FMTcover:Layout 1 20/04/2013 13:37 Page I
FMtoday THE MAGAZINE FOR FM PROFESSIONALS SKANSKA FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
CLIENT COMMITTMENT THE CRABTREE PROPERTY GROUP
INNOVATION IS THE DRIVING FORCE INSIDE:
RICS THINKFM BRAYBORNE CLEANING SERVICES
FMTodayBC:Layout 1 21/02/2013 12:22 Page 1
FMTcontents:feature 2 23/04/2013 12:09 Page III
FMTODAY
INSIDE...
SAVING GRACE? T
DANIEL STEPHENS EDITOR
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
IV
THINKFM Book early for the THINKFM Conference 2013
VI
Skanska Facilities Management Client committment
he FM sector could be the saving grace for ex-public sector employees. A new survey has indicated that seventy-two percent of FM service providers will create new jobs this year which is up two percent on last year. The Barclays Job Creation Survey also suggests that the majority of FM firms do not expect to shed jobs this year. Surveying 700 businesses including thirty-three FM service providers, FM indicated the largest new job percentage of the fifteen named job sectors surveyed. The reason for job creation? Seventy-six percent said an increase in sales was driving the sector. Of the jobs planned this year, sixteen percent will be senior management roles and seventy-three percent will be middle, junior or skilled positions. Nicki Thomson, head of business services for survey sponsors Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “It’s positive news that FM companies are leading the way when it comes to job creation this year. The sector has weathered the economic storm better than some, and there is optimism for the future, largely driven by the amount of government contracts we have seen in 2012 and will see throughout this year.” However, the FM sector seems to agree that the government’s policy on job creation has made little impact on their businesses. A significant seventy-nine percent said the government’s efforts to remove barriers to job creation were making no difference. Yet, the sector did welcome planned reductions in employers’ national insurance contributions. Eighty-four percent, the highest of all sectors surveyed, said that the announcement to waive the first £2,000 of employers’ contributions will have a positive effect on the job market. While the national cross sector average was rather negative, fifty-eight percent of FM businesses surveyed said they would be interested in taking on ex-public sector workers. This is up from thirty-two percent last year. Nicki Thomson said: “The majority of FM businesses are interested in taking on ex-public sector workers, as their skills and experience can be transferred into their businesses. This will be welcome news to ex-public sector workers, as the on-going rebalancing of the economy means many are having to seek opportunities in the private sector.”
FEATURE MANAGERS: VAUGHAN WILKS; JOHN HENSON
FM News This month’s top stories
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
VIII
Brayborne Cleaning Services Software solutions
XXVI
RICS The home buying ‘time bomb’
XXVIII
The Crabtree Property Group Innovation is the driving force Events Some dates for your diary
XXX XXXII
VIII
Skanska Facilities Management
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 18/04/2013 11:56 Page IV
FMTODAY: NEWS
FM SECTOR TO LEAD WAY ON JOB CREATION
A NEW survey is indicating that 72% of FM service providers will create new jobs in 2013 – and that some will go to former public sector employees. The Barclays Job Creation Survey also suggests that the majority of FM firms do not expect to shed jobs this year. The survey of 700 businesses included 33 FM service providers. Of these, 72 per cent will create new jobs this year, up two percentage points on the same survey last year. This is the largest new job percentage of the 15 named job sectors surveyed and is also significantly higher than the survey's national average; overall, 56 per cent of companies plan to create new jobs this year. Furthermore, 74 per cent of FM firms are not planning any job losses within the next 12 months. Most FM organisations – 76 per cent – said that an increase in sales was the catalyst for job creation, rather than the jobs being created in order to drive sales. Of the jobs planned this year, 16 per cent will be senior management roles and 73 per cent will be middle, junior or skilled positions.
FM firms also reported that government policy on job creation was having no impact on their business. 79 per cent said government’s efforts to remove barriers to job creation were making no difference – an improvement on last year, when this figure was 90 per cent. However the FM sector has welcomed the planned reduction in employers’ national insurance contributions. 84 per cent, the highest of all sectors surveyed, said that the announcement to waive the first £2,000 of employers’ contributions will have a positive effect on the job market. Nicki Thomson, head of business services for survey sponsors Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “It’s positive news that FM companies are leading the way when it comes to job creation this year. The sector has weathered the economic storm better than some, and there is optimism for the future, largely driven by the amount of government contracts we have seen in 2012 and will see throughout this year.” The survey also asked FM organisations whether they would be interested in taking on ex-public-sector workers. 58 per cent of FM
FM INDUSTRY BODIES UNITE TO SUPPORT BIM LEADING institutes, trade associations and professional bodies representing the built environment, have joined together to form the BIM4FM group. The BIM4FM group will provide an avenue for industry to input into the ongoing development of BIM and Government Soft Landing work being developed. Geoff Prudence, Chairman of the recently formed BIM4FM group said: “Although BIM has long been discussed at the construction end of the supply chain, it has only recently and repeatedly started to raise its profile
IV
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
with those operating and using buildings. As construction becomes more familiar with the concept of whole lifecycle costing, end users are increasingly being asked to input into the construction process at an early stage. Therefore, we feel there is a need to understand the current perception and awareness of BIM from those using and managing buildings. The survey, which will be promoted across all of our respective organisations is just one of the ways in which we intend to achieve this.”
firms answered in the affirmative, a significant jump compared to 32 per cent last year. The majority – 65 per cent – also said that ex-public sector workers were well-equipped for a role in their business. By contrast, the national cross sector average was more negative. Of all businesses surveyed, 57 per cent stated they did NOT want to hire from the public sector, with 52 per cent saying they were not well-equipped to take a role in their business. Thomson said: “The majority of FM businesses are interested in taking on ex-public sector workers, as their skills and experience can be transferred into their businesses. This will be welcome news to ex-public sector workers, as the on-going rebalancing of the economy means many are having to seek opportunities in the private sector.” Other findings showed that 46 per cent of FM organisations think there will be a shortfall when it comes to private sector job creation, compensating for public sector job losses. The survey was undertaken in January and February this year.
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTBOXES Wardray Premise Ltd has a fantastic range of images in their Relax & View® image collection. This UK company offer quality backlit wall and ceiling units which improve the aesthetics of any room. Both wall and ceiling units are lit by energy efficient, low maintenance, flicker free LEDs. Customers can choose to have an image configured for a single or multiple wall panels. A single wall panel can be produced up to 1000 x 3000mm, with a curved silver anodized frame, for maximum
impact. Alternatively multiple smaller wall panels can be combined to create a window effect, covering an area of 1562 x 3208mm. Both ceiling and wall panels can be fitted with a dimmer switch, making the light source truly controllable, which can be an important feature if the units are located in a patient’s room. The units are easy to install, lightweight and ultra slim (22mm deep). Full details are available at www.wardray-premise.com.
FMNews:feature 2 18/04/2013 11:56 Page V
FMTODAY: NEWS
OUTLOOK FOR FM INDUSTRY DEBATED ISMENA Clout, Chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management, recently hosted another FM Leaders Forum – on the agenda was the topic of emerging trends in the facilities management (FM) sector. The Forum brought together a panel of FM industry commentators to identify key themes and trends and to discuss the prospective outlook for the FM industry over the coming year and beyond. The ten experts were encouraged to submit topics for discussion in advance to ensure that trends from all areas of the FM industry would be considered, these included: • FM as a strategic player • FM’s perception within other business disciplines • The effect of the current economic downturn on FM • The impact of technology on FM • Anticipated trends emerging in legislation • How FM can attract top talent. Speaking on the topics debated, Clout said “Although the agenda was clearly constrained by the time allowed for the event, ideas that emerged tended to focus on a few key areas: the strategic role of FM, its relationship with other business disciplines, and the implications of the continuing economic downturn.”
“There were also lively debates around compliance and trends in legislation, the impact of technology, and the need to attract top talent to the profession. Unsurprisingly, many of these issues overlapped or were revealed to be interconnected. This FM Leaders Forum provided real insight into identifying immediate trends. However, the key will now be continuing this conversation through formal discussions like these with our members and across the whole of the FM industry.” The consensus was that emerging trends represents a range of opportunities for the FM industry to raise its strategic profile, if it is willing and able to change and adapt to changing conditions. As regards the challenges still facing the FM industry, the panel’s main conclusion was that FM can grow and evolve if it accepts emerging trends as a catalyst for action. If the many and varied opportunities are embraced, FM will be in a strong position to win recognition as a powerful strategic enabler driving the business forward. Encouraging top young talent into the profession will have a refreshing effect, helping galvanise FM into the kind of creative, proactive thinking needed to exploit rapid change. www.bifm.org.uk
RICS: COMPANY REWARDS AND ATTITUDES SURVEY FACILITIES management (FM) professionals who gain membership to RICS earn on average 30% more (£14,000 p/a) than their counterparts, according to the latest salary survey from RICS. Last year, the average salary for an RICS qualified FM professional in the UK was £63,927. This compares to just £49,529 for those who are not a member of the institution and represents a pay gap of over 29%. As strategic FM continues to gain recognition amongst business leaders for its role in managing down property related costs, it seems that employers are increasingly recognis-
ing the impact of comprehensively regulated standards and guidance. In order to support the sector in this, RICS expects to launch its comprehensive suite of globally applicable FM guidance later in the summer, following feedback from members and the industry. It is encouraging to see that those who adhere to RICS standards in the FM sector are being recognised for the additional expertise and strategic input they can offer. Clearly, employers are increasingly recognising the importance of standards in the marketplace and within their own operations and are rewarding their workforce accordingly.
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
V
THINKFM:feature 2 27/03/2013 08:54 Page VI
FMTODAY: THINKFM
CONFERENCE 2013
10TH JUNE 2013, THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, LONDON
With educational and debate sessions to advance skills and thinking, this is the facilities management conference you should attend. Take control of your conference agenda. Select your own sessions from the talent, performance and relationships hubs.
VI
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
THINKFM:feature 2 27/03/2013 08:54 Page VII
FMTODAY: THINKFM
F
acilities management professionals can now secure their delegate places at ThinkFM 2013, the facilities management (FM) conference brought to you by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) in association with Workplace Law. ThinkFM 2013 will focus on ‘The Leadership Challenge: Raising our game, making our case – realising our value’ when it returns to the iconic Royal College of Physicians in London on Monday 10 June 2013. Addressing leadership within FM from all angles, the conference offers educational and debate sessions that will help facilities management professionals advance their skills and thinking within their roles, their teams, their business, and in how they lead and manage their facilities effectively. With over 300 delegates expected from across the FM profession, ThinkFM offers delegates the
WHY THINKFM? g Uncover the latest techniques, tips and tools to manage your facilities effectively.
g Be equipped to raise your game and fast forward your personal and professional development.
g Be inspired by industry leading speakers and fellow FM professionals. g Discover working solutions on topics as varied as harnessing talent,
emerging technologies, FM strategy and Building Information Modelling.
g Benefit from fantastic networking opportunities, with over 300 attendees and an early-evening drinks reception
To book: www.bifm.org.uk/bookThinkFM
ability to select which sessions they wish to attend from the sessions running concurrently throughout the day, leaving the opportunity to focus on areas of personal interest or challenge thinking within a new topic. Speaking on ThinkFM 2013 Stephen Bennett, Strategy Director at BIFM, said, “ThinkFM is a flagship conference in the UK facilities management calendar and it has been pleasing to see it grow in 2012 from its inception in 2011. This year looks set to be the biggest ThinkFM to date, where we are looking to inspire leadership action through topics from attitude to competences, from corporate social responsibility to the FM difference, from the triple bottom line to the c-suite vocabulary. What differentiates ThinkFM is our hub format – enabling us to address so many critical issues in one day. “As we work to refine the programme, we welcome input from FM professionals, to ensure we address the core leadership issues they face.” Delegate places are being held at 2012 prices. Those who book within the ‘early-bird’ period (closing Friday 22 March 2013) will save on the delegate price. In closing, David Sharp, Founder and Managing Director of Workplace Law, said: “We are very proud to be working in collaboration with the BIFM on ThinkFM for the second year running. Once again we will be working on a programme of research which we will deliver at the conference, allowing delegates unique access to the findings. The theme of the conference promises an array of exciting content, firmly establishing ThinkFM as the mustattend FM event of 2013.”
Email: ThinkFM2013@apex.co.uk
Tel: 08701 632 804
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
VII
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page VIII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
CLIENT COMMITTMENT Committed to providing their clients with a first-class service, Skanska Facilities Services’ portfolio satisfies a wide range of client requirements from many different business sectors, allowing them to concentrate on their core business activities
A
lthough PFI projects have had their day in many people’s view, a number of facilities management businesses have grown out of this particular procurement model. Skanska Facilities Services is one of them and, although it’s not as well-known as some facilities management providers, it has been delivering the service for ten years, is now a £70 million business with very sound credentials and is looking to seriously grow the brand. Skanska is a multi-national construction and development company, based in Sweden, with a £13.2 billion worldwide turnover. Its UK business accounts for over one tenth of this amount, making it a top six UK contractor, and has a variety of operations that include building, civil engineering and infrastructure services. The Facilities Services side came out of the engineering and building services businesses and was initially concerned with M&E installations. However, the advent of PFI led to a natural progression into M&E maintenance. “The thirty year contracts were quite attractive and we are able to offer the client a one stop shop,” comments Director Jon Chown.
VIII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
“When an asset is handed over to a customer, there’s no conflict between the facilities management provider and the builder if something goes wrong. They’ve just got a single point of contact.” From being a traditional hard facilities management provider that concentrated on building services, planned and reactive maintenance and building fabric, Skanska extended further into delivering the full service that includes help desks, reception staff, catering services and dealing with cleaning, security and grounds maintenance. Jon says: “We recognised that opportunities won’t come to market in the same shape they had done traditionally. They won’t always be solely hard facilities management and they’re more likely to come to market with an element of soft services attached to them.” Given the PFI origins, 46% of the business is currently in the health sector with PFI hospitals, some of which could have forty buildings to be looked after. The rest is across the defence, education and commercial sectors, with Skanska particularly keen to grow in the commercial and local authority sectors. In the Midlands alone, Skanska maintains eight hospitals through long-term PFI arrangements, maintains over 100,000 assets with
over 150,000 proactive preventative maintenance operations annually, 300 employees and 500 subcontractors and suppliers. TAILORED SERVICE Skanska Facilities Services is now a standalone operating unit within Skanska UK and aims to self-deliver where practicable and use specialist suppliers for services such as lift maintenance. The intention is always to provide the right solution for each customer, which means creating a tailored service that gives the best value to every one. The accent on self-delivery is to ensure it has people who have the ‘Skanska way’ about them. When subcontractors are used, therefore, they go through a thorough vetting process before they’re taken on and are constantly monitored thereafter.
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page IX
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
www.bdcmagazine.co.uk
BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MAGAZINE
IX
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page X
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
X
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XI
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
Having the ‘Skanska way’ means that people operate in a safe, effective and ethically correct manner, including reinforcing the company’s green credentials. “We are the greenest company in the UK across all industries and sectors, not just in the construction sector,” claims Jon. “We pride ourselves on walking the talk in terms of being green, which covers energy and sustainability.” The top green company award came from the Sunday Times after Skanska had been in the top five for each of the previous three years. ‘Walking the talk’ means it helps its customers to operate their buildings in the most efficient way rather than simply dealing with the day-to-day running of properties. Instead, it identifies possible savings and helps customers achieve them, as Jon recounts: “We help
customers in their behaviours so that they can gain some quick wins. “There’s a non-investment side to helping customers as well as looking at what we can do in terms of green retro fits. We can model interventions with particular pay-backs and we can also finance some of those so that customers don’t actually pay anything out at the outset. Once the investment has been paid back through the energy savings, the customer will gain full benefit of all the savings that are made and we offer that now.” QUICK RETURNS Being able to offer savings in the short-term and with little or no upfront investment is particularly important at a time when customers often have no
FMTODAY MAGAZINE XI
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
available cash to spend. Consequently, offering the prospect of a cash return quickly will generally open the door to projects that may not otherwise be entertained if a large investment is necessary or returns are a long way in the future. Skanska has, for example, saved the Royal Derby Hospital around £2 million over four years on its energy costs and its team won a BIFM Best Practice in a PFI/PPP Project award for the work it did there. It’s a Skanska build and maintain project where facilities management commenced on an interim basis in 2003 and fully in 2006. Skanska also achieved significant savings on waste streams for Barts and the Royal London Hospital, the largest
XII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
health PFI in the UK with 255,000 square metres of acute health accommodation. ONE SKANSKA The ability to achieve savings and offer best value in a number of different ways is down to the ‘One Skanska’ approach, which effectively means that a customer signing a facilities management contract gains access to a whole range of services through different parts of the Skanska business. “We have so many other operating units that can deliver different services for that customer,” explains Jon. “If it’s large capital works, small works or an M&E life cycle reinstall, Skanska can do it. If they’re looking to
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XIII
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XIV
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XV
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
downsize their estate, we can help them with that through our project development business and our housing business. If they’re looking to finance projects, we can support them with that as well.� In some ways, Skanska customers gain access to an enclosed loop of services. A construction contract may be taken on by Facilities Services once it is complete and then, at a later stage, the construction arm may become involved in refurbishment and rebuilding work on the same property. An example is the specialist works installations team that can undertake fast-track relocation and office fit-out projects in occupied buildings, including full plant replacement works of chillers, boilers,
transformers and air handler units. It uses the comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering expertise available within Skanska together with building and refurbishment capabilities to deliver cost-effective solutions to a wide range of challenges. This can include acting as principal contractor on a variety of projects that include computer rooms, space planning, door access systems and stand-by generator supplies. INNOVATION IN 2013 Skanska will introduce a bespoke system that uses iPhones and paperless technology to give council teams access to real-time data and, as a result,
FMTODAY MAGAZINE XV
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XVI
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
XVI
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XVII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
become more efficient and productive. This improved insight will enable them to prioritise their planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive works, identify critical assets, improve budget planning and review reports on health and safety and customer satisfaction. The first contract will see the team maintain the heating and controls for over 360 buildings (excluding residential) for Falkirk Council over a three-year term. Worth nearly £1 million, this PPM contract will provide the team’s expertise and skills as a ‘one-stop shop’, covering all reactive works and mechanical installations across the council’s estate. The second contract win secured the boiler servicing and associated equipment for Stirling Council. This is the second term of a three-year contract and covers PPM with an approximate value of £500,000. In addition to servicing and maintaining all gas and oil-fired heating systems, the team will provide a 24-hour call-out service. Last but not least, Skanska has secured a threeyear contract for the maintenance of mechanical installations at West Dunbartonshire Council’s properties (excluding residential). The contract strengthens the 11-year working relationship between Skanska and the council. The initial annual PPM contract has an approximate value of £500,000. Skanska’s ‘first time fix’ policy, delivering a 99% service level success rate, supports business continuity for local authority estates. By minimising asset failure and maximising asset life, significant cost savings are gained by these local authorities. In addition, Skanska’s comprehensive knowledge of green techniques will reduce the local authorities’ carbon footprints and therefore energy costs, helping them meet their green goals. Skanska has worked with all three local authorities before. The contracts were won under competitive
FMTODAY MAGAZINE XVII
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XVIII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
tender, confirming the strong working relationships with Skanska’s delivery teams and the invaluable knowledge and experience they have accumulated. LOW-CARBON EXCELLENCE AWARD Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil (SRW), Skanska’s mechanical and electrical arm, picked up the prize for low-carbon excellence at the Construction News Specialists Awards, held at the London Hilton, Park Lane. The low-carbon excellence award was given to SRW for the passion exhibited by its team during a presentation to the judging panel. Skanska’s array of low-carbon projects includes the UK’s greenest ever municipal building, Brent Civic Centre, which has been awarded BREEAM interim certificate Outstanding for the design stage. The judges were also impressed with Skanska’s commitment to improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings demonstrated through the green retrofit of its own offices. This includes the current retrofit at Skanska’s UK head office in Hertfordshire. Skanska has an active programme to embed sustainability within its culture and across all the projects it works on. Its Journey to Deep Green is
XVIII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XIX
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
XIX
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XX
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XXI
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
ENGAGING WITH CLIENTS IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT WAY SKANSKA WORKS TO REDUCE CARBON ACROSS THE BUSINESS
part of the overall company strategy, and its ultimate aim is for all of Skanska’s projects to have a near zero impact on the environment. Engaging with clients is another important way Skanska works to reduce carbon across the business. It has developed a bespoke energy performance contract to help schools reduce their energy use and carbon footprint without having to invest, as guaranteed energy savings cover the cost of the project. Judges commented: “This was a good presentation by a passionate team that demonstrated strong vision and strategy at corporate level. The company also showed effective communication of their work and building performance.” “This award is excellent recognition for all the hard work and commitment demonstrated by the teams across Skanska. Well done to everyone involved,” said Paul Chandler Executive Vice President, Skanska UK. The award comes hot on the heels of Skanska’s recognition at the CEEQUAL Outstanding Achievement Awards for the sustainable qualities of the M25 and Olympic projects it was involved with. The M25 team was named winner of the project management and land use categories and was highly commended in the material use category. Meanwhile, the Eric Hughes Award for outstanding contribution to improving sustainability in civil engineering was given to the Olympic Park in recognition of its sustainability achievements. Skanska played a major role in reaching Olympic sustainability targets with project teams receiving the joint highest overall score for a CEEQUAL assessment. Skanska was also celebrating a further win as BREEAM awarded it a prestigious accolade for its achievements at HMP Thameside, formerly known as Belmarsh West. This is the second BREEAM award for the prison – presented for the kitchen and training workshops building. It recognises the high score received during certification. BREEAM is a voluntary measurement rating for green buildings and is used as a tool to measure the sustainability of new non-domestic buildings in the UK.
FMTODAY MAGAZINE XXI
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XXII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES The award recognises the team’s achievements in the specification, design, construction and operation of the BREEAM assessed buildings. These represent leading examples of construction projects assessed and certified in the preceding calendar year. Guy Baulf, Serco Director for HMP Thameside said: “When I first saw the land that the prison would be built on, I didn’t believe that it would fit. However with Skanska's careful planning and organisation we now have a fit for purpose prison handed over two months early that is well designed and actually looks quite beautiful. "Skanska has been building prisons for us for many years and what I like is that they listen to us – the client – and learn from every design to ensure each prison is better than the previous. A great example is the concrete moulded cells – cleverly designed to include shelves for prisoners to put their belongings on." The HMP Thameside development comprises of ten prison buildings including a sports hall, reception, kitchen, vocational training workshops and a health and education unit. The Living Unit is a fourstorey building providing 600 prison cells. It boasts a host of environmental features including: a waste vegetable oil biofuel boiler, on-site food composting and water efficient toilets. INJURY FREE ENVIRONMENT Besides being a green organisation, Skanska also prides itself on its safety record and goes well beyond statutory compliance. It has an Injury Free Environment (IFE) programme that is an integral part of the Skanska Way and which Jon likens to a stick of rock in that it goes right the way through everything the company does. He says: “It is a whole change of mindset in terms of behaviours. It’s taking
XXII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XXIII
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
XXIII
Skanska :feature 2 18/04/2013 16:59 Page XXIV
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES health and safety into a wider context about how we look after each other in the workplace, how we look after those that we work with and how we take that beyond our working lives into our home lives. “It’s no good wearing steel toe cap boots when we’re at work and then going home and mowing the lawn in flip flops. We’re trying to change that part of the mindset. Every single person within the business has been through a training programme and we’ve extended it into the supply chain so a large percentage of the Managing Directors of our major suppliers have also been through it. Some customers actually engaged with it and are taking those values into their own business.” Although Skanska is a recognised brand in the construction industry generally, it’s probably not as well known as a facilities management provider, which is a situation Jon is looking to correct: “We’re expanding the service into other markets and looking to grow the business significantly over the next three years. We have quite an extensive growth strategy for that period and then it’s going to upscale beyond that. The intention is to be looking at new markets, being seen as being a leader in green matters and leverage the One Skanska capability and brand.” www.skanska.co.uk/services/facilities-services Tel: 01923 776666
XXIV
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Skanska :feature 2 06/05/2013 10:52 Page XXV
FMTODAY: SKANSKA FACILITIES SERVICES
FMTODAY MAGAZINE XXV
Brayborne:feature 2 20/04/2013 13:04 Page XXVI
FMTODAY: BRAYBORNE CLEANING SERVICES
“WE DON’T JUST CLEAN, WE CARE” For over 25 years, Brayborne have been at the forefront of the cleaning industry, providing outstanding service and value to our clients.
XXVI
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Brayborne:feature 2 20/04/2013 13:06 Page XXVII
FMTODAY: BRAYBORNE CLEANING SERVICES
F
or over 25 years Brayborne has specialised in contract cleaning, providing a comprehensive range of services individually tailored to clients’ varying needs. It is what its reputation is built upon. This has seen the company become one of the UK’s most well respected and successful privately owned contract cleaning providers. Simon Berryman originally established Brayborne in 1986. His goal at the beginning, an ethos that continues to provide the cornerstone of the company’s success, was to provide outstanding service and value for money within the contract cleaning industry. Now employing just under 1,000 people, Brayborne has moved to the forefront of the industry with turnover in excess of £6 million. It has accomplished this through a flexible, customer-centric approach that incorporates key professional cleaning and facility support services to maintain a business’s appearance and ensure smooth day to day operation. SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIPS Brayborne has established successful relationships with clients in a number of sectors, some of which have lasted over a decade. For example, in the education sector, Brayborne has worked with Basingstoke College for twelve years, providing daily cleaning and daytime janitorial services across two sites. Testament to its ongoing capability, Brayborne has witnessed three tendering processes throughout the twelve-year period, gaining and regaining the contract on each occasion. The company also maintains long-term contracts with clients in the commercial, retail and public sectors. Indeed, it recently tendered for, and won, a contract with Hampshire Council, a client previously provided with cleaning services. Following the council’s decision to change providers based purely on price during the re-
tender, it has most recently decided to return to Brayborne principally because of its capability and service reliability. Crucially, the company understands the varying needs of clients operating in different sectors. Whether it is enhancing the experience of customers in a retail environment, providing efficient, cost-effective services to the public sector, or complementing the working environment within commercial businesses, Brayborne has both the experience and the expertise to find the solution that works best. Highlighting its reputation is the fact it has cleaned Windsor Castle’s windows for fifteen years. Across the royal estate, Brayborne is regularly scheduled to clean the windows of both the castle and associated buildings such as the courtyard properties, cloisters, private residences and Dean’s house. Based on this work, the company was awarded a further contract to clean the bells of the Curfew Tower. This specialist job required Brayborne’s heritage team to take extra care as operatives harnessed themselves to the 100-foot high wooden bell cage to carry out the cleaning. As Brayborne returns to Windsor Castle at regularly times throughout the year, it likes to refer to the contract as its “royal appointment”. Aside from the range of services the company can offer, Brayborne also works closely with other providers to ensure the seamless combination of both hard and soft services. This flexible, proactive approach is particularly relevant in the multidisciplinary facilities management market. However, its core services have always been cleaning, and by concentrating on its strengths, Brayborne has excelled. Delivered entirely by its in-house teams the company can provide anything from daily office cleaning to window, carpet and kitchen cleaning as well as washroom services, pest control, laundry and waste recycling.
Brayborne can also manage post rooms, security and landscape and grounds maintenance. This is underpinned by its ISO9001 accreditation, which highlights the business’s passion for quality as well as its ability to deliver. Key to this is Brayborne’s investment in its staff to develop careers and drive performance. When the Investors In People auditors looked at the day to day operation they noted the company was already meeting all the demands to achieve the accreditation. It is something Brayborne is very proud of as it takes great care of staff welfare. This social corporate responsibility can also be seen in its approach to the environment where ISO14001 has been achieved. Brayborne has worked with clients to help them reduce their carbon footprint – particularly in waste management and recycling – while it has introduced a number of measures to increase efficiency within its own operation. For example, it ensures it is running modern vehicles, only necessary journeys are made, and that routing is organised so that deliveries are made locally from the nearest supplier. It has also introduced recycling initiatives in its offices such as the use of double-sided printing. EXCEEDED EXPECTATION For over a quarter of a century, Brayborne has been delivering services that have often exceeded expectation. Its in-house expertise distinguishes it as one of the most experienced contract cleaners in the UK, while its work in various sectors over many years shows both consistency and reliability. The range of services available makes it an ideal service provider, while strategic partnerships ensure it fits seamlessly, and successfully, within a total facilities management solution. www.brayborne.co.uk Tel: 01189 78942
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
XXVII
RICS:feature 2 20/04/2013 12:00 Page XXVIII
FMTODAY: RICS
O
ver a fifth of home buyers who did not take out a home survey are saddled with a property they would never have bought had they been aware of its true condition before purchase, according to new research by RICS. Results from RICS’ survey of home buying consumers, released recently, show that many homeowners who did not take out a home survey are left with a property they regret buying and an average of £5,750 in repair bills. The survey of 1,017 buyers across the UK found that consumers are clearly aware of the need for independent advice, with 94% of respondents agreeing it is important to commission a survey. However, nearly a third failed to do so. This means buyers are left ignorant of issues with the property, such as structural defects, dry and wet rot, subsidence and many other faults, only for these to become serious
THE HOME BUYING
‘TIME BOMB’ RICS urges homebuyers to consider a survey
XXVIII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
RICS:feature 2 20/04/2013 12:00 Page XXIX
FMTODAY: RICS matters at a later date. The new homeowner may then be unable to afford, or may lose the desire, to fix the faults and may be left with a property they may no longer want to live in but are unable to sell to recoup their losses. 4 89% of respondents who did not commission a survey now think it is important to take out independent advice. 4 73% of people who did commission a survey said it provided them with peace of mind and over 50% felt it was value for money. Results from the survey of home buying consumers also showed common misconceptions and lack of understanding amongst consumers. Nearly 60% of respondents incorrectly identified an estate agent’s primary responsibility with 1 in 10 mistakenly believing agent’s act for the buyer, whilst nearly 1 in 5 thinking they act equally for the buyer and seller.
THE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE HOME BUYING PROCESS IS PUTTING CONSUMERS AT INCREASED RISK AS MANY FAIL TO TAKE OUT FURTHER INDEPENDENT, EXPERT ADVICE. AGENTS CAN AND SHOULD OFFER ADVICE TO BUYERS, HOWEVER, ONLY A SURVEYOR IS TRAINED TO IDENTIFY ISSUES WITH A PROPERTY. THE COST OF A SURVEY IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR THIS KNOWLEDGE AND PEACE OF MIND. PETER BOLTON KING RICS GLOBAL RESIDENTIAL DIRECTOR
RICS HOME SURVEYS THERE is now a choice of three levels of RICS surveys available to suit the particular circumstances of the client and the property: LEVEL 1 - CONDITION REPORT Provides an objective overview of the condition of the property, highlighting areas of major concern without extensive detail. This option is ideal for buyers purchasing a modern house in good condition and for sellers and owners. LEVEL 2 - HOMEBUYER REPORT Is most suitable for standard older and modern properties that are in an apparent reasonable condition. It provides a concise report with advice
detailing any significant problems that could make a difference to the value of a property. LEVEL 3 - BUILDING SURVEY The ‘flagship’ service providing a detailed report on a property. It is particularly useful for older, larger or non-traditional properties, or one which is dilapidated and has been extensively altered or if the buyer is planning a major conversion or renovation. RICS surveyors are closely regulated and are required to have professional indemnity insurance, which helps to protect buyers if the surveyor fails to detect a fault that later becomes apparent. Buyers can search for a residential surveyor on the RICS
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
XXIX
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 17/04/2013 10:48 Page XXX
FMTODAY: THE CRABTREE PROPERTY GROUP
INNOVATION IS THE DRIVING FORCE Crabtree’s mission is to be recognised as the market leader in property management
I
nnovation is driving The Crabtree Property Group in its mission to be recognised as the market leader in property services. This has resulted in a number of acquisitions and new services since the formation of Crabtree PM Limited in 1983, adding sales and lettings, consultancy, property investment and corporate services to its core property management business, all since the management buyout in 2002. In 2012, it set up Crabtree Law to provide legal services, becoming only the seventeenth organisation in the UK to form a law firm by way of an alternative business structure and only the second to do so that wasn’t previously a recognised law firm. The various parts of the business operate independently but work together to provide complementary services. And the group structure, as
XXX
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 17/04/2013 10:49 Page XXXI
FMTODAY: THE CRABTREE PROPERTY GROUP
Crabtree currently manages around 17,000 units across some 500 developments. The client list is varied, comprising either companies or individuals that hold freeholds as an investment, resident management companies representing the lessees or property developers that generally hand responsibility to lessees once the property is complete. In the case of developers, Crabtree generally gets involved early in the process. “When they obtain planning permission, they’ll send us a copy of the legal plan,” recounts Terry. “We’ll determine what we believe the budgetary service charges should be because, as soon as the developer starts selling, people want to know the service charges.” DIFFERENT FOCUS The overall service can run from property acquisition through all aspects of managing it to ultimate disposal, although day-to-day activities mainly revolve around collecting service charges and maintaining properties. It sounds simple but, as Terry
points out, is complicated by serving different types of client: “For resident management companies, our clients are the lessees whereas for investors we’re managing on behalf of the freeholder. We have to follow their instructions but also satisfy the lessees as ultimately they pay our bills through the service charges. So it’s a different focus.” Irrespective of this, the main concentration is on running and maintaining properties in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This is the responsibility of property managers. A dedicated property manager is appointed to each site, acting as the main point of contact for clients and dealing with everything that arises. Terry says: “The property managers inspect sites regularly, arrange works needed including cyclical works such as painting and decorating, and liaise with the client boards. The accounts department collects the service charges, issues demands and reminder letters, deals with phone calls from people who are unable to pay and looks to collect all service charges from the various
Chairman Terry White explains, provides substantial benefits: “We had four shareholders when we acquired the original business through a management buyout and they’re still in the business. We’re united in our approach and work for each other, so we’re strong together. If somebody needs advice, there’s usually somebody on the Board who knows and we work very well as a unit.” Property management remains the main activity, accounting for 80 of the 100 plus team and making Crabtree one of the largest independent residential property management companies in the UK. Although there are some commercial elements, generally in mixed use developments, the focus is essentially on residential properties that present different challenges to commercial ones. Not only is there more legislation, but the number of tenants in a block of managed flats tends to be greater than that in an office block of similar size.
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
XXXI
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 17/04/2013 10:49 Page XXXII
FMTODAY: THE CRABTREE PROPERTY GROUP
lessees because clients can’t function without the income.” A major feature these days is that reactive requests come in by telephone or email and an immediate response is often expected. All repairs and servicing are dealt with by third party companies, with the work tendered periodically to ensure a good standard of service at the best possible price. Contractors are subject to a stringent approval system and, in line with legislation, any one-off work which will cost an individual flat over £250.00 has to go through the Section 20 procedure, which is a three-part consultation process that includes going out to tender and keeping lessees informed of cost and actions.
XXXII
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
Some contractors have been on the books for many years and others are acquired when new properties are taken on but all are subject to the same level of controls. “Much of it is down to talking to people involved with the work,” recounts Terry. “The property managers, for example, have a monthly meeting and talk about contractors. If there are problems, we’ll try to get matters resolved and make sure the work is satisfactory. If not, we have a number of other contractors we can appoint to the position.” Controls over contractors also apply to health and safety, with Crabtree having a Health and Safety Compliance Officer to deal with internal and client matters. All new properties have communal areas surveyed to identify possible hazards and
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 17/04/2013 10:49 Page XXXIII
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 17/04/2013 10:49 Page XXXIV
FMTODAY: THE CRABTREE PROPERTY GROUP
“WE’RE LOOKING TO DEVELOP THE WAY WE DO THINGS SO THEY’RE EASIER AND QUICKER, NOT JUST FOR OURSELVES BUT TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE LEVEL TO OUR CLIENTS.” TERRY WHITE CHAIRMAN
XXXIV
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
other issues while health and safety conformance is an integral part of contractor pre-qualification. It’s important for clients due to the possible consequences but has cost implications that sometimes need to be explained to persuade clients of the necessity for expenditure. The overall cost is crucial because a big challenge is ensuring expenditure is limited to the budget agreed at the start of each financial year. That determines the level of service charge to each tenant and the aim is to avoid unexpected costs that may result in additional charges. These usually arise through exceptional circumstances, such as a problem with a roof that needs urgent attention, and can often be avoided by a proactive approach and a thorough PPM regime that identifies and averts potential problems before they arise. Unexpected one-off demands, especially large ones, aren’t good for tenant relationships and usually the answer is to build reserves from the service charge. However, some leases do not allow sinking funds or similar arrangements so an excess demand or increase to the service charge is sometimes unavoidable. One way Crabtree does try to help is through monthly direct debit payments that spread the cost rather than requiring an annual payment in full. Crabtree hosts a personalised online lessee portal providing account access, text alerts and email correspondence to allow for paperless billing and online payment facilities. Cost is increasingly affected by rising energy prices, with energy also linked to environmental
issues, and all new build developments have to be carbon neutral by 2016. That has required Crabtree to keep abreast of all equipment it comes across at new properties, such as photovoltaics and combined heat and power systems, with a constant need to research what it has to deal with and provide optimum solutions. At the same time, Crabtree has achieved carbon neutral status in its own operations, with low emission company vehicles, waste recycling and increased online services to cut paper usage. Crabtree was one of the first managing agents to achieve carbon neutral status. EXPANDING After expanding business services, there are now plans to extend legal services into conveyancing and possibly move into commercial property management. “We’re always looking at new fields and are considering some more online services at the moment,” comments Terry. “We’re looking to develop the way we do things so they’re easier and quicker, not just for ourselves but to continue to improve the service level to our clients. If we can do things more efficiently, they’ll benefit from it. I think we’re fairly innovative, as has been proved with Crabtree Law. I think we’re the only managing agent in the country that has gone down that route and it’s because we see a benefit to clients.” www.crabtreegroup.co.uk Tel: 020 8371 7070
Crabtree 30th Anniversary :feature 2 22/04/2013 16:53 Page XXXV
FMT events:feature 2 15/04/2013 16:47 Page XXXVI
FMTODAY
EVENTS MAY
8TH-9TH – GREENBUILD EXPO The UK's newest sustainable building and refurbishment event, an essential and informative event for the construction industry covering everything from training opportunities and renewable technologies to sustainable materials and legislation updates. VENUE: Manchester TEL: 01923 237799 WEB: www.greenbuildexpo.co.uk 14TH-16TH – FACILITIES SHOW 2013 Facilities Show is the world’s largest dedicated Facilities Management event now coming into its 14th year. VENUE: NEC Birmingham TEL: 020 7955 3790 WEB: www.facilitiesshow.com 15TH-17TH – 2013 BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE A varied plenary and seminar programme that features a dynamic selection of world class professionals, picking up hot topics from the industry as a whole. VENUE: Madrid WEB: www.bcoconference.org.uk 22ND-23RD – EUROPEAN FACILITY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Sustainability is the core focus of this year’s European Facility Management Conference (EFMC) VENUE: Prague Congress Centre WEB: www.efmc-conference.com
the industry’s major manufacturers, leading operators and service companies. AVEX offers visitors the most up to date and complete range of products and services available. VENUE: NEC Birmingham WEB: www.avexshow.co.uk
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
19TH-20TH – STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT IN FM CENTRAL LONDON 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. TEL: 020 7404 4440 WEB: www.bifm-training.com/ executive_programmeFS.htm
OCTOBER
24TH-25TH – THE 33RD FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FORUM The FM Forum will provide you with face to face meetings with decision makers who have specifically requested to meet with your company to discuss your services. This process will save you months of time and effort. VENUE: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire TEL: 01992 374 100 WEB: www.forumevents.co.uk/forum/FacilitiesManagement-Forum/facilities-managementforum-june 27TH – WORLD FM DAY 2013 A Global FM Initiative to celebrate the importance of the FM profession raising the industry’s profile worldwide VENUE: Various WEB: globalfm.org
10TH – THINKFM 2013 (BIFM ANNUAL CONFERENCE). This conference seeks to inspire leadership action on all fronts within your role, within your department, within business and within the profession. ThinkFM is the major UK facilities management conference, delivering valuable content to our delegates VENUE: The Royal College of Physicians TEL: 0845 058 1358 WEB: www.thinkfm.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
11TH-13TH – AVEX 2013 AVEX is the largest UK exhibition for vending and water. It takes place every two years and is attended by visitors from around the world. You can expect to see over 150 exhibitors including
24TH - 25TH – PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE STRATEGY FOR FM (BIFM EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME) BIFM Executive Programme - for facilities professionals working at or aspiring to senior
JUNE
XXXVI
FMTODAY MAGAZINE
14TH – BIFM AWARDS 2013 Since 2001 the BIFM Awards have recognised the very best individuals, teams and projects across the FM. The Awards present a fantastic opportunity for winners to be recognised for everything they bring to the FM profession. VENUE: The Grosvenor House Hotel, London TEL: 0141 639 0708 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
PUBLICISE YOUR EVENT FOR FREE IN
FMTODAY SEND ALL THE RELEVANT DETAILS (VENUE, DATE, TEL, WEBSITE) TO STEVE: designer@bdcmagazine.co.uk
FMT events:feature 2 15/04/2013 16:47 Page XXXVII
FMTBackcover:Layout 1 14/02/2013 08:43 Page XL