FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Irvine-headquartered construction property and investment business, Edison Group, has announced a four-day working week for all employees.
The new regime, which will guarantee all 60 Edison Group employees three days off each week: either Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or Saturday, Sunday and Monday, while maintaining existing salary levels, will be introduced over the coming months.
The company’s subsidiary, Glasgow-based construction, project management, interior fit-out and property maintenance business GDC Design, which Edison Group acquired late last year, has already been successfully trialling the four day week approach.
Chief Executive, Calum Melville, said: “Our 22 colleagues at GDC recently completed a significant public sector project in west central Scotland on time, and on budget by hitting every milestone, working a four-day week.
“All stakeholders, including our clients, benefit from this approach. The cost of living crisis is making things hard enough for most people already, so reducing the working week by a day results in a range of benefits, most importantly reduced stress, which in turn leads to improved mental health, a better work-life balance and enhanced quality of family life.
“In addition, from 1 April this year and as part of our aim to be an ’employer of choice’, all of our colleague will be provided with access to private healthcare.”
Edison Group recently opened its new offices in High Street, Irvine and has been highly active in growing and acquiring complementary businesses in the construction and property sector.
Melville added: “We remain firmly in the market to acquire businesses that are complementary to our group activities and are projecting sales of £20 million on a rolling 12-month basis by the end of 2023, driven both by further, already-planned strategic acquisitions and organic growth.
“We are investing substantial sums to build an infrastructure and platform to drive growth over the next few years with an expanded offering which includes construction, project management, architectural services, bespoke joinery, furniture manufacture, interior design, interior fit out, all trades, driveways, landscaping, property maintenance and refurbishment.”
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
