The Facilities Management Exchange

Mark Robinson

0.0 (0)
Management

The new leading Facilities Management podcast. 🎙️ What to Expect-In-depth conversations with experts across the FM/PM industry-Real-world experiences and success stories-Emerging trends, technology, and strategies shaping the sectorWhether you’re a facilities manager, service provider, or simply passionate about the built environment, this podcast will be your go-to source for knowledge and inspiration.

1d ago

S2E2 - Discovering the Next Generation - Sophia Drury & Olivia Dart

This episode is all about the next generation. We're joined by Olivia and Sophia from Frocester Group, two 19-year-olds we met at the Workplace Event who are just starting out in FM. Sophia joined Frocester Group straight from school at 16, when the business had just four employees. She completed a business administration apprenticeship and has since moved from the service desk into operations, and now into fire. Olivia studied psychology, criminology and law at college before joining Frocester in September as a marketing apprentice. She now runs the company's social media and events. In this episode we talk about: - Going straight into work at 16 vs going to college first - Why picking up the phone (and meetings) can feel so daunting for a new generation - Being young and female in a male-dominated fire and security world - The barriers young people face: qualifications, experience and the cost of university - Why apprenticeships and hiring based on a conversation, not a CV, work - Leadership, culture and growing with a family business If you enjoyed it, please like, comment, share and subscribe. There's plenty more to come this season. 00:00 Welcome back & introducing Olivia and Sophia 03:07 Olivia's route: from college to marketing 04:17 Sophia's route: straight from school at 16 04:48 Work vs further education 07:12 Competing as a smaller business: it's all about relationships 08:12 Sophia's apprenticeship and early days on the service desk 09:49 Why picking up the phone is so daunting 13:10 Meetings, nerves and the love of email 14:53 Industry events & ending up at the wrong one 18:50 Career progression: from service to operations to fire 20:25 Young women in a male-dominated industry (and golf days) 21:45 Olivia's marketing apprenticeship 26:03 Biggest challenge: organising events 28:58 The challenge of being heard 30:41 Is Gen Z really work-shy? 31:00 Sponsor: Bidwells 32:12 Responding to the critics: "Cinderella's shoe didn't fit everyone" 34:28 How hard it is to land a first job 36:12 Youth unemployment and the qualifications barrier 37:18 "I don't want to see your CV" 39:20 Covid, interviews and alternative routes 40:54 Is university worth the debt? 45:30 Why universities should offer degrees in FM, fire and security 47:08 Difficult clients and subcontractors 48:41 Building a thicker skin 51:01 Rapid growth at Frost Security 52:05 Family culture, ski trips and team spirit 55:06 Why good leadership matters 57:02 Wrap-up This episode is sponsored by Bidwells. Bidwells is a leading UK real estate advisor. It works in the sectors that will shape the future: science and technology, sustainability and modern living. It was the first property consultancy in the UK to become a certified B Corp. Its 600+ experts manage over £5.2bn in property assets and advise on more than 4 million acres of UK countryside and coastline. It has been doing this for nearly 200 years and still works with many of its original clients. If you want property advice built for new technology, climate change and the people who use your buildings, visit Bidwells: https://www.bidwells.co.uk #facilitiesmanagement #fmx #bidwells #totalpestcontrol #nextgeneration #apprenticeships #firesafety #security #careers #genz Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/fmx20_25 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-facilities-management-exchange/ Email: reuben@fm-exchange.com
Sep 29

S2E1 - Discovering Leadership - Rob Richardson

Season 2 is here! We're kicking off with our amazing guest, Rob Richardson, Head of Facilities Management at Bidwells. Rob started out as a journalist. He then moved into FM at Broadgate Estates and went on to roles at CBRE, client side in real estate and now Bidwells. Away from work, he captained the Great Britain sitting volleyball team at the London 2012 Paralympics and has won 135 caps. In this episode we talk about: - How journalism gave Rob the basics of good FM - His Paralympic journey, from last in the world to a home Games quarter-final - Disability, inclusion and why proactive recruitment matters - Why FM is all about people, and what Virgin Atlantic can teach us about service - Being brilliant at the basics and not over-stretching your team - Advice for anyone looking to start a career in FM If you enjoyed it, please like, comment, share and subscribe. There's plenty more to come this season. - 00:00 Welcome to Season 2 & introducing Rob Richardson 01:48 From journalism to facilities management 03:40 Starting out at Broadgate Estates, Regent's Place 05:01 The Broadgate legacy & the future skills programme 06:16 Being a sponge: mentors and making mistakes 07:50 Setting your own standards 08:33 Rob's Paralympic story 11:08 The email that started it all 12:25 From last in the world to London 2012 14:07 Media training: from the Games to FM 15:52 Sponsor: Bidwells 17:19 Social media lessons for young professionals 18:05 Facing Iran & the 8ft 1in player 18:56 How sitting volleyball works 20:55 135 caps and still playing 22:21 Disability and inclusion in FM 24:29 Leaving every candidate with a positive impression 26:29 Advice for people with disabilities entering FM 29:17 Rob's biggest leadership lesson: FM is about people 30:19 Going client side and seeing the other perspective 32:08 The one team ethos 33:10 What Virgin Atlantic taught us about great service 35:38 Be brilliant at the basics 36:41 Residential vs commercial FM 39:08 The toughest part of leadership: team capacity 40:47 "Does it make the boat go faster?" 41:27 Learning from defeats 43:25 The Bidwells culture 44:53 Learning from other buildings 46:00 Sponsor: Total Pest Control 46:50 The FM time machine: what would Rob do differently? 48:35 It's okay to change your mind 49:38 The FM wheel: careers beyond site roles 51:15 Industry consolidation 52:59 Advice for anyone looking to get into FM 54:54 Wrap-up - This episode is sponsored by Bidwells. Bidwells is a leading UK real estate advisor. It works in the sectors that will shape the future: science and technology, sustainability and modern living. It was the first property consultancy in the UK to become a certified B Corp. Its 600+ experts manage over £5.2bn in property assets and advise on more than 4 million acres of UK countryside and coastline. It has been doing this for nearly 200 years and still works with many of its original clients. If you want property advice built for new technology, climate change and the people who use your buildings, visit Bidwells: https://www.bidwells.co.uk This episode is sponsored by Total Pest Control We've worked with Total Pest Control for close to 35 years and have always found them responsive and diligent, with a real commitment to helping clients on the sites they look after. They handle everything from rats, mice and bedbugs to specialist services like netting and hawking. They're fully insured, hold all the accreditations you'd expect and offer a free site survey. Find out more: https://www.totalpestcontrol.co.uk #facilitiesmanagement #fmx #bidwells #totalpestcontrol #sport #olympicsport #volleyball #paralympics #property #propertymanagement Get in touch in the comments below or head to... Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/fmx20_25 LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-facilities-management-exchange/ Email: reuben@fm-exchange.com
Jun 5

#16 - Discovering Leadership - Ross Abbate

Welcome to Discovering Leadership with Ross AbbateFor the final episode of Season 1, we're joined by Ross Abbate, CEO of Macro, one of the world's leading facilities management and workplace experience businesses operating across 49 countries. From his early days struggling through his first role in FM, to leading a global organisation and shaping strategy across multiple continents, Ross shares the leadership lessons, career decisions and mindset shifts that have defined his journey. This episode is a fascinating conversation exploring leadership, resilience, networking, culture, confidence and what it really takes to succeed in a global business environment. In this episode expect: Ross's journey into facilities management and the challenging first six months of his careerWhy "another day, another challenge" became a mindset that helped shape his successThe importance of backing yourself when things aren't going to planA brilliant performance incentive strategy that transformed team engagement and resultsHis move from Australia to the UK and the career opportunities that followedThe networking advice every FM professional should hearHow introverts can build meaningful networks without pretending to be someone they're notThe story behind becoming CEO of Macro and the challenges that came with stepping into the roleHow leadership teams build strategy across a business operating in 49 countriesWhy the best business plans allow room to adapt and pivotRoss's approach to handling pressure, uncertainty and responsibility as a CEOThis is a fitting finale to Season 1 — packed with leadership insights, practical advice and honest reflections from one of the industry's most respected leaders. Whether you're just starting your career or leading teams across multiple regions, Ross's perspective offers valuable lessons on growth, resilience and the power of staying curious.
May 22

#15 - Discovering Heritage Buildings - Tony Retberg, Hellen Spall and Andy Kelly

Welcome to Episode #15 of The Facilities Management Exchange Today we’re joined by Andy Kelly, Helen Spall and Tony Retberg for a fascinating conversation exploring the unique challenges and rewards of managing some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings — from Manchester Central and the Houses of Parliament to Freemasons’ Hall. This episode dives into the realities of heritage Facilities Management, balancing modern operational demands with centuries of history, and why the people behind these buildings are so passionate about what they do. In this episode expect: • A behind-the-scenes look at managing landmark heritage buildings • The hidden operational challenges of maintaining historic venues • Ghost stories, urban legends and some unexpected humour along the way • Honest reflections on the pride FM professionals feel for the buildings they manage • Career journeys into FM from aviation, security and events • Why transferable skills are one of the biggest strengths in the industry • The importance of people, relationships and workplace culture in FM • The debate around AI, automation and whether experience will always beat technology • Advice for young people looking to break into Facilities Management • The growing need for apprenticeships and opportunities within the industry This is a candid, insightful and entertaining conversation about heritage buildings, operational pressures, career progression and the future of Facilities Management — packed with stories, practical lessons and a genuine passion for the industry.
May 8

Episode #14 - Discovering Security on the Front Line

Welcome to this special episode of The Facilities Management Exchange in partnership with the City Security Council In this episode, we’re joined by three rising professionals from across the security industry for an honest and insightful conversation around ambition, progression, pay, apprenticeships, leadership and the future of security careers in the UK. From overcoming imposter syndrome and fleeing adversity to building careers through relentless hard work and sacrifice, this episode shines a light on the real people behind the industry — and the challenges facing the next generation coming into security. This is a raw, inspiring and thought-provoking discussion exploring career growth, confidence, opportunity, workplace culture and what it truly takes to progress in one of the UK’s most demanding sectors. In this episode expect: The biggest challenges each guest has faced in their career so farWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growthHow every role helps “polish your skills” and shape your career pathA discussion on ambition, drive and whether everyone actually wants career successThe realities of pay, wage growth and the increasing pressure businesses are underWhy the government needs to do more to support businesses and employersA huge conversation around apprenticeships — and why removing them could damage the future of the industryAdvice for anyone feeling suppressed or stuck in their current roleThis episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in security, facilities management or leadership — especially those looking to build a long-term career and create opportunities for the next generation entering the industry.
Apr 24

#13 - Discovering Consultancy - Darien Jay, Debra Watson and Sharlene Rhoden

Welcome to Episode #13 of The Facilities Management Exchange Today we’re joined by Darien Jay, Sharlene Rhoden and Debra Watson for a deep dive into the world of Facilities Management consultancy — how people enter the industry, what keeps them there and how relationships, value creation and adaptability define long-term success. This episode explores three very different career journeys into FM, and what they reveal about the realities of consultancy, networking, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving sector. In this episode expect: • How each guest found their way into Facilities Management • The honest answer to what keeps people in the industry • Why great consultants are defined by being problem solvers • The role of relationships in FM • How supplier ecosystems often drive the most innovative thinking in FM • The importance of networking • Honest reflections on over-promotion • Why FM is still largely meritocratic • The growing impact of AI and technology • How COVID reshaped working patterns This is a candid, practical and insight-packed conversation on what consultancy really looks like inside FM — from career lessons and commercial realities to the future of technology, talent and workplace culture.
Apr 10

#12 - Discovering Leadership - Andrew Hulbert

Welcome to Episode #12 of The Facilities Management Exchange Today we’re joined by Andrew Hulbert — entrepreneur, investor, culture-builder and one of the most recognisable figures in UK FM. Andrew is the founder of Pareto FM, a business he grew from a laptop in his bedroom into one of the industry’s most admired companies, ultimately exiting in a deal worth $100 million. This episode is an honest, energising conversation covering entrepreneurship, culture, politics, pressure, sacrifice… and the mindset required to build something truly exceptional. In this episode expect: Why showing up — literally going to the office — is still one of the most underrated success strategies in businessHow Andrew built the company from a laptop in his bedroomWhat made Pareto FM different — adaptability, treating people right, and building a culture where anyone could call anyone outThe realities of running an FM company in today’s volatile economic environmentThe personal cost of ambition — relationships, loneliness, sacrificeThe deeper meaning of wealthProfessional vulnerability: why great leaders don’t need all the answersAndrew’s biggest leadership mistake — and what he’d do differently if he The advice he wants every entrepreneur — and every young person entering FM — to hearThis is an episode packed with insights, honesty, humour, and hard-won wisdom from someone who built, scaled and exited one of the most transformative businesses in FM.
Mar 27

#11 - Discovering Workplace, Culture and Mental Health - Petra Velzeboer

Welcome to Episode #11 of The Facilities Management Exchange We're joined today by Petra Velzeboer — global keynote speaker, author, mental health expert, and founder of a consultancy dedicated to transforming workplace culture and building high-performing teams rooted in genuine wellbeing. Raised in a cult, Petra has seen first-hand how toxic systems break people down. With 17+ years in mental health and organisational culture, she now uses that lived experience to help individuals and businesses create environments where people can truly thrive — not simply survive. This is a powerful, eye-opening conversation exploring technology, addiction, culture change, human connection, and Petra’s extraordinary personal journey. In this episode expect: How billions are being spent, competing for our attentionWhy so many of us use our phones to avoid difficult emotionsThe rise of digital addiction, doomscrolling and the disconnect between online and real lifeThe skill of turning fear into excitementAdvice for anyone stuck in a toxic work culturePetra's history, growing up in one of the most notorious cultsPetra's latest book, Digital Wellbeing: Recharge your focus and reboot your lifeLinks to purchase Petra's books are below: Digital Wellbeing - https://amzn.eu/d/0hsTu0wRBegin With You - https://amzn.eu/d/01ogj77SFollow the Facilities Management Exchange on Linkedin, Instagram and TikTok

The new leading Facilities Management podcast. 🎙️ What to Expect-In-depth conversations with experts across the FM/PM industry-Real-world experiences and success stories-Emerging trends, technology, and strategies shaping the sectorWhether you’re a facilities manager, service provider, or simply passionate about the built environment, this podcast will be your go-to source for knowledge and inspiration.

Creator

Mark Robinson
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 The Facilities Management Exchange
Show Website

The Facilities Management Exchange

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Weekly