines what this means for its approach to recruitment Emma Grigson, Partnership and Social Value Solutions Director, PeoplePlus: “In the UK today, 1.3 million people are unemployed and economically inactive and there are 1.04 million advertised vacancies. When these statistics are quoted together, an analysis of how we got here usually follows, while solutions are developed outside the mainstream to address the issue.

But acting at scale is difficult - people stay unemployed and disempowered, and businesses struggle to adapt to a reality where vacancies persist and competition for staff is fierce. Could an analysis of the barriers to employment individuals are dealing with lead to better outcomes for all?

The core principle of social recruitment – that people who want to work should be supported to gain and keep rewarding employment – can be used to sense check who among those 1.3 million people, with the right interventions, could accept a job offer and move into sustainable employment. How many of those 1.3 million people could be what employers need? Could acting to change recruitment policy and practice be the key to finding out?

Social recruitment has been seen as a ‘good thing

LATEST JOBS ON FMJ FACILITIES CO-ORDINATOR Salary: £42,000 - £46,000 Location: London https://bit.ly/47hAkpl

ASSISTANT BUILDING MANAGER Salary: £30k - 35k per year Location: Birmingham https://bit.ly/3YivvYR

FACILITIES COORDINATOR Salary: £30k - 32k per year Location: Weybridge, Surrey https://bit.ly/3Ol5vrc

jobs.fmj.co.uk 44

AUGUST 2023

Over 250 jobs live on site

to do’, not an informed business choice. The fact is that it is both. Equality, diversity, and inclusion polices are brought to life by thinking differently about the talent pool, application process, onboarding and mentoring of a different kind of job starter. For example, only 18 per cent of people with Autism will secure employment – despite the unique range of skills they could bring to the workplace.

Employers taking action, sharing ideas, experiences and committing to building a stronger pipeline of opportunities for individuals who face disadvantage in the labour market are all imperative if we are to truly create equity in our society.

Working in partnership with social recruitment experts like PeoplePlus can energise recruitment drives. Employee attraction, development and retention are enhanced. Community links are deepened and strengthened. Actions that create social impact, and accrue social value, are chosen, together.

Social recruitment reaches hidden talent – talent that needs to be found.”

Bridget Brookfield, HR Director, G4S Secure Solutions UK: “Security is one industry looking for an effective response to the challenges presented by the labour market. Not only is attracting and filling vacancies a challenge, the modern security consumer expects evidence of positive and proactive activity to recruit from minority and diverse groups and expects their security provider to deliver measurable social value back into our communities and participate in the communities we serve.

G4S has joined The Social Recruitment

Advocacy Group, a body that has been set up

by PeoplePlus, and chaired by The Rt Hon Anne Milton, to encourage employers, at scale, to place greater emphasis on recruiting people who are disadvantaged in the labour market. This group will underpin our ‘People’ pillar of the G4S social value programme moving forwards.

As part of the affiliation, G4S has been accredited to silver charter mark status. This means that G4S can demonstrate an open recruitment policy that encourages individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for roles.

In addition, G4S is required to evidence active partnerships with local and national organisations that exist to support the employability of people who face barriers in the labour market. So, what does that mean in practice?

G4S already has a number of tactical initiatives underway in this space, including: The successful appointment of dozens of unemployed people into G4S roles in the last two months.

Strategic partnerships with pre-employment training providers to feed into recruitment activity and the development of sector-based work academies.

Working collaboratively on solution design for our customers, to evidence social value as part of the overall proposition.

Consultancy services to assist with the embedding of social value within the G4S approach to security operational delivery.

Providing tailored services to the G4S workforce, assisting with planning for retirement and financial resilience and taking stock of skills and health.

Social value is a value that runs through all G4S recruitment activities and our day-to-day activities.

It is critical to our talent and acquisition strategy.

Social recruitment enables the business to create long term learning and future growth opportunities through local government events supporting local, sustainable, and environmentally ethical suppliers. G4S is committed to improving social value to benefit local communities, by supporting local people into employment and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, reflective of the communities we serve.”

For information on G4S careers https://www.g4s.com/en-gb/careers

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - TRAINING

TRAINING

TERRACE Training provider Develop gives FMJ a full update on its newest addition, a fully to-scale artificial street designed to replicate real-life work scenarios for delegates undertaking training and assessment

T

raining is only as good as its ability to be applied. As a training provider responsible for training the staff behind some of this country’s most vital infrastructure, from the gas networks that fuel our homes, to the roads we travel on, we aim to lead the way in providing innovative and high-quality standards of training.

Recently, following an investment of over £500,000 and a further £500,000 on its main centre refurbishment, Develop has constructed a training facility that presents obstacles and challenges like those found on real-life commercial and domestic sites.

The fully to-scale artificial street, known as Training Terrace, consists of three purpose-built houses, apartments, a café, a deep excavation pit and a confined spaces area. Behind each of these operations are meticulously designed facilities built to train delegates in emergency response to gas incidents, excavation safety, cable avoidance, sewer jetting and confined spaces entry.

Training Terrace first began as a project only known as the JETSET street (Joint Emergency Training Set), which became a reality through funding from Develop and its parent company, JTL.

The site chosen as the home for this project was Develop’s York training centre, which has long functioned as a foundational training facility for the varying requirements of industry in North Yorkshire.

GRAND OPENING The grand opening of Training Terrace took place on 24th May alongside the reopening of Develop’s York centre, which was itself updated to include new classrooms, an alternative energies training area, two HV (High Voltage) workshops and a LV (Low Voltage) workshop.

John Kerr, Managing Director at Develop, said: “This new state of the art facility will give us a fantastic base to deliver essential and enhanced training to businesses in North Yorkshire and beyond.

We’re thrilled to unveil a centre that will work in tandem with Training Terrace, as this new street provides an innovative facility that we’re proud to operate from.”

The new provisions at this Huby-based centre means that Develop can now provide higher quality training in confined spaces, HV & LV, gas distribution, health and safety, healthcare estates, water systems and alternative energies offering businesses in

the region a state-of-the-art facility to train their workforce.

The overall improvement to the York centre - and the inclusion of Training Terrace - was something that the team at gas network operator, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), were thrilled to work in partnership with Develop on.

Paul Tate, Lead Emergency Trainer at Northern Gas Networks, said: “The facilities including the new JETSET will significantly improve the training opportunities for the whole team at Northern Gas Networks and provide real-life scenarios. It’s been a long-term project and it’s fantastic to see it come to life and now be used to enhance the training and development opportunities for not just Northern Gas but the sector as a whole.”

Develop has a longstanding relationship with NGN having worked with the Gas Distribution Network for a number of years across a variety of projects.

Through this partnership Develop and NGN have worked to identify the training needs and wants for those currently working in the industry as well as looking ahead to the requirements of the future generation.

The reopening event was attended by Chris Adair, Training and Apprenticeships Manager at Northern Gas Networks, alongside other key industry figures from the North Yorkshire region.

The new facilities have also proved successful with North Yorkshire Council Divisional Councillor for Huby, Malcolm Taylor, who welcomed the positive effects that it will have on the local economy. He said: “It’s fantastic to see this investment in the Huby area, and I believe this centre will be invaluable for training businesses and delegates in the region.

“The unique facilities that Training Terrace is able to offer will be an exciting, unique addition to the landscape of industry available here, and I look forward to seeing the new wave of professionals being produced in our area.”

The opening ceremony itself saw a day of networking, tours and panel discussions, as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony, which was marked by John Kerr and JTL Training’s CEO, Chris Claydon.

In June, Training Terrace welcomed its first intake of delegates who were undertaking NCO Gas Level 2 Escape, Locate & Repair training. Feedback from those involved was extremely positive with one delegate commenting that the site was “well thought-out with realistic interiors” and another stating that “Training Terrace makes the scenarios more realistic and familiar”.

And that’s just what Develop aims to do – offer cutting-edge training to delegates at the highest standard. Whether that be at Training Terrace, in the classroom, virtually or via Develop’s brand new e-learning platform, LEDA, which offers a suite of accredited e-learning courses specifically designed to supplement its practical training offering.

For more information about Training Terrace and the courses available at the facility please visit www.developtraining.co.uk AUGUST 2023

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

JOBS

FM CAREERS - NEWS New flexible working measures to benefit millions

Employees across the UK will be given more flexibility over where and when they work, as the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill receives Royal Assent. Research has shown companies that embrace flexible working can attract more talent, improve staff motivation and reduce staff turnover – boosting their business’ productivity and competitiveness.

CIPD research shows that six per cent of employees changed jobs last year specifically due to a lack of flexible options and 12 per cent left their profession altogether due to a lack of flexibility within the sector. This represents almost two and four million workers respectively.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "A happier workforce means increased productivity, and that’s why we’re backing measures to give people across the UK even more flexibility over where and when they work.”

Launch of new green skills training provision to improve retrofit recruitment pipeline Reed in Partnership has launched a new venture, Reed Environment to address the UK’s net zero skills shortage, with the creation of the largest networks of green skills training providers in the UK. Reed Environment unveiled the findings of new research which lays bare the urgent need to turbocharge retrofit training and recruitment in the UK. Its modelling estimates that current rates of retrofit recruitment must triple if the country is to meet its 2050 net zero target. The new scheme will begin by delivering retrofitting training at scale and creating a recruitment pipeline for retrofit with aim to add over 1,000 new retrofitters to the market each year. It will then connect the newly trained workers to job opportunities with Local Authorities, Housing Associations and private landlords.

46

AUGUST 2023

Employment growth set to halve in next decade as labour and skills shortages bite

New analysis by the Institute for Employment Studies and abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, shows that employment growth in the UK is set to slow dramatically in the coming years, as due to an ageing population, lower birth rates and lower labour market migration since the EU referendum.

The analysis, using official population projections to forecast employment growth for different age groups through to 2040 suggests employment will grow by less than half the rate in the two decades before the pandemic. Over 20 years, this means that there will be 3.4 million fewer people in work than if the trends of the last 20 years had continued.

This analysis has been published as part of the interim report from the Commission on the Future of Employment Support, which sets out that the UK’s approach to employment support needs major reform

including: Too narrow in its focus Overly emphasises entry to ‘any job’ rather than the right job Prioritises the quantity of jobsearch rather than its quality Offers very little to employers beyond vacancy gathering and advertising Is locked in a cycle of short-term funding, contracts and initiatives Tony Wilson, lead report author and Director at the Institute for Employment Studies, added: “This analysis shows that we just can’t rely on ever-stronger employment growth to deliver future economic growth. We need a new approach, that can help more people to get into work and to be more productive in work and that can work far better with employers, industry and wider partners.”

OCS partnership recruits court security officers from under-represented groups An innovative partnership between Ingeus and facilities service provider OCS is offering new careers to previously unemployed jobseekers in a collaboration which has already seen a number of people from under-represented groups employed as court security officers.

OCS approached people-services provider Ingeus to support the recruitment of court and tribunal security officers (CTSOs) in the Capital.

Ingeus delivers the Restart Scheme in Central and West London, which gives jobseekers advice, employability support and access to local jobs. A large part of its work involves helping jobseekers harness their transferable skills, build confidence, and access roles they might never have previously considered – or have been considered for.

OCS worked in partnership with Ingeus to develop an inclusive recruitment pathway, opening up security opportunities specifically to those who had no previous knowledge of the sector. Three men and four women were offered jobs, in what it is hoped will become a model for filling further vacancies.

The newly employed security officers will be working in crown, magistrates’, and family courts, close to their homes in London.

Stephen Kerr, Senior Regional Manager, OCS, said: “Working with Ingeus on our social value recruitment process, we have been able to recruit talented people into our workforce who have unique experiences and abilities,” he said. “In our role at HM Courts and Tribunals Service, showing our customers genuine empathy in difficult circumstances is a key skill and our Ingeus recruits have that in abundance.”

Dreamy summer days are finally here but with great weather comes great responsibility for our engineers!

If you discover a leak when you go for a dip or on your staycation, we’re on hand for all domestic and commercial swimming pools, hotels, caravan parks and holiday let leaks.

We know that English weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, so whether you’re still putting your heating on or have a high water bill, LDS are on hand to pinpoint your leak within 1 metre, without causing any damage in the process.

LDS are the leading leak detection company in the UK and trusted by homeowners, insurance companies and facility properties alike because we find leaks that other companies can’t.

Using years of expertise and experience, state of the art equipment, and perseverance, our engineers have a 99% success rate and won’t rest until they’ve got to the crux of the issue.

We know what our customers need, and aim to deliver every time. That’s why we attend the site, locate the leak and provide a comprehensive report with recommendations and findings within a matter of days.

LDS have engineers on call 24/7 to address any and every need, wherever you are and no matter the leak.

Jet air dryers spread 10x more bacteria.* Yuck.

Make the smart choice and help prevent the spread of washroom germs.

Discover why Tork® paper hand towels are better for your business now. tork.co.uk/smartchoice or tork.ie/smartchoice

*Best et al, J Hosp Infection, 2014 (comparing jet air, warm air dryers, and paper towels).