Recent coverage in Caterer about the renewed interest amongst contract caterers in providing facilities management services bought things full-circle for one reader.
While conceding there was certainly a demand for facilities management from some clients - and adding that the market had developed significantly since, with many professional managers now in the field - our source couldn't help but think back to a time when FM, in most people's minds, was simply a radio frequency.
"Some 24 years ago Compass challenged existing operations managers and their bosses to go out and 'sell' - cleaning & security contracts - with great kudos afforded to any that managed this feat.
"Lifelong caterers received an hour or so of 'training' to prepare us with resource to provide arms-length consultant expertise. The negative energy this created was something to behold. The result was loss of focus on the existing business and loss of key accounts and managers."
Still, with the recent win of National Grid and an extension to their Shell contract, as well as ComputaCentre, it's fair to say Compass's new FM strategy appears to be paying off this time.
Compass creates one-stop shop with Eurest Services>>
Caterers tune into FM for revenue growth>>
