Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 11 of 87
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Stuart O'Brien

Anglo Scottish Asset Finance helps Bristol businesses achieve clean air compliance
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Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has been appointed by Bristol Council to deliver the financial assistance scheme to support individuals and businesses affected by the introduction of clean air zones in the city.

The financial assistance scheme has been launched to support Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will charge the most polluting vehicles to drive in the city centre from Monday 28 November 2022.

The scheme will provide financial support in the form of grants and/or financing to help reduce the cost to businesses and individuals to replace non-compliant vehicles and avoid paying a daily charge for driving in the city centre, as well as meeting the government targets for the reduction of pollutants in the shortest possible time.

The initiative is funded by the Government’s Clean Air Fund, with an agreed £42m package which includes, £1.8 million of loans and grants to help people to change their vehicles, £32 million for businesses to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis, and private hire vehicles and £5.9 million to help people switch to public transport and make more journeys by walking or cycling with free electric bike loans.

Established in 2007, Anglo Scottish is an independent finance broker, providing a range of financial services across the UK including asset finance, business loans, as well as personal vehicle solutions, and vehicle sourcing.

Anglo Scottish has previously worked with Bath & North East Somerset Council to develop the city’s pioneering financial assistance scheme, and to help over 400 businesses to replace non-compliant vehicles and avoid daily charges to enter the city centre.

Businesses and individuals can benefit from Anglo Scottish’s clean air zone services which include, grant application assistance towards the acquisition of compliant vehicles, and/or financing to spread the cost, and vehicle sales and part exchange facility to source and replace their existing vehicles.

“We’re delighted to be helping Bristol Council to support businesses and residents in becoming clean air compliant”. Commented David Foster, MD at Anglo Scottish.

“The team at Anglo Scottish are in a fantastic position to support the residents and businesses of Bristol to not only access grants and finance, but also source and part ex-change vehicles.

It’s a challenging time to be searching for new vehicles, and we’re pleased to say that we can reduce the pressures on drivers and businesses by offering a complete “one-stop-shop” for eligible applicants to purchase compliant vehicles, access financial assistance and achieve the most cost-effective vehicle finance solution.”

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “We’re pleased to be working with Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, who are helping us to support those on lower incomes and businesses while we fulfil our moral and legal duty to improve Bristol’s air quality and reduce dangerous air pollution. We have sought to deliver Bristol’s Clean Air Zone in a way that protects those who need it the most, by offering a large package of support for people to replace or upgrade their vehicles and find more sustainable ways to travel around the city. As part of the financial support process, both individuals and businesses can get invaluable guidance and direction from Anglo in applying for grants, seeking the best vehicles to upgrade to or getting advice on part exchange options.”

WEBINAR: ‘Why we need an energy efficiency revolution in commercial real estate’
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7 in 10 hybrid workers are concerned the UK energy crisis will impact the cost of working from home. And worries don’t stop here, with half of UK hybrid workers (55%) expressing concerns about the energy efficiency in their workplace, rising to 71% in the US.

Energy management needs to be at the top of the agenda for commercial real estate owners and managers.

It’s time for companies to make real changes that benefit not only their running costs and the efficiency of their buildings, but the health of the planet 🌍

Join Infogrid for a webinar: ‘Why we need an energy efficiency revolution in commercial real estate’ on 30th November 4pm GMT | 11am EST with expert perspectives from:

Register Here

Suppliers, seminars, networking and more at January’s FM Forum
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Have you secured you place at January’s FM Forum? Your pass is entirely free – and allows you to meet with a range of suppliers that can support your upcoming projects, via a series of relaxed meetings.

Plus, you can enjoy insightful seminar sessions presented by industry-thought leaders and full hospitality throughout.

23rd & 24th January

Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow

You can confirm your attendance here via our online booking form.

Do you need Structural FM solutions for 2023? The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory can help!
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Are you looking for Structural FM solutions for your building, venue, school or company? The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is home to dozens of trusted partners ready to help make your project a reality!

Put simply, there’s something to suit every requirement.

Start Your Search Now

Are you an FM supplier? Get listed!

The FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is the perfect platform to raise your organisation’s profile and extend your reach.

Promoted via the FM Briefing newsletter, website and our renowned meet-the-buyer facilities events – this digital FM directory offers a comprehensive list of industry solution leaders.

Click Here To Get Listed!

Or, for more information, please contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 or p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk

Delaying fixed wire testing could cost businesses thousands
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Businesses run the risk of legal cases and thousands of pounds worth of fines for neglecting their fixed wire testing, says one of the UK’s leading compliance companies.

phs Compliance, which provides facilities management and compliance services across the UK, says that many businesses are not keeping up with their requirements to regularly test and inspect their electrical equipment, especially electrical installations that requiring fixed wire testing.

Tracy Burtwell, Managing Director of phs Compliance: “This is a challenging time for many businesses, but if you neglect your basic health and safety obligations you are putting your employees and the business at serious risk.

“The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 state that all electrical equipment in the workplace must be suitable for use and maintained to ensure it is safe, so if a business cannot demonstrate that they are regularly checking and maintaining equipment, they will land themselves in hot water.

“Fixed wire testing, carried out by a professional, is the best way to ensure compliance and have peace of mind that your equipment is safe to use and that you are protecting your employees. And you can prove it!

“Fixed wire testing inspects and assesses an electrical installation’s main electrical wiring system to ensure it is safe to use and complies with  the current version of the British Standard BS 7671. It will identify any overloads, hazards or defects that could cause a fire or injury.

“An electrical installation includes any fixed electrical equipment that is supplied through an electricity meter, including main panels, distribution boards, cables, accessories (like sockets, switches and light fittings), circuit breakers, and residual current devices (RCDs).”

“It is recommended that electrical checks are conducted on an annual basis to ensure compliance. The easiest way to remember is to ensure electrical installations form part of your general workplace risk assessments and to schedule tests in advance.

“Most electrical installations require testing every one to five years, depending on the type of electrical installation, how often it is used and the environment it is in. It’s always best to consult an experienced professional like phs Compliance who can advise on your specific workplace and equipment.”

phs Compliance provides a free Guide to Fixed Wire Testing in the workplace on its website.

With over 50 years’ experience, phs Compliance is one of the UK’s leading providers of facilities management and compliance services. As well as electrical, mechanical and fire safety testing and maintenance services, phs Compliance also provides specialist electrical and mechanical project services, including design, supply and installation for everything from power to lighting.

Planon’s Richard Bellairs on the impact of smart building technology and more
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Planon’s Solution Product Marketeer Richard Bellairs (pictured, right) and his colleagues recently hosted a webinar, ‘The impact of smart building technology on the future of work’. Here FM Briefing talks to Richard about the themes and issues covered in the webinar, along with wider industry opportunities and trends…

Tell us about your company, products, and services.

Planon is the leading global provider of Smart Sustainable Building Management software. This means we connect buildings, people, and processes. We generate unique insights for decision makers and reduce costs by automating facility management processes.

Consistently rated as the global leader in our field by independent market analysts, we have over 2,500 customers, and an extensive partner ecosystem around the world.

What have been the biggest challenges the FM industry has faced over the past 12 months?

The past 12 months have arguably been the most challenging period ever for the FM industry. Only a year ago we were managing our facilities according to various COVID protocols. As those requirements moved away, we faced uncertainties about the number of people returning to work in our buildings. We have a serious skills shortage. Many people left the profession during the pandemic, and it’s hard to replace them. And now, as we need to adapt workplaces to meet the needs of hybrid working models, high inflation and interest rates are putting the brakes on investment.

Energy bills are rising and so today’s big question for FM professionals is: how do we strike a balance between efficiency and workplace experience? The cheapest, most sustainable office is a closed one, but we must facilitate and stimulate the kinds of interpersonal relationships and interactions we’ve missed during the lockdowns of the last two years.

And what are the biggest opportunities?

The great thing is that everyone now accepts that we must make changes. There is more agreement that the changes FM professionals pushed for in the past are not just ‘nice-to-haves’, but important contributors to successful organisations. Senior managers see the value in providing a great work experience to attract and retain the best staff.

And while doing this we can transform workplaces to be more sustainable and energy efficient.

The biggest opportunities are:

  • To work alongside HR, developing an integrated approach with FM as a key component in delivering a word-class employee experience.
  • To configure and design spaces to suit different and changing tasks, work styles, preferences, and user demographics. 
  • To use technology to capture data and analyse how buildings are really used, to detect opportunities for energy saving, without harming the office experience.

What will be the biggest priority for the FM industry in 2023?

Without people we don’t have an industry, so the biggest priority must be to invest in our human capital. Retain great people and invest in their training and personal development. Recruiting people into the industry is difficult now, so we need to promote how FM can offer a rewarding career path.

What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2023?

On the one hand, the uncertain economic climate will bring the primary focus back to efficiency and energy savings, so I think the main trends will be related to doing more things better, with fewer resources. This means smart building analytics and process automation will grow in importance during 2023. On the other, more on the soft side – our society is changing – for example, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) becomes more established and so is our population of co-workers. This will lead to different workstyles, preferences, and behaviours we’re expected to enable.

What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?

There is a vast array of technologies used by the FM sector. And it’s not necessarily the newest technologies that will have the biggest impact. If I think about the opportunities, priorities and trends already mentioned, then the time has come for easy to use, cloud-based systems that gather data and make it available for FM teams to make the best decisions, automate daily operations, and provide an optimum experience for building users. I think the latest generation of CAFM/IWMS systems will have the biggest impact.

In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?

Nuclear fusion. The world needs this to meet its energy needs.

Which person in, or associated with, the FM industry would you most like to meet?

It’d be great to meet Neil Usher, Chief Workplace and Change Strategist at GoSpace 

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the FM sector?

The FM sector is about people using spaces. The cogs of FM are turning in the background of almost everything people do. What surprises me is how most people outside the industry don’t realise the importance and impact of the sector.

You go to the bar at the Facilities Management Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?

Gin and tonic.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

Seeing new customers adopt the technology we bring to market.

And what’s the most challenging?

Identifying where to invest our budget to deliver the greatest value to customers.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Always make sure your belt is the same colour as your shoes.

City or United?

City 🙂

Richard and his colleagues recently hosted a webinar, ‘The impact of smart building technology on the future of work’. Click here to watch the recording.

5 Minutes With… Garland UK’s Ben Whitemore
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For the latest instalment of our FM industry executive interview series, we spoke to Ben Whitemore (pictured), Technical Product Manager at Garland UK, about the roofing challenges faced by facilities managers and how sustainable roof systems can help meet environmental targets… 

Tell us about your company and services

Garland UK manufactures high-quality roofing and waterproofing systems for the commercial, residential, industrial and public sectors. We partner with facilities managers, surveyors, and architects to deliver proactive and long-term waterproofing solutions for all roofing assets. For over 20 years now, our Technical Managers have developed partnerships with over 4,500 private companies, education estates, NHS Trusts and councils across the UK as a single point of contact for each customer.

What have been the biggest challenges the FM industry has faced in recent months?

In recent months we have seen a fundamental shift in conversations around sustainability and how we can make our buildings more sustainable. We’ve seen the FM industry respond to increasing government regulations and ensure their organisation’s environmental initiatives are met.

The energy crisis has put significant pressure on facilities managers, stretching budgets to tackle these issues, making budgetary planning a real challenge. At the moment, our conversations with FM clients revolve heavily around reducing operational carbon and how we can improve the thermal efficiency of their buildings and generate renewable energy at scale through solar PV roof installations.

What are the most prominent roofing challenges for commercial buildings?

The obvious roofing challenges are around maintenance, with water ingress, standing water and blocked gutters, to name a few. However, one of the most significant roofing challenges we have at the moment is ensuring sustainable roofing systems are fully utilised to help reduce commercial buildings’ embodied and operational carbon impact on the environment.

What solutions can help FMs overcome these challenges?

We always recommend a life cycle costing assessment which allows for the total cost of a given roof project or roofing component to be analysed over its life cycle. It provides an easy and accurate comparison for FMs to review against alternative options for new build and refurbishment projects.

When comparing sustainable roofing systems, such as 100% recyclable metal roofs, green roof systems or even water management blue roofs, our clients can see the cost savings that a long-life system can bring to overall building management and helps to encourage a more robust maintenance program.

You mentioned reducing operational carbon; how can roofing make a difference?

The energy savings that can be achieved through a more insulated roof or a green roofing system can realise immediate environmental benefits and reduce carbon emissions. Installing a renewable energy system, like solar PV, is a brilliant way to reduce operational carbon and the need for fossil fuel consumption and lower your energy bills. We’d always recommend carrying out a Solar Yield Analysis to see what kind of kWh yields are generated, annual carbon emissions avoided and the return on investment, which can be in as little as 4 years.

Do you specialise in Intruder & Alarm Systems? We want to hear from you!
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Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in November we’ll be focussing on Intruder & Alarm Systems.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you specialise in Intruder & Alarm Systems and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Paige Aitken on p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Nov – Intruder & Alarm Systems
Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment

WEBINAR: From Pain to Profit – How to Deliver Supply Chain Value in FM
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Join Alcumus and Mitie in their on-demand webinar as they discuss how to deliver supply chain value in Facilities Management.

In order to compete effectively in the dynamic facilities management (FM) sector, organisations need to take a more proactive approach to identifying, controlling, and limiting risks across the supply chain. As demand for FM services continue to pick up, and with a CAGR above 4.5% during 2022-2027, having the ability to deliver high-performing environments without compromising on safety, sustainability, or ethics is a must.

Alcumus already partners with four of the five largest global FM companies, helping them to reduce risks and manage both anticipated and unanticipated events in the supply chain. This session is designed for facilities management sector leaders on delivering unique value to your existing and prospective clients by efficiently achieving supply chain compliance.

During this on-demand webinar you’ll hear from Industry experts Gemma Lynch, VP of Strategic Accounts at Alcumus and Mark Hughes, Group Quality & Assurance Director at Mitie as they discuss:

– Why growing supplier risk exposure is influencing FM provider selection criteria

– How to demonstrate control and compliance of suppliers

– Operational challenges that may stall strategic sourcing initiatives

– How to quickly adapt to changing regulations and business needs

– Proven initiatives for gaining supplier buy-in and transparency

– Winning strategies

Watch the on-demand recording here.

Integrated FM market to hit $94.2bn this year
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The global integrated facility management market is expected to grow from $87.86 billion in 2021 to $94.18 billion in 2022, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%.

Furthermore, the new data from ResearchAndMarkets predicts the market will grow to $119.55 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 6.15%.

North America was the largest region in the integrated facility management market in 2021. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the integrated facility management market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The report says increasing development of sustainable infrastructure is driving the growth of the integrated facility management (IFM) market, due to the ‘need for enabling economic and social development, as well as environmental sustainability while preserving human fairness, variety, and natural system performance’.

The integrated facility management follows a unique process to make structural, architectural, and operational changes in buildings to reduce the negative impact on their occupants and the environment. For instance, according to The New Climate Economy, a flagship project of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, the world is expected to invest $90 trillion in sustainable infrastructure by 2030. These investments are crucial to boosting the economic growth in emerging markets and developing countries in addition to fighting against climate change.

Furthermore, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) predicts that an annual average investment of $6.9 trillion in sustainable infrastructure is required until 2030 for global development. Both instances indicate the increased development of sustainable infrastructure globally. Hence, the increasing sustainable infrastructure development will propel the growth of the integrated facility management market.

Th report says Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) are being implemented into integrated facilities management solutions to enable optimum space management. The AI-based technologies employ computer systems to do complex activities formerly performed by humans by their functionalities such as speech recognition, visual perception, and decision making. These tools can gather, store, and analyze large data sets in seconds, enabling facility managers to be more proactive in asset performance management, and send an automatic update in case of issues.

These tools replace many monotonous and time-consuming facility management duties. Key players are focusing on offering AI-based integrated facilities management solutions to strengthen their market position. For instance, in January 2020, the American multinational technology corporation IBM incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into its TRIRIGA solution to assist real estate and facilities management professionals in better use of office space and provide a more engaging work environment.

One of the world’s top integrated workplace management systems TRIRIGA includes TRIRIGA Building Insights, as well as integrates occupancy data from WIFI and/or IoT sensors with freshly incorporated AI. It helps firms and facility managers gain insights into how more effectively they can utilize space across their enterprises.