CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate services, managing over 500 office buildings, with 115,000+ employees and operating in more than 100 countries.
Through our long-standing partnership, MAR FM has been successful in securing the prestigious status of a ‘CBRE approved contractor’ and as a result, manages soft services in a mixed portfolio of old and modern facilities, with varied purposes and infrastructure, across numerous geographical locations.
LOCATION VARIOUS, SOUTHEAST ENGLAND
BUILDING TYPE OFFICE / CAMPUS / RETAIL
RELATIONSHIP START DATE 2010
The Challenge
Located in the Covent Garden area of central London, this location features prestigious office and retail space, along with an elegant and popular public courtyard area. MAR was tasked with providing consolidated cleaning and associated services, for both the interior and exterior areas of the site.
Over a period, service performance had become sub-optimal on the site, a situation that had developed for several reasons, including:
A change to the overall requirements of the site, which it was agreed had not been clearly communicated by the client.
Staffing issues, including poor recruitment and retention rates, through inappropriate remuneration levels, elevated levels of absence and low morale.
Inefficiencies around associated support services, such as waste management and auxiliary soft FM services not being effectively co-ordinated, resulting in delays and ineffective operational performance.
The solution
MAR set about tackling these issues by developing and implementing a thorough but clear plan of remedial actions, ensuring that our client was collaboratively involved at all appropriate stages.
The plan highlights included:
Communication: A comprehensive review of the current situation was undertaken for discussion with the client. Clear expectations were outlined and improved Real London Living wage rates were implemented as a matter of priority. The need for improved cleanliness and efficient coordination of support services were also highlighted and an action plan was developed accordingly.
Performance Assessment: The plan of action included a re-evaluation of performance standards, resulting in the establishment of a new set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for on-going assessment.
Collaboration: MAR FM worked closely with the client’s management team to address the issues. Regular review meetings were conducted to discuss progress, share ideas, and identify future service enhancements. It was important for both parties to have an open and honest dialogue, ensuring that everyone’s concerns were acknowledged.
Contractual Amendments: The existing contract was reviewed and amended to incorporate stricter performance expectations, including details of required cleaning standards, frequency and support service protocols.
Monitoring and Reporting: A stringent monitoring and reporting system to track progress and verify compliance was introduced, involving regular audits and feedback loops.
The implementation of this plan helped to bring about the resolution of several issues, including:
Enhanced Cleaning Procedures: A thorough review of the client’s new requirements was identified, highlighting the need for improved cleaning procedures, increased frequency, quality control checks, and the introduction of specialised equipment and cleaning materials.
Streamlined Coordination: Support services were re-organised with clear lines of responsibility and communication channels, thereby addressing previous service inconsistencies.
Continuous Improvement: Regular staff and service performance reviews were introduced to ensure ongoing compliance and identify areas for further improvement. New service criteria for operational staff were also implemented, providing an improved quality of interface with members of the public.
In summary
Contracts such as this often present a unique challenge and require a bespoke and precisely executed solution to ensure a high-quality, consistent outcome. This is particularly true where hospitality or retail venues are part of the site, with resultant periods of high footfall and intense usage.
MAR’s diligent and proactive approach at this highly visible location, delivered rapid and meaningful improvements – service upgrades that were appreciated not only by our client, but also the day-to-day users of the site.
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CBRE
CBRE is a global leader in commercial real estate services, managing over 500 office buildings, with 115,000+ employees and operating in more than 100 countries.