In our inaugural interview for our NextGenFM series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nick Maggs, the Managing Director for Hard Services on the future of facilities management. With a career spanning decades and a wealth of experience in the facilities management (FM) industry, Nick offers invaluable insights into the future of Hard services, the challenges ahead, and the innovative solutions that will shape the industry for generations.
A Journey of Resilience and Innovation
Nick’s journey in the FM industry is a testament to resilience and innovation. Starting as the managing director of a small electrical power company, Nick faced the daunting task of winding down the company because the overseas parent company wanted to withdraw from the UK. Instead, he took the bold step of organising a management buyout, saving 350 jobs in the process. This pivotal moment set the stage for a career marked by strategic thinking and a commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on his early career, Nick shares, “I had no idea about management buyouts, but I just thought that I needed a job and I had a great company. I managed to do a deal and saved 350 jobs. That was a proud moment.”
Embracing Challenges and Driving Change
Nick’s career is characterised by his ability to embrace challenges and drive change. From his early days in civil engineering, guided by his father’s advice, to leading major projects in the Docklands, Nick’s path has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. His tenure at Enterprise and later at Amey saw him navigating complex corporate landscapes and spearheading significant acquisitions.
“Hard services are quite technical and varied,” Nick explains. “Our role is to undertake planned and reactive maintenance tasks on mechanical & electrical equipment, as well as other parts of a building’s fabric. Compared to soft services, when an asset fails, you know about it very quickly, ie the lights go off or the aircon stops working. The impact is immediate, and that’s what drives me – maintaining assets to statutory requirements then the challenge of fixing things quickly and efficiently, when they do sometimes fail”
The Future of Facilities Management
Looking ahead, Nick identifies several key trends and challenges in the hard FM. One of the most pressing issues is the state of public sector infrastructure and assets. “The biggest challenge is the poor state of infrastructure and the huge backlog of asset replacement work,” Nick notes. “We need to find innovative ways to address these issues within the constraints of limited budgets.”
Nick sees a significant opportunity in integrating energy management with FM. “We can use energy savings to invest in asset replacement,” he says. “There are also significant government funds available for public sector assets, which we can tap into to support these initiatives.”
Harnessing Technology for a Sustainable Future
Technology plays a crucial role in the future of hard services. Nick is particularly excited about the potential of digital twins and advanced building management systems. “We need to transform our workforce scheduling and leverage technology to improve efficiency and compliance,” he explains. “Creating digital twins of assets allows us to monitor performance in real-time and address issues proactively.”
Nick’s vision for the future includes a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. “Our customers have ambitious net zero targets, and we can help them achieve these through innovative energy solutions,” he says.
“By integrating energy management with FM, we can create business opportunities while driving sustainability.”
A Passion for Excellence
Beyond his professional achievements, Nick is passionate about scuba diving, a hobby that reflects his love for exploration and adventure. “I’m a professionally qualified Divemaster, and I taught my family to dive,” he shares. This passion for excellence and discovery is evident in his approach to FM, where he continually seeks new ways to innovate and lead.
Conclusion
Nick Maggs’ insights and experiences offer a compelling vision for the future of hard FM. As OCS continues to make its mark on the industry, the focus remains on anticipating and meeting the needs of present and future generations. Through strategic thinking, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, we are shaping up to mould and craft the future of FM.
