FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Maintenance costs, as measured by the BCIS All-in Maintenance Cost Indices, are set to rise 15 per cent over the five years to 4Q2030, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).
Cleaning costs are expected to rise by 23 per cent over the same period, largely driven by increasing labour costs, while energy costs are forecast to decline overall by around 3 per cent between 2025 and 2030.
Dr David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at BCIS, said: “The UK facility management sector is operating in a challenging environment, with slow economic growth, persistent inflationary pressures and continued volatility in global energy markets.
“While repair and maintenance (R&M) output is expected to grow over the forecast period, pressure on labour costs, combined with uncertainty around energy prices, means organisations will need to keep a close focus on cost control.”
Despite the challenging backdrop, R&M output is expected to grow modestly over the forecast period.
However, escalating geopolitical tensions associated with the conflict in Iran, alongside rising energy costs, are likely to weigh on economic confidence and investment, potentially constraining the pace of growth.
It is too early to fully assess the economic implications. However, a prolonged period of elevated energy prices could sustain broader inflationary pressures and slow the pace of monetary easing.
R&M output is forecast to increase by 9 per cent between 2025 and 2030, having increased by an expected 1.7 per cent in 2025.
Dr Crosthwaite said: “Political instability in the Middle East has contributed to disruptions in global oil and gas supply chains, leading to sharp increases in wholesale energy prices and renewed inflationary risks in the UK economy.
“In this uncertain environment, organisations that prioritise energy efficiency and long-term strategic planning are likely to be better positioned to maintain operational continuity and financial stability.”
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.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
