Global FM Awards of Excellence winners reflect on success

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During last week’s World FM Day, the prestigious Global FM Awards of Excellence announced their winners, which included three honoured at 2023’s IWFM Impact Awards. We spoke to the recipients to discover their perspectives on their wins, their work and what recognition means for their organisation.

“To be awarded Gold is a wonderful achievement, recognising our FM practice for both the UK and Polar teams supporting our science mission to understand climate change, and the impact on planet earth” said Peter Smith, Interim Head of Polar Facilities at the British Antarctic Survey.

Of his team’s winning streak Paul Dunn, Head of Facilities at BAS added, “It was an incredibly proud moment when the BAS Estates and Facilities team won the 2023 IWFM Impact Award for ‘Public Sector Team of the Year.’ We were then nominated by IWFM in the Global FM Awards, taking place on World FM Day” he explained the BAS Head of Facilities.  

Speaking from the Silver winning team, Mitie’s Managing Director of Technical Services, Andy Thompson, said, “It’s a huge honour for Mitie and EON to win this award. At Mitie and EON, we know that people are the most important asset of any workplace or facilities management team. The ongoing development of skills and the retention of talent are crucial not only for the individual organisation but the future of the wider FM profession”.

“Our BEST programme brings together innovation, communications, people development and customer experience to improve our people engagement. Happy and engaged staff ultimately provide good service to our customers. Whilst this programme began on the EON account, Mitie have also been able to share this success across many other accounts, reaching well over 1,000 employees and increasing all the time.”

Of his team’s Global high commendation, Managing Director of ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, Bob Gray said, “I’m exceptionally proud of the way our team has embraced the Junior Chef Academy and delivered it in the communities around some of the Defence sites we operate in. The programme has the power to instil a lifelong interest in food and we’ve heard from graduates that the positive impacts are being felt by their whole families.

“On top of this, it’s wonderful to see young people who have completed the course starting out on exciting careers within our business. We are delighted that the value of the initiative has been recognised by the Global FM Awards of Excellence this year.”

IWFM Chair of Judges Mark Griffiths said, “IWFM Impact Awards sets out to celebrate both the excellence and diversity of our industry and it is fantastic to see prior winners celebrated even further, testifying to the strength and influence of our sector.

“For three entrants from such a diverse range of FM provision to gain these plaudits in front of a global audience is a credit to the hard work and dedication they’ve all put in to gain this recognition. I’m sure all the teams from each of the winners will celebrate their success and our sector.”