Grapevine

29th May 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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Thomson FM announced the promotion of Ciara Holmes to the newly created role of Head of FM Consultancy Services.

Since joining us in June 2022 and her subsequent promotion to Senior FM Consultant in July 2023, Ciara has made significant contributions to the business. In her new position, she will lead our consultancy services function and support team development. This appointment recognises the leadership and expertise Ciara has demonstrated, as well as her vital role in the future strategic direction of our facilities management consultancy business.

London Drainage Facilities Group has appointed Lee Carlin as Group Chief Executive Officer as it enters its next phase of growth.

Following investment from YFM Equity Partners in 2023 and the recent acquisition of Blockbusters Drainage & Plumbing Services, the business has expanded its footprint across the South East and is now focused on scaling its operations further.

The announcement also marks a significant leadership transition, with founders Danny and Lucie Fuller stepping back from day-to-day roles after 20 years, moving into Non-Executive Director positions at the end of the financial year on 30^th April

Ivan Morley, FM Director at Thermatic, has been named one of Brand Bolton’s newest We Are Bolton Ambassadors. Thermatic has provided electrical planned preventative maintenance across council and school buildings in the borough since 2025.

The appointment recognises Ivan’s personal and professional commitment to Bolton. Speaking about the role, he said Thermatic is passionate about delivering social value, highlighting the company’s investment in apprenticeships, skilled jobs and local supply chain partners. He added that the business aims to contribute to Bolton beyond its role as a contractor by championing the borough and supporting its wider community and economy.

Ivan joins more than 320 Brand Bolton Ambassadors representing businesses, education, healthcare, leisure, culture and community organisations across the borough.

Heat transfer specialist Fulton Limited has appointed Leigh Bryan as Managing Director with immediate effect, marking the next phase of the company’s leadership transition.

Leigh joined Fulton in 2017 and now takes on the role as the business continues to focus on innovation, operational excellence and growth across the UK and international heat transfer markets.

Jenny Hammond will continue overseeing day-to-day operations, while Carl Knight will remain with the company until his retirement on 15 July 2026.

Future Designs has appointed Yuliya Zhukova as Regional Specification Manager in Dubai.

The company, which has operated in Dubai since 2010, designs and manufactures high-quality lighting systems for the office fit-out, education, healthcare and data centre sectors.

Yuliya brings more than 15 years’ experience in the office fit-out sector, delivering innovative solutions for complex projects across multiple industries.

Foodbuy Group has appointed Lawrence Harvey as Chief Operating Officer UK&I as it continues to expand across hospitality, leisure, health and education.

Lawrence will lead Foodbuy’s Group Purchasing Organisation businesses, supporting more than 15,000 client sites nationwide, with responsibility for operational performance, client partnerships and delivering long-term value.

Foodbuy manages more than £2.6 billion in spend across food, beverage and non-food categories, alongside culinary and technology solutions including Freshmarkets and CaterCloud.

Lawrence joins with senior leadership experience from Aldi, Tesco, Barclays and Pizza Express, bringing a strong track record in operational transformation and performance improvement across multi-site organisations.

LaSalle Investment Management, the global real estate investment manager, and development manager Lipton Rogers Developments LLP, have secured a resolution to grant planning permission from the City of London Corporation for the redevelopment of 1 Silk Street.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the plans respond to a critical shortage of top-quality office space in the City. The redevelopment will contribute around 7.5% of the minimum Grade A office space which the City of London needs by 2040 to remain internationally competitive and drive the local, regional and national economy.

We are sorry to learn that Integrated Estate Management Ltd has entered administration. Carbon Dot and NuVeil, the other two businesses within the group, continue to trade as usual.

JLL identifies Europe's next wave of office investment hotspots driven by innovation

Emerging European cities show untapped potential as innovation outpaces investment, creating geographic diversification opportunities for institutional capital – read more here

Willmott Dixon has launched Willmott Dixon Developments, a new national business focused on regeneration, residential, student accommodation and public-private partnership schemes.

Unveiled at UKREiiF in Leeds, the business brings together the group’s development, investment and regeneration expertise under one platform. Led by David Atkinson and Chris Wheeler, it will focus on regeneration, residential investment, student accommodation and strategic PPP partnerships.

The business is already involved in major schemes across England and Wales, including regeneration projects in Torbay, Great Yarmouth and Weymouth.

Nine years on from the Manchester Arena bombing, and with less than a year until Martyn’s Law comes into force in April 2027, IoT firm AddSecure is urging facilities managers to prepare now or risk legal consequences.

The legislation will require venues with capacity for more than 200 people to have procedures in place for responding to terrorist incidents. Sites hosting 200–799 people must meet Standard Tier requirements, including staff training and regular audits, while venues for 800+ people must comply with Enhanced Tier measures such as risk assessments and physical security systems.

Chris Wimshurst, Director of UK Sales at AddSecure, said many organisations wrongly believe the law only applies to large arenas and stadiums. He warned that businesses without compliant systems could face legal, financial and reputational risks.

AddSecure says many buildings still rely on fire alarms during emergencies, which under Martyn’s Law will no longer be considered sufficient. Larger sites will instead need evacuation and lockdown procedures supported by robust communication systems to provide real-time instructions during evolving incidents.

For more information download AddSecure UK’s Martyn’s Law whitepaper here

Equans has secured two major contracts with Birmingham City Council to deliver upgrade, refurbishment and safety works to nine tower blocks across the city.

On the Bromford Bridge estate, four 13-storey blocks — Kingspiece House, Thistle House, Bridgemeadow House and Hollowmeadow House — will undergo structural improvements, safety upgrades, external wall insulation and refurbishment works, alongside new kitchens, bathrooms, lifts, fire doors and sprinkler systems.

At the St Georges estate in Hockley, five 15-storey towers — Teviot Tower, Rea Tower, Geach Tower, Scholefield Tower and Martineau Tower — will receive new kitchens and bathrooms, electrical and ventilation upgrades, fire-stopping measures and decorative improvements.

ISS has been awarded a new contract with West Sussex County Council to deliver high-quality, sustainable school meals across the county, valued at around DKK 100 million annually.

From Q3 2026, ISS will provide approximately 25,000 primary school meals per day, ensuring nutritious food for pupils to support learning and development.

The service has been developed over the past 14 months in partnership with food provider apetito, creating a solution that exceeds School Food Standards and supports a wide range of dietary and cultural needs. The meals will be delivered under ISS’s FEED (Feeding Excellence Every Day) programme, combining apetito’s chef-prepared dishes with ISS’s focus on quality, safety, and inclusive dining experiences.

Following a competitive tender process on behalf of MAPP, Jaguar has secured a three-year M&E engineering contract at The Northcliffe.

Located at 26-28 Tudor Street, this Grade II listed landmark recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to provide high-quality contemporary workspace while maintaining its architectural heritage.

Effective 1 June 2026, Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG) is partnering with SafeContractor to standardise their contractor pre-qualification process. From this date, only SafeContractor-certified contractors will be approved to work with the Group.

This move replaces fragmented SSIP certifications with a single, continuously monitored standard to improve oversight, reduce risk, and ensure auditable compliance across the supply chain. Group HSE Director Liam Simpson notes that this transition strengthens their ability to manage supplier governance and safety more effectively.

For clients and contractors, this provides independent verification of safety and sustainability standards while simplifying the certification process through a single, portable credential. This initiative reflects PTSG’s commitment to meeting increasing regulatory requirements and raising industry standards for contractor assurance.

Legrand UK & Ireland has opened a new 43,000 sq. ft. electronics manufacturing facility at Nelson Park in Cramlington, Northumberland. Serving as a European centre of excellence for the CP Electronics and Legrand Care brands, the site extends Legrand’s 40-year UK presence and leverages the region's skilled workforce and clean energy sector.

The facility adheres to Net Zero principles and is entirely gas-free, utilizing high-efficiency air source heat pumps and a 163 kWp rooftop solar array expected to generate 128,000 kWh annually. Additional sustainable features include EV charging, permeable paving, and high-performance insulation. The site also serves as a product showcase, integrated with Legrand’s own Linea 5000 door entry panels, cable management, and digital energy metering technology.

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association Governing Council has elected Lorcan Mekitarian as a Life Vice President in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Association and the wider cleaning and hygiene industry.

First elected to the CHSA Council in 2018, Lorcan, Sales Director of Amcor, served as CHSA Chair from 2019 to 2026. During his tenure, he strengthened the Association’s reputation for integrity, transparency and ethical practice, introducing key initiatives including the incorporation of the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into the CHSA Code of Practice, alongside new Ethical Audit and Ethical Marketing commitments.

Lorcan also successfully guided the CHSA through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the Association’s Accreditation Schemes remained a trusted mark of quality and reassurance for buyers across the sector.

Our popular Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, and is set to be our biggest yet. We expect 400 industry professionals to join us 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

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, AccuGRIT, Core Facilities Services, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Invida, OMGC, PTSG, The Hire Partner, TÜV SÜD, Westbury FM

Table Owners & Guests: 3Way Cleaning, ABM UK, Acumen FM, Apex Lifts, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, Cheeky Panda, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HMAC Ventilation, HOSS Engineering, HVAC Recruitment, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, PGSO, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Singu, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.

Will you be joining them?

22nd May 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...

Colliers has appointed Tom Bolland as Head of Client Experience, Occupier Services EMEA, further strengthening its leadership team as occupiers across the region face rapidly evolving workplace, portfolio and operational demands.

Bolland will take up the role on 25 June 2026 and will be based at Colliers’ EMEA headquarters in London. He will join the EMEA Occupier Services Executive Leadership team, working closely with service line and country leaders to enhance service consistency, strengthen client strategies and ensure occupiers receive integrated, high‑quality outcomes across their real estate portfolios.

The appointment reflects the growing importance occupiers are placing on end‑to‑end client experience, from workplace strategy and facilities management to portfolio optimisation and enterprise account delivery. In his role, Bolland will focus on aligning real estate services with clients’ wider business objectives, driving measurable value and supporting long‑term portfolio performance.

Munnelly Group has appointed Tom Emery as Managing Director of Weston Analytics to lead its digital and data strategy.

Tom brings over a decade of operational leadership from Heathrow and Wilson James, where he managed large-scale portfolios and digital transformation across aviation, security, and infrastructure. In his new role, he will focus on developing scalable analytical solutions and driving business value through innovations like the Fatigue360 platform, recently expanded within Transport for London.

As part of the senior leadership team, Tom will guide Weston Analytics’ growth by integrating technology and insights into a connected operating model for the construction and infrastructure sectors.

B-engineering Group has announced a leadership restructure following a £500,000 investment in new fleet vans, a new Birchwood head office, and a 6,000 sq ft fabrication workshop.

The restructure introduces divisional heads for each of its four core sectors: Scott Sharples (Projects), Luke O’Keeffe (Service and Maintenance), James Coote (Electrical), and Craig McLachlan (Air Conditioning). To support these leads, Janusz Heenan has been promoted to Technical Manager for Service and Maintenance, while Jim Doyle, Dave Hayes, and Keith Kirk have joined as Technical Managers for Projects, Electrical, and Air Conditioning, respectively.

These appointments aim to scale the company's operations across its diverse commercial client base, which includes the pharmaceutical, healthcare, education, and retail sectors.

We were out in London yesterday, 21 May 2026, attending several industry events to engage with the latest developments in facilities management and building services. Our first stop was the IFM Summit London at the Truman Brewery, a key fixture of the IFM26 global tour. The summit provided a platform for a variety of insightful speakers who shared perspectives on the future of the industry and emerging operational trends.

Following the summit, we attended the Andwis event at Rose Court. This gathering offered an excellent environment for high-level networking and strategic discussions. During the event, we had the opportunity to connect with several key industry leaders, including: Phil Greenwood, Chief Executive Officer and Paul Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Andwis Group, Daniel Provis, Procurement Director at CBRE GWS, Lee Thompson, Chief Revenue Officer at Senseco Systems Ltd and Sanil Singh from Sanat Group

These conversations provided valuable insights into current procurement strategies and commercial growth within the sector.

Workman LLP has relocated its Birmingham team to a 4,500 sq. ft, high-spec office at 19 Cornwall Street in the Colmore Business District.

Delivered by Sandell Group in eight weeks, the Cat B fit-out was shaped by a staff survey and led by Workman Partners Paul Stanley and Tom Bates. The sustainable space targets a 5-star NABERS rating, utilizing solar panels and smart technology to reduce energy use by 65% compared to typical offices.

Designed to accommodate growth for the 40-strong team, the new office features an open-plan layout with sit/stand desks, AV-equipped meeting rooms, focus rooms, a wellbeing room, and a breakout kitchen, all finished with earthy tones and greenery.

Science and innovation leasing across the UK’s Golden Triangle – between London, Oxford and Cambridge – reached 234,779 sq ft in the first quarter of the year, according to global real estate advisor Knight Frank, 43.2% above the five-year average and 6.0% ahead of the same period in 2025 - read more here.

Group Metropolitan announced the launch of a new Compliance and Small Projects Department. This specialised division provides comprehensive electrical safety services—including EICR, RCD, PAT, and Emergency Lighting Testing—specifically designed for complex, high-risk environments such as data centres, financial institutions, and healthcare facilities.

To ensure transparency and real-time visibility, the department utilises ‘Dutiful,’ our advanced digital management system. This platform offers centralised asset registers, QR-code identification, and automated reporting to simplify compliance for facility and asset managers.

Mitie has secured a new contract with AstraZeneca at its Macclesfield campus, leveraging its expertise in managing safety-critical pharmaceutical environments.

Under the agreement, Mitie will provide mechanical and electrical maintenance, reactive engineering, and energy optimisation. Using its Orbit platform, Mitie will monitor energy data and carbon emissions to drive site improvements. Additionally, the partnership includes a commitment to social value through new apprenticeships and over 1,300 annual volunteering hours dedicated to local community and environmental projects.

Dalkia has partnered with Sisk to deliver mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) services for the new Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

Supporting lead designer BDP, Dalkia will install and commission all building services infrastructure for clinical and patient areas. The design incorporates air source heat pumps to support GOSH’s net-zero goals, and the construction programme is phased to ensure the hospital remains fully operational. Notably, this project is the first major healthcare development to progress through the Building Safety Act Gateway process.

GOSH Charity is supporting the development through its “Build it. Beat it.” appeal, the largest fundraising campaign in its history, aiming to raise £300m to help build the Children’s Cancer Centre, transform cancer care and advance research.

Hyperion Equity Partners has announced that Ranger Fire and Security acquired iFire, Henderson Fire and Safety, and FireCheck. These additions bring Ranger’s total to 21 acquisitions since early 2024 as it works toward becoming the leading fire and security provider across the UK and Ireland.

iFire (Edinburgh) specialises in fire and intruder alarms, CCTV, and access control for commercial environments in Scotland. Henderson (Galway) provides fire suppression systems, protection products, and safety training. FireCheck (Warrington) focuses on fire extinguishers, risk assessments, and alarm servicing, strengthening Ranger’s presence in North-West England.

Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has the acquired BDS Group Limited (BDSG), a UK-based provider of fire safety engineering and electrical compliance services.

Headquartered in Wallington, BDSG includes Bespoke Detection Services Limited and BDS Electrical FM Limited. This acquisition strengthens PTSG’s Fire Solutions division by adding significant scale and recurring, regulation-led workstreams across commercial and industrial sectors, including a 20-year Tier 1 relationship with a global motor industry brand.

BDSG’s existing leadership team—Kevin Blyde, Mitchell Blyde, and Anthony Watts—will remain in place to ensure operational continuity. This move aligns with PTSG’s strategy of investing in high-quality, specialist businesses within resilient compliance markets.

ABM has been awarded the Gold RoSPA Award for Health and Safety Excellence for the seventh consecutive year.

This year’s achievement, awarded for health and safety excellence during 2025, comes during the 70th anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, a major milestone celebrating seven decades of progress, leadership and life‑saving work across the safety community.

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association is hosting a webinar, “Introduction to Waste Management – understanding and managing your risk,” on Wednesday, 24 June at 11am.

This session covers the UK’s evolving legal and operational landscape, including Digital Waste Tracking and Simpler Recycling. Experts Tina Benfield (CIWM), Craig Burman (Burman Environmental Law), and Mike Hibbert (Waste Consultant) will discuss regulatory compliance, liability management, and practical steps for implementing robust waste processes to avoid financial or criminal penalties - to book your place

Congratulations to Suzanne Howe Communications on achieving B Corp™ certification. Verified by B Lab, this milestone confirms SHC meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

By joining over 10,000 global businesses and 2,600 UK companies like The Guardian and Innocent Drinks, SHC has successfully completed a rigorous assessment of its governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Headline Sponsor: MS Webb & Co

Badges & Lanyard Sponsor: YorPower

Entertainment Sponsor: KGN Pillinger

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, AccuGRIT, Core Facilities Services, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Invida, OMGC, PTSG, The Hire Partner, TÜV SÜD, Westbury FM

Registered Organisations: 3Way Cleaning, ABM UK, Acumen FM, Apex Lifts, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, Cheeky Panda, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HMAC Ventilation, HOSS Engineering, HVAC Recruitment, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, PGSO, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Singu, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.

Will you be joining them?

15th May 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...

Mike Grimmel has rejoined Gardiner & Theobald LLP as a partner in the Facilities and Asset Management Advisory team. With 30 years of experience as a chartered civil engineer across consultancy, client-side, and service provider roles Mike will be instrumental in helping clients optimise property portfolios and improve operational outcomes from concept through to operation.

Lexington Catering has promoted Steven Snowdon to culinary director, strengthening its senior culinary leadership team as the business evolves its food offer across B&I, hospitality and events.

In his new role, Snowdon will lead culinary strategy across Lexington, ensuring teams are equipped with the tools, frameworks and support needed to deliver consistently high standards across retail, hospitality and events. He will also continue to drive innovation and skills development across the business.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has sanctioned former Carillion plc Group Finance Directors Richard Adam and Zafar Khan for acting recklessly and without integrity regarding accounting information prepared between 2013 and 2017. Both have admitted to misconduct involving major UK construction contracts, specific transactions, and a supply chain finance facility that materially impacted the company’s reported financial performance prior to its 2018 collapse. Read more here.

Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed by SEGRO as the valuer for its UK portfolio on a five-year contract following a competitive pitch. The portfolio includes over 2.5 million square metres of warehousing, industrial property, data centres, and development land across London, the Western Corridor, and the Midlands.

Valuation & Advisory is a core service line at Cushman & Wakefield. In the UK, its Valuation & Advisory team includes more than 175 professionals delivering expert advice to investors, developers, and debt providers, covering all major commercial, living, and alternative markets, and advising on approximately £400 billion worth of assets annually.

The appointment, on a five-year contract, follows a competitive pitch process. Onboarding has commenced and Cushman & Wakefield will be delivering its first bi-annual valuation for SEGRO in June 2026.

Tendra Technical Services, backed by the Triton Smaller Mid-Cap Fund II, has acquired North-West based Dynamic FM Ltd.

This acquisition expands Tendra’s presence in Northern England and enhances its integrated service capabilities across both the public and private sectors. By combining Dynamic FM’s expertise in mechanical, engineering, and facilities management with Tendra’s specialist technical services, the company can now provide a comprehensive solution spanning installation, compliance, and maintenance.

Avison Young’s Q1 Central London Office Analysis reports that the tech and creative sectors secured a 28% market share. While total take-up was 1.9m sq ft (23% below the 10-year average), significant activity from AI firms like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Databricks—alongside BP’s 191,000 sq ft Ink Building transaction—indicates continued demand for high-quality workspace.

Grade A supply shortages have pushed vacancy down to 6.3%. Meanwhile, Q1 investment reached £1.9bn across 43 transactions, with international buyers—particularly Japanese and Indonesian investors—showing a renewed appetite for larger assets.

Following a competitive market review, Arcus Facilities Management has secured a landmark five-year contract with Santander UK. This agreement expands Arcus’ role from retail engineering to a fully integrated, end-to-end facilities management programme across Santander’s entire UK estate, including flagship offices in Milton Keynes and London, 350 retail branches, and two data centres.

Arcus will now provide a comprehensive suite of services including engineering, cleaning, front of house, energy support, and back-office functions. This delivery is supported by a 24/7 UK helpdesk, resident engineers at critical sites, and a nationwide mobile network.

Robertson Facilities Management (RFM) has been awarded a £10 million, five-year contract to deliver integrated facilities management at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

Awarded via the Crown Commercial Framework, the contract covers the entire campus and includes planned and reactive maintenance, M&E, plumbing, small works, cleaning, and waste management. The scope will also expand to include the Edinburgh Innovation HUB within the next 12 to 18 months.

Churchill has been awarded a five-year contract to provide terminal, washroom, and window cleaning at Birmingham Airport (BHX) starting this May. To maintain standards for an expected 14.5 million passengers in 2026, 103 colleagues will transfer to Churchill across frontline and management roles, supported by a dedicated Transformation Manager for the nine-month transition.

The service will utilise a data-led model, replacing static schedules with flexible, demand-based deployment informed by footfall sensors, customer feedback, and real-time reporting. This approach aligns with the airport’s operational needs and ongoing transformation plans.

ABM has secured a multi-million-pound Passenger Reduced Mobility (PRM) services contract at Glasgow Airport and retained its existing PRM contract at Aberdeen International Airport. Both agreements with AGS Airports Limited span an initial three-year term starting in April, with a two-year extension option.

Approximately 150 team members will deliver these services, supported by ABM’s Disability Rights UK accreditation and technology such as wheelchair tracking and the ABM Connect data platform. These innovations aim to enhance operational efficiency and provide a more dignified, seamless experience for passengers.

CIBSE announced a landmark £1.2 million donation from The Manly Trust to support the development of the "Manly Trust Skills Hub" at their newly redeveloped London headquarters.

This historic contribution—the largest in CIBSE’s 129-year history—will focus on equipping engineers with essential skills in AI, digital tools, and emerging technologies. The Hub serves as the centrepiece of their reimagined headquarters, which now features modern conference spaces, dedicated training facilities, and flexible collaborative workspaces for members.

This investment ensures CIBSE can provide the hands-on learning and innovation necessary to advance the building services engineering profession globally.

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is proud to sponsor the Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year category at the 2026 AFI UK Fencing Awards. This category recognizes excellence in workmanship and innovation, requiring entrants to submit safety and compliance documentation, including RAMS, a Compliance & Residual Risk Assessment, and a Declaration of Conformity.

The awards are open to the entire industry for projects completed within the past 12 months. Entries close on 14th August 2026, and all finalists will be invited to the awards ceremony at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 12th November 2026. For full details and to enter, click here.

Headline Sponsor: MS Webb & Co

Badges & Lanyard Sponsor: YorPower

Entertainment Sponsor: KGN Pillinger

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, AccuGRIT, Core Facilities Services, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Joblogic, OMGC, PTSG, The Hire Partner, TÜV SÜD, Westbury FM

Table Owners & Guests: 3Way Cleaning, Acumen FM, Apex Lifts, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, Cheeky Panda, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HMAC Ventilation, HOSS Engineering, HVAC Recruitment, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, PGSO, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Singu, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.

Will you be joining them?

8th May 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

There is no Grapevine this week as we are currently taking a short break. We will return next week.

1st May 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...

Arcus Facilities Management has appointed Simi Gandhi-Whitaker as Managing Director for Account Management.

Simi brings extensive leadership experience from Carillion, Galliford Try, EMCOR UK, and Mitie, where she specialised in building high-performing, customer-centric teams. She is a prominent industry figure, formerly serving as Chair of ‘Women in FM’ for the IWFM and recognised as a finalist in the Women in the City Awards.

Robertson Group has rebranded its Facilities Management division as RFM and appointed Adrian Mole as Chief Executive Officer.

Adrian has been with Robertson for eight years, previously serving as Executive Managing Director, and brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role. He will lead RFM's next growth phase, focusing on hard and soft FM services alongside expanded offerings in energy management and decarbonisation.

Workman has promoted 57 employees across 11 UK offices following a year of sustained growth and investment in specialist capabilities. These promotions span various service lines, including property management, building consultancy, sustainability, and HR, reflecting the firm's evolution in areas like building safety and data analytics.

The seven new Partners are: Michelle Barker (Manchester, Property Management), Chris Church MRICS (London, Retail & Leisure), Marcus Dodd MRICS (London, Property Management), David Hall MRICS (London, Property Management), Olivia Hamilton MRICS (London, Property Management), Ian Reynolds MRICS (Milton Keynes, Building Consultancy) and Craig Watson MRICS (Glasgow, Building Consultancy)

CBRE, has named Denis McGowan Executive Managing Director within its Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Financial & Professional Services Sector. In this role, Denis will have executive responsibility for CBRE’s GWS Enterprise accounts in the EMEA and APAC regions. He will report to Sector President Mike Hart.

Denis comes to CBRE from the investment and development firm Osborne+Co, where he was responsible for key relationships with clients like Santander, Wells Fargo, and Citi, as well as the partnership with tech driven hospitality provider BoB W.

Despite challenging sector conditions, Wates Group achieved a turnover of £2.56bn and a statutory profit before tax of £29.2m. This accomplishment extends Wates Group's record of profitability to 26 consecutive years.

Furthermore, the Group concluded the year in a strong financial position, with a record net cash balance of £248.3m—an increase of £52.7m. The order book also saw significant growth, increasing by £1.3bn over the course of the year.

Sizewell C has appointed McLaren Construction as its construction management partner for key infrastructure projects. Under this framework agreement, McLaren’s Construction Management and Specialist Projects division will supervise the delivery of the temporary accommodation campus, amenity building, project office, and emergency response building.

McLaren will also coordinate the construction of the permanent College on the Coast in Leiston. This post-16 education campus is designed to remove local barriers to training and provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of residents in the host town.

Complii (formerly Compliance Group) has acquired Parr Fire Protection Services Ltd, a specialist in fire alarms, emergency lighting, extinguishers, risk assessments, and training. Parr Fire will continue to operate under its current leadership, including Managing Director Ian Blackledge and Operations Director Dale Jackson.

The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is now accepting entries for the annual Future Leaders FM Award. This free-to-enter award recognises early-career professionals with up to five years of experience in the Workplace and FM sectors.

The winner receives a bespoke personal development program valued at £2,000, developed in consultation with their employer, alongside a £500 bursary from i-FM to support industry event participation or professional memberships.

Entries are open until August 14th, 2026. Further information and the online entry form can be found here.

Shaftesbury Capital PLC has appointed Workman to manage its property management and operational finance services, replacing CBRE. This transition is set to take effect at the start of June.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust has appointed Sewell Facilities Management to a five-year contract for planned preventative maintenance and on-call repairs across its estate.

Sewell FM will manage over 100 sites, including ambulance stations, offices, and call centres, serving 5.2 million people across nearly 6,000 square miles. Their team of engineers and technicians will maintain heating, ventilation, plumbing, fire safety, water hygiene, and critical systems like generators. This partnership includes a 24/7 call-out service to ensure all facilities remain safe, compliant, and operational, minimizing impact on emergency and urgent care services.

Following a successful tender process in December 2025, Anchor Group Services has completed the mobilisation of a multi-site contract for FI Property Group. This partnership, built on a shared "people-first" ethos, covers six locations including Brunel Shopping Centre, Newbridge Square, The Woods Warwick, Wellington House, and Chesterfield Block.

The contract involves delivering integrated security and cleaning services through a team of approximately 34 colleagues. To ensure quality and retention, all transferring staff will immediately receive the Real Living Wage. The transition was managed via a coordinated, multi-departmental briefing process to ensure operational transparency and alignment from the outset.

ABM’s new white paper, How Modern Workplaces Win, reveals that nearly 90% of global workers would trade part of their salary for a more personalised work experience, reframing the return-to-office debate. While major firms like Microsoft, Instagram, and HSBC are increasing office mandates, King’s College London research shows compliance with full-time requirements has dropped from 54% to 42% over two years.

The survey of over 500 workers across the UK, US, and Ireland indicates that employees are not opposed to office life; 85% would spend more time there if facilities were improved, and over 80% agree that great office spaces enhance culture. These findings suggest that addressing the quality of the workplace experience, rather than relying on mandates alone, is critical for businesses looking to improve office occupancy and productivity.

The PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN), chaired by the BRE, invites professionals across the fire prevention, solar energy, and construction sectors to share their experiences regarding solar PV safety via a national questionnaire.

The research aims to establish reliable data on the causes and consequences of solar PV-related fires to recommend future risk-reduction solutions. Participants are invited to complete sections relevant to their expertise regarding work practices, near misses, and fire incidents.

All responses are confidential and must be submitted by Tuesday 30 June 2026. For more information, visit https://www.pvfin.org/

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has published a revised edition of its Good Practice Guide: Recycling, Waste and Resource Management. Written by sustainability specialists Nicki Chennells and Kirsteen Harrison, the updated guide reflects recent legislative changes and shifts in professional practice, positioning waste management as a core component of sustainability and organizational resilience.

Designed for facilities management professionals at all levels, the guide provides strategic context and practical guidance on the waste hierarchy, circular economy, carbon measurement, and compliance. It aims to help FM teams navigate growing pressure to meet ESG commitments and net zero targets while mitigating legal and reputational risks.

Sybron, a supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, is relocating its 70,000 sq ft Head Office and distribution centre to ICON Harlow this August. Following last year's management buyout and the opening of their Stafford facility in November, this move supports the long-term growth strategy and commitment to sustainability.

The new Grade A facility features improved storage capacity, efficient HGV logistics, and eco-friendly infrastructure including LED lighting and air-source heat pumps. Operations Director Bradley Henwood and Sales & Marketing Director George Mason noted that this expansion allows for increased bulk ordering, enhanced service offerings, and greater development opportunities for our staff.

Our popular Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, and is set to be our biggest yet. We expect 400 industry professionals to join us 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

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, Core Facilities Services, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Joblogic, OMGC, PTSG, The Hire Partner. Westbury FM

Registered Organisations: 3Way Cleaning, Acumen FM, Apex Lifts, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, Cheeky Panda, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HMAC Ventilation, HOSS Engineering, HVAC Recruitment, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, PGSO, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Singu, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.

Will you be joining them?

24th April 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...

Great to see Lee Tristram promoted to Business Unit Head at Jaguar Building Services. Lee joined the business as an Account Manager in 2020. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.

After fourteen years at Sowga, Aaron Guidice has moved on to ABM UK where he has taken up the position of Vice President, Technical Solutions

Are you a Business Owner in the UK South, Southwest, or South East considering the future of your FM or cleaning company?

We are working with a client that is actively seeking acquisitions in your region. If you are exploring the possibility of selling, now is a crucial time to consider your options. Contact: laurence@twinfm.com

JP Morgan Chase has announced plans to build a new 3-million-square-foot tower at Riverside South in Canary Wharf. This project, which is double the size of the Shard, will serve as their EMEA headquarters for 12,000 staff and is estimated to contribute £9.9 billion to the UK economy over six years.

Construction will begin upon approval and is expected to take six years. This move marks a significant commitment to Canary Wharf following the recent Budget and the firm outgrowing its existing 33-storey tower

Senseco Systems Limited has been acquired by andwis Group. This acquisition establishes andwis as the UK’s largest and highest accredited independent Fire & Security provider.

The addition of Senseco significantly strengthens andwis capabilities by adding over 300 engineers and eight dedicated service lines.

Kent-based MS Webb has received two accolades at the regional FSB and HSBC Small Business Growth Awards 2026. The company was named Runner-Up for the Expansion & Growth Award (South East) and Winner of the Family Business Award (South East).

The Family Business Award recognises MS Webb’s 30-year legacy and the leadership of Joe and Greg Webb, who continue the family-led approach established by founder Malcolm Webb. Additionally, the runner-up status for Expansion & Growth highlights their successful strategy in service innovation and client relationship management.

As regional winners, MS Webb will now attend the National Final in London to compete for the national Family Business Award.

MS Webb provides professional security, event support, and corporate hospitality services across Kent and the wider South East. They combine industry-leading practices with a strong focus on people, safety, and client satisfaction.

The company is the headliner for this summer's Boat Party.

SFG20’s State of Facilities Management 2026 Report, based on a survey of nearly 200 industry professionals, highlights a significant disconnect in asset management. While 72% of respondents identified asset management as a top three-year investment priority, 38% either do not update their registers or are unaware of update frequencies.

The report finds that only 58% use dedicated software like CAFM, while 50% still rely on spreadsheets and 4% use paper records. Notably, those using software reported 70% accuracy compared to 60% for manual methods. Although 15% of professionals now report 100% register accuracy—a 6% increase from last year—nearly 1 in 10 organisations still lack an asset register entirely. Furthermore, monthly updates have declined from 22% to 13%, suggesting that while accuracy is improving for some, the consistency of maintenance is wavering. The full report can be found here

NG Bailey secured a five-year contract extension with St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool, marking a landmark partnership of more than 20 years.

We understand the Facilities Services team will continue providing planned and reactive maintenance with five on-site engineers. This renewal follows a competitive tender highlighting the company’s alignment with the client's strategic priorities, including the rollout of the Core Connect energy management platform for real-time performance and leak detection.

The contract also encompasses staff welfare upgrades, ESG strategy days, and community initiatives such as tree planting, electrical safety events, and educational outreach via the onsite beekeeping programme. Additionally, the site will serve as a training ground for NG Bailey apprentices.

The Haberdashers’ Company has appointed MAPP to manage its Central London retail and office portfolio.

MAPP will provide property and facilities management services focused on commercial performance, operational efficiency, and occupier experience. The instruction includes the Gresham Street freehold, retail units on West Smithfield, and the 20,000 sq ft Hosier Lane office building, where MAPP is currently providing refurbishment consultancy and mobilisation services.

Helical Plc, Places for London, and Mace Construct have signed the main works contract for the Paddington Over Station Development (OSD). Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the scheme has achieved a 97.4% BREEAM Design Stage score and will feature market-leading technological infrastructure, end-of-journey facilities, and south-facing terraces on all office floors.

Keltbray is currently progressing enabling works and concrete cores. Steelwork is scheduled to begin in October, with project completion expected in Q3 2028.

Congratulations to Matt Chapman and the team at Leeds-based soft FM provider SBFM on being ranked third in the Ward Hadaway Yorkshire Fastest 50 list for 2026. This ranking identifies the region’s fastest-growing large businesses based on average turnover growth over a three-year period.

SBFM recorded a turnover of £78.9 million in its most recent accounts, reflecting an average growth rate of 61.08%. This achievement highlights the company's sustained expansion across the UK and Ireland.

The Ward Hadaway Yorkshire Fastest 50, published in partnership with the Yorkshire Post, focuses on long-term momentum among profit-making, private, regional organisations.

Otis Worldwide Corporation and WeMaintain announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry.

Macro has published its 2025/26 Gender Pay Gap Report, marking a significant shift toward forward momentum for the business.

The mean gender pay gap is now 4.6% and the median is 9.3%, with women comprising over half of the workforce and earning more than male peers in the highest-paid roles. While the remaining gap is driven by senior-level representation rather than unequal pay, the company states it will remain focused on strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring fair, transparent progression. This report is about accountability and building a workplace where everyone can thrive. You can read the full report here

Service Works Global (SWG) has launched Geminus, a next-generation platform designed to advance digital transformation in facilities and property management.

By acting as an intelligent adapter, Geminus integrates fragmented data from existing CAFM, BIM, IoT, and building management systems into a single, reliable source. This flexible, tiered platform offers high-resolution 2D and 3D visualisation to improve decision-making and asset management, providing a scalable path toward a fully connected digital twin environment.

With over 30 years of FM expertise, SWG developed Geminus to help anorganisation’s structure and validate building information across its entire lifecycle.

The Keyholding Company (TKC) has launched the Protection Readiness Tracker (PRT) to help organisations align with Home Office guidance on Martyn’s Law.

Designed for large or fragmented property portfolios, the PRT enables security and facilities teams to track counter-terrorism measures across multiple sites through a single platform. Users complete brief digital assessments for each location, centralising commentary and documentation to generate estate-level dashboards that highlight implementation gaps and portfolio trends.

The PRT is an addition to TKC’s award-winning Risk Management Tool, a digital platform designed to give organisations clearer visibility of security risk across complex estates.

Following a competitive tender, York-based specialist PPS has been awarded a seven-figure, three-year contract with Bolton Council. PPS will supply cleaning chemicals and hygiene consumables to approximately 90 schools across the borough.

Leveraging over 25 years of experience, PPS will provide dedicated account management to ensure high standards of safety and compliance. This partnership supports Bolton Council’s environmental objectives while marking a significant milestone in PPS’s public sector growth.

Chris Thomas, Managing Director at J.V. Price Ltd completed only three weeks of training for the Flawed Hero Midnight Marathon, which starts at midnight on 26 April in Letchworth. Chris will be joining 300 others to run 26.2 miles through the night to finish before sunrise.

Chris is raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and would greatly appreciate your support to help him reach his fundraising target. You can donate here.

Our popular Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party is celebrating its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, and is set to be our biggest yet. We expect 400 industry professionals to join us 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

Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, Core Facilities Services, First Choice Drainage Solutions, Joblogic, OMGC, PTSG, The Hire Partner. Westbury FM

Will you be joining them?