FEATURE FLEXIBILITY FIRST
Mark Hazelwood, MD at Q3 Services, looks at why subscription-based facilities management is gaining ground.
As the dynamics of the workplace continue to evolve, the systems that support these spaces are being called into question. Traditional FM models, long considered the gold standard for ensuring operational continuity, are beginning to show their limitations - particularly for organisations that value flexibility, scalability and financial agility.
A new model of delivery In this shifting landscape, a new model of FM delivery is emerging. Subscription-based FM, where services are accessed on a rolling, as-needed basis, are steadily gaining traction. Rather than replacing traditional contracts, this approach offers a more adaptive alternative for those businesses that find fixed, long- term arrangements increasingly incompatible with their operating realities.
“Instead of locking into a comprehensive package of support, organisations can choose the services they need at any given moment.”
Moving beyond predictability For many years, the standard FM contract has been built around predictability. Businesses would enter into multi-year agreements covering a suite of bundled services - everything from planned maintenance and cleaning to compliance monitoring and energy management. This model worked well when office occupancy was stable and predictable, and facilities requirements changed little over time.
Today’s business environment tells a different story. Hybrid working patterns, fluctuating office usage, and rapid organisational growth have altered how companies occupy and manage space. Businesses no longer remain tethered to a single location or workstyle, and their estates often expand or contract in line with demand. As a result, fixed FM contracts can feel misaligned with the pace and rhythm of modern operations.
Accessing what you need, when you
need it Subscription-based FM addresses this by enabling businesses to access professional services in a more modular, flexible way. Instead of locking into a
24 | TOMORROW’S FM
comprehensive package of support, organisations can choose the services they need at any given moment - be it a one-off compliance inspection, reactive maintenance call-out, or a short-term cleaning solution during peak usage periods. These services are often coordinated through a centralised platform or provider, ensuring that flexibility does not come at the cost of continuity or oversight.
Resilience through agility Resilience is another significant advantage. As organisations navigate everything from economic uncertainty to workforce shifts and environmental demands, the ability to respond quickly to change has become a defining feature of successful operations. Subscription FM, by its very nature, supports that responsiveness. It allows for rapid mobilisation of services without needing to renegotiate terms or expand permanent headcount. Whether the requirement is for urgent lift repair, a seasonal deep clean, or a health and safety review prompted by new legislation, the necessary support can be deployed without delay.
Avoiding fragmentation There is, understandably, a concern that this flexibility might come at the cost of coherence. Commissioning FM services piecemeal has the potential to result in gaps or inconsistencies, particularly when multiple contractors are engaged without a single point of accountability. However, many subscription-based FM models have addressed this by integrating services under a unified coordination layer. This approach ensures that while services are modular, the management of them remains centralised. Compliance records, maintenance logs and performance metrics are housed in one place, giving clients a clear, consolidated view of their estate’s health.
“Commissioning FM services piecemeal has the potential to result in gaps or inconsistencies"
Built for the real world It’s worth noting that this model is not limited to niche businesses or start-ups. While it is proving particularly valuable for organisations transitioning out of managed workspaces or those with fluctuating occupancy, the principles of subscription FM are equally applicable to regional businesses with multiple sites, professional service firms, and public sector organisations facing
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
