Facilitate in focus

News

What we’ve reported on

At a time of economic uncertainty ahead of this autumn’s so heavily trailed Budget statement it’s been interesting to report on how the workplace might be affected. We reported CBI concerns over a further business rates surcharge, the ballooning NHS maintenance budget and the many people concerned that sustainability needs to remain firmly fixed to the WFM priority list. We’ll be responding to the Budget when it is announced, and hoping that the WFM sector is in a positive position to respond.

What we’re working on

On Tuesday 25th November at 2:00pm we’re running a live webinar on the topic of ‘back to basics’ approaches to WFM technology procurement. Presented in association with our sponsor Eptura, we’ll be discussing the fundamentals of tech procurement and the bells and whistles you might just want to park temporarily as you sort your data and system requirements first. What are the fundamentals of FM tech acquisition that experience tells us need more work in order for a fresh system installation to flourish?

We’ll be taking about compliance, personnel, typical digitisation challenges and, of course, the use of artificial intelligence - not to mention this week’s newly launched IWFM Information Management guidance and its place in the discussion.

Please join us on the day by signing up here

If you read one Facilitate piece…

Can we ask you select from several options? Because firstly, the new print magazine is out this week with Daniel May’s journey to IWFM non-exec showing just how much can be achieved if you’re prepared to work for it.

Elsewhere, we’ve written about how WFM experience can be put to good use in shaping future facilities in the masterplanning function, while there’s a £49 billion public sector maintenance bill that’s not going away quickly.

Online, we reported on commercial cleaning company Mrs Buckét celebrating 20 years in business. It was founded by Rachael Flanagan when she was just 18 years old so we asked her to offer up one commercial cleaning tip for each year of trading:

https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/2025/11/03/20-lessons-20-years-cleaning-business

Also online, here’s Daniel Tyler, chair of IWFM Procurement and Contract Management SIG, on why the wave of consolidation on the supply side is not necessarily bad news.

https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/2025/10/17/why-consolidation-fm-isnt-problem-diverse-marketplace

Where we could use your help

As we move towards 2026, we’re working on how to get young emerging management talent into positions of responsibility. Have you been given early responsibility in your organisation? We’re keen to talk to you about the challenges you need to overcome to succeed in your new role.

We’re also looking into the ‘meanwhile uses’ of facilities that are being repurposed as a result of changing economic conditions. Are you overseeing such a change?

Drop us a line at [email protected].