Comparesoft Podcast

Regional Field Service Manager Allan Fairhurst joins the Comparesoft Field Service Management Podcast to share his journey from Army logistics and plant operations to leading large fibre delivery teams across the UK. Allan talks about: What really happens on major infrastructure projects like HS2 and the Commonwealth Games Critical KPIs and metrics for empowering high-performance service teams Cut...

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Ford, Head of Field Service Channel, Rest of World (ROW) at ABB E-Mobility, to explore what it takes to lead field operations during one of the fastest-growing periods in EV infrastructure. Claire shares her journey from the early days at EVBox - when the UK's charging network was still in its infancy - to overseeing service operations across the UK and Ger...

Greg Markham, Estates & Assets Director at Serco Health, explains how the reality of working on the frontline can open your eyes to appreciating the work of FM teams and how predictive technology is being readied to improve patient care in healthcare facilities.

Tim Peacock, the Director of Estates and Facilities at Sherborne Girls School, explains how working with the pathology and history of older buildings is key to managing and maintaining the upkeep of a 40-acre site with both educational buildings and boarding accommodation. 

Charlie Wilson, the Head of Property and Estates at Gaucho and M Restaurants, talks us through the post-pandemic challenges in the hospitality industry, the risks associated with FM in Grade I listed buildings, and why you should never ignore your LinkedIn messages.

Karl Haynes, the Site Facilities Manager at GXO Logistics, explores the importance of customer service in supply chain management and setting ESG goals in innovative digital warehouses. 

The CEO of PlantQuest, Gerard Carton, discusses the challenges faced in high-compliance environments in the Pharma, Oil & Gas, and Engineering Sectors and his journey from apprentice to CEO.

Trevor Payne, the Director of Estates at University of Birmingham, talks about leading the project to provide the World's first smart campuses in the UK and Dubai while providing first-hand perspective on FM carbon management and sustainability in higher education.   

Rachel Green, the Director of Estates and Facilities at the Girls Learning Trust, explains the importance of adaptability and resilience in the FM environment to help embrace the advancements in AI. 

Laura Wright, Head of Workplace Solutions at Abri, talks about how successful people management strategies help to improve employee well-being in the office in a post-COVID world that has seen a shift in the way employees work from office-based to hybrid and remote working.

Experienced NHS FT Director of Estates and Facilities David Jones talks about the ongoing challenges of managing facilities, budgets, and staff in an environment still coping with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as touching on budgeting battles when introducing connected FM technologies into ageing healthcare environments.

Roy Milne, MD & Principal Consultant at newly-formed company Asset ONE, talks extensively about the progress and limitless capabilities of maintenance techniques and predictive maintenance strategies through the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Lee Dorman, Director at Precise Fire & Security Ltd, details the success of switching from pen and paper and spreadsheets to introducing an automated CRM system that has helped to eliminate human error and reduce reactive maintenance call outs.

Tarniah Thompson, Head of FM and Sustainability at SHW, reveals the four key pillars of communication used to help build FM culture during her time at Co-op, SHW, and when delivering FM services to the Crown Estate.

Chris Jeffers, Projects Director at Mott MacDonald, explains how business can and need to drive appreciation for facility managers who play pivotal roles in global solutions such as climate change.

Oliver Boote, UK Facilities Manager for the Colt Portfolio at Mace, talks about the importance of liaising with employees in preparation for big events and how his team uses Workplace to drive FM appreciation.

Thomas Maynard, Head Of Maintenance & Facilities at Honest Burgers, explains the importance of communication between all stakeholders when planning a second dark kitchen build in Canary Wharf.

Maxcene Crowe, facilities industry expert and founder at MCFM Global, explores the importance of openness, transparency, and improving an engineer's communication skills when it comes to building a positive FM environment.

Dean Williamson, NDT Coordinator at Wabtec UK, details how advancements in technology can lead to quicker turnarounds at high standards when it comes to non-destructive testing through ultrasound and eddy current techniques.

Christopher Ali shares his views on to-do lists, calendars, and daily building walkarounds as he explains how to "put your ego aside" when it comes to sustainably-led decision-making in his role as Facilities Manager at Greenpeace UK.

Adam Neale, UK Field Engineering Director at BT, explains the challenges of presenting data-led actions to naysayers, gives tips on how best to manage a large team of engineers, and highlights the welcome advancements in tech from phone calls, PDAs, and spreadsheets to Service Management Software.

Edward Taylor-Robinson, Head of Estates for National Museums Liverpool, shares his experience of ensuring compliance and health and safety for 21 heritage buildings that support over 4 million collections as well as the detailed processes involved when hosting exhibitions.

Managing Director of Maintain Reliability, Will Ocean, opens up about the importance of understanding and deploying reliability-centred maintenance activities to meet vital KPIs.

Warren Duffy, Head of Estates at Manchester University NHS Trust, explains the challenges associated with maintaining buildings of varying ages while detailing how playing amateur rugby has helped to build a happy and trustworthy on-site culture.

Alek Zelnins draws on his 12 years of experience as Maintenance Supervisor at Unilever to share his views on achieving the ultimate goal of world-class maintenance and zero breakdowns with a skilled team of mechanics.