In the latest instalment of our FM industry executive interview series we spoke to Dan Lee (picture above, far right), Managing Director at phs Compliance, about the company, the ongoing effects of the pandemic, increased post-lockdown demand for FM services, automation and why having a wellbeing strategy is important…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
phs Compliance is one of the UK’s leading providers of workplace compliance and building engineering services, offering everything businesses need to stay safe and compliant.
Fully accredited by all leading industry regulatory bodies, phs Compliance has the largest team of specialist statutory testing operators in the industry. It provides statutory electrical services including testing (including PAT tests and fixed electrical testing), inspection services, maintenance, and remedial work. As the UK’s leading provider of electrical testing with nationwide coverage, phs Compliance ensures workplaces of all sizes stay safe and compliant. It is part of the phs Group.
phs Compliance also offers a comprehensive project design, installation, commissioning and maintenance service for fire and security systems.
Accredited to the highest standards, phs Compliance offers significant experience, technical expertise and nationwide capability to support customers’ capital expenditure project needs for fire systems and security systems.
phs Compliance also offers expert project management services, including the design, supply and installation of everything from power and lighting to electric vehicle charging points.
With over 400 engineers across the UK, phs Compliance delivers more than 14 million compliance inspections for 35,000 customer sites nationwide every year.
What have been the biggest challenges the FM industry has faced over the past 12 months?
The uncertainty around the pandemic has been a big challenge. The different lockdowns, lower occupancy rates in buildings and the work from home orders have forced the FM industry to relook at almost every factor in the built environment to find new strategies.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
We have been able to build even closer relationships with current and new customers as we help them navigate their way through these challenging times. Our business critical services have really supported customers and helped them to meet their regulatory requirements and stay compliant.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2021/22?
As businesses continue to reopen, we are seeing an increased demand for services that may not have been able to be carried out during lockdowns. This will undoubtedly bring some challenges given the current labour market, but we are confident that with strong account management and clear communication, we can work closely with our customers to ensure full compliance.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
I would definitely say automation. We are always looking for ways to improve our customers experience and our visibility.
In 2022 we’ll all be talking about…?
The economic outlook.
You go to the bar at the Facilities Management Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
A pint of lager followed by a bottle of red wine!
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
I’d say it’s the people I work with every day – those in the field, back office and all of the support teams. The loyalty and dedication I saw during the pandemic was exceptional.
I was also particularly pleased to see our communication and wellbeing strategy recognised as outstanding in a recent engagement survey.
And what’s the most challenging?
It has to be the current labour challenges and the recruitment of skilled electrical engineers to support our exciting growth plans.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason; use them wisely…
