Two IWFM nominees win Global FM Silver Awards of Excellence

News

To mark World FM Day 2026, this year’s Global FM Awards of Excellence has recognised two IWFM nominees with silver awards. Both winners exemplify this year’s theme of ‘Cultivating belonging through built environments’.

Collaborating for Family-friendly facilities for the City

A collaboration between Cushman & Wakefield, Exeter City Council, Little Exeter and Guildhall Shopping Centre won silver for their ‘Collaborating for Family-friendly facilities for the City’. Following a huge drop in visitor numbers on the centre’s first floor, Cushman & Wakefield identified an opportunity to revitalise the underutilised space by introducing dedicated family-friendly facilities. This collaboration resulted in the creation of two children’s play areas designed for different age groups and a private baby-feeding area.

The initiative delivered significant, measurable results that have revitalised the Guildhall Shopping Centre and enhanced the visitor experience.

• Increased footfall: Little Exeter has welcomed more than 39,000 visitors since its opening, providing a hub for families and increasing footfall on the once-declining first floor.
• Cost efficiency: The project was delivered with a low budget and was funded through generous donations of time, equipment and expertise from local businesses and contractors. Exeter City Council provided the unit at no cost, with business rate mitigation and service charge coverage.
• Community engagement: The project has fostered strong community engagement, with local contractors volunteering their time and local businesses donating resources. All profits from the initiative are reinvested into local programs supporting families.
• Operational success: The project’s success led to a third-year extension from Exeter City Council, demonstrating the proven impact of the family-friendly spaces on revitalising the shopping centre.
• Inclusivity: The creation of an affordable play area for under-sevens and a free family garden for under-fives ensures that cost is not a barrier to participation. The dedicated breastfeeding space supports parents and caregivers in a dignified and private environment.
  
  According to Ginny Fellows, Guildhall Shopping Exeter, Centre Manager, 'We are absolutely delighted to receive the Silver Award at the Global FM Awards of Excellence 2026. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting and delivering high-quality, welcoming, and inclusive family-friendly services in Exeter on behalf of Exeter City Council.'

My Lakeside

And Avison Young UK, on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, was recognised for ‘My Lakeside’ – a workplace experience digital platform for the Lakeside North Harbour business campus.

Lakeside spans 130 acres, serves over 60 tenants, and hosts approximately 3,000 daily occupants. The project’s primary goal was to enhance user engagement and embody the campus’s core values: wellbeing, environment, and community.

Main objectives:

• Designing a platform that engages the campus audience;
• Promoting events, workshops and networking opportunities across the site and encouraging attendance by multiple occupiers;
• Improving occupier experience; and
• Enhancing operational efficiencies and capabilities.  

The award was proudly submitted on behalf of Lakeside by the Avison Young │ UK facilities site management team, whose dedication continues to drive initiatives that make a real impact.

According to Lakeside North Harbour, 'This international recognition is a fantastic achievement for our business campus and a true reflection of the collaboration, innovation, and community spirit that defines Lakeside.'

Jenny Thomas, Director of External Affairs at IWFM, said: ‘FM is transformational. These IWFM’s Impact Award winners represent some of the most inspiring examples of outstanding workplace and facilities projects in the UK, so it’s a thrill to see them recognised on the international stage too on World FM Day. Congratulations to two worthy winners!’.

Find out more about this year’s World FM Day.

Get ready for this year's IWFM Impact Awards.