FM Today August Edition

FMtoday cover:Layout 1 21/06/2013 16:08 Page 1

FMtoday

THE MAGAZINE FOR FM PROFESSIONALS

INSIDE: FACILITIES SHOW 2013

WESTWAY SERVICES

DELIVERING YOUR ENVIRONMENT

publicise full:Layout 1 21/05/2013 17:03 Page 1

PUBLICISE YOUR

BUSINESS FOR

FMtoday IN THE MAGAZINE FOR FM PROFESSIONALS

CALL:

01484 411400 AND ASK FOR VAUGHAN OR EMAIL: vaughan.wilks@bdcmagazine.co.uk

FMTcontents:feature 2 24/06/2013 15:33 Page III

FMTODAY

INSIDE...

WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS? hat happens if there’s a power cut? In a recent FM 100 Think Tank poll, only eight per cent of respondents believed that half or more FMs were prepared for power shortages.

It is definitely something to consider. Believe it or not, one third of respondents believed only two out of ten FMs were prepared and had a strategy in place. What is your strategy? Can you fix the problem when the power goes out?

The chance of it happening is greater than you may think. Andrew Eastwell, chief executive of building research, testing and consultancy at BSRIA, said there was an increasing likelihood of power blackouts, either through lack of supply or by government edict.

Eastwell said he’s more concerned with the small and medium-sized FMs than the bigger companies. That’s because he feels smaller firms won’t have the manpower to work on a coherent strategy nor the money to invest in supplemental power sources including uninterruptible power supplies.

There is a belief among respondents to the latest Think Tank poll that most organisations don’t have a strategy – sixty-one per cent of respondents said so.

However, one respondent said he believed “the vast majority” of FMs have at least some plans in place through their business continuity strategies.

“Unfortunately, in the current economic climate many of these plans are untested or out-of-date, meaning that they are potentially ineffective if exercised in earnest.

“The reality is, power shortages are tomorrow's problem. With so many challenges, I suspect that little will be done to change this thinking until we’re faced with regular blackouts.”

There is, of course, a feeling amongst some that power shortages are a problem derived from the UK’s inclusion in the EU. One FM said, “This electricity ‘shortage’ is entirely political and contrived by the EU. A solution is to vote the UK out of the EU, abolish EU diktats and restore the UK’s power stations to full action. Then the EU can buy electricity from us.”

FM News This month’s top stories

IV

Facilities Show London Calling

VI

Bouygues Energies & Services Our energies for a better life

X

W

DANIEL STEPHENS EDITOR

FEATURE MANAGERS: VAUGHAN WILKS; JOHN HENSON

ACCOUNTS: NICK CHARALAMBOUS ADMINISTRATION: CHARLOTTE LEWIS

EDITOR: DANIEL STEPHENS ART EDITOR: STEVE WILLIAMS DESIGNER: KATE WEBBER CONTRIBUTORS: JEFF SENIOR; ROB SAMUELS; MATT WARING PRODUCTION: VICKI LINDSAY; LISA POLLINGER

FMTODAY IS PUBLISHED BY: CPL (HUDDERSFIELD) LTD 3 Brook Street Huddersfield HD1 1EB TEL: +44 (0)1484 411 400 E-MAIL: info@bdcmagazine.co.uk

Westway Services Delivering your environment

XII

British Council for Offices Defining excellence in office space

XVI

SAGA Group XVIII Defining excellence in office space Events Some dates for your diary

XXII

FMToday is published

by CPL (Huddersfied) Ltd. Company registered in England & Wales. All material is the copyright of CPL (Huddersfied) Ltd. All rights reserved. FMToday is the property of CPL (Huddersfied) Ltd. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form whole or part without the written permission of a director of CPL (Huddersfied) Ltd. Liability: while every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information herein, or any consequence arising from it. In the case of company or product reviews or comments, these have been based upon the true and honest opinion of the Editor at the time of going to press.

III

FMNews:feature 2 22/06/2013 12:56 Page IV

FMTODAY: NEWS

THE STRATEGIC FUTURE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SENIOR figures in facilities management and corporate real estate have taken part in a roundtable discussion in London to contribute to RICS global research into facilities management.

Representatives from a range of organisations including PwC, Network Rail, Yahoo and the UK Government Property Unit discussed whether facilities management could ever be seen as a strategic business unit and what steps would need to be taken to ensure this happens.

The discussion was part of an ongoing research project being carried out by RICS and Occupiers Journal into the future of the facilities managent profession. The first report – Raising the Bar: Enhancing the Strategic Role

of Facilities Management – set out the barriers to facilities managent being strategic. It suggests a route that can be taken to ensure facilities are seen as an essential part of business performance, that there is a clear link with employee productivity and retaining and attracting the most talented employees.

These principles are now being tested in the second phase of the research which involves a series of roundtables around the world. Events have already taken place in North America, Hong Kong, China and Singapore and the roundtable gave London based professionals a chance to contribute to the discussions.

Some very strong views were put forward on the role of facilities managent and its place

KIER STAFF RACE FOR LIFE STAFF from repairs and maintenance provider Kier Stoke swapped their high visibility jackets for running shoes to take part in the Race for Life last week. The 16-strong team – who called themselves 'The Kier Cutie Pies’ – raised over £1,500 for Cancer Research UK by completing the 5km run.

The Race for Life is organised by Cancer Research UK, which funds over half of the UK’s research into cancer. Cancer Research UK provides millions of people with information to help understand cancer, and campaigns on a range of issues

IV

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

including access to cancer drugs, screening and smoking.

Kier Cutie Pies’ team leader, Donna Myers, said: “We had such fun taking part in the race, it was a fantastic experience and very moving! It was such a triumphant feeling when we all crossed the finish line, knowing what a good cause it was for. We decided to get involved in the race as a group because there are so many people and families affected by cancer daily - it is a truly worthwhile cause and the team together made it all the more special.”

within business strategy. Full details of the discussion will be available in the final report which is due to be released towards the end of 2013.

Further roundtables will be taking place in Toronto, Sao Paulo and Delhi over the summer with the aim of creating a truly global view of the industry and the role RICS can play in it.

The RICS research report Raising the Bar provided a valuable insight into what “being strategic” in facilities management really means; and the current “state of practice” in the sector.

The second report, due to be published later this year, will build on its findings based on this and the other roundtables currently underway.

OCS TO UPGRADE BOSTON CCTV INTERNATIONAL total facilities management provider OCS has won the contract to upgrade Boston Borough Council’s CCTV system. The upgrade is expected to improve security in the Lincolnshire area and save the public purse thousands of pounds a year.

Boston Borough Council awarded the prestigious contract to OCS following a rigorous European OJEU tender process.

OCS is to replace the existing fibre optics system with a wireless system, upgrade every camera to

high-definition, and build a new high-tech CCTV control room. The invest-to-save project will repay in less than four years through savings in leased fixed fibre optic lines and operating cost savings.

The OCS integrated solution is to be provided using three partner companies. Wavesight, the specialist wireless manufacturer and installer, will be used for the wireless technology; Thinking Space control room furniture will be installed; and Panasonic cameras and IT equipment will be used.

FMNews:feature 2 22/06/2013 12:56 Page V

FMTODAY: NEWS

NEW CHANNEL ISLAND BRANCH FOR BIFM THE BRITISH Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is set to support the facilities management (FM) profession in the Channel Islands through the launch of a dedicated Branch serving the area.

After identifying a potential need for BIFM support in the Channel Islands, the Institute undertook research to ascertain levels of demand, which showed high interest level for a Branch to serve the needs of FMs in the Islands.

Darren Etasse, Deputy Chair of

the Channel Islands Branch, said “We are delighted that BIFM are now active in the Channel Islands. A local Branch will help members access BIFM events without the need to travel to mainland UK; I look forward to our Branch delivering high quality and accessible development and networking events in both Jersey and Guernsey”.

The Branch was officially launched with an event in Jersey on 23 April, which was then mirrored in Guernsey on 24 April.

RICS RAISES OVER £1000 FOR CHARITY ACROSS the UK, RICS matrics Local Groups have been donning their aprons and baking goods to sell in aid of CRASH, the construction and property industry’s charity for homeless people as part of RICS matrics 2012/13 Chair Rebecca Best's 'Chairman's Challenge’.

The challenge to the local groups

was to raise as much money as possible throughout the year by baking anything they could and then selling them at their place of work.

RICS matrics Suffolk took the challenge one stage further and hosted their own ‘Pudding Night’ which raised a grand total of £810.00 making them clear winners.

NEW JUDGE FOR BIFM AWARDS 2013 THE BRITISH Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is proud to announce Steve Gladwin as the new Chairman of the Judges for the prestigious BIFM Awards in facilities management. Gladwin will succeed Oliver Jones (Chairman of the Judges since 2009) who sees his four-year term as Chairman of the Judges come to an end after the 2013 BIFM Awards Ceremony on 14 October.

The Chairman of the Judges is responsible for maintaining the success of the BIFM Awards – ensuring high ethics are met, reinforcing standards and ensuring coherence of the Awards’ judging process, making the BIFM Awards the industry gold standard. Furthermore, the role includes the vital annual assessment of award category and criteria, making sure

categories are relevant and reflect changes in the facilities management (FM) sector. For example, in 2012 a new ‘Learning and Career Development’ Award was introduced to mirror the greater emphasis being placed on professional development within FM.

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

V

FMshow:feature 2 22/06/2013 11:34 Page VI

FMTODAY: FACILITIES SHOW 2013

LONDON CALLING FACILITIES SHOW CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AT THE HEART OF THE INDUSTRY WITH A MOVE TO LONDON EXCEL

F

ollowing another hugely successful year, Facilities Show will celebrate its 15th anniversary by relocating from the NEC Birmingham to ExCeL London in June 2014.

Facilities Show 2013 took place from 14 to 16 May and was a roaring success, welcoming over 15,000 attendees through its doors, an increase of 17.25 per cent on 2012, and a fifth consecutive year of double digit attendee growth. Reflecting this success, a 3 per cent visitor increase was also seen across the whole of Protection and Management Week, including Safety & Health Expo, IFSEC International & FIREX International.

Over the past 14 years, Facilities Show has truly cemented its reputation as the world’s largest dedicated facilities management event. There is no other comparable exhibition dedicated to uniting FM professionals from all sectors and geographies with suppliers, advisers and specialists offering the very

VI

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

FMshow:feature 2 22/06/2013 11:35 Page VII

FMTODAY: FACILITIES SHOW 2013

“BIFM is delighted to continue to work in partnership with UBM Live to deliver Facilities Show in 2014 and beyond and we wholeheartedly support the move to London ExCeL. Facilities Show is a major industry event and a move to London seems the natural progression for the show at a time the industry itself has seen rapid growth and diversification. As the role and significance of FM continues to grow it is important that we can raise

the profile of our sector on a global scale, moving the show from Birmingham to London will help us to achieve this.”

Chris Hoar, Chief Executive of the FMA added: “The Facilities Management Association (FMA) fully supports the move to London in 2014 for Facilities Show. FM plays a vital function in offices, retail centres, industrial buildings, schools and hospitals across the world, it is important that the practitioners,

latest in innovation and education. Alongside a huge increase in the number of attendees, the 2013 event also attracted more senior managers than ever with a 7 per cent increase in those occupying a senior management or board level position and a 9 per cent increase in those with a budget responsibility of over £10,000,000.

A move to London’s ExCeL enables Facilities Show to continue to deliver a world-class event in a world-class venue whilst providing the perfect opportunity to introduce a range of exciting new attractions in 2014 which will be announced over the coming months.

As part of the move, Facilities Show will also continue to work with the leading associations, stakeholders and partners within the FM sector including the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and the Facilities Management Association (FMA).

Speaking about the 2014 event, Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive Officer, BIFM commented:

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

VII

FMshow:feature 2 22/06/2013 11:35 Page VIII

FMTODAY: FACILITIES SHOW 2013 suppliers and services supporting this industry are recognised and supported. Facilities Show does a great job of bringing this dynamic industry together each year and a London location for this core event is a positive step in helping the industry to reach key decision-makers, business leaders and end-users not just in the UK but internationally.”

ENTHUSIASM Exhibitors have shown equal enthusiasm for the 2014 show with many leading companies already signed-up to exhibit including show partner MITIE alongside PHS Group, Planon Software, Shred Station, De-ice Gritting, LTT Vending Group, Screwfix Direct, Euroworkspace, The PURE Water Company, e-bims and Easy Innovations.

“De-ice has exhibited at the Facilities Show in 2012 and 2013 with the purpose of promoting our gritting and snow clearance contracts to FM decision makers. In our experience the show delivers on many levels and the UBM staff work tirelessly to successfully put on this ‘must attend’ event. As an exhibitor we have found the quality of the attendees

to be excellent and we win new business through contacts made here. We are able to meet with current clients and network with our own service providers and industry professionals. We look forward to exhibiting in June 2014 at ExCel and are confident that UBM will go all out to produce another successful event,” commented Victoria Lopez, Director of De-ice Gritting and Snow Clearance.

Richard Davey, e-bims Manager added: “E-bims has been exhibiting at the Facilities Show in Birmingham for the past 3 years. Each year we have seen the show expand in size and grow in popularity. The Facilities Show has been key in the progression and development for e-bims attracting new clients from around the UK. We now feel that it is an ideal time for e-bims and the Facilities Show to move to London ExCel as we believe this will give us good opportunities to meet new clients from London and potentially from the global market. The e-bims team is very much looking forward to the Facilities Show 2014.”

John Telling, Group Corporate Affairs Director at MITIE Group PLC and partners of the show, enthused,

“FACILITIES SHOW IS A MAJOR INDUSTRY EVENT AND A MOVE TO LONDON SEEMS THE NATURAL PROGRESSION FOR THE SHOW AT A TIME THE INDUSTRY ITSELF HAS SEEN RAPID GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION” GARETH TANCRED CEO, BIFM

VIII

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

FMshow:feature 2 22/06/2013 11:35 Page IX

FMTODAY: FACILITIES SHOW 2013

“We were very pleased with the 2013 Facilities Show and were impressed with the scale of the event..... It was the first time we had been there for many years and we are looking forward to being a part of it again next year when the show moves to London.”

Echoing these sentiments, Jon Stannah, Joint MD from Stannah Lift Services said; “2013 was our second time at Facilities Show and it didn't disappoint. We came away having met some fabulous people, had an opportunity to talk to potential business partners in a lively but relaxed setting, took away loads of valuable contacts and enjoyed the ambiance of the whole event. We are now fully fledged members of the FMA, have a stand booked for 2014 and we're looking to expanding our exhibition activity at ExCeL.” “PHS Group plc is the UK’s leading provider of workplace services, so Facilities Show, for us, is a great opportunity to initiate and build relationships with key contacts within the facilities management industry. It really is a “must-attend” annual event on the calendar of most FM professionals and service providers,” added Lynda Francis, Group Communications Manager at PHS Group plc.

Fergus Bird, Group Event Manager, UBM Live, said: “We have had an amazing final show at

Birmingham’s NEC and we are delighted to be taking Facilities Show to its new home with so many of the industry already fully onboard. Next year Facilities Show will celebrate its 15th year and we look forward to growing the show and continuing to support this vibrant industry. The move will allow us to take the show to its next level where we can provide a greater experience for our exhibitors, visitors and delegates, catering for both the UK and global FM agenda. We have big plans for the event and will be investing once again to ensure we bring the facilities management sector the most comprehensive, forward thinking and industry driven show to date. ” Facilities Show 2014 will take place from June 1719 and will once again run alongside Safety & Health Expo, IFSEC International, Firex International and the recently announced Environment & Energy Expo, all forming part of UBM Live’s Protection and Management Series.

To find out more information and to register your interest in attending Facilities Show 2014 please visit www.facilitiesshow.com

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

IX

Bouygues Energies & Services :feature 2 17/06/2013 14:39 Page X

FMTODAY: BOUYGUES ENERGIES & SERVICES

OUR ENERGIES FOR A BETTER LIFE BOUYGUES ENERGIES & SERVICES PROVIDES ENGINEERING AND SERVICE CAPABILITIES FROM CONCEPTION, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION THROUGH TO FACILITY MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE UK

B

ouygues Energies & Services provides engineering and service capabilities from conception, design and construction through to facility management within the UK. The company boasts an excellent track record of delivering services in a range of complex and secure critical environments, delivering fullyintegrated, sustainable lifecycle solutions, within both the public and private sectors.

Services include consulting and contracting with turnkey design and build solutions for critical, high tech facilities. Hard and soft facility management services are also available including life cycle planning and project delivery services. Infrastructure Services include utilities services and civil and electrical engineering solutions in public/highways lighting, telecommunications, electrical and gas network infrastructure. Energy management services, as well as performance services, provide strategic carbon planning, energy compliance and procurement, infrastructure design, installation and maintenance.

Recent developments include the continued growth of Bouygues Energies & Services within

X

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

high profile framework agreements. The company’s success with National Grid continues to grow with C&I and Electrical Framework agreements on the UK’s first truly commercial LNG importation terminal.

Bouygues Energies & Services’ CompEx certified instruments experts’ team are engaged in calibration and maintenance of the instrumentation at the terminal and will join the call-out roster shortly. In addition, Bouygues Energies & Services has also been awarded a front end study for the existing emergency and plant lighting comprising a full survey of the existing lighting, testing of the emergency lighting and night time surveys of the existing lux levels. The lighting upgrade is required to ensure safe operation for at least another 15 years.

Bouygues Energies & Services Director Zeb Ahmed said, “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in relationship with National Grid and provide high value engineering services.”

The company was also celebrating a health and safety award earlier this year. Bouygues Energies & Services has been awarded a RoSPA Gold Award for its approach to health and safety.

Bouygues Energies & Services :feature 2 17/06/2013 14:40 Page XI

FMTODAY: BOUYGUES ENERGIES & SERVICES

The award was presented by RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 16 May. The RoSPA awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. It recognises commitment to accident and ill health prevention and not only looks at accident records, but also entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.

David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said, “RoSPA firmly believes that organisations that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention deserve recognition.

Bouygues Energies & Services has shown that it is committed to striving for such continuous improvement and we are delighted to honour it through the presentation of an award.”

Dean Murphy, Director of QSE added, “This is an excellent award to have received and reflects the commitment of all our staff to best practice health and safety. The business should be proud of its achievement.” www.bouygues-es.co.uk Tel: 0207 401 0020

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XI

Westway Svs:feature 2 25/06/2013 17:06 Page XII

FMTODAY: WESTWAY SERVICES

DELIVERING YOUR

ENVIRONMENT WESTWAY SERVICES DELIVER A FOCUSED AND SUPERIOR TECHNICAL SERVICE CAPABILITY TO THE TOP ECHELON OF THE UK BUILT ENVIRONMENT

R

eaction to recessions can range from simply waiting for better times to taking the opportunity to change. Westway Services chose the latter course and, as a result, has a more durable business model.

The change was prompted by two main contractors going out of business. Although the bad debts were relatively small, they caused a realisation that the volatile project market was not the best one to be in during difficult times. So while the company retained its core business of HVAC and M&E work, it moved way from installations and refurbishments, concentrating more on maintenance contracts that now account for 80% of business.

“We switched off all the main contractor work and focused on maintenance,” recalls Managing Director Andy Donnell. “It didn’t mean switching off project work totally but now we only do it for organisations we have contracts with so it’s relatively risk free. Our revenue dropped for a while but it’s picked back up by replacing the main contractor work with

XII

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

maintenance contracts that are much longer term and sustainable. We have a regular cash flow and the business is stronger financially because we can better predict cash, revenue and profit.”

The change was part of a strategy known as ROBUST, which represents Relationships, Ownership, Back to basics, Upping margins, Sustainable and Technical content. That strategy was rolled out across the company and resulted in an increased focus on customers while retaining core skills based on delivering engineering solutions.

ENGINEERING FOCUSED Customers are now building owners and managing agents with property portfolios to look after, for whom it provides PPM and reactive maintenance.

Typical is a recently won contract with Standard Life Investments for its portfolio of eight shopping centres. As part of that, the company took on 21 staff under TUPE arrangements and has made them feel part of an engineering focused company that will invest in their future.

Westway Svs:feature 2 21/06/2013 14:56 Page XIII

FMTODAY: WESTWAY SERVICES

“WE’RE NOT FRIGHTENED OF PROVIDING VISIBILITY OF OUR PERFORMANCE AND IT’S FULLY ACCESSIBLE FOR CUSTOMERS TO SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THEIR BUILDINGS”

Each new contract has a condition report that, as Andy explains, is part of a focus on helping the customer: “We identify potential risks in the life cycle of their plant and play a pivotal part in supporting their capital budget in terms of predictability. They rely on us to tell them when anything needs to be replaced. It’s about prioritising what’s critical to their business and when it’s likely to break down so we can build a budget around replacing high risk items. We believe the customer is king and our business culturally focuses around listening to customers and putting an engineering focused solution that fits them rather than us.”

To help that process, Westway has a business system customers can access via a web portal to obtain information about all their equipment. That includes planned maintenance tasks, what’s been done and is still to do, and certificates for the equipment. There’s also a mobile app engineers use to receive and complete worksheets for each job and to access risk assessments.

Andy says: “We’re not frightened of providing visibility of our performance and it’s fully accessible

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XIII

Westway Svs:feature 2 21/06/2013 14:56 Page XIV

FMTODAY: WESTWAY SERVICES for customers to see what’s happening in their buildings. Some companies are resistant to divulging information because they’re worried it might show them in a poor light but we believe sharing information and giving the customer visibility are key things.”

INVESTING IN STAFF The ROBUST strategy focuses on core values, which includes Westway investing in health and safety to the extent it’s won a RoSPA Silver award for the last three years. It also continues to invest heavily in staff at all career stages. That starts with an apprenticeship programme, the company having four apprentices currently with three more sought this year. “We want to build the next generation of engineers because there will be a shortage in the future,” remarks Andy. “We’ve had three apprentices go through the scheme and they’ve stayed with the business as qualified engineers because they like the culture. Our management team are all engineers by trade, which is really important because we can converse technically with staff.”

The Westway Academy carries training through after qualification, aiming to help engineers progress into management. It recognises the difficulties faced when advancing and provides a leadership and management programme so they can do it successfully. That, as Andy emphasises, reflects the company’s preferences: “We would rather promote from within because it’s hard for people to come into a new culture. We believe that’s the best

XIV

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

way to sustain the culture in the business. People that grow up with it understand the values within the business.”

A change to the business arising through market needs has been an increased emphasis on energy efficiency. That’s something Westway has always focused on, although its approach is different to some companies. “Whilst many look at controls and reducing tariffs, we believe the biggest energy savings can be attained through a proper maintenance solution.

Equipment that isn’t well maintained will use more

need to remain flexible to reflect market changes and to set new targets as each one is achieved. But the underpinning culture of the business to deliver a technical solution remains constant. The plan is very clear — to strengthen the foundations of the business, retain core values and ensure the company is stable and robust. It enables a clear message throughout the company and Andy is determined it will continue to be reinforced.

He says: “We are very passionate about what we do; there’s a great culture in the business and

“WE’RE PROUD WE’RE ENGINEERS AND OUR CHALLENGE IS TO MAKE THAT PRIDE RECOGNISABLE TO THE WIDER WORLD BECAUSE WHAT WE DO IS VALUABLE TO MANY PEOPLE.” energy whereas, if you maintain it to its optimum level, it will be energy efficient. If you optimise the efficiency of maintenance and it’s bespoke to individual buildings and plant items, energy saving can be achieved without huge customer expense.”

The ROBUST strategy is now in year two of a five-year road map that evolves constantly due to a

everybody shares in it. We’re proud we’re engineers and our challenge is to make that pride recognisable to the wider world because what we do is valuable to many people.” www.westwayservices.com Tel: 020 88337263

Westway Svs:feature 2 21/06/2013 14:56 Page XV

FMTODAY: WESTWAY SERVICES

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XV

BCO:feature 2 25/06/2013 15:02 Page XVI

FMTODAY: BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES

DEFINING

EXCELLENCE I IN OFFICE SPACE The British Council for Offices’ (BCO) mission is to research, develop and communicate best practice in all aspects of the office sector. It delivers this by providing a forum for the discussion and debate of relevant issues.

XVI

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

t’s a challenging time to be taking over as President of the BCO but James Wates, a member since 1993, isn’t concerned. “I think whenever somebody takes on something like this, it’s going to be a challenging time,” he insists. “One has to welcome the challenge, see it as an opportunity to respond and try to position the BCO as an organisation that is thinking about the issues and working on them with the membership.”

He is, as Deputy Chairman of Wates Group, the first contractor to take on the role and believes he'll bring a different slant from his working experience.

However, he doesn’t envisage any change of emphasis given it’s an organisation that’s driven by the wishes of its members and is unique in its aims.

James says: “The BCO is about delivering excellence in commercial office space in terms of design,

BCO:feature 2 25/06/2013 15:03 Page XVII

FMTODAY: BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES

“THE BCO IS ABOUT DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE IN TERMS OF DESIGN, USABILITY AND BUILDING” JAMES WATES PRESIDENT Environmental issues are increasingly high on the agenda and new regulations and legislation shape the way the industry operates. Although the BCO isn’t a lobbying organisation, its inclusive membership means it can offer a very broad opinion and inform the debate.

MEMBERS’ NEEDS The role of the BCO is as a forum on issues affecting the office sector and it undertakes research to achieve this, producing its flagship fit-out guide and BCO office specification plus other documents. It also stages various events, such as technical tours and its annual conference and awards ceremony.

However, James realises, the members sustain the organisation through their time, commitment and subscriptions, meaning their wishes always come

first. “We’re in touch with the membership to make sure we are constantly attuned to what they want,” he remarks. “We have a pretty good communications and engagement structure.”

Looking forward, James has high hopes for his year of office: “I’d like to be able to look back on a fine year where we’ve achieved things, had interesting speakers at events and stimulated the debate.

Any organisation that resists change or doesn’t have aspiration to growth will inevitably wither and die, so we always have to be looking forward. We are committed to developing the membership and, as an organisation, are continuing to evolve and change in response to the circumstances we face.” www.bco.org.uk Tel: 020 72830125

usability and building. The great thing about the BCO is no one part of the process dominates; we have members who are occupiers, developers, architects, contractors and furniture suppliers.

Everyone has a role to play and that’s why it is so different to other organisations in the building environment. They’re very much about their professional side whereas the BCO is about the product; it’s about defining excellence in office space.”

James acknowledges the economy remains very difficult, with the government striving for a growth agenda, and believes the BCO and the construction industry generally can make significant contributions.

One of the best ways of achieving growth is through construction activity, which requires finance to be available and customers to take the buildings. Consequently, the whole economy needs to be moving forward so businesses are growing and taking new space.

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XVII

SAGA Group :feature 2 26/06/2013 12:27 Page XVIII

FMTODAY: SAGA GROUP

REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT GAVIN DAVIS, GROUP HEAD OF PROPERTY AT SAGA, EXPLAINS HOW THE COMPANY IS BECOMING MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE

XVIII

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

SAGA Group :feature 2 26/06/2013 12:27 Page XIX

FMTODAY: SAGA GROUP

S

aga is, like all companies, keen to reduce its environmental impact and control costs. Group Head of Property Gavin Davis says: “We’re keen to do our bit and we are focusing on projects that have a fairly short payback. We have taken better control of our environment in an ambient sense to improve its operation from a user’s perspective and to save money. We’ve done both without huge investment and have also reduced our carbon footprint.”

Within the group are the Automobile Association and Allied Healthcare, although these operate differently with leased properties and outsourced maintenance. The Saga brand was originally based on holidays but now extends to financial products. This part of the business, which focuses on the fifty plus age group, operates from nine owned buildings, most within three miles of Folkestone.

IN-HOUSE TEAM The push for improved sustainability and energy efficiency has been partly through an in-house team that deals initially with reactive repair calls through a help desk and handles the day-to-day upkeep of properties. More specialist work, such as testing and maintenance of fire alarms, UPS and CCTV systems, is dealt with by third-party companies.

“As a procurement strategy, we typically use local companies,” comments Gavin. “The basis for that is we’re trying to support the local environment and local economy. So we tend to use local suppliers and they’re small companies rather than big players.”

One change Gavin’s making is to introduce more formalised agreements. Many companies have worked with Saga a long time but without a proper contract, which is something he’s determined to alter. He says: “We’ve embarked on a fresh procurement exercise, still using local suppliers but applying more procurement rigour, putting in place service level agreements and better pricing schedules.”

Saga maintains high environmental standards.

Gavin says: “We have waterless urinals, which have

dropped our water consumption considerably, and we’re starting to fit voltage optimisation. These are less than two year paybacks and, in terms of carbon reduction as well as energy reduction and cost savings, they’re significant numbers.”

Although it uses low energy T5 lamps in most office buildings, Saga is evaluating the use of LED lighting. The T5 lamps took the previously standard 40-60 watt units down to eighteen watts but LEDs will lower this further. Further work is required to improve the business case for LED technology but it is clearly a beneficial way forward, with improvements in energy use and it would appear physiological benefits too with the LEDs producing a better quality of light which matches more closely the qualities of daylight.

The cost impact, however, is not as great as in some companies because in Saga there is a culture of turning off lights when not needed and saving money generally. Nevertheless, PIRs are being installed and a series of road shows and seminars is being run to reinforce the message of avoiding unnecessary cost.

Over the last six months, work with the company’s waste processor has transformed the position

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XIX

SAGA Group :feature 2 24/06/2013 15:24 Page XX

FMTODAY: SAGA GROUP

XX

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

SAGA Group :feature 2 26/06/2013 12:27 Page XXI

FMTODAY: SAGA GROUP from 55-60% recycling to one of nothing going to landfill. “The only waste not being recycled is food waste,” proclaims Gavin. “Everything else is collected in a single bin that goes to a recycling facility where it is sorted for recycling. Our food waste goes to a modern, clean incinerator where energy is recovered.”

SHORT PAYBACK The quest for short payback projects that don’t tie up capital means there are no wind turbines, photovoltaics or grey water harvesting although they’re a future possibility. But there have been numerous other projects, some resulting from energy audits intended to reduce CRC payments that have identified savings. These revealed some hot water boilers weren’t properly insulated, enabling significant energy savings at relatively little cost. Thermal imaging identified heat spots on buzz bars due to loose connections while electrical traces on main cable runs showed resistance build up that was easily fixed through normal maintenance.

Much work has been handled at minimal cost and resulted in a cumulative and positive impact.

One of the biggest changes has been an attempt to reduce the reliance on air conditioning as a temperature control mechanism. Gavin says: “We use ambient much more and have a big site just outside Folkestone where the building is naturally ventilated with a large central atrium, allowing hot air to rise naturally by convection. We’ve used the design of this building to influence operating habits elsewhere by using smoke vents and windows on the north

side to bring in cool air throughout the year, not just in summer.”

Summer heat is also reduced by replacing tenyear old solar film to make use of the latest technologies. Added to that, there’s a move to use the building’s auto-vents to remove hot air, with the vents opening five degrees when the inside temperature reaches thirty degree Celsius (at the top of atria or ceiling level) and wider as it climbs higher.

That’s already been introduced at Folkestone and a similar system implemented at Thanet.

“There are roof vents on the mezzanine floor designed as smoke vents, essentially a skylight running the full length of the building,” explains Gavin.

“We’ve automated those and attached them to the BMS, which controls the opening as office temperature goes up. We don’t need to use air cooling or chillers and we’ve optimised our BMS so if the ambient temperature is below 20 degrees outside, we bring in outside air and pump that around the office.

“These changes have cost very little and, by linking to the heat and temperature sensors, the computers do the rest. We’ve adjusted the temperature in our computer rooms from sub-20 degrees Celsius to an ambient temperature of 25 degrees, which gives electricity savings of 15%. It’s all done automatically and it’s part of this drive to run the buildings as effectively as possible and use less energy, which of course saves money.”

“WE USE AMBIENT MUCH MORE AND HAVE A BIG SITE JUST OUTSIDE FOLKESTONE WHERE THE BUILDING IS NATURALLY VENTILATED WITH A LARGE CENTRAL ATRIUM, ALLOWING HOT AIR TO RISE NATURALLY BY CONVECTION”

www.saga.co.uk Tel: 01303 771111

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

XXI

FMT events:feature 2 23/06/2013 15:13 Page XXII

FMTODAY

EVENTS JULY

9TH – THE LATEST BEST PRACTICE IN LEGIONELLA CONTROL AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT The afternoon’s presentation updates are intended to educate facilities managers on different aspects of their latest industry best practice. If this mixed theme is successful it will be repeated at the next Ed SIG event. All feedback is most welcome.

VENUE: Oxford TEL: 0333 323 0207 EMAIL: mark.gale@cataxsolutions.com 11TH – WOMEN IN FM - DESIGNING WORKSPACES FOR THE NEW DEMOGRAPHICS - THE IMPACT OF MODERN FEMININE IDENTITIES Join the Women in FM team at the Kinnarps showroom for an interactive event on the impact of modern feminine identities on the workplace – designing workspaces for the new demographics.

VENUE: London TEL: 07976 963889 WEB: wifmkinnarps-eorg.eventbrite.com/

SEPTEMBER 10TH-11TH – THE ENERGY EVENT The Energy Event is the UK’s leading energy exhibition and conference. It is the only energy event dedicated to energy management, efficiency and procurement.

VENUE: NEC, Birmingham, UK TEL: 020 3033 2219 WEB: www.theenergyevent.com 10TH-12TH – RWM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CIWM Get the latest developments in resource efficiency and waste management that affect you.

750+ exhibitors bring you the latest products and services in the industry 150-plus expert speakers make up the largest, FREE, CPD-accredited conference programme in the industry VENUE: NEC, Birmingham, UK TEL: 020 3033 2182 (UK) WEB: www.rwmexhibition.com 12TH – FMA SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING The aim of the session is to enable delegates to cost-effectively take advantage of the

XXII

FMTODAY MAGAZINE

much-publicised social media revolution and how it can help each company to achieve its business goals.

VENUE: London TEL: 07525 727288 EMAIL: Katie@zoodikers.com 12TH-13TH – SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CENTRE FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT In a time of financial constraints, public sector services have to be delivered with limited resources – and FM is no exception.

But even with the best planning, projects or services depend on procurement models and processes that are aligned to enable them. This conference examines how we develop processes to enable change and manage resources effectively.

VENUE: Sheffield Hallam University TEL: 0114 225 5319/5340 WEB: www.shu.ac.uk 12TH – FMA SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING The aim of the session is to enable delegates to cost-effectively take advantage of the muchpublicised social media revolution and how it can help each company to achieve its business goals.

VENUE: Westminster Kingsway College, London TEL: 07525 727288 WEB: www.fmassociation.org.uk/ events/fmasocmediatrg3 18TH-21ST – 100% DESIGN 100% Design is officially the UK’s largest design trade event with over 25,000 visitors including architects, interior designers, retailers and designers.

VENUE: Earls Court, London, UK WEB: www.100percentdesign.co.uk 24TH - 25TH – PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE STRATEGY FOR FM (BIFM EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME) BIFM Executive Programme - for facilities professionals working at or aspiring to senior positions in FM and who want to make an impact at board level.

VENUE: Central London TEL: 020 7404 4440 WEB: www.bifm-training.com/ executive_programmeFS.htm

OCTOBER 14TH – BIFM AWARDS 2013 Since 2001 the BIFM Awards have recognised excellence in FM

VENUE: The Grosvenor House Hotel, London TEL: 01279 712 630 WEB: www.bifm.org.uk/bifm/events/awards/ Awards2013 17-18TH – THE FMP EVENT The Facilities Management & Property Event continues to be the UK's most Senior Conference for End User Delegates from the worlds largest organisations.

Focusing on Key Challenges in FM, Real Estate, Security, Sustainability, and Innovation, we aim to share knowledge and best practice with an advanced workshop programme led by the industries leading professionals.

VENUE: Celtic Manor Resort TEL: 01633 225 040 WEB: www.fmandpropertyevent.com

SEPTEMBER 19TH & 20TH – WORKTECH 13 Over 2 full days the event will offer great content through a unique blend of ideas, case studies, workplace innovations and visions of the future.

Join 300+ senior professionals from real estate, facilities, technology, HR, architecture, design and executive management to examine the collision and convergence between these worlds and how it’s affecting work and the workplace.

VENUE: London TEL: 020 8977 8920 WEB: www.unwired.eu.com/ WORKTECH13/london/

PUBLICISE YOUR EVENT FOR FREE IN

FMTODAY SEND ALL THE RELEVANT DETAILS (VENUE, DATE, TEL, WEBSITE) TO STEVE: designer@bdcmagazine.co.uk

FMTodayBC:Layout 1 21/02/2013 12:22 Page 1

pages XXIV:Layout 1 16/05/2013 12:38 Page 1