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Grapevine
17th 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...
Peter Williams has recently started a new role at Advantos. Peter has joined the Group Executive Team, where he will be responsible for leading the organisation’s core operations.
As you may know, Peter previously served as the Business Unit Director with Apleona Technical Solutions.
Adrian Knight has a new role as Group Director of Estates, Facilities and PFI at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
Some significant news regarding a well-respected figure within our industry. Deborah Longstaff has decided to move on from Eden Brown / Resourcing Group to explore new professional opportunities.
As a highly regarded professional, Deborah’s departure marks the end of a notable chapter with the organisation. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing her continued contributions to the industry in her next role.
Simon Esner has been appointed as the new Chairman at PINCH, the independent catering company. This is a significant development for the organisation as they continue to grow within the sector.
Kärcher UK announced the appointment of Gareth Prosser as Managing Director. Gareth joins from Hilti, where he spent over two decades in senior leadership, most recently as Vice President for Great Britain.
OCS has appointed Simon Humphrey as Sustainability Director for its UK and Ireland business.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has issued a preliminary market engagement (PME) notice for the proposed Sustainable Transport and Infrastructure 2 framework agreement (SBS10540).
Valued at an estimated £200m (excluding VAT), this renewal framework aims to provide NHS organisations and the wider public sector with a comprehensive procurement route for sustainable solutions. Key areas include Micro-Mobility, Drone Delivery Services, Robotic Logistics, Traditional Courier Services, Car Park Management, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, and Cycle Parking and Infrastructure, all of which support net-zero objectives,
The closing date for this PME is 12 noon on Thursday, 14 May 2026. More details are available here.
Peterborough City Council has started operating key services including recycling and waste collections and street cleansing.
Back in March 2025 councillors agreed to insource services to the authority which were operated by Peterborough Limited (PL) under the Aragon brand. The council served 12 months' notice on its contract with PL and officers have since worked to complete the transfer.
The decision was made as part of a review of the council’s contracts and companies to ensure services are being delivered in the most efficient and effective way.
As a result, the following services will now be operated by the authority: recycling and waste collections, street cleansing, parks, trees and open spaces, some home to school transport routes, workshop facilities, facilities management and property services.
The operation of the council's leisure facilities, libraries and archive services, Flag Fen and Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery will be provided by Peterborough Limited and its subsidiary Peterborough Culture, Heritage, Learning and Leisure Ltd (PCHLL), with a dedicated, specialist management team in place.
It was a pleasure catching up with Dave Murphy recently. As you may be aware, Dave sold Technical Drain Solutions (TDS) to the Metcor Group last year. This investment is a key component of Metcor's broader strategy to establish itself as the premier drainage specialist for commercial facilities managers both in Central London and across the wider UK market. Moving forward, Jake Murphy is leading the senior team at TDS.
Dave also shared that he is now concentrating on building his other business, B&R Bars Ltd (Building & Refurb Solutions) which provides a full range of professional building maintenance services ranging from minor repairs to full property refurbishments
BW Interiors Limited (trading as BW: Workplace Experts) has reported a 132% increase in pre-tax profit to £13.9 million for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025. Driven by a strong central London office market and return-to-office strategies, turnover rose to £326.7 million from £244 million in 2024.
With net assets of £18 million and £57 million in cash reserves, BW is targeting £500 million turnover by 2030. The company entered 2026 with over £210 million in secured work—targeting £375 million for the year—and has already secured £42 million for 2027.
Recent milestones include completing a £63 million tech office and moving to a new 16,500 sq ft headquarters at The Carter. Since 2016, the team has expanded from 65 to nearly 320 employees, with a continued focus on larger schemes across the commercial workplace, higher education, legal, tech, and private equity sectors.
Following Julie Hulme's recent update regarding Wynex Global's expansion across the Midlands and the South, the business is seeking reliable partners to support ongoing and overflow requirements. Specifically, for specialists across various disciplines, including plumbing, roofing, electrical, gas, drainage, and general building maintenance.
To express your interest, please send your details to onboarding@wynexglobal.com. The team will review all submissions and contact you with further information regarding rates and PQQ details, as well as to arrange an initial call where suitable.
Assist Security Group (ASG) announced the expansion of its partnership with independent property management company, Ashdown Phillips, to provide physical security for four Ashby Capital portfolio properties: The JJ Mack Building, The Avenue, The Kensington Building, and Kensington Arcade.
The contract commenced on 1st April 2026.
SoFlow Service Partners has taken a majority investment in Doncaster-based GreenSpark Group establishing a national platform for critical environmental services.
Founded in 2010, GreenSpark provides specialist compliance, drainage, and industrial services to sectors including logistics, facilities management, and utilities. Supported by over 100 professionals across its Doncaster headquarters and Gateshead depot, the company helps commercial operators manage aging infrastructure and increasing regulatory scrutiny to prevent environmental incidents and operational disruptions.
This investment positions GreenSpark to scale its holistic environmental consulting and infrastructure maintenance solutions for blue-chip customers nationwide.
Avison Young has been appointed by the Gooch Estate as the property manager for Typhoo Wharf in Digbeth, Birmingham. This appointment follows a competitive tender process for the estate and its public realm.
Located near the future HS2 Curzon Street Station, Typhoo Wharf is set to become a central hub for Birmingham’s creative quarter. The project involves the regeneration of the historic Typhoo Tea Factory, which will provide 84,000 sq ft of commercial space for the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters, scheduled to open in 2027. The wider masterplan will eventually deliver 800,000 sq ft of residential and commercial space, including new leisure facilities.
Avison Young’s Midlands-based Real Estate, Facilities, and Infrastructure Management team will manage the site and oversee public realm activation as further plots are developed. Redevelopment work is already underway.
Phenna Group acquired Ventilate Consultancy & Control Limited (VCC) and Ventilate Grease Control Limited (VGC), collectively known as "Ventilate."
Based in the UK, Ventilate is a specialist provider of kitchen ventilation compliance and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) management services. Ventilate will join our Certification and Compliance Division as an add-on to ECAS.
This acquisition marks Phenna Group's eighth deal of 2026, further strengthening our position as a global leader in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) sector.
The Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA), formed by ADSA and DHF, has launched a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction).
Designed for current or aspiring supervisors with industry experience or a Level 2 qualification, this workplace-based program assesses practical ability through onsite evidence rather than exams. To earn the diploma, learners must complete six mandatory units and two optional units, covering core responsibilities such as health and safety, work coordination, and team performance.
This qualification offers a clear pathway to senior management by ensuring learners gain practical skills applicable to modern construction environments.
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, 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?
10th 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...
Fisher German’s commercial property management division has announced six promotions following a successful year.
Michelle Dove, Omar Farooq, and Prakash Vaghela have been promoted to Senior Associates, while Michelle Knowles, Julian Dow, and Vanessa Baldwin have been promoted to Associate level. These represent part of 77 total promotions Fisher German has made across the company following a busy start to 2026.
The firm’s recent growth includes winning a major contract to provide consultancy services for Great British Energy – Nuclear as it develops the UK’s first small modular nuclear reactor at Wylfa in north Wales. Additionally, Fisher German continues to secure high-quality instructions across its agency, advisory, infrastructure, and property management divisions.
Wolseley Group has named Simon Dennis as its new Managing Director for the Wolseley Infrastructure division.
Simon steps into the role after leading Jointing Tech, a brand within the division, and brings nearly two decades of experience within the group.
Lolly the hospitality technology company, announced the appointment of Jaz Dail as Business Development Manager to support their continued growth and expanding customer base.
Jaz brings over 30 years of experience in retail technology, EPOS, and commercial strategy. In his new role, he will focus on identifying new business opportunities and delivering end-to-end technology solutions to help our customers address operational challenges.
The Financial Times reports that BlackRock is considering the 45-storey Canary Wharf skyscraper currently occupied by HSBC for its new London headquarters.
The report indicates the asset manager is looking for at least 600,000 square feet of space and has also examined sites including Bishops Square near Spitalfields Market and 75 London Wall. While HSBC is scheduled to vacate in 2027, Canary Wharf is currently seeing a rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic, as firms like JPMorgan return to the office.
Facilio Inc. has been selected by Charter Hall to unify and digitise operations across its portfolio of over 100 Australian office assets. Following a competitive tender, Facilio’s Connected CMMS now provides a single operating layer for real-time data visibility, automated SLA tracking, and streamlined procurement and compliance workflows.
The partnership focuses on automating vendor performance, digitising PO and invoice workflows, and ensuring audit readiness through mobile-enabled inspections and live dashboards. By replacing manual processes and Excel-based reporting with AI-enabled workflows, Charter Hall aims to enhance service delivery and scale operational efficiency.
Classic Lifts and Concept Elevators (UK) Limited have officially rebranded and have begun trading as andwis Lifts, as part of the andwis Group.
Over the coming months, a new brand identity will be introduced across uniforms, vehicles, proposals, and invoices.
Veritas Facilities Management launched their new website: www.veritas-fm.co.uk.
The new site reflects the business evolved brand strategy and updated customer value propositions. Over the last three years, Veritas Facilities Consultancy has expanded its scope while remaining dedicated to making Facilities Management a strategic enabler rather than an overhead.
Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) has successfully let the final 11,680 sq ft at SIX St Andrew Street, London EC4 to an AI company. This development is now fully occupied, with AI-related firms accounting for 25.2% of GPE’s Fully Managed portfolio.
This milestone underscores the strong momentum of GPE’s Managed offer, following a final quarter of 19 completed deals and record viewing levels. Located in Farringdon, the refurbished site offers eight floors of office space and high-quality communal amenities, including a rooftop terrace and wellness studio.
Camden Council has unanimously granted planning permission for the British Museum’s forecourt revamp.
The approved plans to install two visitor welcome pavilions, landscaping, and new wayfinding infrastructure represent a significant step in creating a more accessible civic space and reducing visitor queues. While concerns were raised regarding the architectural impact on the 19th-century building, the council's support for these improvements is a positive development for the museum's northern and southern forecourts.
Levy, the sports and entertainment arm of Compass Group plc, has launched Lyvera, a new international umbrella brand designed to expand its global experience offering. The strategic goal is to double the turnover of the Lyvera portfolio to £350m and double Levy’s European market size by the end of 2028.
Lyvera consolidates a portfolio of market-leading businesses: Keith Prowse, Gullivers Sports Travel, The Experience Golf, Lime Venue Portfolio, Events International, The Venues Collection, and the recently acquired iLuka Collective. While these brands will continue to operate individually in the UK, Lyvera will integrate their expertise to deliver premium experiences, sports travel, and venue management on an international scale.
A key example of this synergy is the new 20-year, £100m partnership with The Jockey Club. This collaboration will revolutionise the spectator experience across 15 racecourses, covering hospitality sales, event delivery, and retail merchandising.
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) announced Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) as their official charity partner for the next two years.
Effective March 1st, 2026, to coincide with Jen Vickers’ presidency, this partnership supports AAUK’s vital work funding the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities. As each mission costs approximately £4,165, these donations are essential for providing rapid, pre-hospital care.
The BCIA Annual Awards on May 7th, 2026, will serve as the inaugural fundraising event.
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
Companies Confirmed: 3Way Cleaning, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HOSS Engineering, Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.
Will you be joining them?
2nd 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...
James Lester has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Eurest, Dine, and 14forty. Joining from CBRE, James arrives during a period of exceptional growth for the business.
Social enterprise and security specialist Corps Security has named Charlotte Rogers as Divisional Director for London. With extensive experience leading large-scale security operations, Charlotte’s background spans guarding, security technology, and risk-led service delivery.
In her new role, she will lead the London division with a focus on aligning operational delivery with commercial strategy to drive client retention and growth. Her objective is to establish the division as a value-adding partner by embedding continuous improvement and strengthening client relationships.
Following its acquisition by Tendra Technical Services, Coat Facilities Group has announced several senior appointments to support its goal of doubling revenue over the next five years.
Key internal promotions include Luke Yates to Managing Director at Diamond Facilities Support, Jodie Wilson to Associate Director at Jet Through, and Matt Collins to Lead at Sanctuary Fire & Security. Additionally, Kasey Rose has been named Associate Director for Reactive Service Delivery, while Steve Clarke will now oversee Fleet and QHSE.
The group has also expanded its team with the hiring of Robert Wollerton as Group Business Development Manager and Joe Badou as Project Surveyor for Nationwide Roofing Repairs. Group CEO Adam Atkins noted that these leadership changes are central to the company’s strategy to scale expertise and enhance service delivery through innovative technology.
Samsic UK has released a new guide, "Why Multi-Site Office Portfolios Struggle With Cleaning Consistency, And How To Fix It," to help facilities managers navigate the governance challenges of fluctuating office occupancy.
The guide explains how integrating AI and data-led monitoring—such as occupancy sensors and live dashboards—can eliminate operational blind spots and transition cleaning from static schedules to real-time, demand-based activity. This approach improves service consistency, strengthens audit compliance, and identifies cost-saving opportunities by reassigning unnecessary tasks.
You can download the free guide here.
Jerram Falkus Construction Limited has been fined £40,200 following the death of 19-year-old labourer Renols Lleshi, who fell six floors down a ventilation shaft at the Ark Soane Academy site on 5 July 2023.
An HSE investigation revealed the shaft was covered only by plasterboard and foam. Because routine inspections failed to include the 12th-floor roof garden, this hazard was not identified or communicated to the scaffolding team. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was ordered to pay an additional £2,000 surcharge and £5,000 in costs on 18 March 2026.
HSE reminds employers that all work at height must be properly planned, supervised, and conducted using stable, appropriate equipment to prevent avoidable accidents.
The Department for Business and Trade recently announced a legislative package to address late payments, which reportedly cost the UK economy £11 billion annually. Key reforms include a ban on retentions in construction contracts, a mandatory 60-day maximum payment term for large firms, and a requirement for all commercial contracts to include statutory interest on late payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.
Additionally, the Small Business Commissioner will receive new powers to investigate payment practices, adjudicate disputes, and fine large companies for persistent late payments. Read more here.
On behalf of Canary Wharf Group (CWG), Savills has secured planning permission for the comprehensive refurbishment of One Eden (formerly 33 Canada Square). Located adjacent to Eden Dock, this tp bennett-reimagined destination will provide over 545,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace, retail amenities, and an optional rooftop restaurant.
This retrofit sets a new benchmark for sustainability by retaining 97% of the existing structure and utilizing fully electric heat pump technology. With embodied carbon estimated at less than 471 kgCO2/m2, the project exceeds the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard targets. Advanced building systems will further deliver a 44% reduction in regulated carbon emissions.
Key features include a light-filled internal atrium, winter gardens, a rooftop terrace, and robust operational resilience via dual power supplies. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent, NABERS 4.5-star, WELL Platinum, EPC Rating A, and WiredScore Platinum certifications.
Mecsia has announced the acquisition of FMS Fire & Security Ltd. Based in Scotland with over 25 years of expertise, FMS Fire & Security specialises in fire detection, CCTV, access control, and integrated security systems. This strategic addition enhances Mecsia’s fire safety capabilities and increases its workforce to more than 1,500 people across the UK.
Ranger Fire and Security has acquired Total Fire Group, a Bolton-based fire safety consultancy with over 20 years of expertise. This acquisition enhances the company’s national platform by integrating Total Fire’s risk assessment and consultancy services with existing delivery capabilities.
DMA Group won a new three-year contract with the London Borough of Sutton to provide comprehensive Hard Facilities Management services across its corporate and operational estate.
Under this agreement, which includes an extension option, DMA will manage planned preventative maintenance, statutory compliance, 24/7 emergency repairs, and capital project works. The company’s BiO® service management platform will centralise delivery, providing real-time tracking and automated scheduling to support Sutton’s sustainability and service quality goals.
Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) has reached practical completion at 2 Aldermanbury Square, EC2, delivering 321,650 sq ft of headquarters office space. The 13-storey building is fully pre-let to Clifford Chance, who will soon begin their fit-out.
Delivered on time and to budget, the project achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and a NABERS 5* Design For Performance target. Sustainability highlights include an embodied carbon figure of 561kgCO₂e/m² and a pioneering steel reuse program that diverted 1,500 tonnes of steel from the former City Place House to GPE’s 30 Duke Street development.
The building features a panoramic roof terrace, flexible floorplates, and a double-height reception, all located within walking distance of Moorgate, Liverpool Street, and Bank stations.
Turner & Townsend has published a Global Tall Buildings report analysing skyscraper development across London, New York, Seoul, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Dubai.
The report highlights that London’s office construction costs have risen by 40% since 2020 due to inflation, regulatory changes, and Brexit. Consequently, building in London is now three times more expensive than in Seoul and ten times more than in Mumbai. A key finding is that building shape and massing are as critical as height, with architectural choices causing up to a 25% variance in costs.
Despite these challenges, demand for sustainable, high-quality space remains strong. The report identifies a "fifth wave" of London construction focused on "doing more with less"—balancing high expectations for sustainability and social impact with financial viability in a constrained economic environment.
The full report is available to read here.
The British Council of Offices has commissioned Arup to author a major update to the “Good Practice in the Selection of Construction Materials” guide, co-funded by both organisations.
First published in 2011 to provide risk-based alternatives to exclusion lists, the 2026 update will align with modern regulations, sustainability standards, and technical requirements. Key enhancements include a focus on environmental impact (embodied carbon, circularity, and toxicity), expanded coverage of materials like concrete systems and composites, and updated guidance on fire safety and whole-life carbon assessments.
The guide is scheduled for release in October 2026.
HubStar has released "The Hybrid Policy vs Reality Playbook," a practical guide to help workplace leaders, HR, facilities, and IT managers align hybrid strategies with actual employee behaviour.
Many organisations currently rely on fragmented data and assumptions, leading to a gap between policy and reality. This guide provides a framework for creating data-driven policies and includes a four-step "Policy-to-Practice" plan to align workplace habits with business objectives.
Obtain a free copy of The Hybrid Policy vs Reality Playbook directly from the HubStar website 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
Companies Confirmed: 3Way Cleaning, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, EcoBreeze, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HOSS Engineering, Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, Precision Lift Services, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.
Will you be joining them?
27th March 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...
First Choice Drainage, Joblogic and The Hire Partner are the latest companies to sign up to sponsor the Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party taking place on 9 July.
We hear that Henshall & Sheehy is currently recruiting for several key positions, including Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, HVAC Engineers, Multi-Skilled Engineers, and Plumbers. Established in 2009, HSS are a building services installation and maintenance company. Operating from offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Duncan Waddell and Brian Atkins have recently released their book, Facility Asset Management – Performance, Risk & Value.
The book explores how integrated facility asset management can effectively drive performance, reduce risk, and create long-term value. Early reviews indicate it will be a major contribution to the ongoing professional debate regarding the integration of facility and asset management practices.
It is currently available through major booksellers, including Amazon and the BPP website, for those interested in adding it to their professional library.
The London School of Economics and Political Science, in partnership with Equitix and Bouygues UK, has secured planning approval to redevelop Bankside House into a 1,945-bed student residence. This all-electric, BREEAM Excellent project aligns with LSE’s 2030 strategy to provide 6,000 beds and guarantee housing for all first-year students.
Designed by Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson, the development features three towers and two pavilions centered around landscaped courtyards. All rooms will offer sub-market rents, with 15% classified as Affordable Student Accommodation. The scheme also integrates a Community Hub, café, and public realm improvements to enhance local connectivity.
The project utilises a whole-life carbon approach, targeting 99% landfill diversion and 20% recycled content to ensure high environmental and circular-economy standards.
Global investment management firm, Squarepoint, has agreed to pre-let the entire 400,000 sq ft building at 65 Gresham Street for its London office. Developed by investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and designed by Squire & Partners, the redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2028.
As one of the City’s largest building reuse projects, the all-electric scheme targets a 66% whole-life carbon reduction and operational carbon 12% lower than 2022 GLA criteria. The retrofit includes an extension with four new floors, 26,000 sq ft of roof terraces, and enhanced environmental performance. Occupants will benefit from new F&B amenities on a pedestrianised Aldermanbury, best-in-class end-of-trip facilities, and close proximity to the Elizabeth Line.
A national scholarship launched by AJ Products has revealed that UK university students view wellbeing as the foundation of productivity rather than a reward. The findings show that future employees prioritise flexible environments that adapt to individual energy levels and personalities, favouring features like biophilic design, quiet zones, and community-focused layouts over traditional corporate structures.
A key takeaway is that students from diverse backgrounds propose vastly different solutions for workplace stress, seeking environments that offer trust, belonging, and adaptable setups. Notably, Riaz Kahn’s winning entry utilised Speech and Language Therapy principles to design a three-zone layout that manages noise-related stress within realistic budget constraints.
British lighting brand Industville has opened its first London showroom and design hub at the historic Cannon Brewery, 152 St John St, Clerkenwell. The 1,329 sq. ft. studio is designed as a collaborative space for designers and architects, featuring an upper level focused on lighting atmosphere and a lower level for product application and finishes. The showroom is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Samsic UK has released a new guide, "Why Multi-Site Office Portfolios Struggle With Cleaning Consistency, And How To Fix It," to help facilities managers navigate the governance challenges of fluctuating office occupancy.
The guide explains how integrating AI and data-led monitoring—such as occupancy sensors and live dashboards—can eliminate operational blind spots and transition cleaning from static schedules to real-time, demand-based activity. This approach improves service consistency, strengthens audit compliance, and identifies cost-saving opportunities by reassigning unnecessary tasks. You can download the free guide here.
Additionally, JPC by Samsic has launched a redesigned website at jpcbysamsic.uk. The new platform showcases their concierge-led cleaning model and the premium London landmarks they support, while highlighting their investment in AI-assisted planning and sustainability tools like the Materiality Tracker.
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), in partnership with Equans UK & Ireland, has released a new guidance note: "Climate Adaptation for WFM."
Available as of March 19, this resource provides a framework for addressing escalating climate risks like extreme heat and flooding. It covers risk assessment, data-driven planning, governance, and practical measures such as flood preparedness and overheating management. Climate Adaptation for WFM is free to download from www.iwfm.org.uk/resource/climate-adaptation-for-wfm.html.
Metcor Pumps, part of the Metcor Group, was recently named Distributor of the Year at the Pump Industry Awards 2026. Formed through the integration of Anglo Pumps and Deckpro Pumps, Metcor Pumps combines specialist pump expertise with the wider capabilities of Metcor Environmental and Metcor Electrical. This combined expertise delivers one-stop solutions across pumps, drainage, electric vehicle chargers, LED lighting, solar PV and testing, spanning planned preventative maintenance, reactive response, repairs and remedial works.
System Hygienics, part of PTSG Fire Solutions, has been named a finalist in the Outstanding Organisation category at the Fire Resilience Excellence Awards (FREAs) 2026. This shortlisting recognises thirty years of expertise in fire damper testing, maintenance, and ventilation cleaning. The winners will be announced later this year.
Additionally, PTSG has completed the acquisition of Testing Services (UK) Ltd, a nationwide specialist in electrical inspection and compliance. For over 20 years, Testing Services has provided high-quality services including EICR, PAT, emergency lighting, and fire alarm inspections.
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
Companies Confirmed: 3Way Cleaning, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, City Electrical Factors, CoSourced, CYS Security, EcoBreeze, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, Envirotech Energy, HOSS Engineering, Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, Precision Lift Services, Prolec Solutions, Rexel, Senseco, Sunbelt Rentals, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Warm Spark Building Services, Yesss Electrical.
Will you be joining them?
20th March 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...
Andrew Wilkinson is joining the Global Key Accounts Senior Leadership Team at ISS, where he will lead one of ISS's largest global accounts across 28 countries.
Jaguar Building Services promoted Tom Amos and Sid Newbon to Business Unit Directors - Associates.
Magnetic International UK Ltd, the UK subsidiary of Magnetic GmbH, appointed Alpesh Trivedi as Director in the UK. Magnetic GmbH is a recognized leader in chemical-free heating water treatment across Germany and Europe.
In his new role, Alpesh will focus on growing the UK business as the market increasingly shifts toward sustainable, chemical-free approaches aligned with VDI 2035 guidelines and closed-loop system best practices.
Landsec has agreed to a 192,000 sq ft lease with BP, who has committed to the entire Ink Building at Timber Square. Starting in 2028, this HQ workspace will support their talent attraction and proximity to Canary Wharf operations, following recent SE1 moves by PayPal, Lego, and ServiceNow.
Landsec are also launching 175,000 sq ft at the Print Building, which will be available for viewings next month. This reimagined print works offers floor plates ranging from 8,000 to 25,000 sq ft, a rooftop Clubroom, and a communal terrace.
OCS has acquired Top Security, a technology-led security firm operating across Ireland. This acquisition expands OCS’s Irish capabilities in remote monitoring, control room operations, and radio communications resilience through Top Security’s established nationwide network and Alarm Receiving Centre.
United Infrastructure announced that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has been appointed by The Guinness Partnership to deliver a £364 million planned maintenance and investment contract across the North West and Greater Manchester.
Spanning 15 years (November 2025 – March 2041), this partnership will involve an annual delivery of approximately £24 million across 20,000 homes. The programme includes internal and external upgrades, mechanical and electrical works, fire safety improvements, and energy-efficient retrofits. This initiative supports Guinness’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2050 while further expanding United Infrastructure’s footprint in the region.
Simon Eastlake, former Managing Director at Office Space in Town, has launched a new office search company, Flex-Re Spaces. He is joined by Co-Founder Colin Becker and Senior Associate Olly Becker, both formerly of Metrus.
Flex-Re Spaces is actively seeking industry partners within the agency, design and build, and facilities management sectors to create synergies and referral opportunities. As part of this commitment to collaboration, they have launched a Partnership Programme that offers commission for referrals.
The company operates alongside its sister brand, Flex-Re Advisory, which launched in October 2025 to provide flexspace CRE advisory services, helping landlords successfully integrate flexspace into their portfolios.
GPE has secured a new headlease and development agreement with the Evelyn Estate to refurbish 7/15 Gresse Street and 12/13 Rathbone Place, W1. The agreement extends the lease term to 2148 and permits the conversion of the buildings into "The Howlett," a 42,800 sq ft Fully Managed workspace.
Located in Fitzrovia near the Elizabeth line, this sustainable redevelopment follows planning approval in September 2025 and is scheduled for completion by early 2027. This project expands GPE’s Flex portfolio to 660,000 sq ft, building on strong leasing momentum that has achieved £35.4 million in annual rent this financial year.
Dale Power Solutions, one of the UK’s largest critical power backup engineering firms, has opened a new, expanded facility in St Albans. The move establishes the site as the southern hub for its growing commercial Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) division.
Following increased demand across multiple sectors, the company’s commercial UPS team has relocated to the larger premises. The new site has been developed to support continued growth across the South of England and to strengthen collaboration between sales, engineering, and service teams.
The facility includes a purpose-built UPS showroom for equipment demonstrations and customer meetings, alongside modern collaboration spaces designed to support project planning and technical consultation. The location will also be used by the company’s nationwide service division, helping to deliver faster, more integrated support across the full UPS lifecycle.
First Mile has announced the top-performing recyclers in the commercial real estate and office sectors as part of its annual Recycling Standard campaign. Amazon (Sidekick), Grosvenor, and The Net-A-Porter Group Ltd lead the sector, having recycled a combined total of over 2,600 tonnes this past year.
The campaign, which now includes an enhanced recognition scheme, benchmarks performance across 30,000 UK businesses. To achieve Gold accreditation, organisations must reach an 80% recycling rate and utilize multiple waste streams, including food recycling and zero-to-landfill general waste. These standards help managers align with the 2025 Simpler Recycling regulations through data-driven reporting and flexible collection services.
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 FacilitiesServices, OMGC, PTSG, Westbury FM
Companies Attending: 3Way Cleaning, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, City Electrical Factors, CYS Security, EcoBreeze, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, First Choice Drainage Solutions, HOSS Engineering, Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, Precision Lift Services, Prolec Solutions, Senseco, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Yesss Electrical.
13th March 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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The Momentum Group announced several strategic hires and a restructuring of the property advisory division to support its next growth phase. This coincides with the rollout of individual visual identities for four brands: Advise, Build, Manage, and Maintain.
Andrew Quinn joins Momentum Advise as Director, leveraging 19 years of infrastructure and development experience to support clients' strategic visions. Gary Pinch joins as Associate Director, bringing 14 years of cost management and procurement expertise. Additionally, Phil Hutchinson and Paul Cammack have been promoted to Associate Directors.
From a single-handed startup, Steve Frankham MBE retires after 44 years at the helm of Frankham Group. Steve built the Group into a leading multidisciplinary consultancy with 250 employees and over 700 clients across the housing, infrastructure, and commercial sectors.
Following a period of significant growth and the recent opening of a fifth office in Birmingham, the existing management team, led by Richard Chitty, will continue to drive the business forward. This transition is supported by a new investment from LDC (part of Lloyds Banking Group) led by Nicol Fraser, Tom Jervis, and Eliza Morton.
LDC’s partnership will accelerate Frankham’s 2030 strategy, focusing on further geographic expansion and both organic and acquisitive growth.
Two Midlands companies and a site manager were sentenced on 6 March 2026 following an illegal asbestos clearance at a Greenheath Road demolition site in Cannock. An HSE investigation found that Sohan Group Limited failed to appoint a principal contractor and hired an unlicensed firm, Disa Properties Limited, to remove 218m² of asbestos debris despite being aware of the risks.
Sohan Group Limited was fined £74,900 for CDM regulation breaches, while the demolition contractor, Maize Metals Limited, was fined £13,400. Site representative Ali Raza Baig received a 26-week suspended prison sentence, a three-month curfew, and a five-year director disqualification for failing to engage a licensed contractor or implement safety measures. This case highlights the legal requirement to commission a refurbishment survey and utilize competent, licensed contractors before disturbing pre-2000 building fabrics.
Transport for London (TfL), the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and four west London boroughs and have committed £6.65 million to advance the West London Orbital rail scheme. This funding, which includes £400,000 from the Mayor’s 2026/27 budget, will fast-track design and modelling ahead of a public consultation in summer 2026.
The proposed route utilises under-used freight lines to connect key hubs—including Brent Cross, Old Oak Common, and Hounslow—via up to six trains per hour. The project is expected to support 25,000 new homes and 11,500 jobs while reducing annual car trips by 650,000. Current work focuses on finalising plans for four new stations at Old Oak Common Lane, Neasden, Harlesden, and Lionel Road.
A final decision on seeking statutory powers via a Transport and Works Act Order is expected in late 2027.
The latest BCIA Market Information Report shows the UK building controls and BEMS market remained stable in 2025 with a total value of £840.4 million, a 0.1% year-on-year increase. Despite a 1.2% dip in Q4 revenues to £207.5 million, the sector demonstrated overall resilience.
The Products segment saw annual revenues remain stable at £39.0 million, as growth in OEM activity effectively offset weaker performance in distribution channels. In contrast, Q4 activity for Installed Systems declined by 2.3% to £110.5 million; however, integrated system delivery continues to be a stable component of overall market value.
The Service and Maintenance segment showed positive momentum, growing by 2.1% annually to £220.1 million. This increase reflects a growing strategic focus on long-term system optimization.
BCIA President Jen Vickers noted that while Q4 saw a slight softening, the industry's role in energy efficiency and net zero remains vital. The outlook for 2026 suggests a period of consolidation and steady investment in smarter building performance.
Ranger Fire and Security has acquired MarkOne Safety Solutions, a Midlands-based specialist in fire safety and emergency lighting systems.
Following the recent acquisition of Ignis Fire Protection, this integration significantly enhances the company’s regional resourcing and service capacity. Managing Director Mark Haynes and the MarkOne team will continue to lead the business, while now benefiting from the Ranger Group’s operational support and specialist network.
Daikin’s manufacturing facility in Ostend, Belgium, has received the prestigious Factory of the Future award for the fourth consecutive time, meaning the factory – which manufactures many of Daikin’s heat pump products supplied to the UK market – will now have held this leading accolade for 12 continuous years.
Awarded by the Belgian technology federations, Agoria and Sirris, the Factory of the Future Award recognises companies that demonstrate commitment to digitalisation, talent development, smart processes, sustainable products and world-class production. In particular, the judges highlighted the progress Daikin has made in implementing high end digital solutions and innovative forward-looking technology in its production processes.
The award comes as the UK heat pump market is scaling rapidly to support national decarbonisation targets, so access to well-designed solutions, backed by reliable European supply chains will be essential in this effort.
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has updated its "It’s in your hands" campaign to help employers and workers prevent work-related skin disease, which costs the industry millions in compensation and absence.
BSIF is encouraging businesses across the UK to download and use refreshed materials and to make prevention of skin disease a routine part of workplace health management. Visit: https://bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Its-in-your-hands.pdf
Alfa Laval launched FreeWaterLoop, a new liquid-based cooling system for data centre facility loops. This integrated solution combines advanced pump engineering, high-performance heat exchangers, and filtration into a single scalable system designed for high-density computing.
FreeWaterLoop facilitates the transition from air-based to liquid-based cooling by leveraging natural water sources to provide continuous flow while minimizing net water consumption. This approach offers significant energy savings and reduces the physical plant footprint compared to traditional systems.
Following a rigorous tender process, the Westgrove Group has been awarded a three-year multi-million pound Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract for Festival Place in Basingstoke, managed by Estama. Westgrove will now provide comprehensive services including cleaning, security, waste, and hard services. This partnership supports Festival Place in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for its millions of annual visitors.
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
Pre-Boarding Drinks Sponsor: GardenStyle
Supporting Sponsors: Ability Facilities Management, Core Facilities Services, OMGC, PTSG, Westbury FM
Companies Attending: 3Way Cleaning, BBGG, Capcon Engineering, City Electrical Factors, CYS Security, EcoBreeze, Edmundson Electrical, Emerald Lifts, First Choice Drainage Solutions, HOSS Engineering, Jones Facilities Management & Construction, KEM Pumps, Matrix Industries, PFS Group, Precision Lift Services, Prolec Solutions, Senseco, TestUK, Unite Lift Services, Yesss Electrical.
Will you be joining them?
6th March 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....
Trinity Fire & Security Solutions, part of Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), has appointed Amanda McIntyre as Managing Director.
Amanda joins from Johnson Controls, where she led the UK&I HVAC, Industrial Refrigeration and Controls service division, holding full P&L responsibility for an $80m business
In her new role, Amanda will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of Trinity’s fire detection and integrated security systems business, including design, installation, commissioning and maintenanc
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