Facilities management (FM) is at the core of keeping workplaces safe, efficient, and productive. From cleaning and security to engineering and technical services, facilities management providers help organisations focus on their core operations while ensuring their buildings run smoothly.
But as energy costs rise and sustainability commitments tighten, choosing the right FM partner is about more than just maintenance — it’s about finding a provider that can support both day-to-day operations and long-term goals like net zero.
This article compares leading facilities management companies in the UK, highlighting their strengths and showing how Optimised provides specialist FM expertise focused on energy, utilities, and sustainability.
What is Facilities Management?
Facilities management is the coordination of workplace services to ensure buildings operate safely, efficiently, and compliantly. FM is typically split into two categories:
- Hard FM – Physical and technical services such as mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and building optimisation.
- Soft FM – Non-technical services including cleaning, catering, and security.
Modern FM goes beyond keeping buildings functional. It now includes:
- Workplace experience and occupant wellbeing.
- Energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
- Data-led performance management and smart building technology.
Key Factors When Choosing a Facilities Management Provider
Not all FM providers offer the same services. When comparing partners, consider:
Service Scope
Does the provider cover both hard and soft FM, or specialise in one area?
Sector Expertise
Has the provider worked in your industry (e.g. healthcare, commercial real estate, education, manufacturing)?
Technology and Data
Do they use smart building platforms, energy monitoring, and digital dashboards for real-time visibility?
Sustainability Alignment
Can they help you achieve energy reduction and carbon reduction targets?
Compliance and Risk Management
Do they understand UK regulations such as ESOS, SECR, and health & safety standards?
Integration and Flexibility
Can they work as an integrated FM partner, or do they operate on a service-only basis?
UK Facilities Management Company Comparison
Optimised – Provides specialist FM services focused on building optimisation, energy management, and sustainability. Expertise includes BEMS optimisation, utility bureau and invoice validation, procurement, tenant recharging services, and net zero consultancy. Optimised ensures facilities are not only maintained but continuously improved for cost efficiency, compliance, and carbon performance. optimised.net
Sodexo UK & Ireland – A partner of Optimised, Sodexo provides soft and hard FM services including catering, security, and technical maintenance. Positions itself around sustainability, social value, and community impact. uk.sodexo.com
Mitie – One of the UK’s largest FM providers. Offers integrated services across cleaning, security, engineering, technical services, and energy. Well known for scale and nationwide coverage. mitie.com
ISS UK – Global FM provider with services covering cleaning, catering, property maintenance, and workplace management. Focuses on workplace experience and employee wellbeing alongside core FM. issworld.com
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions – A global leader in real estate and FM. Offers integrated workplace and facilities services with strong data-driven solutions, often chosen by large corporate clients. cbre.com
Bouygues Energies & Services – FM provider with strong technical services and energy engineering expertise. Prominent in public sector contracts and long-term infrastructure projects. bouygues-es.co.uk
NG Bailey – One of the UK’s largest independent engineering and FM companies. Strong in mechanical and electrical services, with technical FM expertise. ngbailey.com
OCS Group – A global provider of cleaning, security, and catering services, with a large UK footprint. Known for scale across multiple industries. ocs.com
Engie UK (now Equans) – Energy and FM provider with a focus on technical services, energy transition, and decarbonisation. Marketed as a sustainability-driven FM partner. equans.co.uk
Why Facilities Management matters more than ever
Facilities management is no longer just about maintenance and cleaning. Businesses today need providers who can:
- Deliver safe and compliant workplaces.
- Enhance operational efficiency through data and smart building technology.
- Support energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
- Align facilities operations with ESG and net zero strategies.
This shift means FM providers are being judged not just on service delivery, but also on their ability to help clients meet sustainability and cost reduction targets.
Common mistakes when choosing a Facilities Management provider
Focusing Solely on Cost
The cheapest FM provider may lack the expertise or technology to deliver long-term efficiency.
Ignoring Sustainability Integration
Selecting a partner without a strong carbon reduction strategy can leave you behind on ESG and net zero commitments.
Overlooking Technical Depth
Generalist FM companies may not have the expertise needed for building optimisation, compliance, or data-led energy management.
Why Choose Optimised for Facilities Management
Unlike traditional FM companies that focus on broad services such as cleaning and catering, Optimised is a specialist facilities management partner for energy, utilities, and sustainability.
Our services include:
- Building optimisation and BEMS – ensuring systems run at peak efficiency.
- Utility bureau and invoice validation – reducing hidden costs and ensuring billing accuracy.
- Energy procurement and tenant recharging – simplifying complex portfolios and multi-tenant estates.
- Carbon and compliance consultancy – delivering ESOS, SECR, and sustainability reporting.
- Net zero strategy support – guiding clients from immediate savings to long-term decarbonisation.
By focusing on hard FM areas that drive cost, compliance, and carbon outcomes, Optimised complements generalist FM providers and ensures your facilities actively contribute to your sustainability and financial goals.
Contact Optimised to explore how our facilities management expertise can transform your buildings.
FAQs about Facilities Management
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