FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR’S VIEW
JASON TOWSE,
MITIE
The arrival of a new year is a great opportunity to consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As an industry, we have to balance a number of competing demands, from navigating economic pressures, the evolution of technology, through to grappling with how AI can streamline operational support without compromising on personal touch. At the same time, the ongoing war on talent and skills development means people must be prioritised alongside technology, investing in clearer career pathways to attract and retain talent. Furthermore, with sustainability expectations constantly rising, FM teams must increasingly be strategic partners in reducing net zero emissions.
Organisations that embrace these pressures as interconnected opportunities, rather than competing demands, are well positioned to thrive. These challenges are also an opportunity to prioritise responsible business practices, in turn strengthening relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers and wider communities.
In 2026, FM organisations that lead with fairness and integrity can set standards far beyond box ticking, delivering genuine cultural change while still tackling the external headwinds facing the industry. At Mitie, we’re already putting this into practice, embedding responsible business principles across everything we do. Examples of these include:
Putting People First
Colleague wellbeing has long been a priority for us and is essential for any employer aiming for a productive working environment which invites and nurtures talent. This kind of culture is built on strong foundations demonstrating integrity and respect such as championing the Real Living Wage. Beyond this, having robust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) practices in place to give people from all backgrounds opportunities to thrive brings new perspectives to our industry and ultimately makes us stronger.
Earning Trust Through Ethical Action
Focus on colleagues is just one aspect of building business resilience. By making ethical sourcing and strong relationships with suppliers the standard, we build trust and demonstrate our commitment to doing the right thing. Our business depends on our customers and their communities, so we must continue to evolve our practices to exceed their expectations.
Stepping up Sustainability
As an industry, we need to step up our environmental considerations and strategically cut carbon emissions. For us, that commitment has meant electrifying our fleet. Mitie already has more than 6,500 EVs on the road, and we’re integrating sustainable innovations throughout our FM practices, such as through our sustainable cleaning robots.
FM organisations can also invest in targeted training and skills development to build a workforce better equipped with the expertise to deliver sustainability initiatives and keep pace with evolving environmental expectations.
Responsibility as the Foundation for Stability
Responsible business practices play a significant role in helping organisations stay resilient, more stable and better prepared for challenges in both the FM industry and the wider economy. Frameworks such as the Good Business Charter set clear expectations for ethical behaviour and we are proud to have achieved accreditation alongside other values-driven organisations, both large and small.
Organisations that recognise the impact of their business decisions are better positioned to foster thriving communities and drive sustainable growth in 2026.
