How technology, strategy, and compliance are reshaping FM across the UK
Facilities managers today are responsible for far more than flickering lights and leaky taps. From reducing carbon emissions to ensuring compliance with new legislation, their role is evolving fast—and the tools they use are, too.
From Fix-It to Future-Focused
The job of facilities management (FM) has changed significantly. Once seen as a behind-the-scenes operational role, FM is now a key strategic driver for businesses aiming to reduce costs, improve safety, and meet ESG targets.
The International Organisation for Standardisation defines it as the “organisational function which integrates people, place and process within the built environment to improve the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business.”
In short, it’s about making sure everything in a building works, works well, and works toward the company’s goals.
Why Now? Compliance, Cost, and Carbon
Facilities managers in the UK are facing a perfect storm of pressures:
- The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced the concept of a “Golden Thread”—a requirement to maintain digital records of safety-critical building information throughout the property’s lifecycle.
- Non-compliance fines are steep, averaging £150,000 per violation.
- Building inefficiencies cost time, money, and reputation—especially with stakeholders demanding greener operations.
Salaries reflect the increased responsibility. Entry-level FM roles start at around £26,000, rising to £50,000+ for experienced professionals.
Old-School FM Can’t Keep Up
Many organisations are still stuck with outdated, reactive approaches to maintenance—52-week paper planners, lost work orders, and systems that don’t talk to each other.
As one industry expert put it:
“Getting work order management right is harder than you might think. A manual approach often is the problem.”
And it’s costing them. One in four FM teams can’t track their training activities. Over a third of facility managers admit their organisations exceed budget on hazard repair work. Lack of real-time insight means minor issues escalate quickly—and avoidably.
Enter: Smart Facilities Management
Modern FM tools, especially cloud-based software and IoT sensors, are transforming the game. Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems centralise asset data, automate maintenance scheduling, and keep teams in sync.
The Benefits of Tech-Driven FM:
- Real-time monitoring of critical systems
- Predictive maintenance to spot issues before they become problems
- Mobile access to assign and complete jobs from anywhere
- Energy savings of up to 30% in smart buildings
- Cost reductions of 20–25% from better efficiency and fewer breakdowns
According to Deloitte, predictive maintenance can:
- Increase productivity by 25%
- Reduce breakdowns by 70%
- Lower maintenance costs by 25%
As Chris Ashworth, CIO at Hermes, puts it:
“We’re driving a proper digital transformation and moving to consumption-based infrastructure. Scaling legacy systems just doesn’t work anymore.”
Greener Buildings Start with Facilities
Facilities managers are now central to meeting sustainability targets. Buildings contribute to 40% of global energy use and 36% of CO₂ emissions, making the built environment a key focus for change.
What Facilities Managers Are Doing:
- Installing smart meters to monitor real-time energy and water use
- Rolling out water-saving fixtures—essential, since non-household water use accounts for 30% of the UK’s total
- Using software to reduce engineer site visits and fuel emissions
- Implementing recycling and circular procurement practices
- Increasing HVAC efficiency through AI-assisted controls
And it’s working. FM teams using digital dashboards report 80% less time spent compiling reports and better decision-making thanks to live data.
Facilities Managers as Strategic Operators
The modern FM leader needs to blend technical know-how with business insight and people skills. They’re not just fixing buildings—they’re helping organisations adapt, scale, and stay compliant.
In fact, 73% of FM professionals now believe they play a key role in their organisation’s strategic planning.
Final Word
Whether you’re managing a high-rise office block, a multi-site retail estate, or a university campus, the role of FM is more critical—and more complex—than ever.
Modernising your facilities strategy with the right mix of technology, training, and strategic foresight isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Want to manage your buildings better? Talk to us about our facilities management tools.
