What do facility management companies do in the UK?
Facility management companies in the UK help businesses operate smoothly by maintaining their physical environments. They handle technical services such as HVAC maintenance, electrical system checks and plumbing repairs while also managing cleaning, safety, and compliance. Their role supports productivity, reduces risk, and ensures that workspaces are safe, functional and comfortable.
What Do We Cover In This Article?
What is Facility Management?
Facility management is the professional discipline of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and processes within it. In the UK, this function is recognised and defined by standards such as ISO 41011 and is supported by organisations including the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
This work includes asset management, health and safety, energy efficiency, and maintaining operational continuity. Facility managers are responsible for both hard services like building systems and soft services like cleaning and security.
What services do facility management companies provide?
Building and systems maintenance
Facility management companies ensure that essential building systems remain operational. This includes heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, fire alarms, and plumbing. They handle both planned preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to reduce downtime and keep assets in reliable condition.
Health and safety compliance
UK facility managers play a vital role in helping businesses comply with legal obligations under regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act. They oversee risk assessments, fire safety plans, first aid provision and the management of hazardous substances. Their work reduces the likelihood of accidents and fines.
Cleaning, hygiene and waste
A clean environment contributes to employee wellbeing and productivity. Facility services often include commercial cleaning, sanitisation protocols, waste disposal and recycling programmes. This is especially important in settings such as healthcare, food production and education.
Workplace security
Professional FM firms can coordinate or provide services such as CCTV surveillance, access control, key holding, perimeter monitoring and incident response. These services protect employees, visitors and property while supporting compliance with data protection and insurance standards.
Managing third party contractors
Rather than hiring separate providers, businesses can rely on one FM partner to oversee contractors. Facility managers manage service level agreements, quality control, and communication to ensure consistency and accountability.
Space and asset management
FM companies support space planning to improve workflow and reduce operational waste. They may also assist with moves and changes, workspace optimisation and asset tracking, which can improve energy use and reduce costs.
Technology support
Facility managers also manage building management systems and integrated workplace management platforms. These tools support tasks like room bookings, maintenance scheduling and occupancy monitoring. Technology is used to streamline operations and produce data that informs better decision making.
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What is the difference between an office manager and a facility manager?
Office manager responsibilities
An office manager typically handles day to day administrative tasks, including managing supplies, arranging meetings and supporting internal communication. They might help coordinate building access and liaise with vendors but generally focus on supporting teams and processes.
Facility manager responsibilities
A facility manager ensures the building itself runs efficiently. Their duties include managing technical systems, overseeing cleaning and security, coordinating contractors and ensuring legal compliance. They often lead on sustainability initiatives and emergency planning.
Where the roles meet
Office managers and facility managers frequently collaborate. For example, if a printer breaks or a light stops working, the office manager may raise a request which the facility manager then resolves. In smaller firms, the roles may overlap more closely.
What qualifications are needed for a career in facilities management?
IWFM accredited courses
The IWFM offers qualifications from Level 2 for entry level professionals to Level 7 for strategic leaders. These courses cover workplace strategy, compliance, service delivery and project management.
NEBOSH and IOSH certification
For those involved in safety and risk, NEBOSH and IOSH qualifications are often expected. These credentials demonstrate the ability to manage hazards and meet safety regulations.
Key skills and experience
Facility managers benefit from a background in engineering, property, or operations. They also need communication skills, budget awareness, and the ability to manage time and resources effectively. Employers increasingly look for familiarity with CAFM software and sustainability reporting tools.
Why do businesses outsource facility management?
Many organisations choose to outsource facility services rather than manage them internally. This can bring cost savings, service consistency and access to specialist knowledge.
Advantages of using an FM company
Outsourcing means businesses do not need to recruit and train dedicated staff. Instead, they benefit from a service that includes compliance monitoring, 24 hour emergency response, and sector specific expertise. This approach improves operational efficiency and allows teams to focus on their core work.
What to consider before outsourcing
It is important to have a clear service level agreement that outlines expectations, responsibilities and response times. Regular performance reviews and open communication help maintain quality and adapt services to changing needs.
If you are weighing up the benefits of outsourcing, ready our facilities management service page which compares in house versus outsourced facility management compares both approaches and explains what to ask potential providers.
What types of facility management services are available in the UK?
Facility management providers offer a broad set of services depending on the building type, sector and compliance needs. These services are commonly divided into two main categories.
Hard facilities management services
These refer to physical or structural maintenance. Common examples include electrical maintenance, plumbing, HVAC servicing, lighting systems and fire safety equipment. These services are essential for building safety and regulatory compliance.
Soft facilities management services
Soft services focus on the experience and comfort of building users. They include daily cleaning, window cleaning, groundskeeping, pest control, catering, reception management and internal post handling. These services support hygiene, productivity and the smooth running of workplaces.
Integrated or total facilities management
Some companies offer both hard and soft services through one contract. This is known as integrated facilities management or total facilities management. It simplifies communication and ensures consistency in service delivery across different needs.
Planned and reactive maintenance
Planned maintenance, also known as scheduled or preventive maintenance, involves regular checks and servicing of building systems. Reactive maintenance addresses issues as they arise, such as a leaking pipe or power failure. Many FM companies provide both to ensure systems are kept in working order while also being able to respond to urgent issues quickly.
What are the benefits of professional facility management?
Better performance across your business
A well maintained building allows people to work without unnecessary interruptions. When systems like heating or lighting work reliably, staff can focus on their tasks without distraction.
Improved compliance and fewer risks
Regular checks and documentation help businesses meet health and safety laws. Facility managers ensure fire alarms, emergency lighting, evacuation plans and safety training are up to date. This reduces the chance of accidents and potential legal issues.
More comfortable and healthier workplaces
Clean spaces with good ventilation and temperature control contribute to physical comfort and wellbeing. This can reduce sick days and help attract and keep skilled staff. It also shows that a company values its people.
Smarter use of space and resources
Facility managers help businesses plan how to use their buildings more efficiently. This might involve switching to energy saving equipment or reconfiguring layouts to better suit hybrid working. These changes can lead to savings and support environmental targets.
Stronger reputation
Well run buildings reflect well on the organisation that occupies them. Clients, partners and job applicants form impressions based on how a space looks and feels. A professionally managed building sends a clear message about standards and reliability.
What are the latest trends in UK facilities management?
Smarter buildings through automation
Facilities are becoming more data driven. With the rise of smart sensors and building management platforms, FM teams can monitor usage, detect issues early and plan maintenance more efficiently. This technology helps reduce energy consumption and running costs.
Supporting hybrid and flexible working
As many organisations move to hybrid work models, facility managers are helping reconfigure spaces. This includes flexible desk layouts, touchless access, better connectivity and enhanced ventilation. It also involves updating booking systems and occupancy tools.
Focus on sustainability and net zero targets
FM plays a key role in helping businesses meet their environmental goals. This includes energy monitoring, switching to LED lighting, managing recycling schemes and sourcing eco friendly suppliers. Many providers are aligning services with sustainability reporting frameworks.
Using analytics to improve decision making
With the use of CAFM software and workplace analytics, facility teams can identify patterns, forecast needs and plan investments. Data can show which areas are overused, underused or need improvement.
How do I choose the right facility management company in the UK?
Understand your needs first
Start by reviewing what your organisation needs help with. Is it maintenance, cleaning, energy efficiency or a full service arrangement? This will help narrow your search.
Look for sector experience
Choose a company that understands your industry. For example, FM in healthcare must meet CQC standards, while logistics sites need robust security and temperature control. You can read more about how facilities management varies across sectors to help assess fit.
Review case studies and references
Ask for examples of similar work and speak to other clients. This helps check reliability, flexibility and the ability to work around your operations.
Check compliance and accreditations
A reputable FM company will have ISO certifications, proper insurance and trained staff. Look for accreditations like SafeContractor or CHAS as indicators of quality.
Ensure good communication
A good FM provider will offer clear reporting, defined points of contact and regular check ins. This ensures that services stay aligned with your changing needs.
Facility management across different UK sectors
Healthcare
Hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes rely on facilities management to keep patients and staff safe. This includes infection control, clinical waste disposal, planned maintenance and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Education
Schools, colleges and universities need FM support for site safety, classroom cleaning, catering, groundskeeping and building maintenance. Facility teams help create environments that support learning.
Commercial and corporate
Offices require efficient cleaning, workplace comfort, energy management and helpdesk support. FM services can include managing front of house staff and maintaining meeting rooms and communal areas.
Logistics and industrial
Warehouse and distribution sites rely on facility managers for equipment servicing, safety inspections, contractor management and access control. Downtime can disrupt supply chains, so reliability is key.
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Whether you need 24 hour emergency coverage or support for a growing property portfolio, Double Check understands the pressures UK businesses face. Their team works closely with clients in healthcare, commercial offices, logistics and retail to build solutions that are practical and easy to manage.
Their integrated services ensure consistent delivery, fewer contractors to manage and clear accountability. Learn more about Double Check Security Group and how they can support your facility needs.
What challenges do facility managers face?
Staying on top of compliance
Laws change and so do health and safety expectations. Facility managers must keep systems, documents and practices current. Working with experienced providers helps stay ahead of requirements.
Managing many contractors
Coordinating electricians, cleaners, engineers and more can get complicated. Integrated FM services streamline the process by providing one team under one agreement.
Balancing cost with quality
Budgets are tight, but cutting corners can lead to bigger issues later. Using data and planned maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and improve service levels over time.
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How is technology improving facility management?
CAFM platforms for central control
Computer aided facility management systems allow users to log maintenance tasks, track assets, schedule services and generate reports from one platform. This improves visibility and helps teams stay organised.
Smart systems for efficiency
Smart meters, sensors and building automation tools help cut waste and reduce energy bills. They can also alert staff to problems early, avoiding disruption.
Mobile tools for faster response
Many facility teams now use apps to record issues on site, update progress or access safety documents. This improves speed, accountability and consistency across locations.
Summary
Facility management in the UK plays a central role in how buildings function, how businesses operate and how people feel at work. From maintenance and safety to cleaning and compliance, facility managers help companies stay on track and create better places to work and visit.
Working with a reliable FM company like Double Check Security Group brings experience, structure and peace of mind. With the right support, your building can be safer, cleaner, more efficient and easier to manage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hard and soft facilities management?
Hard FM covers building systems like electrics and plumbing. Soft FM includes services like cleaning, catering and front desk support.
How do I start a career in facility management?
You can enter through admin or maintenance roles, then gain IWFM qualifications and experience. Health and safety knowledge also helps.
Can small businesses benefit from using an FM company?
Yes. Even small offices benefit from outsourced cleaning, maintenance and compliance support. It can be more cost effective than hiring in house.
What should I check before hiring a facility management provider?
Look for relevant experience, industry certifications, positive references and clear service agreements.
Why is facility management important for business continuity?
It prevents costly downtime, keeps staff safe and ensures the workspace is fit for purpose every day.
