To address the skills shortage that is posing a threat to the future of the facilities-management industry, GSH is stepping up its recruitment programme for apprentices. The company already employs 65 apprentices and is planning a substantial increase.

Two long-term contracts won by PME, the building-maintenance and facilities-services arm of Carillion are worth over £2.5 million.

The benefits of a partnership between facilities managers and building-services specialists has never been more valuable than it is today, says HVCA president Mike McCloskey.

Ian Fielder of the British Institute of Facilities Managers argues that the experience of facilities managers in operating buildings day by day has a key role to play in designing sustainability into new and refurbished buildings and delivering corporate social responsibility.

EWS is warning about the likelihood of air-conditioning systems failing during what is predicted to be a long, hot summer — unless companies take preventive action.

The major maintenance contract of Honeywell with the head office and operations centre of Wessex Water has been extended, and Wessex Water has also contracted with Honeywell to manage 12 other buildings.