FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The revamped ISS office in Stoke, which is home to ISS’ Contact Centre and Security Operations Centre, has officially reopened.
The new office demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the area, with flexibility to accommodate a growing number of staff. A “showroom for growth”, ISS says its opening lays the groundwork for local job creation to build on its team of 30,000 Placemakers across the UK and Ireland.
ISS welcomed the Country Leadership Team to officially open the new office on 7 March following a full refurbishment in 2022.
The revitalised office is a showcase for sustainability in many forms. Energy efficiency was a priority, with smart energy and lighting, insulation and solar panels. All gas services have been replaced to reduce Scope 1 emissions, saving approximately 2250kg of carbon annually.
The design draws on ISS’ Scandinavian heritage, with warm natural design elements including wood and plants to helping create a sense of calm. The new design also brings the outside in, allowing people to enjoy the canal-side setting in a new pergola adjacent to the dining area.
The office is flexible, supporting different working and meeting styles. Wellbeing is a priority, with desks located closer to windows for natural light, and investment in food facilities.
As well as social sustainability through investing in the local economy and workforce, the project used local suppliers to deliver the improvements.
ISS UK & Ireland CEO, Liz Benison praised the office in the opening speech. She said: “It’s not just a building; it’s got a soul.”
Later, on LinkedIn Benison commented: “Why stop at levelling up when you can go beyond? So proud to officially open our newly renovated Stoke Office. A now beautiful workplace, with a real heart, Stoke is reimagined as our Operational Support Centre and a new home for our Security Operations Centre amongst other critical operational services.
“A long term investment in quality jobs in the Stoke area, and a manifestation of our belief that great workplaces inspire great work.
“A triumph by our capital projects and properties teams, and our workplace expertise.”
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.
