LEISURE AND RETAIL FACIL ITIES
Also high on the business agenda is sustainability; another non-traditional area where facilities management can add real value. From reducing energy and water usage, to influencing the materials used and waste processes implemented for new build or refurbished stores, there are many areas where the knowledge and expertise of the facilities management professional can add to not just the bottom line, but also brand reputation which in turn, enhances the overall customer experience.
Technology has a significant role to plan in the management of a physical store portfolio. There’s an emergence of cutting-edge technologies in the market that shift the focus from reactive management into a space that is much more planned and proactive. Building energy management systems (BeMS) are now all encompassing and can make the integration of new lighting, heating and security systems seamless, whether in a new build or retrofitting into older store stock.
“Across much of the UK high street and beyond, many brands are
dealing with ageing infrastructures and legacy systems that haven’t been upgraded or replaced in many years.”
technology not working, staff not being able answer a stock question or a parent unable to navigate their child’s pushchair between the walkways all leave a poor perception of the brand experience and can be quickly tweeted, put on Instagram or videoed to be shared without a second thought.
Cost, available budgets and a continuous drive for efficiencies, however, continue to hamper the adoption of many of the systems and technology that in the long terms, would drive even more effective facilities management. Across much of the UK high street and beyond, many brands are dealing with ageing infrastructures and legacy systems that haven’t been upgraded or replaced in many years. Add to this the relentless challenges of rising energy and service costs, it is up to FMs to show how they can make a difference to help combat shrinking margins.
Energy is a great example, as there are some sophisticated solutions to help forecast and predict energy requirements and they don’t all break the bank. Armed with such rich data and with the array of solutions now available, FMs are able to deliver much more bespoke and cost-effective energy contracts into their store portfolio, meaning greater cost-efficiencies that can potentially be invested elsewhere.
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These systems also come loaded with Business Intelligence reporting capability, meaning that facilities managers have more data than ever before at their fingertips to not only retrospectively report on performance but also to get ahead of it, predicting where investment is needed and able to articulate based on evidence the business case for doing so. This supports the more strategic capability that the profession can bring, complimenting work in areas such as procurement and finance.
In our line of work, we’re increasingly looking to facilities management in the same way we do procurement as a key partner to retail space transformation. These professionals are key to making sure that we are proposing solutions that are not only fit for purpose, but also fit for the future whether a brand has large flagship stores or smaller, local operations. It’s the facilities manager who will be left making sure these systems and solutions drive the benefits expected into the future, so it’s right that they’re at the table from the very beginning.
Facilities management in retail is a complex role due to the breadth and multi-faceted nature of the work involved. However, when retail leaders are educated to fully understand the contribution that this profession can bring, the true power of the bricks and mortar shopping experience can really be brought to life. After all, who else is going to keep the wi-fi switched on?
www.sigmagrp.co.uk/ TOMORROW’S FM | 41
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