FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
New research commissioned by facilities management services provider, Bidvest Noonan, shows record confidence in technology investment across the FM sector. According to the survey, 97 per cent of FM leaders plan to increase technology spending over the next 12-24 months, with none expecting reductions.
The research, which surveyed FM decision-makers managing estates across diverse sectors, indicates a sector-wide commitment to digital transformation. Half of all respondents forecast ‘significant’ increases in investment, with the figure rising to two-thirds among managers of estates exceeding 500,000 square feet, many of whom have already invested heavily in technology. This demonstrates that strong returns on previous technology deployments are fuelling even deeper commitment to innovation.
The survey identifies three key technology priorities, among others, shaping FM investment plans for the year ahead:
- Smart building sensors and IoT (59 per cent of respondents)
- Digital FM platforms (52 per cent)
- AI-powered software (43 per cent)
Importantly, the research shows that technology investment is being driven by strategic business objectives rather than purely cost-cutting initiatives. Operational efficiency (63 per cent) and service quality improvements (62 per cent) rank highest among the factors motivating investment, reflecting the sector’s evolution from a traditional cost centre to a strategic business function.
The findings also demonstrate a fundamental shift in how facilities management views technology. Rather than viewing digital tools as optional extras, FM leaders are positioning technology investment as essential to delivering measurable business outcomes, complementing the work of employees who provide irreplaceable sector expertise and strategic value.
With 96 per cent of respondents having established frameworks to track and measure technology outcomes, FM leaders are taking a data-driven approach to justifying and evaluating their digital transformation initiatives. This disciplined approach ensures investments are aligned with tangible performance improvements and service delivery enhancements.
Cormac Sheils, Chief Operating Officer, Bidvest Noonan said: “What stands out in this research is that the conversation has moved on. FM leaders aren’t asking whether to invest in technology, they’re asking how to make it work. The fact that service quality ranks almost as highly as efficiency as a driver tells you something important: this isn’t just about cutting costs anymore, it’s about raising standards. That shift changes everything about how technology should be selected and deployed.”
To download the full report click here.
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
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Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
