Category: New Business Win

South Western Railway Renews Partnership with OCS

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our successful partnership with South Western Railway (SWR). Following a contract extension, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional services that enhance the travel experience for SWR’s passengers.

Key Drivers for Renewal 

The contract renewal with SWR is grounded in three fundamental drivers: 

Transparency and Delivery: We have consistently demonstrated transparency in our operations, ensuring that SWR receives accurate and timely information. Despite general resourcing challenges, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional services. 

Collaboration: We recognise the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals. By working closely with SWR, we have fostered a strong partnership that benefits both parties. 

Innovation: OCS thrives on innovation. We continuously seek new ways to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. Its innovative solutions have positively impacted SWR’s operations. 

As we renew our partnership with OCS, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our passengers. OCS’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for an improved travel experience.

Charlie Hatcher

Head of Train Presentation, South Western Railway

Addressing Challenges 

Since the pandemic, many industries have faced the challenge of maintaining a sustained workforce.  We have strategically addressed this, resulting in transformative outcomes.  Over the past three years, we have diligently built a stable and reliable workforce for SWR. Our consistent efforts in recruitment and training have contributed to a motivated team that ensures smooth operations. 

Our exceptional cleaning  has also aided  in maintaining SWR’s fleet standards. The trains offer a welcoming environment and passengers can travel comfortably, knowing that cleanliness is a top priority. 

Digital Transformation 

As a testament to our commitment, we have revolutionised data/performance tracking on-site. We transitioned from manual paper-based processes to a sophisticated APP that captures real-time information visualised on PowerBi. This digital transformation has streamlined operations and improved efficiency.  

We also digitised 99% of the contract’s inspection, checklists and training records. This proactive approach ensures compliance and quality control. 

 Sustainability Initiatives 

We remain committed to environmental stewardship. To reduce carbon footprint, we introduced a chemical-free cleaning solution produced on-site. By minimising product transportation costs and promoting eco-friendly practices, we contribute to a greener future. 

I’m very proud that OCS’s working relationship with SWR is to continue. Our investment in innovative equipment and technological solutions, together with our commitments to ESG, are supporting SWR with their strategic objectives. Our team, which delivers exceptional services every day in challenging circumstances, is a source of huge pride.

Richard Marshall

Sector Managing Director Transport, OCS UK & Ireland

OCS Secures Contract Extension with Birmingham Airport

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are pleased to announce that we have successfully secured a two-year contract extension to continue delivering essential cleaning services at Birmingham Airport. The scope of these services encompasses not only the airport terminals but also various other buildings, including external areas, winter gritting for terminal surroundings, washroom hygiene, and high-level window cleaning.

This contract extension is a direct result of our consistent service delivery to Birmingham Airport. Through a robust and collaborative partnership with the airport, we have demonstrated flexibility and cost-consciousness, positioning ourselves as the ideal long-term solution for the airport’s premises.

We are pleased to extend our partnership with OCS. Their consistent service delivery and flexibility have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards we expect at Birmingham Airport. This sustained working relationship ensures that our passengers and facilities continue to benefit from OCS’s expertise.

Deane Arnold

Terminal Operations Manager — Birmingham Airport

Building upon our previous five-year contract (which began in May 2019), this extension will see us continue our services until April 2026. Notably, during the initial contract, we introduced robotics into our service package, providing an innovative and efficient solution.

Furthermore, this extension expands the contract’s scope, creating additional employment opportunities with a focus on recruiting from the local Birmingham area. We remain committed to maintaining exceptional service standards while contributing positively to the airport’s operations and community.

We are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with Birmingham Airport. This contract extension reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional services and maintaining a positive working relationship.

Mark Chambers

Operations Director Airport Services — OCS

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Virgin Atlantic Advances Decade-Long Partnership with OCS

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are thrilled to announce that we have won a contract to continue providing laundry services to the aviation industry giant, Virgin Atlantic. This contract is an extension of a decade-long partnership between the OCS and Virgin Atlantic. The contract serves Virgin Atlantic’s locations primarily in Heathrow and Manchester and extends to support its Scotland site during the busy summer period.  

The extension is a testament to the strong partnership between OCS and Virgin and the quality of services delivered by the OCS team, with particular recognition for how agile and prolific our team is when it comes to problem-solving.  

We provide laundry services to four aviation industry leaders in our 60,000 sqm site where we support our aviation customers in achieving their sustainability goals. We have made significant improvements to our laundry servicing site to boost sustainability and provide environmentally friendly options for processing laundry.  

For example, we installed a banding machine on site which has facilitated a 50% reduction in plastic usage in headphones. Furthermore, we have taken extensive measures to provide an electric fleet and recover all the energy spent on heating the water used in the facility contributing to net-zero targets. 

Southbank Centre Appoints OCS as Part Of A Multi-million FM Investment Programme

Posted on by stephanieamata

Southbank Centre has awarded OCS a contract to supply total facilities management services to their sites. The services include cleaning, technical services (mechanical & engineering and projects), and event support. The core multi-million-pound contract will be carried out over 5 years, with potential for extension, along with additional yearly projects of added value, to enhance the facilities at Southbank Centre. This adds to OCS’s growing presence in the private sector.

The victory in securing this prestigious contract is attributed to the strong and sustained engagement between the teams at OCS and Southbank Centre. The foundations of a strong working relationship have fostered outstanding collaborative engagement throughout the tender process. The contract will go live on the 1st of April, with a transfer of over 100 front-line colleagues from the incumbent service provider to OCS.

Southbank Centre sought a contractor capable of addressing the unique needs of its dynamic business, including three main properties –Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Hayward Gallery–and other satellite locations. As a hub for the arts community, the spaces within Southbank Centre are constantly evolving spaces, to accommodate a busy calendar of events. The OCS team has committed to a service delivery with exceptional agility in supporting their building-repurposing initiatives.

We are excited about the collaboration with OCS and their dedication to delivering our specific requirements. Their commitment to building a strong and cooperative relationship has been clear throughout the process. We believe that their expertise will play a vital role in preserving our status as a hub for the arts community and improving our facilities. We anticipate a successful and mutually rewarding partnership.

Hilton Wells

Head of Facilities, Southbank Centre

OCS’s technological offerings, particularly its smart building technology, ABi, caught the attention of Southbank Centre. Post-mobilisation, they plan to implement ABi to assist in reaching and monitoring sustainability goals and fostering best practices for efficiency gains across operations.

In addition to shared commitments to greener practices, OCS and Southbank Centre share a dedication to empowering the local community in London. To ensure a positive impact, OCS commits to hiring from within the local community for outsourced services and further employment. Additionally, OCS is committed to providing apprenticeships during the contract tenure and contributing to social mobility within the community.

This successful tender marks the commencement of a promising partnership. Together, OCS and Southbank Centre are focused on future-proofing and decarbonising the estate, while simultaneously empowering local communities. OCS takes pride in this achievement and looks forward to the collaborative journey ahead.

We’re looking forward to building a strong relationship with Southbank Centre. Our commitment is to support them in maintaining their role as a hub for the South London community, creating welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors. Additionally, we are enthusiastic about implementing intelligent solutions to enhance their facilities and foster sustainable practices.

Claire Rumsey

OCS Sector Managing Director – Private FM, Destinations

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

Posted on by stephanieamata

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

Scottish and Southern Electricity Appoints OCS as Part of a £10 Million Investment Programme

Posted on by peterstatham

As part of its commitment to delivering a safe, secure, and reliable electricity supply, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has awarded OCS a 5-year contract to support the upkeep of all its steel towers across its central southern England distribution area. This initiative forms part of SSEN’s £10 million investment to ensure that its 33kV and 132kV steel towers are in the best possible condition for its 3.1m customers.

A team of OCS specialist colleagues will be responsible for applying new coats of specialist anti-corrosion paint to the towers, which provides protection from the elements and prolongs the working lifespan of this essential infrastructure. All colleagues delivering these works are trained in tower climbing, rescue and Emergency First Aid and, importantly safety from the high voltage electricity system.

This work involves working at height in varying weather conditions, so wind direction and wind speed are monitored and used to manage overspray risks during the works. As well as remote and rural areas the towers can often be in challenging locations.

Technology will play a key role in streamlining on-site works with a bespoke OCS app providing real-time management information, giving teams on the ground live information on sites completed and notifications when each stage of works is ready for quality checks before being marked as fully completed. Real-time progress reports are used by the management team and are also available to the client.

“This is a key project for us over the next six months. The 33kV and 132kV steel towers are the backbone of our network, so it’s crucial that we do all we can to ensure that they’re in the best possible condition, continuing to power homes and businesses across central southern England all year round.”

Martin Bailey

SSEN’s Project Manager

“The decision by SSEN to select us as a framework partner to support them in maintaining their steel towers network, is testament to the proven skills and expertise of our teams and our market leading position. This is vital work that will ensure these communities can continue to be assured of a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity and we are proud to be part of it.”

Barry Creswick

Director of Tower Painting at OCS

“This £10m programme of works a key part of our commitment to delivering a safe, secure, and reliable power supply for our customers. With electricity playing such an important role in all our daily lives, be that at home, at school or at work, it’s vital that we do all we can to ensure the overhead Line infrastructure is in the best condition possible.”

Chris Slingsby

SSEN’s Head of Works Delivery

Edinburgh Airport appoints OCS to support passengers with reduced mobility

Posted on by ameliaroberts

Edinburgh Airport has chosen OCS, the leading international facilities service provider, to ensure that passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) receive specialist support in their journey through the airport. It is part of its commitment to providing all passengers with excellent customer service and a seamless journey.

Under the terms of the agreement OCS will provide a 24/7 continuous service every day including public and bank holidays, ensuring assisted safe passage through the airport (departures and arrivals) to and from the airplane to defined arrival/onward journey points, working closely with airlines and handling agents. The service includes covering assistance with set down points or pick up points to check-in; registration at check-in and with security processes; support with boarding, disembarking and with missed or delayed flights.

The service is underpinned by bespoke technology that enables passengers to register once and then receive a personalised service each time they fly in or out of Edinburgh Airport based on their previous preferences and requirements – where possible with the same team member. This has also proven to reduce the number of passengers who do not book assistance in advance ensuring a better service for all.

A team of over 130 colleagues will transfer to OCS under TUPE and immediately undertake a rigorous, bespoke training programme that has been developed at Glasgow Airport, Southampton Airport and Bristol Airport where the company delivers a similar service. They will also benefit from broader career development and job opportunities, in line with the company’s values of giving colleagues the tools to enable them to thrive and be the best they can be.

“The number of PRMs travelling is growing steadily so understanding the requirements and potential issues is of increasing importance to both airlines and airports alike. Our team members are often the first and last touchpoints at the airport and we ensure that they are knowledgeable, empathetic, and engaging, with a clear objective to deliver the best possible customer service.”

Richard Marshall

Managing Director, OCS

“We are proud of our Very Good rating for our PRM and Special Assistance provision and we want to ensure that we provide a service that grants everyone the same access and experience no matter the circumstances. OCS’s experience within the aviation industry will allow us to maintain that high standard and work together to make improvements where we can.”

Ross Gilpin

Contract & Operational Manager at Edinburgh Airport

Government Property Agency (GPA) awarded 5-year contract to OCS

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Following on from the announcement by The Government Property Agency regarding the award of a number of FM contracts, Atalian Servest, part of OCS, has released further detail about its important role in the GPA’s UK-wide workplace services transformation programme (WSTP)*.

The Group has confirmed that it has been awarded a 5-year contract to provide a range of hard and soft FM services at 69 key Government sites across the UK, including strategically important government buildings in Whitehall such as 10 Downing St and Admiralty Building. These include planned and reactive maintenance, handyman services, lifecycle works, project works. cleaning, reception, porterage, catering, waste, grounds maintenance and pest control.

The number of roles will be increased by 30% across a range of disciplines to support OCS’ commitment to driving continuous improvement and delivering a strong customer experience, with all staff being paid the Living Wage and offered additional training and career progression to reflect the Group’s aim to make people and places the best they can be.

OCS is also adding value through the introduction of dedicated Social Value management resource to drive forward and deliver on social value and environmental outcomes. This includes a commitment to ensuring that over 50% of the supply chain consists of local suppliers. In addition, OCS will work closely with GPA to help them achieve their carbon reduction targets, introducing CarbonEyes, the Group’s carbon and sustainability training platform, to all staff at all sites, educating them on how to identify opportunities to reduce carbon and deliver a more sustainable service.

Rob Legge, Global CEO at OCS, said: “At the heart of this contract award are strong, shared values from two organisations who are committed to empowering colleagues through excellent working environments, driving productivity and engagement. Strong shared beliefs around the importance of collaboration, integrity and respect for communities and the environment will provide a solid bedrock for this new partnership and allow us to set new standards in the UK’s public sector estate.”

Dominic Brankin, Workplace Services Director at the GPA, said: “We are working with all government departments to help them deliver their business needs, supported by best-in-class delivery partners to ensure we deliver a transformed, shared, sustainable and value-for-money government estate.”

*The WSTP exists to evolve how the Government’s office estate is managed and operated to create great places to work for civil servants enabling them to deliver excellent public services. The GPA’s vision is to “deliver a transformed, shared, sustainable and value for money office estate, supporting civil servants to work productively in every nation and region of the UK.”

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) look forward to commencing the three-year contract with OCS

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We are pleased to announce that OCS Ireland has been awarded a new three-year contract with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), the national railway operator of the Republic of Ireland.

A subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann, Irish Rail is a vital component of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, responsible for providing passenger rail services across its extensive Commuter, Intercity, and Dart networks. It also manages Rosslare Europort running passenger and freight sailings between Ireland and the continent and oversees all internal freight railway operations in the Republic of Ireland.

In partnership with Translink, Irish Rail also operates the Enterprise service connecting Dublin and Belfast. Irish Rail achieved a commendable milestone in 2019 by carrying 50 million passengers, its highest-ever total. The company is set to recover this total post-COVID by 2024 and has plans to increase it further.

Under the new Managed Cleaning Services contract, OCS will assume the responsibility for maintaining a superior level of cleanliness within Irish Rail’s network of train stations, depots, and trains. With a commitment to utilising cutting-edge cleaning equipment and innovative techniques, we aim to ensure that the passenger experience aligns with the high standards upheld by Irish Rail.

We are dedicated to enabling our customers to be their best. The new contract strengthens our existing partnership with Irish Rail, complementing the Security Services contract we have delivered for them since 2014. Our ability to offer an integrated suite of services underscores the confidence that Irish Rail places in OCS to manage critical operational aspects, enabling them to focus on their core competencies.

We take immense pride in our role in this important partnership and will remain committed to supporting Irish Rail in achieving its operational goals.

Iarnród Éireann is an invaluable national asset and a cornerstone of our interconnected transport framework. We eagerly look forward to commencing our Managed Cleaning Services contract and contributing to their strategic goal of accommodating 80 million passengers by 2030.

Áine Mulcahy

Managing Director, OCS Ireland

The Royal Parks awards OCS facilities maintenance contract 

Posted on by ameliaroberts

The Royal Parks charity has announced the tender results for its facilities maintenance contract.

The charity, which manages London’s historic Royal Parks and other important green spaces in the capital, has awarded a five-year, multi-million-pound service contract to international facilities management company OCS.

The contract, beginning on 1 October 2023, covers ‘hard’ facilities maintenance* services across all eight Royal Parks and Brompton Cemetery.

This involves skilled works to manage the parks’ infrastructure, including fountains, buildings such as public toilets and offices, footpaths, statues, monuments and street lighting.

OCS will deliver planned preventative maintenance to protect and prevent the decline of park assets and infrastructure, as well as unplanned reactive repair work.

The new contract will guarantee that all staff from current contracts will be protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) legislation.

Through the contract, The Royal Parks will continue to deliver the highest service delivery standards, incorporating current industry standards and good practices, including around sustainability.

“We are delighted to award this contract to OCS. The work OCS will deliver will help us conserve and enhance the important national heritage within London’s eight Royal Parks for everyone to enjoy.”

Darren Woodward

Director of Estates and Projects, The Royal Parks

William Heaney, Managing Director, Technical Services, OCS, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded this prestigious, long-term contract with The Royal Parks to deliver a full complement of hard facilities management services.  

“Our shared vision of service excellence, sustainable, inclusive workplaces and continuous improvement provides the platform for a strong, successful, and impactful partnership.  

“We look forward to delivering a seamless transition of services and embracing the special environments which The Royal Parks have entrusted our organisation to maintain.” 

OCS awarded a 3-year contract with the Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge

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Delivering the best services

International facilities management service provider, Atalian Servest, part of the OCS Group, have been awarded a three-year contract at the prestigious Wellcome Genome Campus.
Atalian Servest will deliver cleaning, washrooms and waste segregation services at the scientific research campus based in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire. The contract manager will oversee the daily running of the contract with support from the senior operations team.

“We were looking for a Facilities Management company who could provide a bespoke service at our multiple-building site. From the outset Atalian Servest have worked collaboratively with our team to deliver a best value solution with a strong sustainability focus.”

Jen Waterfield

Senior Procurement Partner at Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Genome Campus is home to some of the world’s foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and imagination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Jen Bates, Sector Managing Director, Atalian Servest, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Wellcome Genome Campus. Our local knowledge and expertise in delivering services to similar clinical environments means we have a sound understanding of the client’s requirements, and look forward to supporting them at their Hinxton site.”

Birmingham 2022 appoints OCS as Official Provider of Facilities Services for the Commonwealth Games

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OCS Group UK has been selected to provide security services for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Named as the Official Security Personnel Provider, OCS will provide services including screening, vehicle search, patrols and response teams at Alexander Stadium, Sandwell Aquatics Centre, NEC campus hotels and the Games Family Hotel Accommodation. Over 1,100 OCS colleagues – all SIA licenced and extensively trained – will help to keep Birmingham 2022 safe.

Bringing people together

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until 8 August 2022. As the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands, it is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.

A big part of Birmingham 2022 is to ensure it is a Games for everyone. During the build up to the games next year, OCS will be visiting over 100 schools and will be working closely with Birchfield Harriers Athletics club to promote sport and to support athletes of the future.

“It’s great to have OCS on board as they join us as our Official Security Personnel Provider for Birmingham 2022. They are well known for their sports and entertainment experience, in particular for the NEC, which is hosting a number of our sports including boxing and para-powerlifting. This pedigree makes them an ideal partner to help us deliver not only a safe and successful Games, but an enjoyable experience for all.

In addition to providing security services at competition venues, we’re delighted to work together with OCS on our community engagement activities, using an exciting and engaging approach to educate and inform young people.”

Nick Knight

Security Director at Birmingham 2022

Jeremy Dicks, Director of Venues and Events at OCS said: “We’re delighted to provide security services for this high-profile multi-sport event, working in partnership with Birmingham 2022 to deliver a safe and secure Games for everyone. We’ll be recruiting locally and using our experience at Premier League stadiums and the NEC Group to provide expert training and the latest support systems. We’re also excited to provide 400 volunteering hours to support school visits as part of the Commonwealth Games’ volunteering programme.”

Darren Hall, Chief Operating Officer at the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We’re pleased to welcome OCS to the sponsor family. Their talented workforce and established experience in many local Games venues will benefit Games organisers but, most importantly, ensure a safe, welcoming, family-friendly Games for everyone.”