Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 68 of 87
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Stuart O'Brien

Energy Management Summit

Add your name to the list of VIPs at the Energy Management Summit
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Register today for the Energy Management Summit and you’ll be joining a guest list of just 65 senior energy management professionals.

It’s entirely free for you to attend – simply register HERE.

As our guest, you’ll be provided with an itinerary of face-to-face meetings with suppliers who match your requirements. You can also attend insightful seminars and network with peers who share your challenges.

Last year’s event attracted representatives of companies including:

ArcelorMittal Mining, ARM, AT&T, B&Q, Berkeley Homes, Bernard Matthews, CDK Global, Delphi, DHL, First Group, Harrow School, John Lewis, Kimberly-Clark, Mastercard, PWC, Sainsbury’s, Standard Chartered Bank, Thames Valley Police, The Walt Disney Company and more.

This two-day event takes place on October 1st & 2nd at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

Your ticket includes all meals and refreshments, overnight accommodation and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment.

Places are limited so register today.

Alternatively, contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 / p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk to find out more.

2018 Access Control & Biometrics buying trends revealed
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Locks & Locking Systems, Smartcards & ID Cards and Alarm Systems top the list of Access Control & Biometrics services the UK’s leading security professionals are sourcing in 2018.

The findings have been revealed following the Total Security Summit, which took place last month.

Delegates registering to attend the event were asked which Access Control & Biometrics services they needed to invest in during 2018 and beyond.

A significant 50% are looking to invest in Locks & Locking Systems, with 47.7% sourcing Smartcards & ID Card solutions and expertise.

Just behind were Alarm Systems (46.2%), Wireless Access Control (44.6%) and Card Readers (38.5%).

Interestingly, Facial Recognition solutions were being sought by more than 30% of delegates.

% of delegates at the Total Security Summit sourcing Access Control & Biometrics services (Top 10):

Locks & Locking Systems – 47.7%
Smartcards / ID Cards – 47.7%
Alarms Systems – 46.2%
Wireless Access Control – 44.6%
Card Readers – 38.5%
Visitor registration software – 38.5%
Facial Recognition – 32.3%
Key Holding – 32.3%
Security Doors and Windows – 29.2%
Alarm Management (Global Security Operation Centres) – 26.2%

To find out more about the Total Security Summit, visit www.totalsecuritysummit.co.uk.

GUEST BLOG: Keeping London’s landmarks pristine
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By Sarah O’Beirne, Principle Cleaning

Famous, high-profile buildings like The Walkie Talkie and The Gherkin in London require a special approach to cleaning, not just for the health and safety of those visiting and working inside them, but to meet the expectations of the world at large.

These architectural landmarks reflect the prestige both of the capital and their corporate tenants, which means they must maintain a pristine appearance. Spring is a good time to burnish external paving and decking with steam cleaning equipment or jet washers, and pay glass surfaces special attention to ensure they turn a sparkling face to the world.

These notable buildings often have high value fabrics and finishes, such as stone or wood floors, that require specialist treatment. Often warranties depend on correct cleaning techniques and proper planned maintenance. And like most of London’s major corporate buildings, they incorporate acres of glass that must be kept gleaming at all times. It’s quite a challenge.

Principle Cleaning Services is responsible for keeping over 200 buildings clean and shiny, including 20 Fenchurch Street (aka the Walkie Talkie) and 30 St Mary Axe (aka The Gherkin). The unique challenges of the Walkie Talkie include a vast glazed Sky Garden dome, which has to be cleaned using a cherry picker and abseilers for the underside, while the exterior is accessed by a mobile, high-access reach-and-wash unit. The building’s ‘top-heavy’ construction requires the abseiling team to pin themselves to its outer upper wall in order to reach the cleaning surfaces.

Inside the building are a number of escalators which are maintained on a daily basis using the innovative REN system, then periodically deep cleaned using the heavy duty Rosemor machine. This approach is like brushing your teeth daily, then visiting the hygienist on a periodic basis to remove the build-up that can’t be reached by daily brushing.

Meanwhile, Principle has been servicing The Gherkin since 2010. The company maintains all the common areas of the building, including the external plaza, which is one of the busiest areas in London – especially during the summer months. The main entrance, lifts, lobbies, and all 108 toilet blocks and washroom areas are included, and Principle also manages the building’s waste.

The Gherkin is a prime example of where planned maintenance is essential to preserve the appearance of an expensive asset. The high gloss stone floor in the lift lobbies and washrooms, for example, requires ongoing treatment to maintain its shine. So diverse are the needs of the multi-tenanted building that Principle employs a dedicated site manager who remains permanently on site, controlling the horizontal and vertical cleaning operations, liaising with on-site supervisors and housekeepers, and maintaining close communication with the building’s facilities team.

Like all office premises, prestigious buildings benefit from planned maintenance cleans in addition to the daily cleaning routines. Known as ‘periodics’, these ensure that high-use areas such as kitchens, washrooms, hard floors and carpets are kept as pristine as the manufacturer intended. Proactive cleaning in waste areas helps to prevent bad odours from developing and deters pests from taking up residence.

Buildings with challenging cleaning needs require a flexible approach. Principle’s Hybrid programme, for example, allows for cleaning and housekeeping tasks to be performed throughout the day, with the option to build planned maintenance cleaning into daily routines.

Total Security Summit

Be treated like a VIP at the Energy Management Summit
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Register today for the Energy Management Summit and you’ll be joining a guest list of just 65 senior energy management professionals.

It’s entirely free for you to attend – simply register HERE.

As our guest, you’ll be provided with an itinerary of face-to-face meetings with suppliers who match your requirements. You can also attend insightful seminars and network with peers who share your challenges.

Last year’s event attracted representatives of companies including:

ArcelorMittal Mining, ARM, AT&T, B&Q, Berkeley Homes, Bernard Matthews, CDK Global, Delphi, DHL, First Group, Harrow School, John Lewis, Kimberly-Clark, Mastercard, PWC, Sainsbury’s, Standard Chartered Bank, Thames Valley Police, The Walt Disney Company and more.

This two-day event takes place on October 1st & 2nd at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

Your ticket includes all meals and refreshments, overnight accommodation and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment.

Places are limited so register today.

Alternatively, contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 / p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk to find out more.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Fairclough Group – Totally dedicated to FM
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Fairclough Group is an experienced practitioner of Total Facilities Management, or TFM.

We work with clients across the UK and Europe. Some big, some small. All important to us.

We understand facilities management is not exactly top of the ‘favourite subjects’ list for many business leaders. They see it as a diversion from the day job.

We’re here to take away the pain: to get on and make things work better and more efficiently, reducing operating expense for our clients and creating a positive working environment that supports their corporate culture.

We think FM is a pretty straightforward business, or at least it should be: it starts with getting the basics right and understanding that the big picture and the small detail are one and the same.

All the projects we take on receive director-level attention until we feel they are running smoothly enough to hand over to a dedicated account manager. Our directors’ standards are high. They set the bar and will not ‘let go’ until they are absolutely confident of a smooth transition.

Through our ‘One Team’ operating model, our clients have achieved a reduction in annual facilities costs of 10-30%. And at that point, FM suddenly becomes a lot more interesting around the board table.

Our impact isn’t just on the bottom-line: we can help businesses achieve their environmental and CSR goals and ensure they can carry on trading following fire, flood or other unforeseen disaster. In that respect, were a potential lifeline for your business.

Whatever the challenge presented by your facilities, you’ll find the perfect partner in Fairclough. FM is our business. It’s our passion. Quite simply, it’s what we do.

Contact our team and take advantage of our complimentary site survey and find out how we can help you. 0207 099 9122 kathryh.hurt@faircloughgroup.com

www.faircloughgroup.com

Leon Lloyd

Learn from an ex-England international at the Sports & Leisure Forum
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Not only will the Sports & Leisure Forum allow you to connect with trusted suppliers, you’ll also meet a famous face or two.

This unique event, which takes place on June 18th & 19th 2018, will also give you extensive networking opportunities, plus the opportunity to learn from the best during a series of seminar sessions – including a keynote address from former England, Barbarian and Leicester Tigers player Leon Lloyd.

As our VIP guest, you will be one of just 60 delegates. The Forum will give you the opportunity to:

  • Source innovative and budget-saving suppliers
  • Network with like-minded peers
  • Enjoy full hospitality, including lunch and all refreshments, overnight accommodation and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment

Click here to confirm your place today.

Alternatively, find out more about attending as a delegate or supplier by contacting Gillian Small on 01992 374073 or email g.small@forumevents.co.uk.

GUEST BLOG: Maximise your marketing at industry expos
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By WhereTheTradeBuys

The challenges of advertising aren’t restricted to design. Many business owners and marketers need to consider where they will place their printed products once they’re complete — put them in the wrong spot and your ROI could plummet!

To help, we’ve explored the multiple locations available to you when you want to optimise your printed ad for maximum exposure. From store window to trade show, read on for advice on maximising your marketing ROI with pull-up banner placement tips.

Event shows or exhibitions

According to Eventbrite, the UK events industry is worth £42.3 billion and 1.3 million business events are held annually. Corporate hospitality accounts for around £1.2 billion, while exhibitions comprise £11 billion and conferences make up the lion’s share at £19.9 billion! Clearly, this industry is big business and you don’t want your company to get left behind if you aren’t active in trade shows and corporate gatherings. But, how do you maximise your exposure when you’re surrounded by so many other brands?

By using print marketing material like pull-up banners, you can hallmark your brand in someone’s mind much better than you could using digital alternatives at an events or trade shows. In fact, according to a study carried out in the US, participants that viewed print media showed a greater emotional response for it and were able to recall its details better than they could for digital ads. If you want to stand out against your competitors at a major recruitment exhibition and create that bond to entice people to come over, why not design an attractive, descriptive pull-up banner and place it next to your stand? If it’s eye-catching enough, it will draw potential partners and employees to your table where you can begin discussing the key details of your business.

At worst, your print banner’s audience will be more likely to recall your brand after leaving the show than they would if there had been a digital ad or no ad at all. This adds longevity to your marketing strategy that will boost your ROI beyond the event itself

To signpost your business location

According to a study published in The Independent last year, employees in the UK are working more overtime than ever before with 60% of those asked stating that they don’t have a good work-life balance. Basically, members of the public and your prospective clients are feeling too busy to waste much time, which could cause an issue when it comes to them locating and visiting your shop.

Are you easy to find? Even if you’re slightly off the high street, tucked away around a sharp corner or sandwiched between two larger stores; you could run the risk of clients giving up on finding you. By placing your pull-up banner in a location that signposts your building, you can direct your customers, as well as advertise your brand to the general public. Use bold fonts and colours to highlight your address and tell people which other shops you’re next to or opposite so they can quickly work out where you are. If you’re thinking about placing these outdoors, make sure you opt for a quality PVC or vinyl banner to make sure your ad can endure the weather for maximum return on your spend.

Reception or shop entrance

Just because your customer is in your building, it doesn’t mean you can’t promote your brand further. The sleek but noticeable dimensions of a pull-up banner will allow it to stand conspicuously in the corner of your foyer or next to your reception desk, while not overpowering the room and making it look cluttered.

Are you still a family-run company? Have you recently added another line of products to your range? Just reached five or ten years in business? Achievements like these matter to people who walk through your door, and the beauty of a pull-up banner is that you have the space to advertise snippets of success stories — unlike with a small leaflet, for example. Studies suggest that it can take as little as a tenth of a second for us to formulate an impression of something, which means that you don’t have long to portray your brand in a positive light when your customers steps into your building. Designing an eye-catching pull-up banner that not only features complementary colours — perhaps matching your reception décor — pleasant fonts and nice imagery, but also highlights interesting information about your company might be another helpful marketing factor to convert sales from new customers and boost brand loyalty among current clients.

According to an article by the Economist, the section immediately inside a shop building is called the ‘decompression’ zone. This is because customers need to momentarily ‘slow down’ to assess their new surroundings. As a result, this is a great place for promotional material. Even if you don’t have a reception area, you can simply place your pull-up banner just inside the entrance for the same powerful marketing affect — another way to boost ROI.

Shop window

A strong and alluring window display can be the difference between a potential customer stepping inside your building and walking or driving by it. According to store design and display consultant, Linda Cahan, in an article published in Entrepreneur: “Each window should tell a story”. Are you making the most of this key piece of promotional space? If you have floor-length windows, simply angle your pull-up banner so it is clearly visible to people and cars coming from all directions. Or, use a platform to give your advert height so it can be easily seen.

What’s more, a store window is a perfect place to advertise discounts and offers — did you know that 80% of consumers describe themselves as ‘promotion sensitive’? Highlighting a special discount on your pull-up banner placed in your store window will give your offer excellent visibility to help bring foot traffic in-store. Also, research shows that discounts can make it less probable that people will then compare your range with your competitors’! Remember to use contrasting colours and large text to highlight your offer on your banner.

Awards shows

Has your company been shortlisted for an award? There are countless ceremonies for every industry taking place across the UK throughout the year — so, how can you hallmark your brand when you’re surrounded by competitors at a special event?

Of course, promotional material at certain awards ceremonies wouldn’t work, as they’re simply a champagne reception and red-carpet affair. However, some are very business-based and can last all day before the awards section takes place in the evening. In which case, use this time to promote your brand on social media and YouTube. A creative, attention-grabbing pull-up banner stamped with your brand logo and key information you want customers or prospective employees to know will work wonders to promote what you do.

Even seeing a print ad like this for a short while will help your brand stay in someone’s mind much better than if you employed digital alternatives — excellent when you’re trying to get one step ahead of the competition. A Canadian study sound that three quarters of people could remember a brand after viewing it via a print media ad. Conversely, only two-fifths were able to recall the company after seeing it on a digital platform. To boost ROI, create a well-structured pull-up banner or two that can act as backdrops to any interviews you hold or videos/photos you take when your staff are at the awards event. Colour, design, content, and imagery are important characteristics — only use complementary colours, clear layouts, insightful text, and high-quality resolutions. Hashtags, contact information and your brand logo are also essentials. Then, share your snaps or videos on social media to spread brand awareness!

There are multiple places you can put a pull-up banner to promote your company. Bear these key tips in mind to maximise your ROI!

Sources:

https://www.uspsoig.gov/sites/default/files/document-library-files/2015/rarc-wp-15-012.pdf

https://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/print-vs-digital.htm

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-employees-working-overtime-no-extra-money-record-high-68-days-additional-pay-a7607596.html

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression #

https://www.economist.com/node/12792420

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223808 https://www.huffingtonpost.com/danny-wong/what-science-says-about-discounts_b_8511224.html

https://www.getelastic.com/coupon-infographic

https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-use-discount-pricing-strategies–cms-28611

https://blog.kissmetrics.com/direct-mail-in-the-digital-age/

Global FM market to be worth $1,887bn by 2024
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The worldwide market for facilities management is anticipated to witness a robust CAGR of 13.6% between 2016 and 2024, according to a new report.

Transparency Market Research says the global market, which was valued at $606bn in 2015, is expected to be worth $1,887bn by the end of 2024.

The corporate domain is a major contributor to the global revenue in the facilities management market and is expected to rise at a maximum pace of 15.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2024.

This segment represented a 21.3% share in the facilities management market in 2015, fueled by the needs of the flourishing IT and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sectors.

Europe leads the total market value by a wide margin and estimated to be worth $624.9bn by the end of 2024, equivalent to a 12.5% CAGR attributable to increasing demand for maintenance and support by manufacturing enterprises in the region, along with the rising demand for various types of specialised services, i.e. fabrication, plant maintenance and HVAC.

While the UK is the biggest generator of revenue in the European facilities management market, Germany is expected to post the most astounding development over the coming years.

Moreover, Asia Pacific is another key market which is expected to rise speedily by registering a 15.5% CAGR over the course of the forecast period. Its facilities management market is predicted to achieve a value of $437.1 n by the end of 2024, owing to the fast advancement in educational and private sectors.

BIFM’s Business Confidence Monitor highlights challenges and optimism across FM
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Now in its fourth year, the BCM in partnership with Barclays and i-FM, offers a unique insight into buoyancy across the FM industry and insight into current thinking and attitudes at the heart of the sector.

The BCM has canvassed the views of business leaders and other professionals, enabling an assessment of the confidence, ambition and priorities of organisations operating in the FM market.

Since the first BCM report in 2015, confidence in the FM business environment within the UK has been cautiously optimistic.

However, this year’s results come at a pivotal moment for the FM market, given the range of new opportunities and challenges facing the sector, from the adoption of new technology to shifting customer expectations.

The threats facing the FM market are being felt more acutely in 2018; a number of large FM service providers, for example, reported profit warnings in 2017.

When last year’s report was released, Carillion stood as one of the FM sector’s most prominent organisations, and while this year’s survey was live the company entered into liquidation. Although in general confidence levels in the sector continue to drop, respondents remained positive about the FM business environment, despite this year’s results demonstrating that as a country we continue to be in a state of flux regarding Brexit.

David Emanual, Managing Director of i-FM said; “The FM market has experienced its fair share of challenges over the past 12 months, from liquidations and profit warnings to strategic reviews and redundancies. Unfortunately, I suspect there could be more to come in 2018, which is why it is reassuring, if not a little surprising, to see so much optimism for the future of FM.
“Nonetheless, it is an exciting time in the sector, as new technologies disrupt traditional models and as the discipline evolves to take on a broader remit within the concept of workplace.”

Terry Myatt, Director – Head of Facilities Management at Barclays, said: “The next 12 months will undoubtedly be an important year for the UK economy, as new trading relationships with the EU and beyond are devised. With the facilities management sector continuing as an integral element of an ever-growing services sector and one of the largest UK employers, it will continue to play an important role in future jobs and prosperity for the country.”

Peter Brogan, BIFM Head of Research and Insights, added: “Once again sentiment on future business activity for the year ahead is positive, with a majority expecting to increase turnover, increase capital investment and focus on technology, although on a reducing basis.

“A particularly important insight and a testament to the continuity of the BCM is the changing sentiment toward the Apprenticeship Levy, mirroring wider industry concerns about its structure and effectiveness, but it is particularly pleasing to learn that a large majority expect no real negative impact from the National Living Wage increase – a sure sign that the industry has planned well and engagement between service providers and users has been strong in advance of this regulatory change. I would strongly encourage FM leaders to familiarise themselves with our findings – they reveal key insights which could prove significant in prioritising for the year ahead.”

Visit www.bifm.org.uk/bcm to download this report.

2018 Business Continuity & Risk Management buying trends revealed
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Total Business Continuity solutions, Security Project Management and Risk Assessment top the list of Business Continuity & Risk Management services the UK’s leading security professionals are sourcing in 2018.

The findings have been revealed following the Total Security Summit, which took place earlier this month.

Delegates registering to attend the event were asked which Business Continuity & Risk Management services they needed to invest in during 2018 and beyond.

A significant 40% are looking to invest in Total Business Continuity solutions, with 38% sourcing Security Project Management tools and expertise.

Just behind were Risk Assessment (35%), Incident Management (33%) and Crisis Communications (32%).

“It’s no surprise that Total Business Continuity solutions top the list of areas our delegates were most interested in, given the increased focus on security generally in the corporate environment right now” said Total Security Summit Event Manager Haydn Boxall. “But the full table provides a valuable insight into trends within the fields of Business Continuity & Risk Management.”

% of delegates at the Total Security Summit sourcing Business Continuity & Risk Management services (Top 10):

Business Continuity – 40%
Security Project Management – 38%
Risk Assessment – 35%
Incident Management – 33%
Crisis Communications – 32%
Risk Management – 32%
Health and Safety – 29%
Crisis Management – 24%
Security Training and Education – 23%
Conflict Management – 21%

To find out more about the Total Security Summit, visit www.totalsecuritysummit.co.uk.