In the latest instalment of our FM industry executive interview series, we speak to TAP Managing Director Howard Bottomley about the biggest issues impacting the sector in 2024, the importance of focusing on people and not just technology, and the need embrace innovation while sticking to core principles in good estate management…
Tell us about your company, products, and services.
TAP is an all-in-one property management system that digitises and streamlines the workflow processes required for effective and efficient property management.
Developed by a team of property management professionals these web enabled tools, provide procedures that will save time, money and enhance the governance required in all aspects of facilities management.
What have been the biggest challenges the FM industry has faced over the past 12 months?
- The increased pressure to control costs.
- Lower workspace utilisation forces occupiers to reflect on value.
- Delivering ESG from a very low adoption point.
- Stepping into the technology unknown.
- Time to consider.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
- Automating the way people work. It’s not all about smart technology.
- Creating innovative partnerships to embrace collaboration that deliver smart practices.
- Recognise hybrid working has a place and adapt how facilities are costed and delivered.
What is the biggest priority for the FM industry in 2024?
Being brave and sticking the principles of good estate management while recognising innovation has a place.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2024?
- The adoption of new technologies to improve operational efficiency and building performance.
- Embracing new ways of delivering value through collaboration and partnerships.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enhance service delivery and customer experience by providing intelligent assistance.
- Automation of buildings will improve but comes at a cost.
- Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data analytics will enable real-time monitoring, but unless this is linked to automating building operations, the FM sector doesn’t have time to act on it.
In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?
Knowing the property industry as I do – it will be the cost of everything. Nothing seems cheap!!
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the FM sector?
It’s highly complicated and requires an in-depth understanding on how each aspect relates to each other. For example, coffee shop offers also impact waste recycling.
You go to the bar at the Facilities Management Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
It would depend on who’s buying!
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
It involves personalities from all walks of life and that allows all of us to meet so many interesting people.
And what’s the most challenging?
Inertia.
For more information about Howard and TAP’s work, visit https://www.tap-in.co.uk.
