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With over 19 years’ experience in the security industry and a former successful military career, Chris is a proven strong relationship builder with excellent sales and operational skills.
Chris joined Mitie in 2007 as the Head of Sales for the new Response division and successfully helped to grow the business into a national operation.
In April 2012, Chris initiated the launch of the Mitie Void Secure business which takes an integrated risk-based approach to vacant property security based on risk, budget and future use, incorporating people, technology and consultancy services.
The dramatic rise in the number of intermittently occupied office spaces because of ‘agile working’ raises some big issues for landlords and property owners.
Not only do they have to consider the cost implications of owning space that is not always occupied to its full potential, but they also need to take into account the security risks.
At Mitie we recently undertook some research which found that between 2008 and 2014 companies across the UK reduced their floor space by an average of 45%.
On top of this, through news ways of working many previously reluctant organisations are now being forced to seek significant property-related savings, as well as service improvements. Adoption of agile working programmes has been key to this.
Meanwhile, in the public sector more and more spending cuts are forcing public sector bodies to make rapid savings by vacating the buildings they occupy and finding more cost-effective ways to deliver services. This is reducing the office and leisure space they require.
Not only do these issues affect landlords and property owners but they also impact tenant occupiers with long leases. These tenants face a potential loss on rental income as well as being subject to increased insurance premiums unless they adhere to strict stipulations.
As such they now have to contemplate the best possible and cost effective solution in order to protect these properties whilst they are unoccupied. Failure to secure these effectively can result in substantial repair bills.
Vacant properties can directly impact the look and feel of an area, which in turn can impact the value of buildings and rents.
Insurer’s policy terms
To comply with their insurer’s policy terms, landlords must make sure that they are doing everything they can to protect and manage their vacant premises. This means assessing the risk for each building and implementing a range of appropriate and relevant security and protection measures.
Standard unoccupied property precautions involve isolating all services, draining the water system, permanently sealing all letter boxes, removing waste and combustible materials from inside and outside the building.
Depending on the risks associated, several options are available. These include services such as manned guarding to wireless alarm systems. Insurance companies will require at least a property inspection to be carried out within a certain time frame. These vary from premises to premises but are normally required every 7 or 14 days.
It is also critical that an insurance-compliant report is completed and a time and date stamp is available to prove that the inspection was carried out. These inspections can also be used to capture utility meter readings for additional cost savings. Many companies still pay for estimated readings on vacant properties, which may still be based on when the site was occupied.
Having guardians inhabit the building is another increasingly popular and cost-effective option. These live-in guardians are recruited and trained to look after the property on behalf of the property owners.
Another way for office occupiers to minimise the liabilities of their unwanted lease portfolio is to transfer to a lease liability specialist. Under this agreement the lease liability specialist assume the costs relating to the rented properties, and pursue reductions or disposal as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
As more and more companies adopt agile working practices, the next few years will see more and more vacant properties within the marketplace. This trend will lead to landlords and property owners seeking more and more innovative ways to help protect and manage their vacant buildings.
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Meeting the Security Challenges Posed by Unoccupied Office SpaceThe head of Mitie’s void property security business on the growing trend for agile working and its impact on the void property market.
Chris Goode
IFSEC Insider | Security and Fire News and Resources
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The dramatic rise in the number of intermittently occupied office
spaces because of ‘agile working’ raises some big issues for landlords
and property owners. <a href=”http://www.atlantaofficesearch.com/office-space-for-lease/”>Office space for lease</a>