Building and maintaining long-standing FM relationships

Good FM relationships is the key to our success!

We at Phosters FM pride ourselves on our many long-standing client contract relationships, with an average existing contract length of well over 5 years, we feel we know a thing or two about maintaining and growing Facilities Management (FM) contracts. Establishing and maintaining any long-standing business relationships, specifically for TFM, M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) Maintenance and Commercial Cleaning, is not an easy task but with perseverance and close working partnerships, they will provide numerous benefits to both client and the provider.

Here are our thoughts on some of the key advantages that can be gained by working collaboratively and continually developing a working client/supplier partnership:

1. Enhanced Knowledge and Expertise:

   Over time, the FM company develops extensive knowledge and expertise, specific to the client’s property estate and the assets held within. This accumulated experience enables the service provider to offer tailored solutions, address complex issues more efficiently, and deliver higher quality of service.

2. Efficient Preventive Maintenance:

   With a long-standing relationship, the FM provider gains a deep understanding of the client’s M&E systems and equipment. This knowledge allows them to implement effective planned preventive maintenance (PPM) programs, identifying potential problems before they escalate into major issues. Regular maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of equipment, minimise downtime, and optimise operational efficiency.

3. Cost Savings:

   Long-term relationships in the FM arena can result in cost savings for both parties involved. The service provider becomes familiar with the client’s budgetary constraints and objectives, enabling them to develop cost-effective maintenance and cleaning regimes. Additionally, the FM provider may leverage their long-standing relationship to negotiate favourable pricing with suppliers and specialist subcontractors, passing on additional savings to the client.

4. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

   Through a long-standing business relationship, the FM company and the client can engage in continuous improvement and innovation. Regular communication and feedback facilitate the identification of areas for improvement, leading to the implementation of new technologies, processes and strategies that can enhance efficiency, sustainability and overall effectiveness.

5. Seamless Integration and Coordination:

   Long-term relationships foster seamless integration and coordination between the FM provider, the client, and other stakeholders. The service provider becomes an integral part of the client’s operations, understanding their business processes, objectives and requirements. This deep integration facilitates smoother collaboration and minimises business disruption or downtime during maintenance and cleaning activities.

6. Trust and Reliability:

   Long-standing relationships build trust and reliability between the FM provider and client. The client can have confidence in the service provider’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality M&E maintenance and commercial cleaning services. This trust ensures peace of mind and allows the client to focus on their core business activities.

7. Customised Service Delivery:

   As the relationship continues to mature, the FM company can tailor their services to meet the unique needs and preferences of the client. This customisation may include specific cleaning schedules, maintenance plans, reporting formats or reactive response times. By aligning the services with the client’s requirements, the FM company can provide a more personalised and satisfactory experience.

8. Value-Added Services:

   Long-term relationships often enable FM companies to offer value-added services beyond routine maintenance and cleaning. They may provide additional support such as energy management, sustainability initiatives, compliance monitoring and asset lifecycle planning. These value-added services contribute to the client’s overall operational efficiency and long-term success.

In summary, developing and maintaining long-standing business relationships in facilities management can offer many benefits such, but not limited to, enhanced knowledge and expertise, efficient preventive maintenance, cost savings, continuous improvement and innovation, seamless integration and coordination, trust and reliability, customised service delivery and value-added services. These advantages contribute to a productive working partnership, ensuring the client’s property estate operates smoothly and efficiently.

If you would like to start your journey today to creating a long-standing solution for your FM needs… Please contact us today and you too can benefit from our extensive experience.

info@phosters.co.uk

#reliabilityasstandard