Jessica Rauf-Thomas of EMCOR UK explores the huge maintenance backlog in the UK and how a smart asset management strategy is vital in tackling it
A £49 billion maintenance backlog. It’s a staggering figure, and yet it’s the reality facing the UK’s public services, according to the National Audit Office. This number – spread across schools, government sites and critical infrastructure – tells us everything we need to know about the consequences of relying solel
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Clearing the backlog
via fmj.co.uk
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Designer Contracts Expands Its Procurement Reach
via fmj.co.ukDesigner Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has been named as an approved supplier on the University of Essex Flooring Supplies and Services Framework. It has also renewed its position as a preferred supplier with the established Procurement for Housing (PfH) purchasing consortium.
The University of Essex framework has been developed for the education sector and any public sector organisation – including NHS bodies, local authorities, and emergency services – want -
ISS renews contract with Australia’s New South Wales Government Department of Education
via fmj.co.ukISS has extended its long-standing partnership with the New South Wales (NSW) Government Department of Education in Australia. The renewed contract has an annual value of approximately DKK 800 million.
ISS has partnered with the NSW Government since 1994. Under the new contract, ISS will continue to deliver cleaning services to schools, Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges, and various government facilities across three regions in New South Wales.
The contract duration is 2.5 years an -
Delivering magic behind the scenes
via cleaningmag.comOCS has been appointed by Merlin Entertainments to deliver Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) services across 12 of its UK attractions, marking a strategic evolution in how FM supports the guest experience. -
Period equity
via fmj.co.ukRamona Shellard, Sales Director at WEPA Professional UK, explores how facilities managers can champion greater access to period products, promote openness and strengthen workplace wellbeing
Workplace washrooms are more than functional spaces – they are on the frontline of supporting employee wellbeing, productivity, and inclusion. Period equity, the principle that everyone should have fair access to sanitary products and appropriate facilities to manage menstruation with dignity, is a cruc -
Mitie’s carolling ‘cobots’ spread Christmas cheer at London Bridge station
via fmj.co.ukIt’s not often that you see a group of singing robots on your commute but passengers at London Bridge station were treated to a one-off performance by Mitie’s “carolling cobots”, as thousands travelled home for Christmas.
The sustainable cleaning cobots, which are part of the second largest fleet of autonomous cleaning robots in the UK, took a break from their cleaning duties to surprise and delight passers-by.
Thanks to the generous donations from commuters, the robot ca -
Universities need to rethink change management strategy
via fmj.co.ukAs universities continue to seek new cost-cutting opportunities and greater efficiency, attendees at a recent Q4 virtual Higher Education seminar called for higher education leaders to start 2026 by rethinking their change management strategy for transitioning away from private faculty offices.
Hosted by workplace solutions provider HubStar, the online event was attended by campus planning leaders along with facilities management (FM) professionals who specialise in managing campus buildings.
Th -
BCC calls for higher standards of cleaning in public spaces to help protect against flu
via fmj.co.ukWith the NHS on high alert as flu continues to circulate through the UK, the British Cleaning Council (BCC) has published a framework document with systematic guidance about how to develop cleaning and hygiene policies for public spaces, which builds on handwashing standards recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
BCC Chair David Garcia said: “Yet again, we are seeing surging cases of illness in the UK as we move into winter, as we seem to see quite often.
“We need higher -
Rethinking procurement
via fmj.co.ukKate Ammirato, National Accounts Manager at Jangro, explains how rethinking procurement and investing in technology can help ensure sustainable outcomes
With operational costs continuing to rise and ESG targets expanding, FMs are under pressure to deliver the same high standards while managing restricted budgets. In a poll by CBRE 77 per cent said cost and value for money were the biggest influences on their purchasing decisions.
However, these challenges can help drive innovation. By rethinking -
Higher standards of cleaning needed in public spaces to protect against flu
via cleaningmag.comWith the NHS on high alert as flu continues to circulate through the UK, industry experts have called for clear and effective national cleaning standards across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to help save lives, limit damage to the economy and reduce disruption to hospitals, schools and workplaces. -
24-7 Group strengthens national engineering capability with acquisition
via fmj.co.uk24-7 Group has acquired Peterborough-based engineering and facilities services provider, The Leeton Group. The acquisition forms part of 24-7 Group’s continued expansion across the UK and enhances its multi-disciplinary capability across mechanical, electrical, HVAC, interior projects, and facilities maintenance.
Established in 1978, The Leeton Group has built a strong reputation for professionalism, technical expertise, and long-standing client relationships across the industrial and comm -
Higher standards of cleaning needed in public spaces to help protect the public against flu, say industry experts
via chtmag.comWith the NHS on high alert as flu continues to circulate through the UK, industry experts have called for clear and effective national cleaning standards across workplaces and public spaces in the UK to help save lives, limit damage to the economy and reduce disruption to hospitals, schools and workplaces.
The body representing the £67 billion cleaning, hygiene and waste industry says that higher standards of cleaning in UK workplaces and public spaces, combined with handwashing measures, -
Key cleaning industry leaders meet to discuss plans to make sure the sector’s voice is heard by Government
via chtmag.comJim Melvin
Key cleaning and hygiene industry leaders have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) invited a number of its association members and business leaders to join it and lobbying experts for an initial meeting to scope out the potential for sector organisations to develop a unified and aligned strategic approach.
Among the attendees were David Garcia, J -
Cleaning and Hygiene industry leaders meet to discuss plans to ensure the sector’s voice is heard by Government
via fmj.co.ukBCC’s Jim Melvin
Key figures from across the cleaning and hygiene industry have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved Government recognition.
The British Cleaning Council (BCC) invited a number of its association members and business leaders to join it and lobbying experts for an initial meeting to scope out the potential for sector organisations to develop a unified and aligned strategic approach.
Among the at -
Taking a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace
via fmj.co.ukIn a panel session at Facilities & Estates Management Live on mental health at work, Sabrina Stubbs, Account Director at Magenta Associates was joined by Hannah Locket, Head of Nutrition at Elior UK, Oliver Hall, National Chair of the British Council for Offices (BCO) NextGen Committee, Lucy Hayes, HR Director at Q3 Services, and Chris Middleton, Director of Major Accounts at Corps Security. Here is a summary of the discussion.
THE NUTRITION EXPERT’S VIEWHANNAH LOCKET,ELIOR UK
&l -
Cleaning industry leaders meet to ensure sector’s voice is heard by government
via cleaningmag.comKey cleaning and hygiene industry leaders have held a high-level meeting in London to discuss working together on a strategy for the sector to achieve improved government recognition. -
Building and utilities training provider receives EUSR approval
via fmj.co.ukGTEC Training, part of United Infrastructure, has been officially approved by the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). The approval paves the way for the building services and utilities training provider to offer nationally-recognised competency training across its headquarters in Leeds and nationwide training locations throughout the UK.
HSG47 is the Health and Safety Executive’s key guidance document for reducing the risks associated with working near underground services such as -
The office plant report 2025: Greenery proven to cut stress and boost focus
via fmj.co.ukMore than a quarter of working Brits feel least productive in January, with an estimated two million people affected by low mood and reduced motivation as daylight hours shorten.
As workplaces prepare for another winter slump, employers are increasingly turning to simple, evidence-backed approaches to support staff.
One of the most effective is the introduction of plants and greenery into workspaces as those who spent at least 120 minutes a week around some form of nature were more likely to rep -
Chartwells Universities retains catering contract with Swansea University
via fmj.co.ukChartwells Universities has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation in higher education catering with a renewed long-term contract at Swansea University, backed by additional investment to further transform the campus dining and social spaces.
The move reflects Chartwells Universities’ strategic focus on enhancing student wellbeing, embracing digital-first solutions, and supporting local supply chains.
Since the beginning of the partnership in 2021, over £2.5 million has be -
Royal Assent for new Employment Rights Act welcomed by Acas & TUC
via fmj.co.ukThe Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has welcomed the new Employment Rights Act, describing it as a significant opportunity for employers and staff to work together to help businesses thrive and improve working lives.
The Act, which received Royal Assent today (18 December), will update British employment law and includes the following changes:protection from unfair dismissal will become a right after 6 months of being in a job instead of two years
new rules to limit “ -
Nutrition and wellbeing manager hire at Sodexo
via fmj.co.ukKate Hilton, a registered dietitian, joins Sodexo UK & Ireland in a new transformative role that will shape the company’s nutrition strategy across its Government and Energy & Resources business.
As Nutrition and Wellbeing Manager, Hilton will lead the management and development of Sodexo’s health and wellbeing programmes, while driving improvements to enhance the nutritional quality. Her focus will be on promoting healthier choices, creating effective messaging and -
Inspirational, informative and engaging: TSA’s National Congress 2026
via chtmag.comThe TSA has unveiled its programme for the 2026 National Congress, which takes place on 17th March at the iconic W Edinburgh hotel. The event combines insightful speaker presentations and updates with the opportunity to network with colleagues from the industry. Places are limited and are by invitation only – for more information contact the TSA.
A fascinatingly diverse range of speakers includes Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, who will give a presentation on t -
Overflowing bins and discarded needles: Britain’s public toilets need urgent hygiene fix
via chtmag.comAccording to a recent survey 24 per cent of Brits have avoided using washrooms due to poor cleanliness.
To understand where standards remain high (and where they don’t), sanitary waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have ranked the UK cities with the dirtiest and cleanest public toilets, based on Google Review data.
Highlights from the research:
York has the dirtiest public toilets in Britain, with 32 per cent of reviews mentioning “dirty” and an a -
OCS lands five-year IFM deal with Merlin Entertainments
via fmj.co.ukMerlin Entertainments has selected OCS to deliver integrated facilities management (IFM) services across 12 of its UK attractions, marking a strategic evolution in how FM supports the guest experience.
This five-year partnership – which has now commenced – introduces a comprehensive IFM model for the first time, covering a range of services across these locations, including building maintenance, cleaning, security, waste management, landscaping and pest control. Merlin employees work -
Wessex announces launch event for next-gen facilities intelligence portal
via cleaningmag.comWessex is preparing to debut a major digital innovation set to help organisations across the facilities industry measure performance, understand their impact and drive meaningful change. The company will unveil its new Facilities Intelligence Portal, WessexHub, during a virtual launch event on 21 January. -
Workman to manage Landsec’s leisure park portfolio
via fmj.co.ukCommercial property management and building consultancy firm, Workman LLP, has been appointed by Landsec to manage its portfolio of retail and leisure assets across the UK, from 1 January 2026.
Workman will manage leisure parks including West India Quays in London, Fountain Park in Edinburgh and Tower Park in Poole, with parks spanning other major urban centres including Leeds, Norwich, Cambridge, and Bath.
Workman’s Retail & Leisure team has worked closely with Landsec throughout its -
Hand hygiene
via fmj.co.ukDr. Sally Bloomfield, Chairperson of the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, and Scientific Consultant partnering with SC Johnson Professional to promote hand hygiene, on the new WHO guidelines
On 15 October 2025, the World Health Organization and UNICEF launched the first global guidelines for hand hygiene in community settings. While hand hygiene guidelines for healthcare settings are commonplace, this is the first time that science-based guidance has been published for facilities -
Accelerator UK powers next-generation connectivity at three CBRE properties in Manchester
via fmj.co.ukAccelerator UK Ltd has successfully completed major IT infrastructure upgrades at three prestigious CBRE managed properties in Manchester. Canada House, Ship Canal and The Hive have all undergone digital transformations to support multi-tenancies in their commercial property sites.
Canada House is an Art Nouveau-style office building on Chepstow Street in Manchester with tenants such as Puma and National Heritage. The Hive is a unique Grade ‘A’ Office building in the h -
Tendra Technical Services acquires Coat Facilities Group
via fmj.co.ukTendra Technical Services has acquired integrated facilities management services provider, Coat Facilities Group Ltd.
Based in the West Midlands, Coat Group is a network of specialist facilities management companies providing industry-leading expertise across all aspects of facilities management including both hard and soft. It has a portfolio of prestigious clients nationwide.
Tendra is a newly established group uniting UK technical services businesses across the built environment. Tendra initi -
ABM to acquire WGNSTAR
via fmj.co.ukABM has announced a definitive agreement to acquire WGNSTAR, a leading provider of managed workforce solutions and equipment support services for the semiconductor and high-technology industries, in a cash transaction valued at approximately $275 million.
WGNSTAR operates across the U.S. and in Ireland, delivering technical and operational solutions through a highly skilled workforce of more than 1,300 employees and long-standing client partnerships, many exceeding two decades. WGNSTAR generates
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