Grapevine

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

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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

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.

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 £99.00+VAT each and are available on Eventbrite, with all profits donated to The Hygiene Bank: Get my tickets

ABM, a provider of facility, engineering, transport, and infrastructure solutions, has joined the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Strategic Partnership Programme to create pathways into employment and long-term careers.

Through this collaboration, ABM will access DWP initiatives, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), work experience placements, mentoring circles, and the Government’s Youth Guarantee initiative. This partnership comes as the latest ONS figures show that 13.5% of UK youth (1,012,000 people aged 16 to 24) were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) between January and March 2026—an increase of 89,000 compared to last year.

ABM has already enrolled over 20 young people into its Airport Academy programme, which operates across major UK airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool, Stansted, Manchester, and East Midlands. The partnership will also expand career access for those facing employment barriers, including armed forces personnel, people with disabilities, returners to work, people with previous convictions, and the long-term unemployed.

By prioritising potential over formal qualifications, ABM continues to foster industry progression, supported by existing community initiatives like the Youth Careers Collective to drive social mobility and develop future talent.

The Momentum Group has acquired Liverpool-based residential block management specialists, Central Property Management Liverpool (CPM). Founded in 2011 CPM manages a large portfolio of mixed-use and residential developments, including West Tower.

CPM will continue to trade under its established brand as part of The Momentum Group. The current CPM team will remain in place to ensure continuity of service for existing clients, leaseholders, residents, and property owners.

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA), in partnership with BWF, DHF, and CITB, is finalising a new competency framework and National Occupational Standard (NOS) for the door, gate, and shutter industry.

Aligned with the Building Safety Act, this initiative establishes structured competence pathways, notably separating fire-rated and non-fire-rated installer frameworks to reflect the specialist knowledge required for fire-safety systems.

The final frameworks and National Occupational Standards will support future qualification development, employer assurance and regulatory compliance, helping the sector respond to increasing scrutiny around competence and life safety.

The draft frameworks are now undergoing industry consultation on the CITB website under "Non-Timber and Non-Composite Fire-Resisting Door, Shutter or Curtain Systems." Feedback is open until the end of July.

Following our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party the other week, 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.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead!

9th 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...

Waterman Group has announced two senior leadership appointments within the UK Consulting business to strengthen national capability and strategic growth.

Jonathan Purcell, previously Managing Director of Building Services – North, has been appointed to the new role of Managing Director of Strategy and Growth. He will work with UK COO Mark Emberton and fellow Managing Directors to deliver strategic priorities and identify high-value market opportunities. Simultaneously, Mark Terndrup is expanding his current role as Managing Director – South for Building Services to lead the discipline across the entire UK.

Knight Frank has appointed Claire Blacklock as an Associate within its Property & Asset Management (PAM) team. Joining from Savills, where she was an Associate Director, Claire brings over 15 years of experience in Central London commercial property management, specialising in complex multi-let offices, tall buildings, and mixed-use estates.

A Chartered Surveyor since 2018, Claire’s expertise includes design for management and the mobilization of major redevelopments. Her portfolio features high-profile schemes such as Aldwych Quarter, 8 Bishopsgate, and Sugar House Island. In her new role, she will support clients throughout the asset lifecycle, helping to optimize building performance and strengthen income streams through Knight Frank’s tech-led asset management services.

Pinnacle Group has appointed Hadleigh Standen as Divisional Director within its Homes division.

Hadleigh returns to Pinnacle following four years at the Cabinet Office, where he held senior roles within the Government Commercial Function and the Office of Government Property. With over 20 years of private sector experience serving public sector clients, including a previous tenure as Pinnacle’s Head of Facilities Management, he brings extensive expertise in large-scale service delivery and government estate performance.

In his new role, Hadleigh will oversee strategic and operational delivery for key contracts, including the management of 49,000 service family homes through Pinnacle Service Families.

Lendlease and The Crown Estate have launched the "Impact Partnership Joint Venture," a £24 billion partnership to deliver housing and commercial space across the UK. Managed by a new jointly owned company, the first phase includes Euston, Silvertown, and Stratford Cross, totalling 9,000 homes and 7.03m sq. ft. of commercial space. Work begins this September at Silvertown, with a Euston planning application expected in spring 2027.

A second phase, including Smithfield in Birmingham and Thamesmead Waterfront, is expected to join later this summer, adding 18,500 homes and 2.88m sq. ft. of commercial space. Infrastructure at Smithfield starts later this year, with housing construction beginning in 2027. This partnership aims to unlock complex urban sites and attract private capital to support national growth.

Sullivan & Cromwell, the New York-headquartered law firm, has appointed Newmark to source up to 160,000 sq ft of office space in central London, potentially doubling its current 75,000 sq ft footprint at 1-9 New Fetter Lane.

This move reflects a broader trend of US law firms driving prime London office take-up, which rose 13.3% in 2025. Knight Frank reports that 15 of 19 major legal sector transactions last year were expansions, with American firms frequently paying premium rents for new headquarters to attract top talent. While the City remains the primary hub, firms like McDermott, Will & Schulte have recently relocated to larger West End premises, signalling a shift in submarket preferences.

Reconomy has officially signed the British Chambers of Commerce "Circularity in Practice" pledge. This initiative, inspired by His Majesty The King, aims to accelerate the real-world adoption of circular economy solutions such as waste reduction, reuse, and remanufacturing across the UK.

As a signatory, Reconomy commits to developing measurable action plans, collaborating with external partners, and educating stakeholders to move these practices from aspiration to commercial reality. This commitment allows Reconomy to work more closely with customers—many of whom are also signatories—by joining their working groups and supporting the delivery of their circularity goals.

European integrated facility management company, Apleona, has acquired a majority stake in Sygna Holdings Limited, entering into a strategic partnership. Sygna’s leadership team will retain a significant shareholding and continue to manage the business.

Headquartered in London with 90 specialists, Sygna provides commissioning (CxA, CxM, CxC) and technical project management across Europe. Their expertise spans the full project lifecycle for high-performance facilities, including data centres, commercial offices, and critical infrastructure.

Britain recorded approximately 29,000 lightning strikes in a single night the other week, as intense thunderstorms followed a period of high heat and humidity. The London Fire Brigade responded to roughly 400 incidents overnight, including house fires caused by direct strikes.

This pattern has continued, with schools and buildings across the country reporting lightning damage to electrical systems, leading to temporary closures for repairs. As the atmosphere warms, it holds more moisture—roughly 7% more for every 1°C of warming—which fuels the storm clouds that generate lightning. Consequently, as heatwaves become more frequent in the UK, so do the thunderstorms that follow.

With another heatwave, building compliance specialist PTSG is urging building owners and duty holders to ensure their lightning protection systems are functioning correctly and that any outstanding remedial works are completed.

Q3 Services has secured a new five-year contract with The Square in Camberley, following a successful four-year tenure. Starting in August, Q3 will continue providing cleaning and security services for the 550,000 sq ft retail centre, which hosts approximately 140 retailers.

The contract supports a soft services manager, a security supervisor, and teams of 11 cleaners and 11 security/CCTV operators. The successful bid highlighted Q3’s SME agility and innovative practices, such as chemical-free cleaning, as Camberley continues its town centre regeneration through 2034.

Just Ask, Bidvest Noonan’s specialist social housing unit, has been appointed as the top-scoring supplier on Fusion21’s new £85 million Grounds Maintenance Framework.

Running from June 2026 to June 2030, this is the first framework awarded under the Procurement Act 2023. It provides over 1,000 public sector organisations—including housing providers, local authorities, the NHS, and emergency services—with a compliant and efficient route to procure high-quality grounds maintenance, landscaping, and outdoor services across the UK.

The Government Workplace Design Guide, a suite of guidance documents and standards setting out the aspirations for government and public sector workspaces, has been updated to reflect the rapid evolution in the way people work in offices. The previous annexes are now out of date and have been removed – read more here.

Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor, Novus Property Solutions, has been awarded a RoSPA Gold Award at the 2026 RoSPA Awards, recognising its continued commitment to the highest standards of health and safety across its operations.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Awards celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2026, marking seven decades as the world's largest and most respected health and safety awards programme. This year's awards attracted around 2,000 entries from nearly 60 countries, reflecting global recognition in accident prevention and workplace safety.

Swift Fire Compliance has partnered with BESA to launch a new Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance Course. This training aligns with the updated BESA DW145 and National Occupational Standard BSEFSD04 to address tightened compliance under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Given that 70% of fire dampers fail their first inspection and fewer than 1% of buildings meet DW145 fundamentals, this course provides facilities managers and engineers with the technical skills and digital record-keeping knowledge necessary to maintain the "Golden Thread" of safety information.

You can find more information and book your place here: https://www.swiftclean.co.uk/fire-damper-awareness-training/

3rd 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...

Excellerate Services UK & Ireland has announced that Nick Rastelli and Justin Moore are appointed Joint Chief Executives, effective 1 July 2026. This structure addresses the scale of the business across 7,000 sites; Nick will lead sales, client relationships, and operations, while Justin will oversee technology, finance, and the Service Centre.

Johan Venter, who led the business for three and a half years, transitions to a new role as Chairman for the UK, Ireland, and UAE. This follows the retirement of Harvey Soning, who served as Chairman for nine years and will remain a Board Member until December 2026.

Trevor Grote, Managing Director of BELL Lighting, has been appointed President of The Lighting Industry Association (The LIA), the UK's largest trade body for the lighting industry and its supply chain.

Representing more than 170 member organisations with a combined turnover of £1.6bn, The LIA champions compliance, sustainability, education and industry standards. Trevor's appointment recognises his longstanding leadership in the sector and places him at the forefront of shaping the future of UK lighting.

Social enterprise and security specialist Corps Security has promoted Eren Stirling to Sales & Marketing Director following his role in driving business growth since joining the company in 2019.

Stirling will lead the sales and marketing function, focusing on brand development, new client relationships and expanding into new market sectors. He will also help embed Corps' integrated security model, bringing together security guarding, remote monitoring, and intelligence, risk and consultancy services to deliver tailored, end-to-end security solutions.

Kier has appointed Dan Andrews as Director of Kier Places Workplace Solutions, strengthening its facilities management and technical services offer across the UK.

Andrews joins from CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions division, where he was Executive Director leading multi-disciplinary FM operations, including hard and soft services, projects and ESG. He will focus on driving service excellence, investing in technology and people, and helping clients optimise the performance of their built environments.

Part of Kier Group, Kier Places manages more than 3,500 buildings and client assets across sectors including justice, government, healthcare, education and local authorities. Its services include hard and soft FM, mechanical and electrical engineering, planned and reactive maintenance, compliance, decarbonisation, fire and water safety, security, cleaning, grounds maintenance and 24/7 customer support.

Barclays and Canary Wharf Group announced that Barclays has acquired a long-term leasehold interest¹ in its global headquarters at One Churchill Place from CWG.

The transaction secures Barclays’ control of its global headquarters beyond the current lease term, which runs to 2039, while providing greater certainty over long-term occupancy costs. The transaction values the acquired leasehold interest at £750 million and is expected to be broadly neutral to Barclays Group’s CET1 ratio and earnings^.

The acquisition also supports Barclays’ ongoing investment in its workplace, enabling the creation of high-quality, flexible space for colleagues as working patterns and business needs continue to evolve. The building provides over 1 million sq ft of workspace and has served as Barclays’ global headquarters since 2005.

Hot on the heels of the Barclays news, PwC UK has selected Canary Wharf as the location for its new London office.

Starting in 2030, PwC will occupy 350,000 sq ft of office space at One Eden. This move serves as a major endorsement of Canary Wharf as one of Europe’s most connected and dynamic mixed-use districts.

It is also a significant vote of confidence in One Eden, a next-generation workplace providing over 580,000 sq ft of workspace designed with a focus on quality, flexibility, sustainability, and experience.

In life sciences, acquisitions are a routine path to innovation, but corporate real estate (CRE) is often overlooked.

Each biotech deal adds facilities, laboratories, leases, workplace services and operating systems that must be absorbed into the parent organisation. If left unmanaged, these assets can create disconnected sites, add complexity, reduce visibility and increase risk.

This article from CBRE argues that CRE should be treated as a strategic enabler of post-acquisition value creation, not just an operational support function. It presents a practical, repeatable integration playbook for serial life sciences acquirers that preserves scientific momentum while making acquired businesses governable, compliant and aligned with enterprise standards – read the full article here

The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has published Pensions in a Warming World, warning that climate change is becoming a defining factor in pension outcomes, funding strategies and retirement security.

The report argues climate change is now a financial and governance issue that will affect investment returns, inflation, employer covenant strength, insurance markets and long-term pension savings. It says UK pension schemes, managing trillions of pounds in assets, cannot diversify away from climate risk.

Examining different climate scenarios across Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, Collective Defined Contribution and public sector schemes, the report concludes that while climate risks remain uncertain, the cost of inaction is increasingly clear.

Key findings include the financial materiality of climate risk, greater exposure to market volatility and economic disruption from delayed action, growing physical impacts on insurance and infrastructure, and increasing governance challenges. The SPP says effective climate governance is now essential to prudent long-term pension management.

The guide is available to all, in full, for free, here: https://the-spp.co.uk/document-category/guides-and-reports/

Maintenance costs, as measured by the BCIS All-in Maintenance Cost Indices, are set to rise by 15.7% over the five years to 1Q2031, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).

Cleaning costs are expected to rise by 29.1% over the same period, driven primarily by labour costs, while energy costs are forecast to fall by around 10% between 2026 and 2031 - though the near-term outlook is considerably more volatile.

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: 'The facilities management sector is navigating one of the more complex cost environments we have seen in recent years. R&M output is growing, which reflects genuine underlying demand - regulatory pressures, ageing assets and sustainability requirements are all driving activity - but that growth is happening against a backdrop of costs that continue to rise faster than many organisations have budgeted for.’

R&M output is forecast to grow by 7.7% over the forecast period, with growth of 1.0% expected in 2026.

Dr Crosthwaite added: 'Labour is the dominant pressure. Wage growth combined with the National Insurance changes introduced in 2025 has pushed maintenance and cleaning costs higher, and while we expect some moderation, costs will remain on an upward trajectory throughout the forecast period.

'Energy is the most unpredictable element of the outlook. The overall forecast points downward, but the near-term volatility - driven largely by the situation in the Middle East - means organisations need to plan for uncertainty rather than assume a smooth path to lower costs.'

For more information about BCIS, please visit: www.bcis.co.uk

Churchill Group has welcomed, specialist commercial cleaning provider, Principle, into its business. Principle will merge with Churchill's Portfolio division, with the Principle brand retained while Portfolio transitions into it over the coming months.

The move brings together two employee-owned organisations with shared values around people, service quality and long-term client relationships, strengthening Churchill's specialist cleaning offering across London under a single brand.

The integration combines Principle's expertise in landmark buildings with Churchill's innovation, technology and social impact programmes, creating enhanced services for clients while expanding opportunities for employees.

Axis CLC, a national provider of essential property compliance and maintenance services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fieldway Group Limited, a specialist provider of fire safety and compliance services since 1999.

This acquisition strengthens the company’s fire risk assessment and active fire capabilities while expanding their presence in North West England, where Fieldway operates in the social housing, healthcare, and education sectors. Fieldway will continue to operate under its existing brand, with Managing Director Tony Carden and his management team remaining in place to drive future growth.

PTSG has launched a nationwide recruitment campaign to identify and develop the next generation of engineering and technical talent.

The group plans to recruit up to 50 apprentices annually across its UK operations, with the goal of having 150 apprentices enrolled within three years. This initiative represents the most ambitious investment in talent development in the Group's history and builds on PTSG’s established commitment to technical training.

Supported by the new PTSG Centre of Excellence launching this month, the programme will provide young people with the skills, qualifications, and practical experience necessary for careers in modern engineering, compliance, and specialist services.

PTSG is now encouraging schools, colleges, parents, careers advisers, customers, colleagues and community organisations to help identify candidates for the Class of 2026.

For more information visit www.ptsg.co.uk/build-your-future-here

Legrand UK & Ireland is offering free commissioning services to anyone purchasing CP Electronics lighting control systems for an education building this summer.

Available until the end of 2026, this initiative is designed to help facilities managers achieve compliance with CIBSE recommendations within limited budgets. According to CIBSE Guide M, comprehensive documentation and certification are essential to verify the suitability of a system's design.

Because commissioning can take several days depending on the facility size, this offer helps reduce overall project costs, allowing for budget allocation toward other necessary upgrades. Free commissioning applies to any CP Electronics lighting control system installed in education buildings, such as schools.

When providing a quote, Legrand will calculate the required commissioning days and apply them to the part code at no charge.

The entry deadline for the BESA Industry Awards is midnight on Friday, July 10th. Entry is free, and you are welcome to submit multiple entries across 19 categories.

The BESA Awards recognise individuals, teams, and companies that demonstrate excellence in building services engineering through innovative projects, products, and initiatives.

Winners will be announced at the BESA Industry Awards dinner on October 22nd at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London.

And finally, we look forward to welcoming our sponsors and guests to our popular Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party on Thursday, July 9th, 2026. We will be joined by 400 industry professionals for an unforgettable evening of quality networking and hospitality on the River Thames.

Headline Sponsor: MS Webb & Co

Badges & Lanyard Sponsor: YorPower

Entertainment Sponsor: KGN Pillinger

Pre-Boarding Drinks Sponsor: GardenStyle

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, AccuGRIT, CBW Staffing Solutions, Core Facilities Services, Elecplumb, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Invida, OMGC, PTSG, Sunbelt Rentals UK, The Hire Partner, TÜV SÜD, Westbury FM, Workwave

Table Owners & Registered Guests: 3Way Cleaning, ABM UK, Acumen FM, Affinity FM, Apex Lifts, Aqua Protec, Avalon Pro, B&R BARS, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, Catch 22, Cheeky Panda, City Electrical Factors, Cleaner Direct, Cleanology, Collabit Software, CoSourced, Crazy Goat, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, Facilio, HMAC Ventilation, HOSS Engineering, HSBC, HSS ProService, HVAC Recruitment, IWFM Veterans, Jayserv Mechanical & Electrical, Jones FM, KEM Pumps, Leaksafe, LooLogIQ, Maintenance Supplies, Matrix Industries, MML, NGB Clean, NRF Solutions, Natinwide Door Services, OBS Lighting Consultants, Oracle Managed Services, Orion Eco Solutions, Orpen Design Solutions, Penguin FM, PFS Group, Precision Marketing Group, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, SEE Services, Senseco, SINGU, SLM Waste, Smart Source Savings, SmartSec Solutions, Stonebridge FM, Strata Services Group, TechniFire Solutions, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical, Zerix Technologies

Will you be joining them?

26th June 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

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Robin Mills, CEO of Compass Group UK & Ireland, will retire this summer following a distinguished 19-year career with the business. During his tenure, Robin served seven years as CEO and was a member of the Compass Group PLC Executive Committee.

Known for his people-centered and client-focused leadership, Robin oversaw a period of significant growth in which the UK & Ireland business doubled in size. He successfully guided the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and led its expansion into new sectors and markets.

Robin’s passion for innovation, social mobility, and sustainability has shaped the culture of the business, placing great food and exceptional service at its heart. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Robin served as Chair of the Compass Group Foundation. Since its launch three years ago, the Foundation has supported more than 21,000 people and backed over 300 small enterprises globally.

Corps Security has restructured its senior leadership around a new integrated operating model, appointing Paul Lotter as Chief Operating Officer to lead the change.

The new model brings together its three core divisions – Corps Security, Corps Monitoring and Corps Intel – to deliver integrated, end-to-end security solutions. Lotter will oversee a senior operational team and work closely with Andrea Strong, Group Director of Technology & Innovation, to embed technologies such as drones, robotics and AI analytics across the business.

Lotter has more than 30 years of security industry experience and has been with Corps since 2018, previously serving as Managing Director and holding senior roles at Securitas and Interserve.

JLL has secured a new West End office, taking around 14,000 sq ft at Royal London Asset Management’s 1 Newman Street in Fitzrovia as part of a lease assignment of the 6th floor.

1 Newman Street, the multi-let office and retail block, will form a key component of JLL's London office strategy which also incorporates its new UK flagship office at 1 Broadgate in the City of London and 20 Water Street at Canary Wharf. JLL currently provides property management services for the entire asset at 1 Newman Street.

The BREEAM Excellent building is located opposite the Elizabeth line entrance on Dean Street and is closely aligned with JLL’s ongoing strategy to deliver flexible work options as well as sustainable, technologically seamless, inclusive and amenity-rich workplaces across its UK portfolio. 1 Newman Street is also managed by JLL.

According to a press release from the GMB Trade Union, Churchill Cleaning has announced a significant redundancy process that puts approximately 130 outsourced cleaners at risk.

The company plans to reduce cleaning services by over 1,000 hours per week. This reduction equates to more than 40 staff members, or roughly one-third of the weekday cleaning workforce. Furthermore, Churchill Cleaning has reportedly refused to offer voluntary redundancy, which may lead to compulsory exits for the affected staff.

Notably, this announcement follows the government’s pledge last week to end "the era of outsourcing."

NG Bailey, the UK’s largest independent engineering and infrastructure services business, has reported strong financial results for the year ended 27 February 2026, driven by the successful implementation of its Journey to 2030 strat