The Durham contract, which has a total value of approximately GB pound 5 million, will cover both of Durham University’s locations in the city of Durham and at its Queen’s Campus in Stockton.
MITIE is to provide both soft and hard FM services, deploying a team of more than 90 people to look after the buildings that house Durham University’s 15,000 students and 3,000 staff.
The contract has only just begun roll-out, with MITIE’s mobilisation process ensuring a seamless transfer of the security, cleaning, grounds and building maintenance services from day one.
Safeguarding student facilities
Janet Turnbull, the account director at MITIE, commented: “We are delighted to have secured this contract to deliver FM services to one of the UK’s leading universities, and look forward to improving the facilities management services that help the University to continue to provide its excellent facilities for students.”
Laura Watson, the deputy director of procurement at Durham University, added: “Durham University chose MITIE to deliver FM services to the University following a stringent tendering process which demonstrated that MITIE understood our requirements better than anyone else, and could add real value to the service delivery. We look forward to working with them to transform the services at the University.”
London South Bank University contract
The London South Bank University (LSBU) contract sees MITIE delivering reception services at its ‘hq’ in Southwark, a 24-strong team managing the reception areas within 11 University campus buildings serving students, staff, visitors and members of the public.
The University was looking for a supplier who could deliver a customer-focused and professional reception service that creates an excellent lasting impression of LSBU.
As a specialist when it comes to providing Five Star front-of-house services, MITIE’s client services team was able to offer bespoke customer service training and a proven track record in delivery, while bringing value for money and a flexible approach across the reception contract.
Colin Holland, the head of security at LSBU, explained: “We recognise the significance of our reception areas and the importance of both the image they create and the services they provide for our students, visitors and staff in reflecting the professional aims of our University.”
Holland continued: “During the tender process, LSBU was particularly impressed by the emphasis placed by MITIE on its approach to quality and delivery of exceptional and professional customer services. LSBU looks forward to the commencement of the contract with MITIE and the positive changes it will bring.”
Involvement at Land Securities’ new development
MITIE has also signed a new three-year contract with a total value of GB pound 6 million to provide facilities management services at Land Securities’ prestigious new building – One New Change in the heart of London.
One New Change is part of Land Securities’ central London development pipeline and is currently under construction. It’s already taking shape as a world-class contemporary building designed to complement its historic neighbour, St Paul’s Cathedral.
The mixed-use scheme has been designed by architect Jean Nouvel, and will offer 340,000 sq ft of prestigious office space and 220,000 sq feet of shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a public roof top terrace offering spectacular views of St Paul’s in the heart of the City.
The building is due to be completed and fully operational this coming Autumn, when it will lead the transformation of the City into a seven-day shopping and leisure destination with a difference.
MITIE will be gearing up its mobilisation teams to phase in its services as the building nears completion, ensuring that a first-class facilities management operation will be in place from the day the building opens.
MITIE’s team will be responsible for managing the building to make sure that it’s both clean and secure.
Creating a positive and lasting first impression
Patrick Stirland, the md of MITIE’s Facilities Management Division, commented: “Land Securities is a core and deeply valued client of MITIE, and we’re delighted to be extending the portfolio of services that we provide to it with the facilities management contract for the prestigious One New Change building.”
The key role of MITIE at One New Change will be to provide tourists, shoppers, visitors and workers with positive, memorable experiences.
“Matching the world-class nature of One New Change with world-class service is essential,” added Stirland. “Creating a positive, lasting first impression will be instrumental in all of the services that MITIE will be providing. From the moment a visitor walks through the door
to the time they leave, it’s imperative that at every touch point opportunity, the service delivered is personal to each customer’s needs and represents the visions and values of Land Securities at One New Change.”
Vision for One New Change
Attention to detail will be important, and MITIE will be partnering with Land Securities in providing a positive experience for all visitors.
Mike Fitton, the general manager for Land Securities, added: “After an extensive procurement exercise, we awarded the facilities management contract to MITIE because we felt they understood and could help to fulfil our vision for the One New Change building. We look forward to working with them in a place that will transform the local area, providing world-class, state-of-the-art office space and one of the largest retail spaces in central London.”
