Month: April 2024

OCS’s Ministry of Justice Team Shortlisted for FSM Security Team of the Year Award 

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The esteemed Fire and Security Matters Awards has revealed its 2024 shortlist and our OCS Ministry of Justice team is a finalist in the Security Team of the Year category. This nomination is a testament to their dedication to excellence and collaborative work ethos. 

The team’s hands-on approach, with managers actively involved on the ground, fosters a motivated and cohesive workforce. They consistently strive to enhance and modernise their processes for maximum efficiency. In a notable development, the visitor and contractor service revamped their check-in process by adopting digital sign-ins and streamlining queues, resulting in shorter wait times. Furthermore, the team has embraced eco-friendly practices, such as electronic logs and double-sided printing, significantly reducing their environmental impact and enhancing their corporate image. 

We are immensely proud of our Ministry of Justice team, whose nomination stands as a testament to our TRUE Values which we embed throughout our organisation. Well done to the team for their hard work and dedication, we wish them the best at the finals this year and thank you to FSM for the recognition.

Ian Nisbet

Managing Director for Public Sector FM

In addition to investing in the team’s learning and development through apprenticeship programmes and mental health training, the leadership team actively engages with industry experts, participates in forums, and contributes to security standards development. This collaborative effort not only strengthens our security stance but also enriches the wider community’s response to security challenges. 

The team operates with a proactive mindset, addressing potential threats before they materialise. Their genuine commitment to safeguarding customer assets has garnered numerous accolades, exemplified by their proactive security audits and vulnerability assessments. Most recently, the head of security was honoured with a British Empire Medal by His Majesty King Charles III for their outstanding contributions. 

Class Dismissed: The Culinary Classroom class of 2023-24 takes a bow! 

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The Culinary Classroom cohort for this year have concluded their final session, marking the culmination of a transformative 10-month programme. Throughout this period, chefs from diverse sectors within our business engaged in a comprehensive culinary learning journey, emphasising the acquisition of a renewed understanding, respect, and appreciation for the origins of our food. 

Monthly modules, spanning various culinary disciplines, covered topics ranging from vertical farming techniques that conserve water to recipes with reduced carbon footprint. The curriculum also delved into the art of breadmaking, the intricacies and artistry of chocolatier skills, the nuances of butchering, and immersive experiences like road shows and street food safaris. These sessions, orchestrated by our catering executive development team, addressed vital aspects of the catering business, like hospitality, menu planning, and financial awareness. As a result, the chefs emerging from this programme not only possess a heightened appreciation for the journey of food from farm to fork but also wield the essential tools for business success.

This initiative stands as a testament to OCS’s commitment to investing in our people, ensuring the longevity of their careers by arming them with invaluable lessons and tools. The penultimate module was a practical class on pasta-making, covering handmade pasta, egg pasta, gnocchi, and risotto.  

After acquiring a solid foundation in pasta, gnocchi, and risotto cookery, our culinary classroom chefs were entrusted with the challenge of crafting original recipes based on their observations and learning. The chefs were organised into teams, with pasta machines securely affixed to the tables, and engaged in the enjoyable process of rolling out their pasta doughs. The kitchen became a hub of creativity, witnessing a dynamic exchange of ideas among our chefs as they collaboratively developed fresh pasta dishes brimming with flavour. To acknowledge their successful completion of the Culinary Classroom programme, each participant was presented with an engraved kitchen knife, symbolising their proficiency and growth throughout the programme. 

I’ve had an amazing experience and gained so much knowledge over the past 10 months. I really appreciate Matt Vernon and Matt Chapman from the development team hosting this fantastic course and I’m truly grateful for the gift. The culinary classroom has built my confidence within the kitchen immensely. Everybody on the culinary classroom programmer is such lovely and genuine people; I’ve taken away invaluable experience from their support too!

Zoe Boland

Chef Manager, Marshalls Park Academy

The concluding module featured an exhilarating day immersed in road shows and exploring renowned street food hubs. Here, our chefs gained invaluable firsthand experience of the business process from the customer’s perspective. This hands-on encounter provided insights into crucial elements such as pricing, presentation, and marketing strategies, all while indulging in the delectable offerings of diverse global cuisines from Jamaica to South America. 

What lies ahead for our Culinary Classroom graduates? In the final class, they attended the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering show. This annual event hosts the esteemed International Salon Culinaire competition, where top chefs from around the catering world gather to compete in various categories. Our Culinary Classroom students have now been introduced to this prestigious competition, and our chef development team will mentor them as they prepare to compete in 2025. Additionally, they will actively participate in mentoring and collaborating with the chef development team to lead regional skill-based workshops, contributing to the training of new and existing colleagues across OCS Food Co. 

Congratulations to the 23/24 cohort!  

I’ve had the opportunity to visit different suppliers all over the UK and meet many great people along the way. It’s been a great experience to be part of the culinary classroom, I wish we could have even more classes! Matt has been very helpful throughout and encouraged me to enter our 2023 Chef of the Year competition in which I proudly reached the final. I’m going to miss the culinary classroom; I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m proud to have formed long-lasting relationships with my colleagues

Fernando Murillo

DHL in Slough

I’ve enjoyed meeting other chefs from different sites and developing my understanding of cookery, as well as the wider business. If I were to sum up the culinary classroom in one word, I would have to say – refreshing.

Dan Price

Ocado in Andover

Race the Thames Fundraising Event Raises Over £25,000 for Charity 

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In a remarkable display of unity and determination, over 300 colleagues from OCS embarked on a virtual journey along the historic River Thames, all with a common goal: to raise funds for two deserving charities—London Youth Rowing and OCS Foundation. Race the Thames, saw participants from various corners of the company, including our Group CEO Rob Legge, engage in an array of inventive activities to cover the 346km distance of the iconic river.  

The response was fantastic, with 360 participants joining forces and forming 45 teams, each committed to making a difference. From swimming to walking, skipping to bouncing on trampolines, participants found inventive ways to contribute to this noble cause. Each completed activity added to the collective effort, showcasing the power of unity in pursuit of a common goal. These dedicated individuals collectively completed an impressive 2,584 activities, totalling an astounding 4,211 hours.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of Race the Thames was seeing people come together across the business for a common good. In addition to OCS colleagues, several esteemed partners, including Birkets, BDO, Client Share, and RKStyles, joined in. This collective effort underscores our TRUE values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. 

We are committed to making a positive difference in the world, consistent with our vision and mission. The over £25,000 raised serves as a testament to the power of collective action in driving social change. By supporting London Youth Rowing (LYR) and the OCS Foundation, we are empowering young people, driving change, and leaving a legacy of positive transformation. 

London Youth Rowing has been instrumental in empowering young individuals through rowing, providing life skills programs and mentoring that have a profound and lasting impact. Likewise, the OCS Foundation has a proven track record of driving positive change and has already transformed the lives of over 150 individuals facing various barriers to employment. 

As we reflect on Race the Thames, we extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success and look forward to the next fundraising event. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to leave people and places better than we found them.

Celebrating Great British Beef Week

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Great British Beef Week (GBBW), now in its 14th year, is a nationwide campaign that celebrates the versatility and exceptional taste of British beef. Founded by the women’s farming group, Ladies in Beef, GBBW aims to highlight the goodness and flavour of properly sourced British beef. The commitment and dedication of British beef farmers to sustainable practices are also emphasised during this week. 

At the heart of GBBW is the recognition of British beef’s quality, which is why all the beef used in our featured recipes during GBBW will be Red Tractor-assured. This assurance guarantees the utmost care for the animals and provides essential support to our British farmers. 

As part of the celebration, we’re using our British beef to create a menu featuring dishes from across the globe, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of OCS. Our Angel Hill catering brand will be showcasing dishes that demonstrate the diverse ways beef can be used. Here’s a glimpse of what’s on our menu: 

  • Cured Beef Brisket ‘Roast Dinner’ Yorkshire Pudding Wrap: A delightful fusion of traditional British flavours wrapped in a Yorkshire pudding, perfect for those on the go. 
  • Beef, Leek & Swede Cumberland Pie: A comforting classic with a twist, combining the richness of British beef with the earthy flavours of leeks and swede. 
  • Spiced Moroccan Beef Meatballs, Roasted Veg, and Homemade Flatbread: A blend of spices meets succulent beef meatballs, served alongside roasted vegetables and warm flatbread. 
  • Beef Keema Aloo with Coriander Citrus Rice: A vibrant Indian-inspired dish featuring spiced minced beef and fragrant coriander citrus rice. 
  • Chilli Beef Taco Pizza: A Tex-Mex delight where crispy taco shells meet pizza toppings, including zesty beef chili. 
  • Polish-Style Beef Patties (Kotlety): A nod to Poland, these hearty beef patties are seasoned to perfection. 

We look forward to serving these dishes to our customers across the nation to highlight the exceptional quality of British beef. Join us this Great British Beef Week to savour the taste of naturally delicious beef from our isles and explore its culinary possibilities! 

Dive into GBBW with this mouth-watering recipe for our classic Cumberland pie, perfect for sharing with friends and family:

Beef, Leek and Swede Cumberland Pie – serves 12

Ingredients

  • 6 x Leeks, white part diced, green part sliced and kept separate
  • 2 x large Carrots, finely chopped
  • 4 x Celery sticks, finely chopped
  • 2tbsp x baking fat
  • 2tbsp x Veg oil
  • 2kg x Minced Beef
  • 400g x bacon, cut into lardons
  • 80g x Plain Flour
  • 10 x Thyme sprigs
  • 4tbsp x Worcestershire sauce
  • 2.5ltr x Beef bouillon
  • 2kg x Swede, peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 700g x Washed White Potatoes
  • 50g x Baking Fat
  • 200ml x Milk
  • 50g x Grated Mature Cheddar
  • 50g x Natural Breadcrumbs

Method

  1. Pre heat oven to 180°C
  2. Place the leeks, carrots and celery into a medium sized pan and saute over a low heat to cook without colouring in the baking fat and oil
  3. In another large pan, brown off the minced beef, cooking in small batches to keep it brown without it steaming in the pan, breaking up the mince as it cooks
  4. When the vegetables have softened, stir in the bacon and turn up the heat, cooking until everything is golden
  5. Stir in the minced beef, followed by the flour, half of the thyme sprigs and the Worcestershire sauce
  6. Slowly stir in the beef bouillon and bring to a simmer
  7. Transfer to a deep gastro tray and place in the oven
  8. Cook for 2 hours until the sauce is thickened and rich and the beef is tender.
  9. Halfway the cooking time stir in the leek greens and continue to cook
  10. While the beef is cooking, place the swede and potatoes into two separate pans
  11. Cover them both with cold water, bring to the boil, and simmer until tender
  12. Drain both well and tip them back into the pans, place on a low heat to steam dry for a minute or two
  13. When they are dry, place them in one pan and mash until smooth with the baking fat and milk
  14. Once the beef is ready, transfer to a serving dish, discard the thyme sprigs, and cover with the mashed mix, either pipe or fluff the mix with a fork
  15. Rub the cheddar into the breadcrumbs, chop the remaining thyme and add into the crumb mix
  16. Sprinkle the mix over the swede potato mix and place back into the oven increasing the heat to 200°C
  17. Bake for a further 10 – 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.

OCS Front of House Colleague Among Top 10 Corporate Receptionist of The Year Finalists

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We are delighted to announce that one of our exceptional front-of-house colleagues with our Amika Guest Services brand, Charleigh Churchill, has been selected as a top 10 finalist for the prestigious Corporate Receptionist of the Year award– the only award that recognises and celebrates exceptional front of house receptionists working in the corporate sector.  

The shortlist of 10 outstanding receptionists was meticulously curated by a distinguished panel of judges representing prominent organisations in the corporate sector. These esteemed judges included representatives from Amplify, On-Verve, Rapport Guest Services, and Riverstone. Additionally, senior executives from the competition’s partners—Moneypenny, Proinsight, Search, and Vpod—contributed their expertise to the selection process. 

Charleigh exemplifies our core TRUE Values through her dedication, hard work, and meticulous attention to detail. Her nomination resonates with our mission, and we are so proud of her. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Charleigh. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to us all, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.

Huanita Wallace

OCS Front of House Ambassador

Joining this esteemed panel were Judita Poceviciute and Shannon Sullivan, previous winners of the Corporate Receptionist of the Year award in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Their firsthand experience and industry insights played a crucial role in identifying the most exceptional talent. 

The panel’s deliberations were overseen by Derek Williams, Founder of the WOW! Awards, renowned for recognising excellence in customer service across various sectors. Williams ensured that the evaluation process adhered to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. 

On being nominated, Charleigh commented, “My managers have been completely instrumental in shaping my career and providing me with opportunities I never thought were possible. Their leadership and vision are incredibly appreciated. I just want to say thank you to them for making my ideas feel valued and encouraging me to step outside the box and get creative. I’m thankful to be a part of this team and beyond proud to be flying the flag high for Amika Guest Services and OCS in the CROTY Awards 2024.” Her shortlisting exemplifies a wider commitment from OCS to deliver the best experiences to customers and communities.  

The winner of the Corporate Receptionist of the Year award will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony on the 20th of May. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Charleigh and wish her the best of luck! 

OCS Secures 7-Year Extension for Facilities Management Services with SCTS and COPFS 

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We’re thrilled to announce that we have secured a 7-year contract (with options for the customers to extend for up to another 2 years) to provide total facilities management services to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). These services span a combined 74 sites. SCTS is an independent body that provides administrative support to the Scottish Courts, devolved tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The COPFS is Scotland’s prosecution service and death investigation authority.

This new contract follows a previous 6-year contract from 2017 to 2023, with an added extension to June 2024. It strengthens a relationship that has lasted over 13 years. The core services provided include cleaning, maintenance services, security and projects.

The latest contract award is a testament to our consistent service provision. We won the contract through a competitive tender process, with SCTS and COPFS choosing to continue their association with us as we emerged as the best solution for their varied site needs.

Following a competitive tendering process we have decided to continue our partnership with OCS. Their consistent excellence in service delivery, their innovative approach to sustainability and their commitment to social responsibility were key in our decision. Our historic sites present a unique challenge and we are pleased to work with them again to further reduce carbon emissions building on significant reductions over recent years. We believe OCS will continue to provide the best support for our facilities management needs over the next seven years.

Kate Leer

Director – Property & Services Unit, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Services

Of the sites managed by SCTS and COPFS, 44% were established before 1960 and 86% of those before 1900, classifying them as historical listed sites. We face the challenge of maintaining and future-proofing these sites, making them more eco-friendly while preserving their historical significance. In 2023, we completed 15 sustainability projects across the estate and helped COPFS secure £10.8 million in funding for retrofitting and decarbonising their buildings. We also surpassed its 15% carbon emission reduction target for SCTS, achieving a remarkable 27% reduction instead. 

As part of the new contract, we will implement our smart building technology, ABi to better monitor carbon emissions and optimise site productivity. We also plan to employ more cleaning robotics to streamline cleaning processes. When it comes to security, we implement a “target zero accident” approach, focusing on proactive and de-escalation techniques to prevent accidents and ensure no harm comes to staff, clients, and the public. 

In terms of social responsibility, we will continue to support Scottish Autism and Women’s Refuge, two charities active in the communities served by this contract. Scottish Autism is the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and Women’s Refuge is the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse organisation. Additionally, we will support grassroots football teams and introduce volunteer days for managers and supervisors every year. 

We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with SCTS and COPFS for another seven years. Our shared commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility has been the cornerstone of our partnership, and we look forward to building upon this legacy in the years to come.

Colin Rushforth

Account Director

Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Conference: Pioneering Safety and Collaboration

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Collaborating with industry leaders

Our Security Systems team recently attended the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) Spring Conference, which brought together industry leaders, security professionals, and safety officers from across the football world. Held in Stratford-upon-Avon, this sold-out event provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in football safety.

The FSOA has long been at the forefront of promoting safety and security within football stadiums. As the premier association dedicated to stadium safety, its mission is clear: to develop and enhance all aspects of safety management during football events.

The conference featured prominent figures from the football world, including representatives from the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA). These key stakeholders engaged in discussions, workshops, and presentations aimed at improving safety standards across the board.

For Andrew Campbell, Group Security Systems Director, and his dedicated team, the FSOA Conference was an invaluable experience. As one of the UK’s leading providers of security systems for football stadiums, arenas, and venues, attendance at leading industry events such as this is paramount to accessing insightful exhibitions and discussions around industry cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and innovative solutions for enhancing safety.

Security insights to improve services

Our team gained valuable insights during the conference, which will directly impact our approach to security systems, physical safety measures, and stewarding. By learning from others and sharing our expertise, we contribute to the collective effort to make football stadiums safer for everyone involved.

As the FSOA continues to lead the way, we remain committed to excellence in football safety. Our collaboration with industry peers and adopting best practices will ensure that fans can enjoy the beautiful game in a secure and welcoming environment.

Find out more about how we help make football stadiums safe and secure:  https://ocs.com/uk/customer-stories/making-a-london-based-football-stadium-safe-secure-and-ready-for-the-premier-league/

New Century House Opens as New OCS UK Head Office

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This week, we celebrated the opening of our new UK head office in Ipswich. This move represents a new chapter in our company’s story, and we’re ready to continue our journey in a space that will facilitate our future growth and success. 

The new head office is named New Century House, an acknowledgement to the first name of the company established by the founder of OCS, Frederick Goodliffe, 124 years ago. While the company will retain a small presence in Bury St Edmunds, most business operations will move to the new building from the start of April.  

On the morning of April 8th, Mayor Lynne Mortimer, Councillor of Ipswich, symbolically inaugurated this new chapter by cutting the OCS ribbon for the new office. The day and the subsequent week were filled with activities from quizzes to raffle draws. This positive start in Ipswich laid the foundation for building strong ties with the local community. 

In the coming weeks, Just Deli, a canteen catered by our catering brand Angel Hill, will be constructed and available for our colleagues to use in the new head office. Just Deli will provide fresh and nutritious food for our colleagues, with a focus on brain food, heart and gut health, to provide them with the necessary fuel to be their best. 

Expanding and looking ahead

Our decision to move was influenced by several factors. Ipswich offers good transport links, including a direct train service into London, which is key for our operations. The town also opens recruitment opportunities, especially along the A12 corridor into Essex. 

With the keys received at Christmas, we’ve been busy renovating New Century House, formerly occupied by accountants BDO, at The Havens, Ransomes Europark. 

We’re not just relocating; we’re also expanding from our current team of around 200 colleagues who work in Bury St Edmunds. This growth is due to two acquisitions in the past two months and new contracts. 

The move is a positive development for Ipswich and its local economy. The new HQ will operate on a ‘Hot Desk’ policy, with each department having a zone without desk allocation. This will maximise the efficiency of the premises in conjunction with hybrid working arrangements with colleagues. As OCS works to achieve its goal to double in size over the next 5 years, it expects to recruit up to 700 people from the Ipswich area and will look for additional space in Ipswich as it grows.

OCS will also be supporting the community through regional investment and volunteering work as a testament to our commitment to creating places for colleagues, customers, and communities to thrive. 

We’re also making strides for a good cause by hosting the New Century House Walk, a trekking event that covers just under 32 miles, from Vicon House, Bury St Edmunds, to New Century House, Ipswich and raising funds for the OCS Foundation. Every step we take can make a difference. 

If you’re interested in joining the OCS team, head over to: ocs.com/uk/careers/ 

Join us in this exciting new chapter of OCS’s history. 

OCS Rail Team Achieves RISQS Audit Success 

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We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) audit for Core Operational Railway Services and Sentinel. This comprehensive full-day examination rigorously assessed our rail safety management system, including our processes, policies, procedures, and licenses. The goal was to demonstrate that we have a cohesive plan in place to safeguard our people working on the railway – at depots, stations, and onboard trains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

While this audit is not mandatory for providing services to the rail industry, we chose to go the extra mile and achieve this award. It serves as a testament to our commitment to safety and security. 

Our safety management system has been proven safe for our colleagues and is entirely fit for purpose. Importantly, the same stringent audits apply to train operating companies and other suppliers, ensuring that we hold ourselves to the same high standards as rail-industry-specific organisations. We are fully compliant, equipped with a streamlined procurement process, and have robust risk mitigation procedures. These standards extend to all our customers in the railway industry, emphasising our dedication to the safety and well-being of both our colleagues and our customers’ premises. 

The success of this audit is a result of company-wide support for prioritising health and safety. We invested resources and time to ensure a successful outcome. Furthermore, our achievement means that we can now sponsor colleagues for Sentinel, operating under Network Rail guidance and guidelines. 

Well done to our teams who consistently go the extra mile to provide the best service to our customers! Find out more about our rail industry offerings here.

This milestone marks a pivotal moment for our presence in the rail industry, unlocking a realm of possibilities for us to innovate and further enrich our customer experience. As we embrace this advancement, we anticipate taking on greater responsibilities, all the while prioritising the safety and well-being of our colleagues.

William Downey

Head of Rail Projects

Leveraging ABi: Transforming Facilities Management Today 

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The facilities management industry has seen numerous advancements and innovations, particularly in the realm of technology. Here at OCS, we’ve embraced one such innovation: ABi. 

ABi, or Advanced Building Intelligence, is an integrated solution that harnesses the power of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. By collecting and analysing data, ABi drives improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. But it’s not just about crunching numbers. ABi understands the intricate dynamics of each site, creates a data model reflecting how people interact with these spaces, and guides them to their optimal work areas via automated task allocation. 

Reducing Costs and Monitoring ESG Commitments with ABi 

ABi is a formidable tool for businesses looking to maintain costs and monitor their ESG performance. The technology smartly tracks water and energy usage through features such as real-time performance data, energy optimisation, remote asset monitoring, demand-based cleaning, and occupancy tracking. Implementing these features leads to significant cost savings and improved working conditions. 

One of the significant benefits of ABi is its role in environmental sustainability. It unlocks the ability to optimise energy usage and tailor cleaning programmes to match occupancy and demand. ABi also plays a pivotal role in waste management. Using sensors in bins to notify relevant operatives when they are 75% full, leads to more efficient waste management and utilisation of labour resources. This technology can potentially facilitate significant savings on waste and time. 

Take, another example, the virtual PPM we employ with ABi in washrooms. It monitors outlets for water flow and temperatures 24/7, reporting which ones require flushing based on usage and flow. The data gathered from these sensors can guide your business’s water consumption plans, considering the predicted 6% rise in water bills, an increase above inflation, and the average workplace water consumption of 50 litres per employee. In a world of increasing water scarcity, every litre counts. 

OCS ABi text laid over a blue-tinged image of a data centre pointing to the technology used in facilities management

The Role of Our Computer-Aided Facilities Management System 

Our services are all connected through our Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) System, ensuring we stay ahead of any challenges your site may face. By connecting the latest cutting-edge technology, we digitise your building 24/7 through an industry-leading AI engine integrated with our CAFM Platform, providing a truly integrated smart building experience. 

In conclusion, ABi is more than a technological solution; it’s a strategic tool that drives cost savings, environmental sustainability, and improved service delivery. As we continue to innovate, we remain focused on enhancing our service delivery, driving continuous improvement, and delivering the highest levels of customer experience. 

OCS Royal Papworth Hospital Team Nominated for Partnership Award

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We’re excited to announce that our team at Royal Papworth, alongside our partners at Equitix, Skanska, and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, has been nominated for a Partnership Award in the “Best Operational – Healthcare” category.

Royal Papworth Hospital is recognised as the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital, treating approximately 50,000 patients each year. Since the hospital opened in 2019, our on-site team has been providing integrated soft services such as catering, cleaning, portering and security.

This nomination recognises our consistently delivered service and sustainable partnership with our clients and other facility management providers on-site.  Through exceeding expectations with transparent service delivery, the OCS team at Royal Papworth successfully navigated a rigorous review process in 2023. Recognising the close working relationships and dedicated efforts the OCS team have put in since service commencement, this process ensured continued excellence in service with no disruption.

We were delighted to note the inclusion in the nomination of multiple examples of positive patient and staff feedback related to our services, which is a testament to the OCS team’s hard work.

Working collaboratively, the teams at Royal Papworth have established the Team Royal Papworth Hospital Charter and a Joint Efficiency Group. This group meets quarterly to address recurring challenges, share insights, and offer valuable advice demonstrating flexibility and enabling continuous improvement opportunities through a partnership approach.

This nomination is a great honour and a testament to our commitment to quality service, effective partnerships, and the dedication of our team. We’re thrilled to have been recognised this way and we’re eager for the announcement on the 2nd of May. Good luck to all our fellow nominees!

Lindsey Coles

Support Director

The charter, based on Excellence, Collaboration, Communication, and Compassion, directs their collaborative work. By fostering transparency with industry partners and key stakeholders within the Trust, the OCS team has tailored their services to the unique needs of the facilities and their users.

Congratulations to the Royal Papworth Team. We look forward to the announcement of the winners on Thursday 2 May. 

OCS Acquires Abate Pest Management Services to Expand UK Pest Control Business

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We are pleased to announce that we have acquired Abate Pest Management Services (“Abate”), a leading independent provider of pest control solutions based in Norfolk. This strategic acquisition significantly bolsters OCS’ existing pest control capabilities, adding new expertise and exposure to different industries such as housing associations and food manufacturing. 

Founded in 1999, Abate has built a reputation in the pest control industry for professionalism and the leading service they provide to their customers. With particular strength in Norfolk, Kent and Sussex, Abate services a range of customers in various sectors including commercial and residential housing, food manufacturing and high-value cold storage. The business works to the highest industry standards and is a member of the British Pest Control Association. For Abate, this deal provides an exciting opportunity to grow as part of OCS, creating development opportunities.

This acquisition expands our existing range of expertise to include new service lines such as CCTV drain surveys, controlled low-temperature treatments and woodworm treatments. Adding these new technical abilities to the company’s existing sector specialisms will help to fuel our growth ambitions for its UK pest control business. The transaction also shows our commitment to the East Anglian region ahead of the company moving its headquarters to Ipswich later this month.

The two businesses are fundamentally aligned to delivering the best outcomes for their colleagues, customers and the communities they serve. The addition of Abate represents another step towards realising out mission of becoming the world’s premier facilities service provider.

Abate has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading independent pest control businesses. Their expertise in diverse sectors like housing and food manufacturing broadens our service offerings and aligns perfectly with our commitment to exceptional customer service. This acquisition significantly strengthens our own pest control capabilities, adding much needed density to our operations in London, Norfolk, Kent and Sussex. Together, we will leverage our combined expertise to grow into a leading provider of pest control solutions in the UK, while propelling OCS’ wider global growth ambitions

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Daniel Dickson

UK & Ireland CEO

Abate has operated independently as one of the UK’s premier pest control providers for over 25 years and we are proud to have built a strong customer base thanks to the leading service we provide. OCS recognises the strength of our business lies within our team who have been central to the success of our business. I am confident that together we can offer our customers a truly market leading service.

Jon Blake

Managing Director of Abate Pest Management Services