Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum

4 in 10 would take unpaid leave to get more time off

22nd June 2022

New research shows Brits are increasingly willing to take measures to achieve better work-life balance, as over 4 in 10 (43%) of UK employees would take unpaid leave to get more time off – the second highest amount of all European countries surveyed after Sweden.

The research from European HR and Payroll solutions provider, SD Worx, found that while Brits want to prioritise taking time off, the struggle is disconnecting from the working world. Findings show that almost a third (32%) of UK employees check their work while they should be offline, and 34% say that it’s difficult to let go of workload when on holiday.

The new research also shows the UK could be filled with ‘workaholics’. When British employees were asked about the amount of time off they think they need to recharge their batteries, respondents say 8.5 days on average. This is the shortest of all European workers surveyed, showing that even taking a week away from the office to disconnect can leave someone refreshed on their return.

The research also found UK employees like routine when it comes to holidays, with 34% preferring to take time off during the same periods each year.

When it comes to booking time off, despite increasing digitalisation in the workplace, surprisingly only slightly more than half (52%) of European survey respondents said they could easily request leave via their desktop, and even less (38%) via their smartphone.

UK employees also said they have to book time off around 27 days in advance – the lower end of the European spectrum compared to countries like Germany (75 days), Spain (61 days) and the Netherlands (55 days) who must really plan ahead of time.

“People work to live, not live to work, and that’s why it’s so important businesses create a culture where personal time and annual leave is respected, and team members are encouraged to completely disconnect,” said Colette Philp UK HR Country Lead at SD Worx.

“This type of culture shows a company prioritises individual wellbeing, and it can help prevent staff burnout in the lead up to a break and limit any anxious feeling about returning to work after. Instead, it helps team members ensure they take essential time off to re-set, and that they come back refreshed, re-energised, and ultimately more productive.”

Final call for next week’s Facilities Management Forum

By: Stuart O'Brien

21st June 2022

There are just two free delegate spaces left at next week’s FM Forum, during which you will be able to connect with like-minded peers, benchmark new suppliers and learn from insightful seminars delivered by industry though leaders.

27th & 28th June 2002

Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport

Your attendance is entirely free and completely flexible – we can work around your schedule.

Meet 1-2-1 with budget-saving suppliers, network with peers & attend a series of seminar sessions.

Plus enjoy all meals, refreshments throughout, overnight accommodation and an invitation to our evening dinner, with entertainment.

Confirm your free place here and/or nominate a colleague.

Our seminar lineup features:-

“8 steps to leading successful change”

– Tackle change more effectively at a personal level

– Lead change for those around you

– Assess those people in your teams that lead and support you with change

– Plan your approach to changes in the workplace

– Understand how to ‘live, not laminate’ your key values

Presented by Liz Kentish, Managing Director, Kentish and Co

“Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in FM”

Sofie will touch on IWFM’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journey, what professionals and organisation
are doing to promote EDI, the why of action and the barriers and solutions often observed.

· What IWFM are doing as a professional body

· What Workplace and Facilities Professionals and their organisations are doing- market trends

· Why act?

· Barriers and breaking them down

Presented by: Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy, IWFM

“Occupiers’ liability and how to defend claims”

We know that compensation claims arising from the condition of premises can be costly. Naomi will discuss the impacts of the Occupiers’ Liability Acts on FM and give some useful tips for defending public liability claims.

Presented by: Naomi Bailey, Senior Risk Consultant (Liability), Zurich Resilience Solutions

“Is the 21st Century Workplace equipped with the right culture?”

As we exit from the pandemic, into the new normal, it would appear that hybrid working is here to stay, however, given some of the events even recently in the news, it seems many organisations are still struggling to understand how to get the culture right.

Productivity and monitoring software sales have boomed, but did organisations get it right? Is what some businesses done even legal? Has a pandoras box of future data protection issues been opened?

– Hybrid working is here to stay – but is the 21st century office run on 19th century culture measuring productivity – bums on seats, hours worked or actual output?

– Does productivity and employee monitoring software equal a more productive workplace?
– Monitoring, snooping and the Data Protection Act

Presented by: Mike Gillespie, Managing Director, Advent IM

To reserve your place, click here.

Do you specialise in Air Conditioning services? We want to hear from you!

By: Stuart O'Brien

21st June 2022

Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in July we’ll be focussing on Air Conditioning.

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 Air Conditioning 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:

July – Air Conditioning
Aug – Waste Management
Sep – Asset Management
Oct – FM Software
Nov – Intruder & Alarm Systems
Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment

Pagabo unveils £1bn 2nd generation Medium Works framework

By: Stuart O'Brien

8th June 2022

Pagabo has issued a prior information notice (PIN) for the second generation of popular Medium Works framework, which will be valued at £1 billion.

The current Medium Works framework is one of its most popular and active construction offerings for clients, with 148 projects having been procured through it to date – the issuing of a PIN sets the wheels in motion to the creation and launch of its successor, with prospective suppliers able to bid following the release of tender documentation later this year.

The new generation of the framework will run for four years from January 2023, taking over from the current iteration, which expires in December. It provides a compliant and collaborative framework that can deliver medium-sized construction projects with a minimum value of £250,000, giving clients access to suppliers across three value bands.

Up to nine contractors will be allocated to each region under each lot across core and reserve supplier appointments. There are a number of these places reserved for SMEs to ensure fair access for suppliers of all sizes and to provide ample choice for clients.

Lot 1 – £250k to £1m
Lot 2 – £1m to £5m
Lot 3 – £5m to £10m

The contracting authority for the framework will be the Education Alliance, which will continue that role from the current, live offer.

Jason Stapley, our managing director, said: “This PIN marks the first steps towards making this second generation framework a reality – and the best it can be based on market input. This approach to engagement with those who will apply to be on or will use the framework is an important part of our process, ensuring that every framework we launch is absolutely fit-for-purpose – solving procurement problems rather than creating them.

“It’s really important that clients have access to the best providers on the market – not just the big businesses. That’s why we reserve a number of appointments specifically for SMEs. We know how important having that choice is to clients, as well as the increased levels of social value and positive impact benefit that comes from working with SMEs particularly on a local level.

“Our Medium Works framework is a really popular one with our clients, providing them with the services they need to compliantly deliver mid-sized projects. Some incredible work has been delivered through the framework, such as £1.4m National Centre for Craft and Design for North Kesteven District Council and the £10m Swallowtail Place for Saffron Housing Trust, and we look forward to seeing standout built environment schemes come through the new generation from next year.”

Learn from the best at this month’s Facilities Management Forum

By: Stuart O'Brien

7th June 2022

There are just a handful of free spaces left at the next FM Forum – Two days during which you can connect with like-minded peers, benchmark new suppliers and learn from insightful seminars delivered by industry though leaders.

27th & 28th June 2002

Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport

Our seminar lineup features:-

“8 steps to leading successful change”

– Tackle change more effectively at a personal level

– Lead change for those around you

– Assess those people in your teams that lead and support you with change

– Plan your approach to changes in the workplace

– Understand how to ‘live, not laminate’ your key values

Presented by Liz Kentish, Managing Director, Kentish and Co

“Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in FM”

· What IWFM are doing as a professional body

· What Workplace and Facilities Professionals and their organisations are doing- market trends

· Why act?

· Barriers and breaking them down

Presented by: Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy, IWFM

“Occupiers’ liability and how to defend claims”

Presented by: Naomi Bailey, Senior Risk Consultant (Liability), Zurich Resilience Solutions

“Is the 21st Century Workplace equipped with the right culture?”

Productivity and monitoring software sales have boomed, but did organisations get it right? Is what some businesses done even legal? Has a pandoras box of future data protection issues been opened?

– Hybrid working is here to stay – but is the 21st century office run on 19th century culture measuring productivity – bums on seats, hours worked or actual output?

– Does productivity and employee monitoring software equal a more productive workplace?
– Monitoring, snooping and the Data Protection Act

Presented by: Mike Gillespie, Managing Director, Advent IM

Attendance is completely free, including all meals, overnight accommodation and an evening dinner.

To reserve your place, click here.

Health & Safety on your agenda? Find your next supplier in the FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory

By: Stuart O'Brien

7th June 2022

Looking for new Health & Safety 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.

Your business can now be included in the FM Directory from just £99!

Click Here To Get Listed!

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

Do you specialise in Physical Security services? We want to hear from you!

By: Stuart O'Brien

22nd May 2022

Each month on FM Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in June we’ll be focussing on Security.

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 Security 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:

Jun – Security
July – Air Conditioning
Aug – Waste Management
Sep – Asset Management
Oct – FM Software
Nov – Intruder & Alarm Systems
Dec – Fire & Safety Equipment

FM market set for £3bn sales boost in 2022

By: Stuart O'Brien

12th May 2022

A new report on the UK’s facilities management market from MTW Research has found that whilst the cost of Covid-19 will exceed £11 billion in lost revenue by 2026, prospects for the market are positive with a £3 billion sales uplift in 2022.

The 100 page report reviews the legacy of Covid-19, highlighting near term labour, profitability and other operational challenges but places this into context within wider positive FM market trends and opportunities, forecasting double digit growth over the next 4 years.

Proptech represents a key positive FM market trend in 2022 according to MTW, with growth in disruptive technology boosting healthy sales opportunities. Discussing this trend, MTW’s director Mark Waddy said: “Trends in FM technology and process innovation are enabling FM providers to develop an ‘empathic response’ to service provision, boosting added value by more closely integrating with the client and anticipating their needs.”

Public sector FM grew share of the FM market in 2020/21 as commercial demand slowed in response to the pandemic. MTW identify that this trend is now reversing in 2022 though public spending plans published in March 2022 were further revised upward by 2.8%, on top of a real terms increase of £150bn announced in 2021. This growth, coupled with a steadily strengthening private FM outsourcing sector underlines a fundamental strength in the FM market for the medium to longer term with MTW forecasting the market will reach 98% of pre-Covid sales in 2022.

Despite high inflation, real term growth is set to return in H2 2022 with full year 2023 growth expected to outpace inflation as international and domestic inflationary pressures steadily ease. However, MTW also identify a number of issues dampening growth prospects. One example is the trend of insourcing, with caterers, cleaners, security and maintenance contractors having become so well integrated that they are viewed as the ‘lifeblood’ of the organisation and so are adopted as employees. This trend is often also supported by unions and so has gained further traction as a result.

The report also highlights growing challenges in the TFM market, with a growing trend of FM contractors focusing on specialism rather than broad spectrum service delivery in order to develop more defined brands and enhance margin opportunities. More selective tender submissions and enhanced margin protection continue to become increasingly evident across the FM market in 2022 as the quality of service rather than volume of contracts grows in significance. Nevertheless, bundled FM services continue to dominate the market in 2022, rising by more than 13% over the entire review period.

Best performing sectors in recent years according to MTW include the contract cleaning market and security sectors whilst the property maintenance and catering markets performed generally in line with the overall FM market. By 2026, sales from these 4 sectors alone will generate more than £55 billion of sales in cash terms.

The report also identifies some of the more recent mergers and acquisitions and forecasts M&A will grow rapidly in 2022, underpinned by private equity which continues to price trade buyers out of the market. As private equity continues to grow share of the FM market, M&A activity is set to rise by some 35% in 2022 compared to 2019 levels.

Are you ready for next month’s Facilities Management Forum?

By: Stuart O'Brien

9th May 2022

Don’t miss out on the chance to join other senior FM professionals this June, at the Facilities Management Forum.

It is FREE for you to attend, and takes place on the 27th & 28th June at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport. Register here to secure your place.

FM professionals attending include:

British Council
Crown Commercial Service
Denbighshire County Council
Derby City Council
Dr Organic
FI Real Estate Management
GPE
House of Daniel Thwaites
IPM Facilities
Kennedys
L’Oreal (UK) Ltd
LF Europe
Manchester Airport Group
Manchester City Football Club
Medicines Discovery Catapult

Menzies Distribution Ltd
Mills & Reeve LLP
MOD
Natwest Group
Plentific
SRL Traffic Systems
The Football Association
The Market Research Society
Trowers & Hamlins
United Learning
UnitedHealth Group
Urbanbubble
Waters Corporation
Whitbread Group Plc
Yorkshire Building Society

In addition to two days of business meetings with suppliers & networking, you will get the latest insights and advice on trends in the sector via a series of seminar sessions.

Overnight accommodation, all meals and refreshments, plus an invitation to our evening dinner with entertainment, are included with your free ticket.

If you need FM software the FM Forum Recommended Supplier Directory is here to help!

By: Stuart O'Brien

9th May 2022

If you’re looking for new FM software providers 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