Grapevine

17 April 2025

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.

DHF Issues Warning About External Panic and Emergency Exit Doorsets

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and GAI (the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) have recently been informed by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) that they are aware of cases where external panic or emergency exit doorsets have been supplied, conformity marked against EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016, but without the necessary third-party certification.

“There is concern that some economic operators may not be fully aware of the conformity marking requirements for these products, and we believe it is appropriate to issue a general reminder to the market,” explains Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager & Secretary. “There is no suggestion of course, that the suppliers concerned were members of either DHF or GAI.”

The testing and certification required for conformity marking (CE or UKCA) is specified in the Annex Z of EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016. To conformity mark an external doorset that is neither fire-resisting nor an emergency/panic exit, no third-party certification is required. Other performance characteristics, such as watertightness and resistance to wind load, will typically require third-party testing from a notified or approved test body, but not third-party certification.

“The requirement for third-party certification arises when an external doorset being placed on the market has either or both of the following special characteristics,” concludes Michael, “that it is a panic or emergency exit (fitted with appropriate hardware), and/or that it is fire-resisting. Third-party certification must be obtained from an EU notified certification body (for CE marking) or a UK approved certification body (for UKCA marking). The certification body will issue a Certificate of Constancy of Performance, which the manufacturer (or person responsible for placing the product on the market) must retain in their technical file for the product.”

For further information on this, please contact the DHF technical team on technical@dhfonline.org.uk; DHF is also grateful for any help given in ‘spreading this message’ through the supply chain.

BSIF Launches "PPE Saves" Campaign

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is Proud to launch "PPE Saves", a new campaign spotlighting the vital role performed by Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in protecting workers and ensuring people and businesses thrive.

Personal Protective Equipment is sometimes undervalued, yet it can mean the difference between life and death, safety and injury, long-term health and preventable harm. While other safety controls are essential, PPE remains a vital line of defence when risks cannot be eliminated.

Every day, millions of workers rely on PPE not just for protection but for peace of mind. When it’s well-designed, fit for purpose, correctly certified, and correctly fitted, PPE supports comfort, confidence, and a stronger safety culture.

The PPE Saves campaign urges organisations to take great care and involve their employees when selecting these safety critical products.

PPE is far more than just a precaution—in some cases lives depend on it. While it's often difficult to prove when PPE has directly saved a life, there are consistently high levels of serious workplace accidents where the right protective equipment could have made a critical difference.

For example, incidents involving moving vehicles remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths. Wearing high-visibility clothing can help workers stay seen and safe and reduce such incidents. Another serious hazard is asbestos exposure, which the WHO identifies as the top cause of work-related deaths globally. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is crucial in protecting workers from inhaling these deadly fibres.

Commenting on the launch of "PPE Saves", BSIF CEO Alan Murray says: “PPE is vital for protecting lives across Britain every single day. But not all PPE performs well, and that’s a serious problem.

“PPE Saves" is a campaign dedicated to making sure workers have access to suitable and reliable PPE because investing in quality products isn’t just about safety, it shows you value your people.

“There’s a wide range of innovative, comfortable, and sustainable PPE on the UK market. Yet poor-quality products are still in widespread use, compromising worker comfort and putting lives at risk. That’s why we’re raising awareness of what good PPE looks like, where to find it, and how to make sure it performs.”

For support in specifying PPE, find out more about the BSIF’s Sourcing Safety course as well as the Duty Holder Membership Scheme, which includes access to a PPE Helpline, visit: bsif.co.uk/join-bsif/

Sybron Looks to the Future With Management Buyout

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, has taken significant steps to safeguard the long-term future of the business with the completion of a management buyout.

The new, five-strong management team has collectively 70 years’ experience in the business and includes executive director, Kathryn Henwood; operations director, Bradley Henwood; business development director, Chris Henwood; sales & marketing director, George Mason; purchasing director, Mark Newson. The team all took leadership roles over two years ago, bringing fresh skills to evolve and drive the business forward. The company – based in Harlow, Essex - continues to retain its strong culture and values, building on the solid foundations laid over the past 22 years by its previous leadership.

Sustainability, innovation and Sybron’s exceptional team are at the core of the company’s growth strategy moving forward. In the past two years, Sybron has made significant strides, launching new Sybron-branded product lines, including SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based cleaning products and SySoft, which offers a selection of paper and tissue products, such as bamboo toilet rolls.

While leadership changes can sometimes be challenging, the new team at Sybron is ensuring a smooth transition. In addition to empowering the internal team, Sybron is collaborating with external consultants, who have extensive industry experience, to support the ongoing success of the business.

“Despite the current challenges in hospitality and beyond, we’re excited about what lies ahead,” says George. “Our core values of service, sustainability, innovation and an unwavering focus on people will continue to drive our business forward. Our customers can rest assured that everything they value about Sybron will remain unchanged as we move toward the future. The MBO ensures that Sybron is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead, while maintaining the values that have made us who we are today.”

11 April

Right Fuel Card and Rightcharge Announce Strategic Partnership to Power the Future of Business Mobility

Right Fuel Card has expanded its offering to provide a complete solution for managing fuel and EV charging payments. Through a groundbreaking strategic partnership with Rightcharge, the UK’s leading EV payments provider, Right Fuel Card now offers mixed fleets the most advanced solution for consolidating both public charging payments and home charging reimbursements.

Right Fuel Card, which is already trusted by over 20,000 businesses across the UK, can now provide fleets with a single public charge card that their drivers can use to pay with company funds at over 70% of the UK’s public network, covering more than 62,000 charge points across 39 networks. This works alongside the Rightcharge smartphone app, allowing drivers to easily locate and navigate to available charge points.

For home charging reimbursements, Rightcharge’s industry-first API integrations with energy suppliers and home chargers provide real-time consumption and tariff cost data, ensuring accurate charging cost calculations. Vehicle integrations add an extra layer of security, automatically preventing fraud by ensuring reimbursements are only billed for charging on the drivers’ work vehicle and not a personal electric vehicle. Home charging costs are then sent to the drivers’ home energy bills, eliminating out-of-pocket costs and removing the risk of energy debt.

Businesses benefit from a simplified payment solution, receiving a monthly HMRC-compliant invoice covering all home and public charging for their drivers. Alternatively, businesses can opt for a straightforward pay-and-claim, allowing drivers to download a monthly expense report for charging.

Beyond payments, the solution provides businesses with a powerful dashboard offering real-time insights into charging activity, costs, and carbon emissions, which even shows fleets how much energy has come from wind, solar, gas, nuclear or biomass.

The partnership between Right Fuel Card and Rightcharge represents a major milestone in supporting UK businesses through their EV transition. By integrating fuel and the UK’s most advanced payment solution into a single offering, Right Fuel Card offers the most innovative and future-ready solution on the market.

Matthew Briggs, CEO of Right Fuel Card, commented: “We’re thrilled to partner with Rightcharge to offer a comprehensive solution that meets the evolving demands of UK businesses. Our expertise in fuel card management and access to over 85% of UK fuel stations, paired with Rightcharge’s innovative approach to EV charging, ensures that whether your fleet runs on diesel, petrol, or electricity, you have the right tools to operate efficiently and sustainably.”

Charlie Cook, CEO of Rightcharge, said: “We’re excited that Right Fuel Card has chosen Rightcharge as their EV charging partner. We understand that mixed fleets require a market-leading solution for both EV and fuel as they transition to electric. This partnership is an exciting opportunity to provide fleets with an advanced solution to radically simplify EV charging and fuel payments.”

Sodexo Stop Hunger Funding Supports Opening of Social Supermarket in Ashford, Kent

Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation has provided vital funding to SE Kitchen (part of Social Enterprise Kent) to support in the opening of the community interest company’s second social supermarket in central Ashford, Kent introducing affordable, nutritious shopping for the local community.

SE Kitchen offers healthy, budget-friendly options including its popular £1 fruit & veg bag, making fresh produce accessible to everyone. Recognising that unexpected bills can strain even the best of budgets, the social supermarket operates a no questions asked policy and aims to help those who may be facing temporary financial pressures or simply need a little extra support.

Sodexo’s volunteering policy enables its employees to take three paid volunteering days each year supporting those who need in the most in our communities. Colleagues living and working in the Ashford area will be offered the opportunity to volunteer at the store.

In addition to providing affordable food, SE Kitchen is committed to reducing food waste and will redistribute surplus items and near sell-by-date stock – a sustainable measure which also ensures more people can benefit from quality food options.

SE Kitchen offers a comprehensive wrap-around support service designed to tackle the root causes of food poverty. Members of the community can access support and guidance on budgeting, digital skills, job searching and CV support, as well as benefits checking. These services are designed to equip individuals to gain financial stability and long-term independence boosting overall health and wellbeing.

2025 marks the 20^th anniversary of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. Launched in 2005, the Foundation initially focused on providing food aid to communities in urgent need. Over time, it has built a network of charity partners and shifted its focus to addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity, with an emphasis on empowering women to help drive change.

In the 12 months to 31 August 2024 the Foundation supported 2.8 million people by redistributing more than 160,000 meals and dedicating 56% of its funding to projects targeting the root causes of food insecurity.

The Foundation supports 106 charities through fundraising, hands-on and skills-based volunteering, grant-giving and building partnerships, strengthening their organisations and benefiting their beneficiaries.

SBFM Wins Best Business Award for Evolve Programme

SBFM is the winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme category at the 2025 Best Business Awards. SBFM has supported over 2,000 individuals through mentorship, training, and employment opportunities, generating £2.8 million in social value. It won for its overall ED&I approach and its innovative Evolve programme, which provides tailored support, training, mentorship and career opportunities across the FM Industry.

The Evolve initiative won for its strong focus on underrepresented groups that face barriers towards employment, providing them with workshops, coaching and digital learning support for careers. These groups include ex-offenders, the homeless, ex-armed forces personnel, ex-sports professionals, the long-term unemployed, care leavers, neurodivergent people and people with disabilities.

SBFM was also praised for its collaboration with over 40 Evolve Partners consisting of clients and industry leaders. By working together, SBFM expands career pathways beyond FM by offering sustainable employment opportunities across multiple sectors. It also supports ex-offenders by partnering with 11 prisons and the Ministry of Justice. Colin Shute, founder of SBFM, is also co-chair of the Yorkshire Employment Advisory Board.

The chair of the Best Business Award judges said: “Congratulations to SBFM for developing its own socially inclusive initiative called Evolve. As a groundbreaking equality, diversity and inclusion, and social value initiative, Evolve provides support, training, mentoring and career opportunities in facilities management to the marginalised and disadvantaged. The company works closely with its partners to develop clear career pathways for people who are often overlooked and aims to get them into long-term employment. Well done to SBFM for breaking down barriers and paving the way for a fairer, more diverse, and more inclusive facilities management industry.

Matt Chapman, CEO of SBFM said: “It is a huge honour to win the Best Business Award. Since our chief people and culture officer Kelly Dolphin and I developed the Evolve scheme, it is helping more people than we could have possibly imagined. Evolve is delivering a real, measurable impact for our employees, and this win is testament to that.”

Now in its 10th year, and globally recognised, the Best Business Aware are one of the longest standing, well established and accessible business awards bodies.

Due to its high profile, the Awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from across the world; large international PLCs and public sector organisations to dynamic and innovative SMEs. The winners all have one thing in common – they are truly outstanding at what they do.