Category: News

Groundhouse Giveback Scheme raises £10,000 for farmers in need

Posted on by emmacook

Giving back to local communities

We have been working with the Capucas (COCAFCAL) Co-operative and donating £2 from every case of coffee we purchase, which then pays into a revolving fund that helps improve the living standards for the smaller coffee bean producers.

The needs of the farming community changes regularly, so the Giveback Programme allows the money to be invested in funds where it matters and is needed the most. The fund has been developed as support to small producers’ specific needs such as improvement of housing, shelters and production infrastructure – which will benefit both the producers and their families, with the aim of increasing the economic and productive income for the farmers of the Capucas.

From courses on growing vegetables to reduce food costs and improve health, to providing tools they need to harvest, as well as basic housing and infrastructure improvements, the fund helps with whatever the community needs.

This year our Groundhouse Give Back Programme has hit an amazing total of £10,000!

This money will positively impact improving living standards in the farming communities, from where we source some of our Blend 7 coffee. We are incredibly proud of our teams, they have been working extremely hard to promote our Groundhouse Coffee brand and have been serving nothing less than the best coffee.

“We decided to start a field school for the implementation of vegetables where more than 30+ Households have participated, including young people between 17 to 25 years and adults. This will benefit small producers, who lack suitable conditions to live in dignity and offer better spaces to their coffee in each harvest. It’s also being used for inputs, equipment, and first-hand tools such as mowers, pumps, inputs, etc. Thankyou Groundhouse, this money will change lives!”

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Capucas café

Unity: Arthur McKay to operate under the OCS banner

Posted on by ameliaroberts

The OCS TRUE values – Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment – have been the driving force for us as we have transformed as a business following the merger of OCS and Atalian Servest.

Arthur McKay, a leading building support service organisation, was an Atalian Servest company that provided smart and integrated services to over 1,000 client sites around the UK. As part of the consolidation of our operations and unifications of our purpose and vision, Arthur McKay is no longer existing as a separate entity and is instead operating under the OCS banner.

We will continue to provide the same services and solutions – mechanical and electrical solutions, fire protection services, networks and FM services, to name just a few. Our 1,500 colleagues from Arthur McKay will continue to utilise their specialist knowledge and skills to ensure that customers benefit from a solution tailored to their specific needs.

The unification of Arthur McKay and our Hard Services division is an exciting change and one in which we hope will take us one step closer to achieving our mission of making people and places the best they can be.

Interested in Hard Services?

Contact our team today to talk through your maintenance, minor works or capital projects requirements.

Merger completes between Atalian Servest’s and OCS’s UK, Ireland and Asia operations.

Posted on by danbarber

Atalian UK, Ireland and Asia operations to merge with OCS Group to create new, leading international FM provider

Following the recent acquisition of OCS Group by Clayton Dubilier & Rice, Atalian confirms the sale of its operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Asia to the private investment firm

In a move that will create one of the world’s largest international facilities service providers, Atalian Global Services has confirmed the sale of its UK, Ireland and Asia operations, along with its specialist automotive division Aktrion, to Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), the private investment firm that recently acquired OCS Group, with the intention that the businesses be merged over the next twelve months, opening a new chapter for the two firms.

Atalian’s Group CEO Rob Legge will become Group CEO of the newly merged businesses.

Further communication on this exciting news, including the company’s ambition and vision will be shared in the coming weeks ahead.

 

 

The Power of Listening: Why our colleague engagement survey is essential

Posted on by ameliaroberts

Embracing global perspectives

Every one of our OCS colleagues is valued, and as the Group Chief People Officer at OCS, in a company as diverse as ours and spread across numerous countries and embracing many languages and cultures, it’s imperative to truly listen to our colleagues. This understanding forms the bedrock of our strategy to become the world’s leading facilities service company.

The significance of every voice

In an organisation as vast as OCS, the insights and experiences of our colleagues, particularly those on the front lines, are invaluable. These team members are the eyes and ears of our operations, interacting directly with our customers and experiencing first-hand the daily challenges and triumphs. We must not only hear their voices but actively listen and engage with them.

Beyond the survey: A commitment to action

Conducting a colleague engagement survey is vital in this engagement process. However, the true essence of these surveys lies in what we do with the information we gather. It’s about turning feedback into action, ensuring every suggestion and insight raised is addressed, not just acknowledged. This approach isn’t just about improving our operational efficiency; it’s about fostering a culture where every colleague feels respected, valued, and heard.

Creating a stronger, unified OCS

Our ambition to be the best in the world is deeply intertwined with our internal culture. Engaging our colleagues through these surveys is more than just gathering data; it’s about empowering them to shape the future of OCS. Their insights are pivotal in crafting policies and practices that resonate with our diverse workforce, driving us towards a cohesive and inclusive organisational culture.

Conclusion: Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement

In our journey towards making people and places the best they can be, the engagement and satisfaction of our colleagues remains a top priority. Through our engagement surveys, we’re not just collecting opinions but inviting our colleagues to participate actively in our journey towards excellence. By listening and responding to them, we are enhancing their experience at OCS and reinforcing our position as a global leader. Together, we are building an exemplary OCS in service, colleague satisfaction, and engagement.

OCS Launches Sunflower Lanyard Scheme in partnership with Gatwick Airport

Posted on by danbarber

Now Globally Recognised: Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme, initially launched at Gatwick Airport by OCS Group to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, has been successfully adopted in airports globally. This innovative initiative, which began as a trial over the summer, has significantly enhanced the travel experience for thousands of passengers and their families worldwide with hidden disabilities such as dementia, autism, or hearing loss.

Discreet recognition

Introducing these distinctive lanyards lets travellers discreetly inform airport teams of their need for tailored assistance. The lanyard ensures they receive the proper support throughout their journey, such as extra time for processing information or preparing belongings before security screening. Gatwick’s assistance teams and those at other airports globally have undergone specialised training to recognise and appropriately respond to these lanyards.

This scheme is part of a broader initiative by OCS Group, which provides assistance services at multiple airports, including Gatwick and multiple airports UK & Ireland and Global airports. The initiative was informed by the “Challenging for Change” report, which captured the experiences of passengers with disabilities and suggested improvements. Follow-up workshops facilitated dialogue and idea exchange among airlines, airport operators, baggage handlers, disability groups, and support service providers.

Charity Partnership & Collaboration

Key UK charities like the Alzheimer’s Society, The National Autistic Society, and Action on Hearing Loss have collaborated with Gatwick Airport and OCS Group in this endeavour. At launch, Nikki Barton, Head of Terminals and Passenger Assistance at Gatwick, highlighted the scheme’s role in reducing travel stress for passengers with hidden disabilities and the importance of training for frontline teams in enhancing passenger experiences.

OCS Group has 60 years of expertise in the aviation sector and their commitment to excellence for passengers needing additional assistance. The lanyard scheme, born from extensive consultations with disability groups, aims to minimise misinterpretations of the specific needs associated with hidden disabilities.

Specialist Colleague Training

OCS has provided persons with reduced mobility (PRM) services at Gatwick since November 2010. The lanyard scheme’s rollout was supported by comprehensive training, with NVQ Level 2 training in dementia care now standard for OCS teams in the departure lounges. Numerous Dementia Friends Champions have been trained across the airports to further the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme.

Sue Rennie, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for West Sussex North, said, “People with dementia and their family carers often find travelling daunting when faced with unfamiliar and busy airports. The lanyard scheme for passengers with hidden disabilities introduced at Gatwick offers reassurance to those who use it. It also helps airport teams know that they may require additional support, which can improve the passengers’ travel experience at the airport.”

 

Unity: Arthur McKay to operate under OCS banner

Posted on by ameliaroberts

The OCS TRUE values – Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment – have been the driving force for us as we have transformed as a business following the merger of OCS and Atalian Servest.

Arthur McKay, a leading building support service organisation, was an Atalian Servest company that provided smart and integrated services to over 1,000 client sites around the UK. As part of the consolidation of our operations and unification of our purpose and vision, Arthur McKay will no longer existing as a separate entity and is instead operating under the OCS banner.

We will continue to provide the same services and solutions – mechanical and electrical, fire protection, building fabric and data networks, to name just a few. Our 1,500 colleagues from Arthur McKay will continue to utilise their specialist knowledge and skills to ensure that customers benefit from a solution tailored to their specific needs, but now have the additional benefit of the backing and support of the OCS business.

The unification of Arthur McKay and our Hard Services division is an exciting change and one in which we hope will take us one step closer to achieving our mission of making people and places the best they can be.

“Bringing Arthur McKay and the rest of the M&E and Hard Services businesses together as a single OCS division will provide a far greater depth of capability and capacity. This will ensure that our customers receive the very best service and enable the drive for innovation.”

Nick Maggs

Managing Director – Hard Services

OCS Unveils a Global Rebranding Initiative, Pledging to Make People and Places the Best They Can Be

Posted on by rakhmahtersierpermata

Jakarta, 24 January 2024 – OCS, a leading facilities services and facilities management provider with a global presence spanning the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, is pleased to announce a transformative rebranding effort aimed at unifying its global team under a new identity and reaffirmed mission.

With over 120,000 colleagues and a strong commitment to making a positive impact, OCS has unveiled a new and unifying global brand alongside a reaffirmed mission that centres around its core TRUE Values and making people and places the best they can be.

“Our vision is clear, and our mission is simple. We believe that everyone should have the best conditions and opportunities to thrive,” said Yohanes Jeffry Johary, Managing Director of OCS Indonesia. “Our rebranding reflects our commitment to delivering facilities services and facilities management that enable colleagues, customers, and communities to achieve the best experiences, productivity, practices, resilience, and outcomes.”

OCS has taken practical steps to align its operations with its mission as part of the rebranding process. The initiative also includes the launch of a new global website as a dynamic platform to communicate OCS’s message, intent, and aspiration to do meaningful work that positively impacts communities worldwide, leaving a lasting change and impact. OCS aims to engage with colleagues, customers, and partners through the website, fostering a shared purpose and commitment to its mission.

“Our new global website contains our commitment to our stakeholders. It showcases our journey, values, and the meaningful work we’ve done to date, and it will act as an evolving record of achievement as we document the progress towards achieving our mission, especially customer success stories that align with shared ESG goals and targets.” said Jeffry.

In Indonesia, the rebranding features the introduction of new uniforms and the unveiling of the new global website. These efforts are part of a broader global campaign, including success stories and the implementation of a new Salesforce system. As a part of the launch, OCS Indonesia also distributed eco-friendly tumblers, promoting the company’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

 

OCS Indonesia emphasises its dedication to sustainability in the local context, with the focus firmly on elevating service quality and experiences.

OCS Group Develops Groundbreaking ESG Playbook for Sanur SEZ

Posted on by rakhmahtersierpermata

Sanur, Bali, 8 December 2023 – OCS Group has further enhanced its global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expertise in Indonesia by supporting the establishment of the inaugural ESG Playbook for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), specifically tailored for Sanur SEZ in Bali province. The ESG Playbook, serving as a set of guidelines for ESG activities, will play a fundamental role in achieving the sustainability objectives of Sanur SEZ.

Launching this initiative, OCS Group Indonesia held an ESG Workshop at Sanur SEZ today (08/12/23). The event featured Jeffry Johary, Managing Director of OCS Group Indonesia; Doddy A. Matondang, President Director of PT Hotel Internasional Sanur Indonesia (HISI); and Peter Seeley, OCS Group’s Head of ESG, who served as the keynote speaker.

Jeffry Johary, Managing Director of OCS Group Indonesia, underlined the importance of collaboration in making the ESG efforts a reality within Sanur SEZ. “As a global facilities services company with leading technology solutions and a strong commitment to ESG, we encourage collaboration for advancing initiatives. Working side by side with PT HISI, we aim to align the Sanur SEZ with global sustainability trends, making the SEZ more appealing and beneficial in the long run through the development of the first ESG Playbook across all SEZs,” he said.

PT HISI, the company managing the Sanur SEZ, is an affiliate of PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (HIN), which is a member of PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero). Sanur SEZ, a pioneering concept in health and wellness development, is Indonesia’s first Health SEZ, accentuating wellbeing, and natural beauty along the beaches of Bali.

Sanur SEZ aims to become a premier tourism destination through the fusion of medical and wellness tourism, offering an end-to-end customer experience that integrates health and tourism services. This includes a range of facilities such as health services, hotels, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) accommodation, an ethnobotanical garden, and commercial centres. The development of Sanur SEZ is a strategic transformation, positioning Indonesia as a world-class medical and wellness centre.

Doddy A. Matondang, the President Director of PT HISI, underlined the importance of the ESG Playbook in developing Sanur SEZ’s credibility and professionalism. “The playbook provides a framework for integrating sustainable practices into the development and operations of this zone to be at the forefront of this industry, both locally and internationally. By emphasising environmental responsibility, social inclusivity, and strong governance, the ESG Playbook will help SEZ in attracting more investors, building resilience, and contributing positively to the surrounding communities and ecosystems,” he said.

OCS Group’s Head of ESG, Peter Seeley, added that through the smooth and successful development of the ESG Playbook for Sanur SEZ, OCS will help in making significant contributions through its knowledge and experience.

“We are perfectly positioned to make a real difference in two areas: advancing social mobility and protecting our planet’s natural resources. By focusing on the right actions in these areas, and working in partnership with our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and communities, we can play a key role in ensuring safe passage to a better future for generations to come,” he said.

Building on its commitment to sustainability, OCS Group Indonesia has further elevated its ESG programme, launched in May of this year. With a focus on four key ESG targets – carbon footprint reduction, health and safety culture, rural youth development, and good corporate governance – OCS Group Indonesia has established rigorous requirements and will collaborate closely with all related stakeholders to fully achieve these targets by end of 2033.

Angel Hill Food Co chef wins ‘StrEATfood Chef of the Year 2023’

Posted on by ameliaroberts

A Development Chef who works for leading contract caterer Angel Hill Food Co, has been awarded a highly prestigious award recognising his outstanding talent, creativity and dedication to delivering exceptional food experiences.

Matt Chapman was named “StrEATfood Chef of the year” at the Annual StrEATfood Awards which searches for the UK’s most creative street food chef from the workplace and event catering sectors. He beat 15 other chefs who were also shortlisted after entering their signature street food dishes for the panel of judges, with a winning dish of a Keralan steak and chip butty. He also came second in the ‘Dish of the year’ category with his Oak smoked goat birria tacos.

Matt has worked at Angel Hill Food Co for almost 6 years where he develops recipes for clients, creating dishes that are tasty, healthy and different.

Commenting on his win Matt said: “I am truly honoured and humbled by this recognition. Street food is all about connecting with people through the power of food and I feel incredibly lucky to have this platform to share my passion.  This award belongs to my dedicated team who have supported me throughout the competition and given me the opportunity to explore new flavours, techniques, and cultures.  My company has always championed my ambitions – providing me, and my team, with the tools and skills to do more, allowing us to achieve great things together.”

Chris Ince, Chef Director at Angel Hill Food Co, added: “We are extremely proud of Matt and this incredible achievement.  His passion for food shines through in his engagement with all of our frontline teams and the amazing food he creates for our clients. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that the contract catering industry has to offer, and they are aligned to our commitment to making people and places the best they can be.”

It’s Road Safety Week!

Posted on by ameliaroberts

We invite you to participate in Road Safety Week that is running from November 19th to 25th. The week is about spreading awareness, fostering mindfulness, and ensuring safety for ourselves and each other on the roads.

Our goal is simple: to save lives.

Each year, countless lives are affected by road accidents, but together, we can make a difference. By coming together during Road Safety Week, we can:

  • Raise awareness: Help others understand the importance of safe driving, responsible pedestrian behaviour, and the consequences of road accidents.
  • Promote mindfulness: Encourage everyone to be more mindful while on the road, whether behind the wheel or walking as pedestrians.
  • Ensure safety for all: Share tips, best practices, and resources to make our roads safer for everyone.
  • Visit brake.org.uk to download posters and resources to help spread the word and drive the message home.

Join us in making roads safer and preventing accidents during Road Safety Week. We can create a positive impact, save lives, and build a safer community.

Drive Safely!

OCS New Zealand: College student set to soar with life-changing scholarship

Posted on by ameliaroberts

A New Zealand college student with a passion for computer science has been awarded a life-changing scholarship to attend university.

Every year, the OCS First Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a student who has a family member employed at facilities services company, OCS New Zealand and faces financial challenges which may prevent them being able to attend university.

This year’s recipient, Rawiri Ngatai, was born and bred in Tauranga, and along with his siblings, was raised by his adopted parents.

Ngatai was bullied and struggled during his Primary and Intermediate School years but says that changed when he started high school and discovered a passion for learning.

“I was bullied and told I wasn’t going to go anywhere in life. Now, my biggest motivator is proving those people wrong.”

Rawiri Ngatai

“I developed an interest in technology, creating online games and learning how technology can improve daily life. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere, and I want to show people how it can be used for good,” says Ngatai.

Ngatai says his family supported and encouraged him to take up a cleaning job with OCS, where he gained workforce experience in the school holidays.

“Working for OCS gave me an idea of what the workforce is like. My dad is a specialist cleaner for OCS. He works hard and has shown me what a good work ethic is.”

Ngatai says the scholarship will give him a chance to positively impact the community and give back to his family.

“This scholarship means everything to me. Seeing how happy my family was when I told them showed me how much it means to them as well. It will help relieve some of the financial stress that my family faces each year.”

First Foundation CEO, Kirk Sargent says the scholarship sets up our future leaders for success.

“OCS’s commitment to funding the First Foundation Scholarship paves the way for aspiring talent like Rawiri, turning educational dreams into empowering realities that benefit both the individual and the wider community.”

OCS ANZ Managing Director, Gareth Marriott says awarding the scholarship is always a calendar highlight.

“The recipients often come from challenging backgrounds, but they are always bright with ambition, and have a desire to give back.”

Marriott says OCS has sponsored 11 students over the last nine years and each has become a valued member of the OCS family.

“It’s such a rewarding partnership. We look forward to seeing Rawiri grow and succeed in his next chapter.”

OCS Foundation: People into Work programme

Posted on by ameliaroberts
What is the People into Work programme?

People into Work is a unique UK programme, developed by the OCS Foundation, which aims to change individuals’ lives for the better by bringing sustainable employment opportunities to local individuals who have been in long-term unemployment, are ex-serving personnel, or face specific mental health or physical challenges.

Our people are the heart of everything we do as a business and our people-centred approach is what allows us to deliver not only the best practices and best experiences for our customers, but the best place of work for our employees.

The programme has already supported over 290 people with their own employment journey, and over 50 people have been brought into sustainable employment within OCS to date.

Jeffrey’s story

OCS helped Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Jeffrey Akrasi return to work. With support from The Forces Employment Charity, Jeffrey obtained the necessary qualifications and is now a Deputy Contract Manager at WLNT NHS Trust.

“I came into the West London contract on January 22nd after serving three tours in the army. I transitioned my employment into OCS from FEC, a well-known forces employment charity. I’m looking forward to remaining in the OCS family and working to the company’s values.”