The FM Fix

Behind the scenes of Hospitality FM

Josh & Tom — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:56:12 +0000

As Maintenance Manager (now Facilities Manager!) at Flat Iron, Lily oversees the maintenance function across hospitality sites where uptime, safety, and guest experience are non-negotiable. From urgent reactive issues to planned upgrades, refurbishments, and contractor performance, her role sits right at the intersection of operations, finance, and people management.

In this episode of The FM Fix, we talk about what it really takes to keep busy hospitality spaces running smoothly behind the scenes. We unpack how to balance reactive maintenance with long-term improvements, how to build contractor partnerships that actually deliver value, and how communication can make or break day-to-day operations. Lily also shares lessons from working in fast-paced, multi-site environments, managing budgets, and staying calm when downtime simply isn’t an option.

Leading Change in FM: People, Performance, and Place

Josh & Tom — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:47:51 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Stacey Kelly, Director of Facilities Services at Apleona Ireland, who oversees more than 150 sites across retail, manufacturing, corporate, and public sector portfolios. With over a decade in FM and leadership roles spanning everything from Aldi stores to pharmaceutical plants, Stacey brings a unique perspective on what it takes to manage large, multi-site operations while keeping people and performance at the centre. Her approach combines strategy with empathy, aligning client goals, team development, and service excellence to create seamless, scalable FM solutions. We explore how to lead through change, build trust across teams and clients, and keep standards high in a 24/7 operational world. Stacey also shares insights into mentorship, upskilling, and creating pathways for new FM talent, proving that great leadership isn’t just about process, but about people. For any FM aiming to step up into senior leadership or manage multi-site complexity with confidence, this episode is packed with lessons in culture, communication, and continuous improvement.

Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Josh & Tom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:25:21 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, Tom chats with Sonia Murton, founder and managing director of Westbury FM, a company that has rapidly scaled to become one of the Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing private companies. Sonia shares her inspiring journey from project management to launching her own FM business, revealing the challenges she faced and the strategies she employed to earn client trust and enhance ROI. Tom and Sonia discuss the crucial balance between adopting technology and maintaining that essential human touch in facilities management. Tune in to gain insights from Sonia’s real-world experiences, and discover how she transformed obstacles into opportunities in the ever-evolving FM landscape.

Inside Currys FM: Delivering Compliance, Cost Control, and Change

Josh & Tom — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:35:26 -0100

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Tom Gardener, Senior Facilities Manager at Currys, one of the UK’s largest and most recognisable retail brands. Tom oversees facilities for hundreds of properties across the UK, managing an operational FM budget of around £14 million and CAPEX projects up to £2.7 million. With experience spanning retail, banking, logistics, and the public sector, he brings a rare combination of commercial strategy and on-the-ground operational insight. We dive into how Tom has driven tangible results, from cutting compliance risks by nearly half and saving £746,000 in annual energy costs, to delivering major remediation and sustainability programmes across a national estate. He shares what it really takes to balance cost, compliance, and customer experience at scale and how data, technology, and teamwork come together to make it work. For FMs managing large portfolios, tight budgets, or complex compliance challenges, this episode offers real-world lessons on delivering results that matter.

Day in the Life of FM: Real Work, Real Impact

Josh & Tom — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:11:08 -0100

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Leanne, Facilities Manager at Oliver Bonas, whose decade-long career spans retail, manufacturing, and health & safety. Leanne has built her career from the ground up, from coordinating maintenance for 150 Screwfix stores to managing complex manufacturing facilities at G&H Photonics and now leading FM for one of the UK’s best-known retail brands. Along the way, she’s implemented CMMS systems, driven preventive maintenance programmes, and built strong contractor networks all while keeping people and safety at the heart of operations. We talk about what FM really looks like behind the scenes, the misconceptions that hold the profession back, and how FMs can raise their voices and visibility across their organisations. Leanne also shares her take on the metrics that matter, the growing importance of ESG, and how to build a career in FM that’s both people-first and future-focused. Whether you’re new to FM or deep in the day-to-day, this one’s a candid, relatable look at the reality of the job and how to make it more valued.

Turning Building Data into Business Value

Josh & Tom — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:23:14 -0100

Michael has built and scaled businesses that make smart buildings simpler, with a clear focus on outcomes that matter: healthier spaces, reduced costs, and measurable ROI. His mantra, “start with objectives, end with outcomes,” cuts through the jargon and helps FMs make technology deliver real value. We dig into what smart buildings really mean in practice, how to turn the data you already have into actionable insights, and why indoor air quality and wellbeing are climbing fast on the FM agenda. Michael also shares practical advice on linking technology adoption to financial outcomes, future skills every FM will need, and how AI and automation are reshaping the built environment.

FM at Scale: Lessons in Leadership and Delivery

Josh & Tom — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:03:02 -0100

In this episode of The FM Fix, I sit down with Grant Burrows, a seasoned expert in facilities management, to explore the intricacies of modern FM operations. With a wealth of experience leading national facilities portfolios, Grant shares insights on transforming data into actionable strategies that elevate performance and compliance. We discuss the everyday realities of FM, from managing unexpected issues to implementing preventative maintenance that saves costs and minimises downtime. Grant emphasises the importance of teamwork and communication in fostering a strong FM culture while highlighting how to make the value of FM visible to senior leadership. Tune in for practical tips on leveraging data and enhancing operational efficiency in the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management.

Inside FM’s Recruitment Challenges

Josh & Tom — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:29:09 -0100

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Chris Sycamore, Associate Director at Cobalt Recruitment, who’s spent over a decade helping organisations across the UK build exceptional FM teams. Recruitment is the backbone of every successful facilities operation, and right now, it’s tougher than ever. From engineering shortages and rising salary expectations to the growing demand for digital and sustainability skills, the FM talent landscape is shifting fast. Chris lifts the lid on what’s really happening behind the hiring headlines, what great FM leaders do differently when recruiting, how the best candidates stand out, and why culture fit and customer service mindset are now non-negotiables. Whether you’re hiring, job-hunting, or simply curious about where the FM workforce is heading next, this conversation is packed with sharp insight, practical advice, and a few home truths about the people side of the industry.

Brains, Boots & Burnout: Rethinking the FM Workforce

Josh & Tom — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:17:31 -0100

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Adam Mason, Deputy Director of Estates & Campus Services at the University of Portsmouth, to explore one of the biggest questions facing FM leaders today: how do we build, support, and retain the workforce of the future? With a career spent leading large, complex estates and building high-performing teams, Adam shares his top tips on supporting people through every stage of their journey from onboarding to development, and everything in between. We’ll talk flexible working, salary pressures, wellbeing, career progression, and how FM leaders can create environments where teams don’t just survive, they thrive. Expect honest takes, smart strategies, and a fresh perspective on how to future-proof your FM operation.

Doing the Job and Changing the Game

Josh & Tom — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:20:10 +0000

In this episode, we chat with Andrew Hulbert, founder of Pareto FM and all-round industry shaker-upper, about what it really looks like to lead in FM right now. From budget pressure and net zero targets to ED&I and the rise of AI, we cover the practical wins, the missed opportunities, and the big shifts still to come. Andrew shares why now’s the time for FM to stop playing small, whether that’s reframing value, owning culture, or finally ditching the tick-box approach to tech and inclusion. This one’s packed with straight talk, smart ideas, and a fresh take on what’s possible when FM steps up, speaks out, and does things differently.

The Bright Side of Smart FM

Josh & Tom — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:01:21 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Rob Starbuck, Head of Engineering & Sustainability EMEA at Frasers Hospitality UK and someone who knows exactly where the industry’s energy is going, and where it’s being wasted. Rob takes the temperature on the energy challenges facilities teams are facing today from rising costs and ageing infrastructure to the mounting pressure to hit sustainability targets. We dig into how smart FM is helping businesses cut energy waste, boost efficiency, and make better decisions all while staying ahead of compliance and proving ROI on a global scale.

Getting FM’s Green Balance Right

Josh & Tom — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:59:14 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, I sit down with Richard Dixon, the co-founder and CEO of Play It Green, to explore how facilities management (FM) can lead the charge in sustainability. Richard shares his journey from working in nature repair in Tanzania to founding a B Corp that helps businesses reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity and profit. We discuss the pivotal role FM plays in sustainability, from managing energy and waste to driving culture change. Richard emphasises the importance of education, transparency, and starting small to create lasting impact. We also delve into the evolving expectations of Gen Z and the growing importance of ESG strategies for attracting talent and investment. Tune in to learn practical steps for integrating sustainability into your business and making a positive impact.

Living in an FM world and I am an FM girl

Josh & Tom — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:19:09 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, we’re joined by Danielle Bush, Facilities Manager at Everyman, who’s proving that FM isn’t just a man’s world it’s for every woman, too. Danielle lifts the lid on what it’s really like to step into a male-dominated space, the barriers still facing women in the industry, and why it’s time we smashed a few ceilings (not just the suspended ones). From first jobs to first site visits, we explore how to attract more women into FM, how leaders can create space for more diverse talent, and what the next generation of FMs really need to thrive. Whether you're in the field, in the office, or just finding your feet, this one's packed with honesty, inspiration, and a fresh take on what a modern FM team should look like.

Fixing FM from the Inside Out

Josh & Tom — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:54:52 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, I sit down with Mark Whitaker, a leading voice in the facilities management industry and the founder of the Association for Professional Standards in Asset Surveying (APSAS). We explore the pressing need for professional standards in asset surveying, especially for mechanical and electrical assets. Mark shares the journey of launching APSAS, the importance of quality asset data, and how it can transform FM strategies. We also discuss the evolving role of FM professionals post-COVID, the significance of mental health awareness in the workplace, and initiatives to attract young talent to the industry. Join us as we delve into how FM can be advanced from the inside out.

How Elite Gyms Stay Fighting Fit

Josh & Tom — Thu, 29 May 2025 11:16:07 +0000

In this episode of The FM Fix, I sit down with Kevin Short, Global Head of Facilities at Ultimate Performance, to explore the secrets behind keeping elite gyms in top shape. Kevin shares his journey from recruitment to facility management, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance and robust service provider partnerships. We discuss the challenges of managing a global portfolio, including time zone hurdles and the need for seamless communication. Kevin also highlights the role of technology, such as CAFM systems, in streamlining operations and ensuring minimal downtime. As gyms continue to expand, Kevin stresses the importance of preparing the next generation of facility managers. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of maintaining high standards in the competitive gym industry.