Do We Need A Facilities Management Company?

When considering the operational efficiency and overall well-being of your business, you might ask, ‘do we need a facilities management company?’ The expertise, cost-effectiveness, and specialised services offered by facilities management experts may hold the key to addressing critical aspects of your company’s infrastructure.

Before making a decision, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of outsourcing against the challenges of managing facilities internally. In this guide, we’ll explore why more businesses are opting for the support of facilities management companies to optimise their operations and enhance workplace productivity.

At Cooper Weston we’re proud to offer our comprehensive facilities management services to commercial companies across London and the South East. Talk to our team about how we can help your business’s operational efficiency, and ensure safety and compliance.

What is a facilities management company?

A facilities management company specialises in providing a range of services and solutions designed to manage and maintain the facilities of an organisation, ensuring that they meet the needs of its users and operate efficiently.

These companies focus on integrating people, place, process, and technology to enhance the functionality, safety, comfort, and efficiency of a building’s environment. Services can include both hard services, such as building maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC installation and maintenance, as well as soft services like cleaning, security, and administrative support.

Facilities management companies work in a variety of sectors, including with commercial buildings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. By outsourcing, these organisations can focus more on their core activities while ensuring their facilities are professionally managed, compliant with regulations, and conducive to the wellbeing and productivity of occupants.

What services do facilities management companies offer?

Facilities management companies are crucial in extending the life of a facility (buildings, systems, and equipment), optimising its use, and minimising operational costs through efficient management practices. Maintenance personnel may also offer support services that encompass daily operations and long-term planning to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of facilities.

Facilities management services can be broadly categorised into hard services and soft services.

Soft services

Soft services are more focused on making the environment suitable and comfortable for those who use the space. They include:

• Cleaning services: General cleaning, waste management, and specialised cleaning for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Grounds maintenance: Landscaping, gardening, and upkeep of outdoor areas.
• Catering and vending: Providing food services and vending machines within the facility.
• Space management: Optimising the use of space within the building.
• Security services: Surveillance and access control to enhance safety.

The goal of facilities management services is to support and enhance the efficiency of a business’s core operations by ensuring that its infrastructure and environment are fully functional, safe, and conducive to productivity.

Many facilities management companies now also focus on sustainability practices, energy management, and compliance with environmental regulations to not only reduce the environmental impact but also decrease operational costs.

Top benefits of using a facilities management company

Deciding whether to hire a facilities management company is an important decision. Here are key benefits to consider when determining whether to partner with a facilities management company, and if it’s right for your business:

Reduced costs

One of the most compelling reasons to use a facilities management company is the potential for cost savings. These companies often have economies of scale and can offer services at a lower cost compared to maintaining an in-house team. Additionally, they can help identify areas where costs can be reduced, such as energy usage, leading to significant savings over time.

Regulatory compliance

Keeping up with the myriad of health, safety, and environmental regulations can be daunting. Facilities management companies are proficient in ensuring that your business complies with all relevant laws and standards, mitigating the risk of fines or legal issues.

Enhanced employee wellbeing

By crafting environments that promote comfort and creativity, these companies nurture a motivated workforce, shaping culture and morale to enhance employee satisfaction. Focusing on employee wellbeing not only contributes to the success of businesses but also plays a significant role in maintaining a positive work environment.

Improved sustainability

Focusing on sustainability through eco-friendly practices integrated into facility management operations, facilities management companies align with corporate social responsibility goals, making them essential for environmental stewardship.

Embracing sustainable practices not only helps organisations reduce costs but also contributes positively to the environment. Choosing a facilities management company that prioritises sustainability can lead to long-term benefits for both your business and the planet.

Access to skills and knowledge

Facilities management companies bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Effective facility managers will stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the industry, ensuring your facilities are managed by experts who understand how to maintain and enhance the value of your property effectively.

Enhanced flexibility and scalability

As your business grows or experiences fluctuations in demand, a facilities management company can adjust the level of services provided accordingly. This flexibility ensures that your facilities can quickly adapt to changes in your business without the need for significant restructuring or investment.

Access to innovative solutions

Facilities management companies often invest in the latest technologies and practices to stay competitive. By partnering with them, you gain access to innovative solutions that can improve efficiency, sustainability, and the overall working environment, such as smart building technologies and green energy initiatives.

Risk management

Managing a facility comes with inherent risks, from property damage to operational disruptions. Facilities management companies are adept at identifying potential risks and implementing measures to mitigate them, ensuring business continuity and reducing liability.

At Cooper Weston we offer planned preventive maintenance to help avoid potential issues occurring with your equipment and systems, as well as reactive maintenance to address any unexpected problems.

Increased efficiency

Partnering with a facilities management company streamlines operations and boosts workplace efficiency by ensuring safety and optimising property systems and services. By leveraging their expertise, these companies enhance efficiency in various ways:

• Safety: Prioritising safety measures for premises and people.
• Cost reduction: Minimising operational costs for property managers.
• Professional skill: Providing specialised knowledge for improved efficiency.
• Optimised services: Maintaining top efficiency in property systems to streamline operations.

Using such a company not only improves efficiency but also contributes to a safer, more cost-effective, and professionally managed work environment.

Focus on core business functions

By outsourcing facilities management, your company can concentrate on its core activities without the distraction of managing non-core functions. This allows you to allocate more resources and attention to areas that directly contribute to your business’s growth and success.

Challenges faced by businesses in managing facilities internally

Managing facilities internally poses numerous challenges for businesses, especially when it comes to expertise, resources, and regulatory compliance. Businesses often struggle with the complexities of internal facility management, which can lead to higher operational costs, inefficiencies, and difficulties in meeting safety standards.

Here are some key challenges faced by businesses in managing facilities internally:

• Lack of specialised expertise in building maintenance and repair services
• Insufficient resources for proactive maintenance strategies
• Difficulties in ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards
• Increased downtime and disruptions due to inadequate maintenance
• Challenges in optimising space usage and enhancing employee productivity

These challenges highlight the importance of considering external support from a facilities management company to address expertise gaps, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a safe and productive work environment.

What sized businesses use facilities management companies?

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from using facilities management companies, from small startups to large multinational corporations. The size and nature of the business often dictate the extent and type of facilities management services required. Large multi-site companies may engage a facilities management company for end-to-end management of their sites, and small businesses may need only limited services, or services on an ad-hoc basis.

Regardless of size, businesses turn to facilities management companies to ensure their facilities are optimally maintained, compliant with regulations, and aligned with their operational goals, allowing them to concentrate on their core activities.

Choosing the right facilities management company for your needs

To access the benefits of using a facilities management company and avoid the challenges of managing in-house, you need to evaluate a company’s reputation and industry experience for reliable and high-quality services.

When choosing the right facilities management company, consider the following:

• Industry experience: Look for a company with a proven track record in the facilities management industry to ensure they understand the complexities of different facilities and can provide effective solutions.
• Services: Evaluate the range of services offered by the company to ensure they align with your specific facility management needs, providing comprehensive support tailored to your requirements.
• Compliance: Verify that the facilities management company adheres to industry standards and regulations to guarantee a safe and legally compliant environment for your workplace.
• Cost-effectiveness: Assess the pricing structure and value for money provided by the company to ensure that their services are cost-effective and bring tangible benefits to your business.
• Customisation: Look for companies that offer a tailored approach and flexibility in their service, allowing for bespoke solutions that meet your unique facility management needs effectively.

Contact us for facilities management services

At Cooper Weston we’re highly skilled and experienced in delivering facilities management services to a wide range of commercial clients, and focus on sustainable practices and energy management. Our solutions are tailored to your business and we offer competitive, fair pricing.

For effective facilities management services in London and the South East, reach out to our professional team today. Our comprehensive facility management solutions will exceed your expectations, and as we handle the maintenance and optimisation of your facilities, you can focus on your core business activities.

Call on 0800 669 6229, email at [email protected], or complete our contact form for a free no obligation quotation.