As someone who knows first-hand how good the FM team can be at adding value – whether it be in terms of branding or cost – to an organisation, Jeynes was the ideal addition to the group. Jeynes made the point that ‘If FM isn’t promoting itself as a function that supports, develops and enhances the brand, there’s a danger it will be defined solely by its shortcomings.’

Talk turned to Professional Services teams, who are often the first view clients get of a company’s brand. Jeynes put forward some of Larch’s experiences of how clients from different types of firms can react very differently to reception or catering services, giving the group pause for thought (and leading to a discussion about biscuits…).

See the full report on the session in FM World’s latest digital edition.

The attendees were treated to an excellent introductory session by Sahar Hashemi, founder of Coffee Republic, and an inspirational speech at the drinks reception from Ruby McGregor-Smith, CEO of Mitie Group PLC. During the day, the informative sessions were split into four ‘hubs’: Workplace, People, Competitive Advantage and ThinkFM Lab. Particular highlights for Larch were the Education case study based on the move for The University of the Arts to their new home in King’s Cross/St Pancras, and Driving Efficiencies through Effective Collaboration, a session that outlined the success of the BS 11000 certification.

Of course, our favourite session was led by Larch’s MD, Lucy Jeynes, and introduced our sourcing decision model. Lucy’s session was full of useful information and tips to help organisations decide the best way to have their FM needs looked after. Lucy took her extensive experience of advising clients whether in-house FM, out-sourced TFM or a multitude of different providers are right for them, and turned her knowledge into a few key points. Not only was this an incredibly useful session for the clients in the room, it also got us all thinking about how vital the right FM solution can be.

Over the last few months, Larch’s Consultants have been winning awards left, right and centre. First, Caroline Plane was published in Facilities Journal (adding published author to her long list of accolades) and was then named as one FMx Magazine’s 40 under Forty. And then two of our Senior Consultants, Chris Rowe and Lee Griffin, were listed as 2 of the top 35 in the Facilities Management sector by FM World in their Rising Stars competition.

We know that our consulting team is the best in the business, but it’s nice to have it confirmed every now and then.

It makes sense, therefore, that Lucy Jeynes, Larch’s Managing Director, was the perfect choice to interview one of FM’s founders and gurus – Martin Pickard. From discussing where they both first hear the term ‘FM’ (and what they thought when they did) to the conclusion that ‘a lot of customers are not getting the basic FM service they want’, this is a fascinating piece that gives a good insight into the career path of an FM legend.

Read the interview in the FM World magazine or in their digital edition.

Larch’s Managing Director, Lucy Jeynes, is now tweeting daily (@LarchLucy) about FM news stories, our successes and fascinating insights into the sector.

Carrying out a large scale change improvement programme whilst maintaining customer relations and expectations at one of the top and most distinguished universities in the UK is a tall order in itself – especially when services and a statutory compliance regime need to continue uninterrupted to approximately 350+ buildings that vary significantly in location and complexity. Larch decided early on that in order to ensure complete success of the project, the effective planning and monitoring of the programme’s overall progress, a lead project manager from Larch should be based onsite with the UoB teams.

This was a complex, time-sensitive and challenging change programme involving many departments within UoB. A strong and close onsite working relationship was vital. As always, Larch invested a great deal of time understanding the University’s objectives so we could apply the appropriate resource, knowledge and experience.

Patrick Finch from the University of Bristol commented ‘I am very grateful for all of the commitment and support Larch has provided and have no doubt that the maintenance teams are in better shape now because of that. Your contribution is greatly valued.’ We were also thrilled with another successfully completed project and look forward to working with the University again soon.

The debate will be held at the Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road. More information can be found on the event’s website.

Just 35 young Facilities Managers were named on this prestigious list, leaving us incredibly proud of Lee and Chris.

Lee and Chris attended a special reception at Heron Tower, London for the Rising Stars and more information on the other recipients of the award will be available in the next issue of FM World Magazine.

Nigel Dews from Harrow Green, one of the judges, commented that the strong list shows how the FM industry is ‘attracting talented and ambitious young people who will continue to take the sector forward’. We know that Caroline will have a huge impact on the future of FM and we look forward to watching her blossom even further. Well done (again!), Caroline.

Too see the complete list, take a look at the article in FMx’s latest issue.