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Grapevine
17th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announced the promotion of David Bowie to Chief Client Officer, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building lasting client relationships through exceptional support, partnership and service. In this expanded role, Bowie will provide executive leadership, governance and strategic direction for MRI's global client support and success teams, with a focus on continually enhancing the client experience across every region, improving visibility into client health, deepening long-term relationships, and strengthening client satisfaction and retention.
Since joining MRI in 2020, Bowie has served as Executive Managing Director of the company’s Asia Pacific business, helping to expand MRI’s regional footprint as well as client and revenue growth through a client-first strategy that prioritises operational excellence and accelerates innovation. In addition to his new responsibilities as Chief Client Officer, he will continue in that role.
Peartree Cleaning Services has appointed Andy Gook as Business Development Manager as it targets further growth across Scotland.
Edinburgh-based Gook brings more than 20 years’ experience in soft services, including eight years in commercial cleaning. He will focus on winning new business across Scotland, developing existing customer opportunities and supporting growth in the north of England.
A key priority will be expanding Peartree’s presence in Scotland’s commercial property market, particularly among professional workplaces seeking high-quality cleaning services aligned with ESG, workplace and budget objectives.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has completed the sale of its UK Sprinklers’ installation business to some members of its original management team and acquired IDSL Group Holdings Ltd, establishing PTSG as the UK's largest passive fire business according to the press release.
This acquisition significantly expands PTSG's capabilities in passive fire inspection, testing, certification, and remediation. By combining IDSL's technical compliance expertise, proprietary testing knowledge, and specialist fire door manufacturing with PTSG's existing Fire Solutions division, the Group will provide a fully integrated compliance solution. This integration ensures greater delivery certainty, improved supply chain resilience, and faster mobilization for complex remediation programs at scale.
The transition addresses the accelerating demand for passive fire compliance driven by the Building Safety Act and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations. It reinforces PTSG's strategy of investing in regulation-led markets to support customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their passive fire assets.
Asda announced it will outsource 3,500 its cleaning staff in a move GMB has described as ‘detestable’. The supermarket giant will now begin the process of moving the cleaning to third party providers Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services.
This will yet be the latest consultation process Asda has opened in recent months, on top of those in retail and security.
A few years into their operational life, too many commercial buildings fall short of performance expectations. Just 3 to 5 years into a building’s lifespan, there is a strong case for targeted building optimization, especially since underperformance leads to enduring problems and erodes asset value over time. For developers and owners, building optimisation needs to become the norm accrding to an article by Tom Randall, Associate Director, Arup - read more here.
According to Savills latest research, professional and business services accounted for 24% of European office take up in H1 2026, down from 26% in 2025, as lawyers, accountants and consultants remained active.
The tech sector rose from 14% to 22% of total activity, an increase due to both expanding AI firms and traditional tech firms resuming their activity.
The banking, insurance and finance sector fell from 21% to 16%, which remains more in line with the long-term average share. Flex offices accounted for 3% of office demand, in line with last year, as companies seek interim space amid prime vacancy shortages, and show a preference for plug and play services.
Average European office vacancy rates remained stable at 9.4% during Q2 2026. Savills recent analysis shows that Central Business District vacancy rates currently average 4.9%, with prime CBD vacancy rates estimated at around 2%, adding upwards pressure on prime rents. Compared to previous cycles, the CBD vacancy rate is lower, reflecting occupiers’ heightened preference for centrally located office stock.
Since commencing the contract in April 2026, Ethos Group Services Ltd is working in partnership with The Bedford Estates, delivering a comprehensive range of soft services across its prestigious residential and commercial portfolio in Bloomsbury, London.
NG Bailey has been appointed by The Very Group to deliver comprehensive mechanical and electrical (M&E) maintenance and engineering services across six key UK locations under a new three-year contract.
The Technical Facilities Services team will provide planned and reactive maintenance, statutory compliance, asset management, and technical support. The contract covers The Very Group’s Skyways head office in Liverpool, fulfilment centers in the East Midlands and Wrexham, and satellite sites in London and the North West.
To ensure a seamless transition, NG Bailey is implementing a robust service delivery model featuring visible senior oversight, a dedicated Service Delivery Manager, and targeted team upskilling. Additionally, detailed asset verification programs will be conducted to support future capital decision-making, underpinned by digital platforms and operational reporting to maximise transparency and efficiency.
OCS has secured a new three-year agreement with Blanchardstown Centre and its managing agent, Savills, to provide fully integrated, self-delivered security and cleaning services at Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destination.
Under the partnership, OCS will deliver static guarding, patrols, CCTV monitoring, and customer assistance, alongside cleaning services across the venue and its external car parks. To support this, OCS is introducing a site-specific training framework, transparent real-time performance reporting, and a priority-based resilience model managed by their helpdesk.
The contract will also embed ESG principles into daily operations, utilising local recruitment, inclusive development pathways, low-emission equipment, and sustainable cleaning solutions, all underpinned by ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications.
Ventro Group announced the acquisition of R.D. Jukes & Co Ltd, a well-established family business with over 50 years of experience in delivering complex electrical engineering works.
Founded in 1968 and based in Walsall, R.D. Jukes is led by Julian Jukes, employs 29 people, and generates approximately £6 million in annual revenue. The business has a long-standing reputation for quality, accountability, and collaboration, particularly across the NHS and the wider public sector.
R.D. Jukes brings extensive technical expertise in mains infrastructure, power distribution, complex electrical systems, emergency lighting, electrical testing, and life-safety systems.
Following the acquisition of HJS, this milestone expands Ventro's footprint across the Midlands and central England. This addition enhances Ventro's ability to deliver fully integrated, end-to-end building compliance solutions, allowing customers to consolidate requirements under one provider for simplified contract management and cohesive delivery.
Recorra has been appointed as the waste and recycling partner for The O2, under a contract that commenced on July 2, 2026. Recorra will deliver comprehensive waste and recycling services across the venue's AEG-managed areas.
The partnership focuses on maximising recycling value, introducing new streams, and improving material segregation. Recorra has already redesigned The O2’s waste compound layout and will deploy its SmartWeigh technology alongside hands-on training for tenants and staff to optimize performance. This initiative supports The O2's sustainability goals, including maintaining zero waste to landfill and reducing emissions.
The latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Airport Accessibility Performance Report, which shows improved accessibility ratings across the majority of UK airports served by ABM.
Notably, Manchester, Bristol, and Liverpool airports progressed to "Very Good," while Heathrow moved from "Needs Improvement" to "Good." Additionally, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Stansted maintained their "Very Good" and "Good" ratings, meaning no ABM-served airports are rated below "Good."
As the UK’s largest provider of PRM services, supporting 4.5 million journeys annually, ABM attributes these results to targeted investments in staff training (including British Sign Language and neurodiversity recruitment), technology, and fleet expansion to reduce waiting times. Kelly Parish, VP of Transport & Aviation at ABM, noted that while they are delighted with the progress, the focus remains on continuous improvement and enhancing real-time passenger communication.
The AEMT (Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades) Conference returns to the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester on 24 September, offering a comprehensive programme of practical engineering insight, technical expertise, and networking for professionals responsible for critical rotating equipment.
The event features a sold-out exhibition where asset owners and engineering professionals can connect with repair specialists, OEMs, technology providers, and distributors to expand supplier networks and discover reliability-enhancing technologies. Key presentations include Dr. Yali Natalie Fang of Sulzer on HV generator failures, Jonathan McNamee of Hayley 247 on prescriptive maintenance, and Marc Vissers of Lenze on leveraging AI and business intelligence. Additional sessions will cover workforce skills, updates from the AEMT's Women in Engineering group, and a headline address by Chris Boardman on high-performance cultures.
Tickets include access to all sessions, the exhibition, and an informal evening networking event. Registration for the 2026 AEMT Conference is now open, with further details available via the AEMT website: https://www.theaemt.com/ems-event-calendar/aemt-conference.html
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
14th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Specialist provider of corporate FM services, Anabas, appointed Paul Bean as the new Managing Director, and Alistair Craig has transitioned to the role of Chairman. Alistair's leadership has played a significant role in shaping Anabas over the past 14 years
Peter Williams has been appointed Chief Operating Officer at Advantos HVAC Group Ltd, having been Executive Group Director to the Group since earlier this year. The group includes: Advantos Services, JD Services, DJ Mace and United FM.
Louis Rayner has joined Essential Access Platforms & Site Services as Sales & Marketing Director, becoming part of the executive leadership team. Louis noted that he looks forward to working with the team to build on their success, strengthen their market position, and drive growth across new markets and sectors.
Darren Winter has joined Nirvana Maintenance as Senior Business Development Manager. Supported by the wider Nirvana Group, Nirvana provides integrated facilities maintenance, engineering, and compliance solutions through its in-house teams across Nirvana Maintenance, Aquilo Facilities, and Urban Maintenance.
Phoenix ME Limited ("Phoenix ME"), a UK provider of integrated mechanical and electrical engineering services, announced a strategic investment from global alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G.").
Founded in 1931, Phoenix ME delivers complex engineering systems across the Data Centres, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Life Sciences sectors in the UK and Europe. Over the past five years, the Company has achieved an average year-on-year turnover growth of 25%, driven largely by expanding opportunities in mission-critical environments like Data Centres.
CEO Lee Compton will reinvest alongside H.I.G., and the existing management team will continue to lead the business. Additionally, Jim Arnold will join as Non-Executive Chairman to support the Company’s strategic ambitions.
This investment provides Phoenix ME with the resources to accelerate its growth strategy, pursue organic procurement opportunities, and expand its presence across the UK and Europe. According to the press release, the transition will maintain full continuity for employees, customers, and partners, with a continued focus on technical excellence and customer service.
Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), has submitted plans for a major refurbishment of Foster’s HSBC Tower in Canary Wharf.
The transformation of the iconic office tower will create a unique destination, including best-in-class workspaces, leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions.
The redevelopment will feature unparalleled sustainability credentials, excellent transport links, and amenities. Set in the heart of Canary Wharf, the plans will enable a new publicly accessible route between the adjacent Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park. They will also offer the public outstanding views across London from Canary Wharf for the first time.
Oktra has partnered with Material Index, a circular economy platform, to reuse office materials rather than sending them to waste. This collaboration helps businesses navigate growing sustainability planning and accreditation requirements, such as SKA, BREEAM, and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, which now emphasise waste reduction and embodied carbon.
While construction produces over 60% of UK waste and only 1% of components are currently reused, this partnership aims to close that gap. Under the agreement, materials removed during fit outs (such as furniture, flooring, and appliances) are catalogued and redeployed via Material Index’s marketplace of over 300 trade partners. Conversely, Oktra can source reclaimed materials for new projects.
In the first two months, Material Index audited over 10,000 sqm across six Oktra sites, identifying over 3,000 tonnes of material for reuse and saving 1,000 tonnes of carbon (tCO2e).
Mitie has retained its security contract with Transport for London (TfL) for an additional five years, with an option to extend until 2032.
Building on a partnership that began in 2017, over 480 Mitie colleagues will continue providing physical security and reception services across TfL's estate, including 58 London Underground sites, the Elizabeth line, river piers, and the London Transport Museum. The new agreement introduces a dedicated Crime and Intelligence Taskforce and utilises Mitie’s 24/7 Intelligence Security Operations Centre (ISOC) in Northampton to counter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
The contract guarantees the London Living Wage and Living Hours standard for all staff, alongside wellbeing benefits such as free life assurance, online GP services, and WalkSafe Pro personal safety licenses. Furthermore, Mitie will support social mobility and skills development by delivering five annual apprenticeships, four Ready2Work programmes, and 30 work placements for underrepresented groups, alongside community workshops with organisations like DebateMate.
This win strengthens Mitie's existing presence across TfL, where 2,000 colleagues also deliver cleaning services and engineering maintenance across head offices and transport sites.
askporter has partnered with PropCall to deliver an integrated out-of-hours emergency service for housing providers and facilities management teams. This partnership combines askporter’s AI-powered triage platform with PropCall’s 24/7 specialist call handling. The system automatically categorises inquiries across WhatsApp, SMS, email, and web. Non-emergencies follow standard daytime processes, while genuine out-of-hours emergencies route to PropCall agents who can manage repairs and authorise up to £500 within pre-agreed guidelines.
By filtering routine inquiries, this integration reduces unnecessary callouts, eliminates manual handovers, and cuts administration. It also provides complete visibility of all resident interactions from contact to resolution, ensuring a consistent service experience.
The United Kingdom’s right to work regime will expand significantly on 1 October 2026, with draft Home Office guidance confirming that the duty to prevent illegal working will no longer be limited to traditional employer-employee relationships. The revised framework will potentially apply to a broader range of workers, individual subcontractors, online labour platforms and businesses operating through contractual supply chains - read more here.
Core Maintenance Services has achieved CHAS Elite accreditation, the highest level available through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.
Incorporating the Common Assessment Standard, this accreditation independently verifies our risk management across 13 areas—including health and safety, environmental management, and data security—against recognised industry benchmarks.
For clients, this confirms that robust management systems support every engineer on-site. It also streamlines procurement by satisfying multiple prequalification requirements through a single assessment, reducing tendering duplication for facilities managers, property owners, and principal contractors.
As Operations Director Tom Lyons noted, this accreditation goes beyond standard health and safety to verify our business-wide risk, governance, and compliance processes, providing clients with confidence from the outset.
Kimpton has been awarded the mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering contract at The City of Liverpool College following a competitive tender process.
Building on a 30-year partnership, this contract expands Kimpton's existing relationship with the college, which includes managing its air conditioning systems and serving on its minor works framework. As part of the agreement's social value component, Kimpton will host T-Level student placements and provide approximately £35,000 of in-kind value by designing, installing, and equipping the college's refurbished Plumbing & Gas Workshop.
Welbeck Health Partners has achieved significant construction and operational milestones for the new Welbeck Cambridge facility.
Key structural completions include internal steelwork, riser slab works, and progress on the external plant room. Additionally, essential utility infrastructure, such as the new substation connection and power supply arrangements, has been advanced.
Planning for specialist clinical services, including state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic facilities, continues alongside operational readiness preparations that focus on guest experience and clinical care pathways.
To support the launch, several senior leadership positions have been filled across clinical, operational, and facilities management disciplines. The growing centre continues to create new clinical and non-clinical employment opportunities to build a talented local workforce for Cambridge and the East of England.
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here
7th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Following Anthony Brown's appointment as CEO, BW: Workplace Experts has introduced a new organisational structure to strengthen operational leadership, project delivery, and people development.
The following senior leadership appointments have been made:
- Peter Nagle, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for project delivery, resourcing, operational performance, process, and quality.
- Paul Kavanagh, Managing Director: Will work alongside fellow Managing Director Kevin P'ng to continue delivering major projects.
- Rachel Tabone, People Director: Will continue to lead BW's leadership capability, culture, and talent strategy.
- Helen Mulligan Lowe, Sales Director: Will lead the sales function and work closely with the executive team to shape sales strategy.
The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has appointed experienced industry professional Steve Rutherford as its new Membership Development Officer, reinforcing the association’s commitment to supporting members, strengthening engagement and helping businesses maximise the value of their membership.
In his new role, Steve will act as a dedicated point of contact for ADSA members, working closely with businesses across the UK to understand their challenges, identify opportunities for support and ensure they are fully benefiting from the association’s extensive range of services, resources and training opportunities.
Bidvest Noonan has appointed Marielle Howitt as Director of Operations for its UK Education and Public Sector portfolio.
Marielle brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in managing large teams, major transformations, and high-performing operating models. She has a strong record of improving service performance, strengthening governance, and delivering sustainable growth through enterprise technology and organizational change. Known for her people-first leadership and commercial discipline, she will focus on strengthening service quality, consistency, and portfolio growth.
HMRC has filed a winding-up petition against Avison Young (UK) Holdings and four related UK entities, including Workplace, Project Management, and Real Estate Finance, regarding unpaid taxes.
This petition coincides with the disclosure of the company's FY2024 results, which report a £101.8m pre-tax loss and an £84.6m operating loss. This follows a similarly large loss in 2023. Two consecutive years of losses at this scale, combined with sustained restructuring rather than a single cost-cutting event, suggest serious cash-flow issues within the organisation.
As things stand, Avison Young (UK) Holdings and the named related entities have not entered administration; the company is reported to be in talks with HMRC and expects the issue to be resolved before the petition reaches a hearing. For buyers and advisers, this means the business remains a trading, ongoing concern rather than a distressed asset currently under an insolvency practitioner's control. The practical implication is to monitor the petition's progress closely: if HMRC withdraws or settles, no acquisition opportunity arises through this route; if the petition proceeds and the company is unable to satisfy the debt, it could trigger a formal insolvency appointment, at which point administrators or liquidators would control any sale of the business or its assets.
Effective 1 August 2026, CBRE has been appointed by the University of Hertfordshire to deliver integrated facilities management (IFM) services across its 1,830,000 sq. ft. campus, which serves over 34,000 students.
CBRE will provide a full range of services—including technical maintenance, cleaning, horticulture, waste, and pest control—supported by a data-led CAFM and helpdesk platform alongside specialist delivery partners. To enhance the student experience and maintain a high-performing campus, the partnership will introduce a dedicated on-site campus ambassador role and data-driven building management system (BMS) strategies to improve energy efficiency and optimise operations.
Additionally, CBRE has committed to providing 320 hours of annual work experience for the university's students, offering participants a formal reference and an invitation to apply for CBRE’s Next Generation talent scheme.
Bidwells has appointed GSH Group to provide engineering and hard facilities management services across its multi-site UK property portfolio.
Combining the capabilities of Bidwells and GSH Group, this partnership will focus on maintaining high operational standards, enhancing building performance, and delivering long-term value for occupiers and asset owners. GSH will apply its engineering-led delivery model across the portfolio, emphasizing open communication, practical problem-solving, and technical excellence.
OCS has committed to the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Youth Guarantee, pledging support for young people through work experience placements, Sector-Based Work Academies, the Youth Jobs Grant, and the Jobs Guarantee.
This commitment builds on OCS's strong track record. In 2025, the company hired 3,500 colleagues aged 18 to 24 (one in five of total UK hires), 582 of whom identified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training) before joining. This initiative addresses a critical need, as the government-commissioned Milburn Review highlights that over one million UK youth are currently NEET—the highest level in 12 years. Additionally, six in ten have never held a job, and 1.6 million lower-skilled roles have been lost over the past two decades.
OCS currently has more than 1,000 colleagues in live apprenticeships and is working with customers to extend these employment routes to young people on their sites, enabling progression from entry-level roles into operations, contract management, and specialist technical positions.
According to CBRE's 2026 UK Real Estate Market Outlook Mid-Year Review, the UK real estate market remained resilient in H1 2026 despite economic and geopolitical challenges – read more here.
Latham & Watkins, a leading global law firm and long-standing tenant at 99 Bishopsgate, is now taking 300,000 sq ft at One Leadenhall in the heart f the City.
NG Bailey has launched a new business unit, NG Bailey Low Carbon, to help organisations transition to lower-carbon buildings through practical, investable, and measurable actions. This launch addresses tightening regulations, rising energy costs, and increasing sustainability expectations.
NG Bailey Low Carbon builds on a proven track record of sustainable projects, including Wellington Place in Leeds, Manchester University Booth Street East, and 45 Mortimer Street in London. Low Carbon Director Jonathan Kershaw noted that the initiative focuses on creating better-performing, resilient assets that deliver commercial, environmental, and societal benefits.
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has awarded Sodexo Health & Care a five-year contract, starting 1 October 2026 with a two-year extension option, to deliver soft FM services.
The contract covers Homerton's acute hospital, Mary Seacole Nursing Home, and East London NHS Foundation Trust’s mental health services at the City & Hackney Centre for Mental Health. Sodexo will provide cleaning, patient and retail catering, portering, helpdesk, security, laundry, and waste management. These services will utilise technology for real-time job tracking and performance data to improve efficiency and client reporting.
Cornwall-based contractor MSB Group, which has adopted Totalmobile's Field First platform to scale its field operations following a significant new contract win with Coastline Housing.
By connecting scheduling, job management, and field operations into a single platform, MSB Group will provide 70 office and field colleagues with real-time information. This investment aims to reduce administration for engineers, improve response times, and provide greater visibility for customers.
This move reflects a growing trend across the housing and building services sector, where contractors are modernising legacy systems to support larger portfolios and meet rising demands for service quality and compliance.
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
31st July 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Commercial property consultancy Naylors has appointed Chris Wild as head of facilities management. This appointment is part of the firm's plans to expand its property management offering and support clients across the UK.
Based at the firm’s Newcastle headquarters, Chris joins the property & facilities management team led by partner Katy Clark. He brings more than 30 years of experience in property and operations management, with previous roles at Groundwork and John Lewis.
In his new role, Chris will oversee a nationwide portfolio of industrial, office, retail, and investment assets, supporting facilities management services for the consultancy’s clients.
The Clean Space has appointed Stefano Cabras as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Founder Charlie Mowat will transition from CEO to Chairman, remaining involved in the company's strategic direction and wider development.
Stefano joined the company 15 years ago as Finance Director and has served as Managing Director for the past six years. A chartered accountant, he has strengthened the company's financial, operational, and strategic capabilities, playing a central role in its growth to 1,800 employees, £40 million in annual revenues, and 15 acquisitions.
In his new role, Stefano will take responsibility for day-to-day leadership, operations, and long-term development as the business enters its next phase.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has appointed Sarah Wood to its Senior Leadership Team as it continues to strengthen its customer-focused growth strategy.
Sarah, who joined PTSG in 2010 as a Renewal Administrator, has spent more than 15 years helping develop the Group's Customer Success function. Now Director of Customer Success, she leads the renewals, key accounts, customer sales and service delivery teams, supporting customers across PTSG's compliance services portfolio.
Greg Ward, CEO of PTSG, said the appointment reflects Sarah's leadership and the growing strategic importance of customer engagement, adding that the business is committed to developing talent from within.
PTSG has also promoted Stacey Thompson to Customer Sales Manager, further strengthening its Customer Success team.
The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has appointed Steve Rutherford as its new Membership Development Officer, strengthening support for its growing membership and helping businesses maximise the value of their membership.
Steve brings more than 20 years' industry experience and recently helped deliver the Powered Pedestrian Door Technician apprenticeship programme, supporting more than 70 apprentices through the qualification.
In the newly created role, he will work closely with ADSA's 600-plus member organisations, providing support, gathering feedback and promoting the association's training, technical guidance and professional development opportunities.
JLL has relocated to a new registered address effective Monday, 27th July 2026: 1 Broadgate, London, EC2M 2QS
Cushman & Wakefield, jointly with Northstar Property Partners, has been appointed to market the 123-year long leasehold interest in 28 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1, with a guide price of £27.5 million.
Constructed in the early 1820s by Thomas Cubitt, this landmark Grade II listed, south-facing Georgian townhouse extends to approximately 10,131 sq ft across a lower ground, ground, and four upper floors, and features a first-floor balcony overlooking the square. The property has a distinguished history, having served as an aristocratic residence, the Parker Gallery, Morton's Club, and most recently, the Louis Vuitton Hotel.
Tendra Technical Services has acquired multi-disciplinary facilities management provider FMS Integrated Building Services (FMS), marking its fifth acquisition since the group was established in December 2025.
Backed by Triton Smaller Mid-Cap Fund II, Tendra continues to expand its UK technical services platform through the acquisition of high-quality regional businesses with specialist expertise and strong customer relationships.
Founded in 2003 and based in Coleshill, Birmingham, FMS provides maintenance, planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive services and HVAC installation across sectors including healthcare, defence and education.
The acquisition strengthens Tendra's presence in the Midlands and complements its existing COAT Facilities Group business, while expanding its reach into new market sectors. It follows the recent acquisition of Dynamic FM, reinforcing Tendra's ambition to become a leading technical services provider for the built environment.
Here is an interesting article examining the tangible impact of Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The article focuses specifically on what his administration delivered for our homes, buildings, and places – read more here.
St Martin’s Property Group has appointed Mace Construct to redevelop the former City Hall at 110 Queen’s Walk into a sustainable workplace. Mace, the building's original 2002 developer, will begin works this July.
The project will expand the space from 18,000 to 22,000 sq. m while retaining its circular footprint. Key updates include full cladding and glazing replacement, new terraces, an enhanced roofscape, an infilled atrium, new MEP systems, modern end-of-trip facilities, and improvements to the surrounding public realm, including The Scoop amphitheatre.
Andwis has opened a new training academy in Sidcup, Kent, delivered by group company Senseco Systems. This purpose-built facility expands on Senseco's Gillingham centre to provide enhanced, hands-on training across fire alarms, security systems, passive fire protection, and sprinkler systems.
The academy supports apprentices, provides ongoing professional development for experienced engineers to keep pace with evolving compliance and technologies, and allows customers to view live systems and collaborate on complex projects.
This launch complements other andwis Group facilities, such as Rock Compliance’s 'School of Rock' for water hygiene and asbestos management, reinforcing the Group's commitment to developing industry talent and maintaining technical standards.
Azteca Facilities Management (Azteca Security) has established a base at Exchange Flags in Liverpool, operating from the Regus Business Centre inside Horton House.
This strategic expansion places the firm at the heart of Liverpool's commercial district to support the region's hospitality, retail, and corporate property sectors. Azteca offers a comprehensive suite of bespoke security, maintenance, and asset management services, utilising an integrated facilities management framework that streamlines multi-site operations for commercial landlords and business owners.
SINGU, a leading European building operations management platform, has acquired QRmaint, one of Europe's fastest-growing CMMS providers, extending its capabilities from building management to industrial asset maintenance.
The acquisition brings together SINGU's building, space, compliance and ESG management platform with QRmaint's mobile-first maintenance software, used by more than 700 organisations. The combined platform will provide end-to-end management of buildings and the assets within them, creating a unified data foundation to support AI-driven maintenance, predictive insights and operational decision-making.
QRmaint will continue to operate under the QRmaint by SINGU brand, with no changes for existing customers. The combined Group now employs around 250 people, operates across 40 countries, and generates approximately PLN 150 million in annual recurring revenue, strengthening its ambition to become Europe's leading building operations platform.
International façade specialist, Permasteelisa Group has been appointed alongside Mace Construct to lead the façade refurbishment at 60 Queen Victoria Street.
The nine-storey project involves removing, refurbishing, and reinstalling the original façade, alongside installing new custom panels. The scope includes pre-patinated bronze panels, fixed glazing units, stick systems, angled unitised panels, terrace curtain walls, soffits, and remedial works.
This retrofit will modernise the building's sustainability and wellness performance while retaining its original architectural character, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 4.5*
Stadium Support Services will be the Official Right Sleeve Partner on the Queens Park Rangers First Team shirt for their 2026 pre-season tour.
As QPR's Official Facilities Management Partner, Stadium Support Services manage the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and project services at Loftus Road and the Training Ground.
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
24th July 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Tendra Technical Services has appointed Claire Huffman as its new Chief Growth & Strategy Officer to accelerate group expansion and support our ambitious revenue targets. Claire brings over 17 years of experience in the Facilities Management and Technical Services sector. As a versatile senior leader, she offers a unique perspective gained from working across client, managing agent, and service provider environments.
In her new role, Claire will focus on defining a unified value proposition for the group and building a strong growth engine to support the expansion of our evolving portfolio of businesses.
The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has appointed Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the retiring Bob Perry.
Patricia joins the role after more than a decade with DHF, having progressed from UK Marketing Manager in 2015 to Deputy CEO. A Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, she has led the federation's rebrand, expanded its training and qualifications, introduced CSCS card schemes and helped develop industry competence frameworks.
As CEO, Patricia will work with the Board, Executive Committee, members and industry partners to drive DHF's strategic direction, continuing its focus on raising standards through technical guidance, training, advocacy and member support.
Deanhouse Group has strengthened its board by promoting Stephen Rochester to commercial director and Dominic Jones to operations director as the company enters its fifth year of growth.
Under managing director Neil Addyman, who led a management buyout in September 2024, the Honley-based bespoke joinery manufacturer has grown its headcount from 12 to 40. Turnover has increased from £1.85 million in 2022 to £5.5 million in 2025, with £8.5 million forecast for the current financial year.
Stephen, who joined as commercial manager in 2023 with an MSc in Construction Project Management, will now lead the commercial function to support continued growth and maintain client service standards.
OCS announced its recommended acquisition of Mitie in a £3.1bn deal, aiming to combine two complementary facilities management and transformation businesses. Completion is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and Mitie shareholder approvals.
The proposed combination will create a UK-headquartered international group with expanded geographic reach and broader expertise across government, defence, healthcare, infrastructure, life sciences, and commercial sectors. By enhancing self-delivered specialist services and investing in technology and operational excellence, the combined entity will better support clients with complex regulatory and compliance needs.
Railpen, manager of the £34bn Railways Pension Scheme, has secured planning consent to redevelop 12 Smithfield in the City of London into a next-generation office headquarters.
Due for completion in Q4 2028, the scheme will transform the existing building into more than 122,000 sq ft of sustainable office and amenity space, supporting the wider £400m regeneration of the Smithfield district, including the new London Museum.
Designed by Henley Halebrown, the redevelopment will retain and upgrade the existing structure while targeting BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A, WELL Core Platinum, NABERS UK 5* and Net Zero Carbon in operation.
The building will provide office floorplates of up to 20,000 sq ft, 9,400 sq ft of terraces and rooftop gardens, and 11,400 sq ft of retail, café and amenity space. Located less than five minutes from Farringdon and the Elizabeth Line, it will offer excellent connectivity across London.
Core Maintenance Services has secured a three-year contract extension with global talent and advisory firm Odgers. This extension continues our delivery of integrated mechanical and electrical maintenance services across their central London headquarters and wider UK portfolio.
Core Maintenance Services provides a fully managed service covering planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive callouts, and statutory compliance across all building services assets.
Alongside the extension, Core Maintenance Services has commenced a phased air conditioning upgrade programme at the London headquarters, designed to improve energy efficiency, system reliability, and overall building performance as part of a longer-term asset management strategy.
In addition to supporting the London headquarters, Core Maintenance Services delivers maintenance services across Odgers’ regional locations nationwide, ensuring consistent standards of performance, compliance, and reporting.
The Clean Space has been appointed as the preferred cleaning and washroom services supplier for Wavenet’s Work Area Recovery estate across the UK. Wavenet provides secure, alternative office environments for contracted customers across nine business continuity centres and approximately 4,000 desk positions near major commercial hubs.
The agreement covers daily cleaning and washroom services in Aston, Manchester, Wakefield, Bristol, Romford, Sevenoaks, Wapping, and Canterbury. This contract introduces a standardised delivery model focused on consistency, reporting, and operational visibility. Key initiatives include defined tasking, regular auditing, centralised consumables management, new equipment investment, and a managed TUPE process for on-site teams.
Restore Information Management has acquired Bristol-based print and mail service provider MPS Marketing Services Ltd in a £2.3m deal.
This acquisition strengthens the business's public sector services and diversifies outbound communications capabilities. The combined business will offer local authorities, the NHS, and other public sector clients enhanced capacity, flexibility, and expertise for high-volume, secure physical and digital communications—including critical documents like letters, bills, statements, council tax, benefits, and patient correspondence.
REFCOM, the UK’s primary F-Gas certification body, has registered its 10,000th member, reflecting rising levels of best practice across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector.
Greater regulatory pressures prompted by the Building Safety Act, growing scrutiny around environmental standards and surging demand for heat pumps means more building engineering contractors are turning to REFCOM to help them achieve legal compliance and demonstrate professional competence, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), which operates the register.
Mayfair Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Ltd was the 10,000th company to join the register and managing director Yousaf Hussain was presented with a special commemorative prize donated by the specialist tool supplier Milwaukee of an M18 FUEL™ Power Pack.
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management has published a new Good Practice Guide, "Space Planning and Management," authored by workplace expert Simone Fenton-Jarvis FIWFM.
The guide offers practical support, tools, and frameworks for organisations adapting their workplaces to hybrid working, digital transformation, sustainability, and wellbeing expectations. It covers essential topics including space strategy, utilisation, data and technology, workplace design, change management, and future trends to help professionals align space planning with workforce needs and business strategy.
Space Planning and Management is available free to IWFM members and for £65 to non-members. See iwfm.org.uk
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
17th July 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Colin Garvin has been appointed as the new Chief Commercial Officer at Grosvenor Services. Colin joined Grosvenor over 10 years ago and previously served as the Commercial Director for the UK & Ireland.
Great Portland Estates plc ("GPE") announced that Andrew White, Development Director, will be leaving the business later this year after more than thirteen years with the Company.
Since joining GPE in 2013, Andrew has played a leading role in delivering many of the Company's most significant developments, including Rathbone Square, Hanover Square, 30 Broadwick Street, 50 Finsbury Square, 2 Aldermanbury Square, The Delft and 30 Duke Street. Over this period, he has helped deliver more than 2.5 million sq ft of prime development, generating over £400 million of development surpluses.
Our Grapevine correspondent had a fantastic time out and about recently, connecting with so many wonderful people in Manchester and London.
Up in Manchester, it was an absolute pleasure to attend the opening of PTSG’s impressive new Centre of Excellence facility.
The brain child of PTSG’s CEO, Greg Ward, the facility features modern classroom spaces, specialist practical training areas, and collaborative operational spaces. It is specifically designed to support both practical and classroom-based training across all five of PTSG's business divisions, including working at height, access and safety, electrical services, fire solutions, and water treatment.
Back in London, I had a great catch-up with Dan Francis, UK Sales Director, Biological Preparations Ltd and Jamie Green to chat about their environmental biotechnology-based cleaning products and the good work they are doing in the FM space. It was also wonderful to drop by Strata Services Group summer drinks party—it was such a pleasure to meet Kelly Beattie, Facilities Manager at Kings Hill Management and to catch up with Strata Services Group MD, Tracy Lev'y, and Service Delivery Director - Corporate, Gordon Bottom.
To wrap up a busy few days, I joined the IWFM London Region and Rising FMs event at 101 Moorgate. We enjoyed a fantastic tour of the beautiful new 70,000 sq. ft. Grade A office building right in the heart of the City, followed by some wonderful networking on the sunny communal roof terrace.
Frasers Property UK has secured a new 15,234 sq ft letting for Avon at The Rowe in Whitechapel, London.
The Rowe will serve as Avon's sole London office and collaborative hub, bringing together its London-based associates from various functions into a high-quality, well-connected workspace. Founded over 140 years ago, Avon is a global beauty brand specializing in cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care.
Cardo Group has acquired Cardiff-based passive fire protection specialist R. Lewis & Co Ltd.
Founded in 1997, R. Lewis & Co Ltd delivers a comprehensive range of independently accredited fire protection services, including structural surveys, fire stopping, and fire door installations. This acquisition strengthens Cardo Group's compliance capabilities and expands its service offering across Wales and the wider UK.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A., acquired all shares of the Netherlands-based APAC and COMPAC groups on July 13.
This acquisition strengthens Mitsubishi Electric’s one-stop capabilities in Europe by combining their extensive product portfolio with the APAC and COMPAC groups' expertise in HVAC and data center cooling sales, installation, and maintenance. This integration allows Mitsubishi to meet the growing demand for comprehensive, reliable data center cooling solutions as development expands beyond traditional European hubs.
Moving forward, the company will leverage these combined strengths to expand their European data center cooling business and broaden their portfolio to include comprehensive utility infrastructure solutions, such as power systems, facility monitoring, and security systems.
Linaker has announced a new strategic partnership with Handelsbanken, commencing the delivery of national technical and engineering maintenance services across the bank's UK portfolio.
Handelsbanken, which was founded in 1871 and maintains core markets in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and the UK, is recognised as one of the world's strongest banks. The partnership aims to leverage shared values and a mission to create a positive impact, focusing on building a collaborative relationship that delivers significant value.
Following a competitive tender process, Jaguar has secured a three-year M&E engineering contract at The Northcliffe on behalf of MAPP.
Located at 26-28 Tudor Street near Blackfriars and Fleet Street, The Northcliffe is a Grade II listed landmark refurbished in 2023 to offer high-quality, contemporary workspace while retaining its heritage.
PTSG Water Treatment has joined Capital Connect, the employer membership network run by Capital City College, to strengthen its commitment to developing the next generation of engineering and compliance professionals.
This partnership builds on the division's existing relationship with the college, creating opportunities to connect with students, share industry expertise, and shape the skills needed for the facilities management sector. This initiative aligns with PTSG’s broader talent investments, including their largest-ever apprenticeship recruitment campaign and the upcoming opening of a new Centre of Excellence in Manchester.
Craig Doig, Managing Director of PTSG Water Treatment, stated: "Joining Capital Connect allows us to share our expertise, engage with students and help inspire the next generation of engineers and compliance professionals. It also complements the wider investment PTSG is making in training, apprenticeships and professional development.
For further information about careers including apprenticeships at PTSG visit www.careers.ptsg.co.uk
Cleanology has launched its sixth annual fundraising event in aid of The Hygiene Bank, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, at the Bloomsbury Hotel in Central London. Over the past five years, this key networking event has raised over £151,000 to tackle hygiene poverty.
This year's fundraiser features a panel discussion, a live celebrity auction, a raffle, and networking over drinks and food. Sponsors include Evans Vanodine, Liberty Hygiene, Foremost, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Metsä Tissue, and Planet Mark.
Dominic Ponniah, Chairman of Cleanology, and Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, both highlighted the growing urgency to combat hygiene poverty, especially as recent research shows nearly a third of Londoners aged 16 to 55 cannot afford basic hygiene products.
Tickets are priced from £99.0
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