The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community
Grapevine
11th September 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Colin Powell has started a new position within the Senior Ops team at Polyteck Group. Previously Colin was Managing Director with Acorn Engineering Limited
Planon has appointed Clarinda Dobbelaar as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to lead its global marketing organisation and advance its growth strategy. She brings over 20 years of B2B technology marketing experience from previous executive roles at Companial, Software Improvement Group, INTO, and Nasdaq.
Office Space in Town (OSiT) has promoted three senior operational team members across its London portfolio following a £129 million refinancing deal supporting four Zone 1 properties.
Roy Jones, who brings over 27 years of industry experience including ten years at OSiT, has been promoted to Senior General Manager overseeing both the Blackfriars and Waterloo centres. Additionally, Antoinette Byfield and Holly Cole have been promoted to Centre Managers at Waterloo and Blackfriars, respectively. They will oversee staff, facilities, invoicing, procurement, supplier management, and client meetings.
Co-Founder Sarah Singlehurst noted that these promotions reflect OSiT’s commitment to internal talent development and maintaining high hospitality standards.
SmartTask, a provider of workforce management and service delivery software for the cleaning, security and facilities management markets, has been acquired by a management buy-in team led by industry veterans Mike Taylor and Graeme Hughes - read more here.
Prologis has been selected to deliver a 1.3 million sq ft build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT, supporting the transformation of its food logistics network and plans to double its food business.
The £340 million development — the largest investment in M&S’s food supply chain history — will support more than 2,000 jobs during construction and around 1,000 once operational.
The facility will feature chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space. TGW Logistics has been appointed as automation partner.
Fully electric and targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the development will showcase Prologis’ expertise in delivering complex, sustainable logistics facilities at scale.
The Keyholding Company (TKC) has been named as a supplier on the Government Commercial Agency’s (GCA) RM6378 Facilities Management and Security Services framework. This covers Lot 4c (Physical and Electronic Security Systems and Services) and Lot 4d (Security Advisory and Assessment Services).
Polyteck has secured places on five lots of Procurement for Housing’s (PfH) £725m Responsive Repairs, Disrepair Works and Void Services Framework. Running from 30 July 2026 for three years (with a potential 12-month extension), the framework gives Polyteck access to social housing work across responsive repairs, void property refurbishment, and disrepair services via direct awards or mini-competitions.
This appointment builds on Polyteck's position on the PfH Planned Works Framework and its growing social housing portfolio, which includes a recent £1.9m kitchen and bathroom contract with Richmond Housing Partnership alongside framework experience with The Guinness Partnership and Centrepoint.
Law Firm, Browne Jacobson announced plans to relocate its Nottingham office to Archers Wharf, 4 Canal Street, securing a flagship Grade A city-centre workplace that reflects its long-term commitment to the region.
The UK and Ireland law firm will occupy three floors, providing 46,352 sq ft of contemporary workspace with 350 desks. A bespoke fit-out will begin shortly, with the move from its current Mowbray House premises planned for early 2028.
The new workplace has been designed around employee feedback, incorporating dedicated quiet zones, wellbeing facilities, collaborative spaces, private call pods, breakout areas and modern amenities.
Sustainability will also be central to the design and operation of the office, supported by its proximity to Nottingham railway station and bus and tram routes, alongside active travel facilities.
Westminster City Council has appointed Connect Property to deliver its Temporary Accommodation Property Management, Repairs & Maintenance, and Compliance Services Contract under a 2+1+1 year agreement.
Following a competitive procurement process under the Procurement Act 2023, this partnership will provide an integrated service covering property management, responsive repairs, planned maintenance, statutory compliance, and resident support. Connect Property will utilise experienced teams, innovative technology, and real-time performance reporting to ensure safe and reliable services.
G4S has secured a 10-year facilities management contract at Sizewell C, the new 3.2GW nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast, with an option to extend for a further two years.
The contract is now in mobilisation and will go live later this year with around 150 employees, rising to 400 at peak construction
G4S will provide integrated hard and soft FM services, including mechanical and electrical maintenance, building maintenance, cleaning, locker management, helpdesk and postal services.
The contract builds on G4S’s existing role at Sizewell C, where it already provides security and medical services.
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) is hosting its inaugural Chairman’s Lunch at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, 29 October, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
This event will bring together manufacturers, distributors, and facilities management professionals to network and gain valuable market intelligence. Keynote speaker Liz Kentish, co-founder of Kentish and Co, will present "What Buyers Wish Suppliers Knew – the view from the other side of the FM buying table," covering buyer expectations regarding value, innovation, and sustainability.
The agenda includes an optional behind-the-scenes tour of Lord’s, followed by the keynote address and a three-course lunch. The event is sponsored by Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers, Cromwell Polythene, Greyland, Harrisons Wipes, and SC Johnson.
Join us for a casual evening of networking at the next meeting of the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
Tickets are limited and we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being company owners or directors. You can learn more about the club and book your place here.
A limited number of sponsorship packages are also available. Please email me directly at laurence@twinfm.com if you would like more information.
The event is sponsored by Westbury FM, Simpro and deskbird.
4th September 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...
Congratulations to Roy Jones on his new role as Senior General Manager across both OSiT Waterloo and OSiT Blackfriars.
Roy has been a valued part of the OSiT family for over 10 years, running multiple centres and building an excellent reputation for supporting both his team and our clients. In this new role, he will oversee both locations, leading the Waterloo and Blackfriars teams to maintain the five-star service clients’ expect.
Vertas Group announced the appointment of Ian Mcilroy as new Group Chief Operating Officer, further strengthening the Leadership Team as the company drive sustainable growth and operational excellence across UK-wide facilities management, property design, and strategic workforce solutions.
Ian brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience across facilities management, support services, environmental services, and public-sector partnerships. He has a proven track record of leading complex multi-service operations, delivering strong financial performance, and building high-performing teams. In his new role, Ian will join the Executive Team and the Group Operational Board, taking responsibility for operational delivery, HSQE, and service performance.
Lumii Design Company Ltd announced Dan Black as new CEO in its planned leadership succession.
Former Kier chief executive Andrew Davies has been named as a non-executive director on the board of facilities management firm Mitie.
Cross Rental Services announced leadership changes, effective August 28, to support its next phase of growth across the UK and Ireland.
UK Managing Director Matt Parker has stepped into the CEO role as part of a planned succession strategy since joining the Group in 2024. Under his leadership, the UK business achieved double-digit year-on-year revenue growth in 2026 YTD. After nearly seven years as CEO, Graeme Nesbitt will transition to Board Director & Strategic Advisor, remaining active in the Group's strategic development and key relationships.
Additionally, Russell Harrison has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Joining from Churches Fire & Security and previously holding senior roles at Hobbycraft and New Look, he brings extensive experience in scaling private equity-backed organisations.
Last night, we attended the Plates for Purpose charity event at the Urban Farmer Project in Central London.
It was inspiring to see so many people from the sector support this initiative, which raises vital funds for the Waste to Wonder Worldwide Sustainability Cookery School in The Gambia. The school will help young people develop practical skills in sustainable cooking, agriculture, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, opening up pathways into employment while supporting food security in their local communities.
We enjoyed fantastic West African-inspired dishes created by Conor Spacey and Ali Honour from FoodSpace—featuring fresh produce grown right on-site—alongside creative 'flaw some' cocktails and Ghanaian beer. It was also great to catch up with Michael Amos and Paula Gibson from Waste to Wonder, Julie Fenn from Wagstaff Interiors, James Hewitt from Stadium Support Services, Karla Quinn from CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), and Steve Buswell from Aqua Protec. Apologies to anyone we missed.
All proceeds from the tickets, raffle entries, auction bids, and drinks go directly toward supporting the school.
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) has officially named the fifteen major contractors selected for its new RM6378 Facilities Management and Security Services framework, which is valued at up to £120 billion.
This procurement framework will run for eight years through to August 2034. It serves as the primary route for central government departments, local councils, NHS bodies, education clients, and emergency services to source both hard and soft facilities management – read more here.
1066 PHD Ltd has officially joined forces with UKS and will move forward together under the UKS name.
According to Mathew Couldrey, Managing Director, 1066 PHD, this merger combines capabilities to offer greater engineering capacity, broader technical expertise, and increased geographical reach across heating, cooling, mechanical, and water treatment services.
Fisher German has been retained by Guiding Light Investments to manage 3 Trinity Park (T3) near Birmingham Airport for the next two years, following the building's sale by Swiss Life Asset Managers.
According to the press release, Guiding Light Investments chose to retain Fisher German, who has managed the 49,595 sq ft office building since 2018, due to the high standard of their work. During their tenure, Fisher German managed tenant relations through major upgrades, including a car park repair, full mechanical and electrical system replacements, and the installation of solar panels and 28 EV charging points. Completed floor-by-floor to minimize disruption, these refurbishments have left the building fully let.
Kerry Whitehill, Partner at Fisher German, noted that being retained by the new owner endorses their management track record and stated that they look forward to supporting Guiding Light Investments over the next two years.
Over the past few years, the creation of more collaborative, comfortable, and flexible environments has gained ground as organisations have come to understand the relationship between the physical environment, the employee experience, and business outcomes.
Currently, this discussion goes beyond offices and reaches industrial and logistics operations with force. In this scenario, factories, distribution centers, and warehouses are designed with a more strategic look. The goal is to consider not only operational efficiency, but also the experience of the people who make these operations happen – read more here.
Wrexham University has awarded Kimpton two competitive tender contracts to maintain its heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems across 20 campus buildings, including student accommodation at Erddig and John Neal, and sites in Northop, Plas Coch, Regent Street, St Asaph, Wrexham Village, and Xplore Henbas Street.
This addition expands Kimpton’s education sector portfolio, which already includes Liverpool Hope University, the University of Chester, The City of Liverpool College, St Helens College, Winsford Academy, and The Grange School.
Reconomy is calling on the government to back a nationwide network of construction material recovery and reuse hubs to divert waste from landfills, lower carbon emissions, and support regional economies.
This call follows a growing shift in the UK construction sector—which accounts for 62% of all UK waste—toward reusing surplus materials. To support this, Reconomy’s Circular Solutions department has partnered with hubs like The Rebuild Site in Carlisle. Since 2021, this hub has supported 219 community projects, benefited over 20,000 people, and diverted more than 30,000 items from landfill in 2025 alone.
David Seal (Head of Circular Solutions at Reconomy) and Emma Porter (Founder and CEO of The Rebuild Site) both emphasised that while contractor demand for reuse is high, systemic changes and government backing are needed to replicate this successful model nationwide.
Due to rapid growth over the last few years, the Linaker Support Teams will be moving into a new, refurbished office in Warrington this October.
The new office is designed to support the next stage of growth, providing more space for collaboration, connection, innovation, and coming together.
Sybron, a supplier of cleaning, hygiene, and catering products to major names in UK hospitality, and Lime Sustainable Supplies (LSS), a B-Corp-certified, data-driven supply chain business, have established a new partnership. This collaboration is designed to bring unrivalled service, support, and sustainability initiatives to the cleaning supplies market.
Through this partnership, Sybron customers in the hospitality sector will benefit from LSS’ advanced, data-driven sustainability modelling. Meanwhile, LSS’ customers will gain access to Sybron’s best-in-class operational support, delivered from its new HQ and warehousing facility at the Icon in Harlow and its northern depot in Stafford.
Leeds-based MEP service provider G&H has secured new maintenance contracts with Rendall and Rittner and Martin House Children’s Hospice, alongside expanding its partnership with Hartnell Taylor Cook (HTC).
Following its successful design and build work at Edenwood House in London (with JJ Rhatigan) and Martin House Children’s Hospice in Wetherby (with Meldrum Construction Services), G&H will now deliver three-year maintenance programmes at both locations to ensure efficiency, comfort, and compliance. Additionally, HTC has expanded its agreement from one Leeds office to 14 sites across Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster, Newcastle, Manchester, Widnes, and Nottingham.
Across all contracts, G&H’s dedicated team will provide planned preventative maintenance, regular inspections, and servicing of mechanical and electrical systems to maximise performance and reduce reactive callouts.
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has selected four recipients for the 2026 Bursary: Finlay Dowling (parent at Essity), Emma Lawrie (parent at Ramon Hygiene), Elisha Round (parent at Essity), and Ellie Wakefield (parent at Vectair Systems).
Following a panel interview chaired by CHSA Vice President and Treasurer David Garcia, these applicants were selected based on need, worthiness of endeavour, and overall performance. Each will receive £6,000 over their university career, paid in £2,000 annual instalments for their first three years.
Finlay will study dentistry at Newcastle University; Emma will study Earth Science at the University of Edinburgh; Elisha will study Chemistry at Lancaster University; and Ellie will study Business & Management at Sheffield Hallam University.
Since 2016, this bursary has helped the children of members' employees cover essential university costs like books, study materials, field trips, and club memberships, while allowing members to thank their staff and introduce new talent to the industry.
Join us for a casual evening of networking at the next meeting of the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
Tickets are limited and we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being company owners or directors. You can learn more about the club and book book your place here.
A limited number of sponsorship packages are also available. Please email me directly at laurence@twinfm.com if you would like more information.
28th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG) has appointed David Newcombe as Director of Lean Transformation as the specialist compliance group continues to strengthen its operational infrastructure.
Newcombe brings more than 30 years’ experience in operational excellence and business transformation across aviation, automotive and biologics. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, he was most recently Head of Operational Excellence, Strategic Projects and PMO at Lonza Biologics. He previously held senior roles at Heathrow Airport, including Head of Continuous Improvement.
Reporting to Chief Performance Officer Alison Chard, Newcombe will focus on improving operational performance across PTSG, simplifying processes, reducing waste, increasing productivity and embedding continuous improvement.
The appointment follows PTSG’s recent acquisition of IDSL Group Holdings, which significantly expanded its passive fire compliance capabilities. The Group now employs around 4,000 people across five divisions and delivers more than 170 specialist services.
Chard said Newcombe’s role will help make PTSG “simpler, faster, more consistent and more effective” as the business continues to grow through organic expansion and acquisitions.
The City of London is seeking tenders for a £60m strip-out and renewal of MEP infrastructure at the Barbican Centre.
The project covers multiple basement plant levels and public floors within the live arts venue. The scope of work includes the removal of life-expired services, installation of new plant, complex distribution and containment, and the staged isolation and shutdown of live building systems while interfacing with retained plant.
Construction is scheduled to run from February 2027 to September 2029, with a possible extension to March 2030. Up to four bidders will be shortlisted from the requests to participate, which must be submitted by 12 October.
Cardo Group acquired Correct Contract Services (CCS), an Andover-based compliance and energy services contractor founded in 2007 by Danny Gladwyn and the late Trevor Dempsey, who passed away earlier this month and played a pivotal role in its growth.
CCS supports over 50,000 local authority and social housing properties across the UK. It has grown into a team of over 280 staff delivering electrical, heating, and large-scale retrofit services.
This acquisition strengthens Cardo’s compliance and energy capabilities, expands its presence across South and Central England, and supports its long-term strategy of combining national scale with local expertise.
The Circular Economy Institute (CEI) has launched the CEI Business Excellence Partner programme, an independently verified framework designed to assess and validate how effectively circular principles are embedded across an organisation’s operations.
As global regulation and market demand pressure organisations to move beyond linear models, this programme offers a rigorous, evidence-based pathway to benchmark progress. Participating organisations are evaluated across seven core functional areas—including operational practices, supply chain alignment, transparency, and innovation—and assigned to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold tier based on their performance.
Successful partners can use their designation in corporate communications and sustainability reporting. They will also receive benefits such as access to the global CEI community, training discounts, and promotional amplification.
Katie Cockburn, Senior Director at CEI, noted that the programme provides the tools for transparent assessment and a clear pathway to improvement, balancing rigour with practicality.
Application and membership fees are scaled by organisation size. CIWM Affiliated Organisations and Commercial Partners receive a 50% discount, and founding members receive a 30% discount.
Electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property, but simple precautions can help protect you, your workers, and others around you.
The HSE's electrical safety at work webpages provide guidance and resources on how to reduce the risk of electrical injury. Specifically, the page on simple precautions explains how you can mitigate these risks while working with electricity in various ways.
Additionally, the webpages feature a range of helpful resources, including our publication, The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989: Guidance on Regulations.
Following its £1.3 billion transformation, Olympia has officially opened to the public and appointed ABM to deliver integrated facility solutions. This contract expands ABM's portfolio of high-footfall venues, following their recent appointment at Chelsea FC.
ABM has worked with the construction team throughout the redevelopment to maintain safety and cleanliness. With Olympia's phased opening now underway, ABM’s 90-strong specialist team—including abseil cleaners, lift operators, and event support staff—will focus on the public realm and corporate real estate spaces to ensure a premium guest experience.
The regeneration is projected to inject over £600 million into the UK economy and attract 10 million annual visitors, with further openings scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027.
Kier has been appointed as a supplier on the Government Commercial Agency’s (GCA) RM6378 Facilities Management and Security Services framework. This eight-year framework provides public sector bodies—including central government, local authorities, healthcare, and education—with a compliant procurement route for estate and workplace services.
Kier Places has been named on Framework 1, enabling participation in subsequent periods, and will secure positions on all available Total Facilities Management (Lot 1) and Hard Facilities Management (Lot 2) lots. These services cover end-to-end building operations, infrastructure management, planned and reactive maintenance, and statutory compliance.
Dan Andrews, director of Kier Places Workplace Solutions, noted that the framework allows public sector customers to simplify estate management, improve building performance, and efficiently focus resources. This appointment builds on Kier Places' established track record with clients such as the Government Property Agency, Home Office, and Ministry of Justice.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced the Scotland’s Places of Worship Fund, a new £1 million pilot scheme opening in autumn 2026 to help listed places of worship across all faiths recover VAT costs for vital repairs and conservation. Developed in response to the closure of the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, this standalone pilot will run until the end of March 2027, allocating funds on a first-come, first-served basis to protect historic buildings and support local communities.
HES will consult with representatives from places of worship in the coming weeks to shape the fund. Guidance, eligibility criteria, and application details will be published on the HES website ahead of the scheme's launch at the start of October 2026. Outcomes will be reviewed with the Scottish Government to inform potential future funding arrangements.
Gather + Gather has secured three new catering and hospitality partnerships in the higher education sector worth over £37 million in total.
Starting this September, the five-to-seven-year contracts will see Gather + Gather deliver bespoke hospitality solutions at Edge Hill University, the University of West London, and City College Norwich.
The enhanced campus offerings will include redesigned restaurants and cafés, expanded food and drink options, increased student engagement events, and a focus on sustainability. Central to the service is Gather + Gather’s bespoke student app, which provides a digital hub for menus, mobile ordering, rewards, and campus job opportunities.
Following its Charity Gala Ball in June, the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has donated £10,000 to its nominated charity, Grief Encounter, bringing the total raised for the organisation since 2019 to £60,000.
Grief Encounter relies entirely on voluntary gifts to support grieving children and families. Andy Watts, Head of Partnerships at Grief Encounter, noted a significant rise in demand, stating they must raise £3 million this year to continue providing support. He highlighted that donations helped 2,263 people receive support and 961 young people access therapy last year, with over 90% reporting improved resilience.
David Garcia, Vice President and Treasurer of the CHSA, expressed pride in members coming together for the cause, noting that the funds are put to excellent use helping young people grieve and build resilience.
Bellrock has won the inaugural Humanity in AI Award for Literacy and Enablement, recognising its people-first approach to AI adoption.
The property management specialist has launched AI Empowered, a company-wide programme combining workforce training, leadership workshops, practical hackathons and an internal network of AI Champions.
Led by Head of AI Richard Merrett, the programme was developed within five months of Bellrock establishing its dedicated AI function. Its first cohort includes 92 AI Champaions, while three internal “Art of the Possible-a-thons” have enabled teams to apply AI to real business challenges.
“AI adoption is 80% a people problem and 20% a technology problem,” said Merrett, highlighting the importance of building workforce confidence and responsible AI use.
CEO Carlo Alloni said the initiative is focused on empowering employees to use AI to solve problems, improve decision-making and deliver stronger client outcomes.
The award, presented by AI knowledge platform MeBeBot, recognises organisations putting human impact at the heart of AI adoption. Bellrock was one of just three global winners in the category for organisations with more than 200 employees.
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
21st August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
MRI Software, a global leader in real estate solutions and services, announced the promotion of David Bowie to Chief Client Officer, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building lasting client relationships through exceptional support, partnership and service. In this expanded role, Bowie will provide executive leadership, governance and strategic direction for MRI's global client support and success teams, with a focus on continually enhancing the client experience across every region, improving visibility into client health, deepening long-term relationships, and strengthening client satisfaction and retention.
Since joining MRI in 2020, Bowie has served as Executive Managing Director of the company’s Asia Pacific business, helping to expand MRI’s regional footprint as well as client and revenue growth through a client-first strategy that prioritises operational excellence and accelerates innovation. In addition to his new responsibilities as Chief Client Officer, he will continue in that role.
Peartree Cleaning Services has appointed Andy Gook as Business Development Manager as it targets further growth across Scotland.
Edinburgh-based Gook brings more than 20 years’ experience in soft services, including eight years in commercial cleaning. He will focus on winning new business across Scotland, developing existing customer opportunities and supporting growth in the north of England.
A key priority will be expanding Peartree’s presence in Scotland’s commercial property market, particularly among professional workplaces seeking high-quality cleaning services aligned with ESG, workplace and budget objectives.
Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has completed the sale of its UK Sprinklers’ installation business to some members of its original management team and acquired IDSL Group Holdings Ltd, establishing PTSG as the UK's largest passive fire business according to the press release.
This acquisition significantly expands PTSG's capabilities in passive fire inspection, testing, certification, and remediation. By combining IDSL's technical compliance expertise, proprietary testing knowledge, and specialist fire door manufacturing with PTSG's existing Fire Solutions division, the Group will provide a fully integrated compliance solution. This integration ensures greater delivery certainty, improved supply chain resilience, and faster mobilization for complex remediation programs at scale.
The transition addresses the accelerating demand for passive fire compliance driven by the Building Safety Act and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations. It reinforces PTSG's strategy of investing in regulation-led markets to support customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their passive fire assets.
Asda announced it will outsource 3,500 its cleaning staff in a move GMB has described as ‘detestable’. The supermarket giant will now begin the process of moving the cleaning to third party providers Bidvest and NIC Cleaning Services.
This will yet be the latest consultation process Asda has opened in recent months, on top of those in retail and security.
A few years into their operational life, too many commercial buildings fall short of performance expectations. Just 3 to 5 years into a building’s lifespan, there is a strong case for targeted building optimization, especially since underperformance leads to enduring problems and erodes asset value over time. For developers and owners, building optimisation needs to become the norm according to an article by Tom Randall, Associate Director, Arup - read more here.
According to Savills latest research, professional and business services accounted for 24% of European office take up in H1 2026, down from 26% in 2025, as lawyers, accountants and consultants remained active.
The tech sector rose from 14% to 22% of total activity, an increase due to both expanding AI firms and traditional tech firms resuming their activity.
The banking, insurance and finance sector fell from 21% to 16%, which remains more in line with the long-term average share. Flex offices accounted for 3% of office demand, in line with last year, as companies seek interim space amid prime vacancy shortages, and show a preference for plug and play services.
Average European office vacancy rates remained stable at 9.4% during Q2 2026. Savills recent analysis shows that Central Business District vacancy rates currently average 4.9%, with prime CBD vacancy rates estimated at around 2%, adding upwards pressure on prime rents. Compared to previous cycles, the CBD vacancy rate is lower, reflecting occupiers’ heightened preference for centrally located office stock.
Since commencing the contract in April 2026, Ethos Group Services Ltd is working in partnership with The Bedford Estates, delivering a comprehensive range of soft services across its prestigious residential and commercial portfolio in Bloomsbury, London.
NG Bailey has been appointed by The Very Group to deliver comprehensive mechanical and electrical (M&E) maintenance and engineering services across six key UK locations under a new three-year contract.
The Technical Facilities Services team will provide planned and reactive maintenance, statutory compliance, asset management, and technical support. The contract covers The Very Group’s Skyways head office in Liverpool, fulfilment centers in the East Midlands and Wrexham, and satellite sites in London and the North West.
To ensure a seamless transition, NG Bailey is implementing a robust service delivery model featuring visible senior oversight, a dedicated Service Delivery Manager, and targeted team upskilling. Additionally, detailed asset verification programs will be conducted to support future capital decision-making, underpinned by digital platforms and operational reporting to maximise transparency and efficiency.
OCS has secured a new three-year agreement with Blanchardstown Centre and its managing agent, Savills, to provide fully integrated, self-delivered security and cleaning services at Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destination.
Under the partnership, OCS will deliver static guarding, patrols, CCTV monitoring, and customer assistance, alongside cleaning services across the venue and its external car parks. To support this, OCS is introducing a site-specific training framework, transparent real-time performance reporting, and a priority-based resilience model managed by their helpdesk.
The contract will also embed ESG principles into daily operations, utilising local recruitment, inclusive development pathways, low-emission equipment, and sustainable cleaning solutions, all underpinned by ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications.
Ventro Group announced the acquisition of R.D. Jukes & Co Ltd, a well-established family business with over 50 years of experience in delivering complex electrical engineering works.
Founded in 1968 and based in Walsall, R.D. Jukes is led by Julian Jukes, employs 29 people, and generates approximately £6 million in annual revenue. The business has a long-standing reputation for quality, accountability, and collaboration, particularly across the NHS and the wider public sector.
R.D. Jukes brings extensive technical expertise in mains infrastructure, power distribution, complex electrical systems, emergency lighting, electrical testing, and life-safety systems.
Following the acquisition of HJS, this milestone expands Ventro's footprint across the Midlands and central England. This addition enhances Ventro's ability to deliver fully integrated, end-to-end building compliance solutions, allowing customers to consolidate requirements under one provider for simplified contract management and cohesive delivery.
Recorra has been appointed as the waste and recycling partner for The O2, under a contract that commenced on July 2, 2026. Recorra will deliver comprehensive waste and recycling services across the venue's AEG-managed areas.
The partnership focuses on maximising recycling value, introducing new streams, and improving material segregation. Recorra has already redesigned The O2’s waste compound layout and will deploy its SmartWeigh technology alongside hands-on training for tenants and staff to optimize performance. This initiative supports The O2's sustainability goals, including maintaining zero waste to landfill and reducing emissions.
The latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Airport Accessibility Performance Report, which shows improved accessibility ratings across the majority of UK airports served by ABM.
Notably, Manchester, Bristol, and Liverpool airports progressed to "Very Good," while Heathrow moved from "Needs Improvement" to "Good." Additionally, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Stansted maintained their "Very Good" and "Good" ratings, meaning no ABM-served airports are rated below "Good."
As the UK’s largest provider of PRM services, supporting 4.5 million journeys annually, ABM attributes these results to targeted investments in staff training (including British Sign Language and neurodiversity recruitment), technology, and fleet expansion to reduce waiting times. Kelly Parish, VP of Transport & Aviation at ABM, noted that while they are delighted with the progress, the focus remains on continuous improvement and enhancing real-time passenger communication.
The AEMT (Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades) Conference returns to the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester on 24 September, offering a comprehensive programme of practical engineering insight, technical expertise, and networking for professionals responsible for critical rotating equipment.
The event features a sold-out exhibition where asset owners and engineering professionals can connect with repair specialists, OEMs, technology providers, and distributors to expand supplier networks and discover reliability-enhancing technologies. Key presentations include Dr. Yali Natalie Fang of Sulzer on HV generator failures, Jonathan McNamee of Hayley 247 on prescriptive maintenance, and Marc Vissers of Lenze on leveraging AI and business intelligence. Additional sessions will cover workforce skills, updates from the AEMT's Women in Engineering group, and a headline address by Chris Boardman on high-performance cultures.
Tickets include access to all sessions, the exhibition, and an informal evening networking event. Registration for the 2026 AEMT Conference is now open, with further details available via the AEMT website: https://www.theaemt.com/ems-event-calendar/aemt-conference.html
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here.
14th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Specialist provider of corporate FM services, Anabas, appointed Paul Bean as the new Managing Director, and Alistair Craig has transitioned to the role of Chairman. Alistair's leadership has played a significant role in shaping Anabas over the past 14 years
Peter Williams has been appointed Chief Operating Officer at Advantos HVAC Group Ltd, having been Executive Group Director to the Group since earlier this year. The group includes: Advantos Services, JD Services, DJ Mace and United FM.
Louis Rayner has joined Essential Access Platforms & Site Services as Sales & Marketing Director, becoming part of the executive leadership team. Louis noted that he looks forward to working with the team to build on their success, strengthen their market position, and drive growth across new markets and sectors.
Darren Winter has joined Nirvana Maintenance as Senior Business Development Manager. Supported by the wider Nirvana Group, Nirvana provides integrated facilities maintenance, engineering, and compliance solutions through its in-house teams across Nirvana Maintenance, Aquilo Facilities, and Urban Maintenance.
Phoenix ME Limited ("Phoenix ME"), a UK provider of integrated mechanical and electrical engineering services, announced a strategic investment from global alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G.").
Founded in 1931, Phoenix ME delivers complex engineering systems across the Data Centres, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Life Sciences sectors in the UK and Europe. Over the past five years, the Company has achieved an average year-on-year turnover growth of 25%, driven largely by expanding opportunities in mission-critical environments like Data Centres.
CEO Lee Compton will reinvest alongside H.I.G., and the existing management team will continue to lead the business. Additionally, Jim Arnold will join as Non-Executive Chairman to support the Company’s strategic ambitions.
This investment provides Phoenix ME with the resources to accelerate its growth strategy, pursue organic procurement opportunities, and expand its presence across the UK and Europe. According to the press release, the transition will maintain full continuity for employees, customers, and partners, with a continued focus on technical excellence and customer service.
Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), has submitted plans for a major refurbishment of Foster’s HSBC Tower in Canary Wharf.
The transformation of the iconic office tower will create a unique destination, including best-in-class workspaces, leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions.
The redevelopment will feature unparalleled sustainability credentials, excellent transport links, and amenities. Set in the heart of Canary Wharf, the plans will enable a new publicly accessible route between the adjacent Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park. They will also offer the public outstanding views across London from Canary Wharf for the first time.
Oktra has partnered with Material Index, a circular economy platform, to reuse office materials rather than sending them to waste. This collaboration helps businesses navigate growing sustainability planning and accreditation requirements, such as SKA, BREEAM, and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, which now emphasise waste reduction and embodied carbon.
While construction produces over 60% of UK waste and only 1% of components are currently reused, this partnership aims to close that gap. Under the agreement, materials removed during fit outs (such as furniture, flooring, and appliances) are catalogued and redeployed via Material Index’s marketplace of over 300 trade partners. Conversely, Oktra can source reclaimed materials for new projects.
In the first two months, Material Index audited over 10,000 sqm across six Oktra sites, identifying over 3,000 tonnes of material for reuse and saving 1,000 tonnes of carbon (tCO2e).
Mitie has retained its security contract with Transport for London (TfL) for an additional five years, with an option to extend until 2032.
Building on a partnership that began in 2017, over 480 Mitie colleagues will continue providing physical security and reception services across TfL's estate, including 58 London Underground sites, the Elizabeth line, river piers, and the London Transport Museum. The new agreement introduces a dedicated Crime and Intelligence Taskforce and utilises Mitie’s 24/7 Intelligence Security Operations Centre (ISOC) in Northampton to counter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
The contract guarantees the London Living Wage and Living Hours standard for all staff, alongside wellbeing benefits such as free life assurance, online GP services, and WalkSafe Pro personal safety licenses. Furthermore, Mitie will support social mobility and skills development by delivering five annual apprenticeships, four Ready2Work programmes, and 30 work placements for underrepresented groups, alongside community workshops with organisations like DebateMate.
This win strengthens Mitie's existing presence across TfL, where 2,000 colleagues also deliver cleaning services and engineering maintenance across head offices and transport sites.
askporter has partnered with PropCall to deliver an integrated out-of-hours emergency service for housing providers and facilities management teams. This partnership combines askporter’s AI-powered triage platform with PropCall’s 24/7 specialist call handling. The system automatically categorises inquiries across WhatsApp, SMS, email, and web. Non-emergencies follow standard daytime processes, while genuine out-of-hours emergencies route to PropCall agents who can manage repairs and authorise up to £500 within pre-agreed guidelines.
By filtering routine inquiries, this integration reduces unnecessary callouts, eliminates manual handovers, and cuts administration. It also provides complete visibility of all resident interactions from contact to resolution, ensuring a consistent service experience.
The United Kingdom’s right to work regime will expand significantly on 1 October 2026, with draft Home Office guidance confirming that the duty to prevent illegal working will no longer be limited to traditional employer-employee relationships. The revised framework will potentially apply to a broader range of workers, individual subcontractors, online labour platforms and businesses operating through contractual supply chains - read more here.
Core Maintenance Services has achieved CHAS Elite accreditation, the highest level available through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.
Incorporating the Common Assessment Standard, this accreditation independently verifies our risk management across 13 areas—including health and safety, environmental management, and data security—against recognised industry benchmarks.
For clients, this confirms that robust management systems support every engineer on-site. It also streamlines procurement by satisfying multiple prequalification requirements through a single assessment, reducing tendering duplication for facilities managers, property owners, and principal contractors.
As Operations Director Tom Lyons noted, this accreditation goes beyond standard health and safety to verify our business-wide risk, governance, and compliance processes, providing clients with confidence from the outset.
Kimpton has been awarded the mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering contract at The City of Liverpool College following a competitive tender process.
Building on a 30-year partnership, this contract expands Kimpton's existing relationship with the college, which includes managing its air conditioning systems and serving on its minor works framework. As part of the agreement's social value component, Kimpton will host T-Level student placements and provide approximately £35,000 of in-kind value by designing, installing, and equipping the college's refurbished Plumbing & Gas Workshop.
Welbeck Health Partners has achieved significant construction and operational milestones for the new Welbeck Cambridge facility.
Key structural completions include internal steelwork, riser slab works, and progress on the external plant room. Additionally, essential utility infrastructure, such as the new substation connection and power supply arrangements, has been advanced.
Planning for specialist clinical services, including state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic facilities, continues alongside operational readiness preparations that focus on guest experience and clinical care pathways.
To support the launch, several senior leadership positions have been filled across clinical, operational, and facilities management disciplines. The growing centre continues to create new clinical and non-clinical employment opportunities to build a talented local workforce for Cambridge and the East of England.
Following on from our successful Facilities Industry Annual Summer River Boat Party, we have the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club coming up on September 24th at Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR.
A limited number of tickets are available now. Please book your place here quickly, as we expect over 100 professionals to attend, with more than 60% being Company Owners or Directors
Sponsorship packages are also available, with a limited number on offer. Please email laurence@twinfm.com for more information.
The Facilities & Workplace London Networking Club is exclusively for Facilities, Workplace, and related professionals drawn from a broad cross-section of organisations and disciplines. You can learn more about the Facilities & Workplace Networking Club here
7th August 2026
Welcome to this week’s Grapevine, the place to get your bitesize FM updates in one place, in a handy five-minute read.
Got a story for us? Please send news stories & press releases to: newsdesk@twinfm.com
Thank you for joining us, we’ll jump right in...
Following Anthony Brown's appointment as CEO, BW: Workplace Experts has introduced a new organisational structure to strengthen operational leadership, project delivery, and people development.
The following senior leadership appointments have been made:
- Peter Nagle, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for project delivery, resourcing, operational performance, process, and quality.
- Paul Kavanagh, Managing Director: Will work alongside fellow Managing Director Kevin P'ng to continue delivering major projects.
- Rachel Tabone, People Director: Will continue to lead BW's leadership capability, culture, and talent strategy.
- Helen Mulligan Lowe, Sales Director: Will lead the sales function and work closely with the executive team to shape sales strategy.
The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has appointed experienced industry professional Steve Rutherford as its new Membership Development Officer, reinforcing the association’s commitment to supporting members, strengthening engagement and helping businesses maximise the value of their membership.
In his new role, Steve will act as a dedicated point of contact for ADSA members, working closely with businesses across the UK to understand their challenges, identify opportunities for support and ensure they are fully benefiting from the association’s extensive range of services, resources and training opportunities.
Bidvest Noonan has appointed Marielle Howitt as Director of Operations for its UK Education and Public Sector portfolio.
Marielle brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience in managing large teams, major transformations, and high-performing operating models. She has a strong record of improving service performance, strengthening governance, and delivering sustainable growth through enterprise technology and organizational change. Known for her people-first leadership and commercial discipline, she will focus on strengthening service quality, consistency, and portfolio growth.
HMRC has filed a winding-up petition against Avison Young (UK) Holdings and four related UK entities, including Workplace, Project Management, and Real Estate Finance, regarding unpaid taxes.
This petition coincides with the disclosure of the company's FY2024 results, which report a £101.8m pre-tax loss and an £84.6m operating loss. This follows a similarly large loss in 2023. Two consecutive years of losses at this scale, combined with sustained restructuring rather than a single cost-cutting event, suggest serious cash-flow issues within the organisation.
As things stand, Avison Young (UK) Holdings and the named related entities have not entered administration; the company is reported to be in talks with HMRC and expects the issue to be resolved before the petition reaches a hearing. For buyers and advisers, this means the business remains a trading, ongoing concern rather than a distressed asset currently under an insolvency practitioner's control. The practical implication is to monitor the petition's progress closely: if HMRC withdraws or settles, no acquisition opportunity arises through this route; if the petition proceeds and the company is unable to satisfy the debt, it could trigger a formal insolvency appointment, at which point administrators or liquidators would control any sale of the business or its assets.
Effective 1 August 2026, CBRE has been appointed by the University of Hertfordshire to deliver integrated facilities management (IFM) services across its 1,830,000 sq. ft. campus, which serves over 34,000 students.
CBRE will provide a full range of services—including technical maintenance, cleaning, horticulture, waste, and pest control—supported by a data-led CAFM and helpdesk platform alongside specialist delivery partners. To enhance the student experience and maintain a high-performing campus, the partnership will introduce a dedicated on-site campus ambassador role and data-driven building management system (BMS) strategies to improve energy efficiency and optimise operations.
Additionally, CBRE has committed to providing 320 hours of annual work experience for the university's students, offering participants a formal reference and an invitation to apply for CBRE’s Next Generation talent scheme.
Bidwells has appointed GSH Group to provide engineering and hard facilities management services across its multi-site UK property portfolio.
Combining the capabilities of Bidwells and GSH Group, this partnership will focus on maintaining high operational standards, enhancing building performance, and delivering long-term value for occupiers and asset owners. GSH will apply its engineering-led delivery model across the portfolio, emphasizing open communication, practical problem-solving, and technical excellence.
OCS has committed to the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) Youth Guarantee, pledging support for young people through work experience placements, Sector-Based Work Academies, the Youth Jobs Grant, and the Jobs Guarantee.
This commitment builds on OCS's strong track record. In 2025, the company hired 3,500 colleagues aged 18 to 24 (one in five of total UK hires), 582 of whom identified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training) before joining. This initiative addresses a critical need, as the government-commissioned Milburn Review highlights that over one million UK youth are currently NEET—the highest level in 12 years. Additionally, six in ten have never held a job, and 1.6 million lower-skilled roles have been lost over the past two decades.
OCS currently has more than 1,000 colleagues in live apprenticeships and is working with customers to extend these employment routes to young people on their sites, enabling progression from entry-level roles into operations, contract management, and specialist technical positions.
According to CBRE's 2026 UK Real Estate Market Outlook Mid-Year Review, the UK real estate market remained resilient in H1 2026 despite economic and geopolitical challenges –
Share
HTHPs: The Key To Non-Disruptive Retrofits
.jpg)
Rinnai’s Head of Technical, Pete Seddon, discusses how high temperature heat pumps can reduce on-site disruption. Click Image To Read More
Minimum Compliance Is Not The Same As Confidence
Wayne Connors, Founder of ACCL, emphasises that true network reliability goes beyond basic compliance. Click Image To Read More
Relaxation of MEES - a reality for commercial building stock?
Rinnai looks at the proposed government modifications into non-domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). What are they and how do they affect business owners and private renters? Click Image To Read More
The Top Ten AI Features
The best AI features in field service management software are workflow tools that handle a defined service decision. Simpro provide a shortlist of the Top 10 AI features.. Click Image To Read More
Energy Transition Update
Guest Editor, Daniel Lynn, tracks the activities being pursued by separate nations and economic blocks to introduce a clean energy transition. Click Image To Read More
FM Qualifications at the College of Central London
Our mission is to provide skills and knowledge to help you achieve success in IWFM level 5 and 6. Click Image To Read More