In the latest instalment of our FM industry executive interview series we spoke to Tim Browning, Channel Manager UK&I at Fellowes Air Quality Management, about the company’s rich history, workplace health & wellbeing, how air quality can impact talent retention and how AI-powered data can assist FMs across daily operations…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
Fellowes Brands is a family owned business with global coverage and European headquarters based in Doncaster, UK. Since 1917, we have been dedicated to meeting the needs of the professional community as part of our mission to help unleash work-life potential. We specialise in assisting organisations to adopt healthy approaches to enhance workspace productivity and wellbeing, with over 15 years of experience in developing and manufacturing indoor air quality management solutions.
What have been the biggest challenges the FM industry has faced over the past 12 months?
I think some of the biggest challenges the industry is facing, and will continue to face are managing costs while integrating people effectively with their place of work. It’s essential to future-proof the health and wellbeing of the workforce by creating and maintaining a safe and comfortable place of work within challenging budgets.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
The opportunities for me go hand in hand with the challenges and problems that the industry faces. If you can find a way to help integrate people and place; this is a great starting point, however the cost challenge also needs to be addressed to ensure the services and solutions we offer the industry are effective, while sustainable from a cost perspective.
At Fellowes we’re maximising these opportunities with a double pronged approach. We provide a solution that is proven to clean indoor air, which in turn has a positive impact on wellbeing, absenteeism rates and productivity. Our systems also only work when they are required to do so, reducing energy consumption in comparison to traditional stand-alone HVAC systems.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2025?
Employee experience is a key asset to any business that wants to retain top talent, so I see this coming into play more frequently when investment decisions in office spaces are being made. Recent research by OnePoll found that 53% of employees in the UK say they’re concerned poor air quality is impacting their general health, and 48% of those under 35 state their companies could do more to manage workplace air quality.
From a personal point of view I obviously look out for the latest trends in legislation and British Standards, particularly in relation to Indoor Air Quality; therefore I’ll be interested in seeing how the UK Clean Air Bill develops, alongside BS 40102 which gives recommendations for measuring, evaluating and acting on the key health and well-being factors of buildings.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
The hot topic across a multitude (if not all industries) is AI and how Facilities Managers can adopt it to their advantage on a daily basis, however my view would be that Access to real-time data through apps and other developing software to inform decision making will continue to be key in providing added value for Facilities Managers on an ongoing basis.
In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?
Fellowes Array Air Quality Management systems
Which person in, or associated with, the FM industry would you most like to meet?
All Facilities Managers dedicated to improving their indoor air quality for their occupants for the benefit of productivity and reduced absenteeism
You go to the bar at the Facilities Management Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
An ice cold pint of Moretti or glass of Sauvignon Blanc (French)
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
We’re a company that is always investing in innovation, which has resulted in us delivering a vast range of exciting new product developments to market across all the sectors we serve, none less than our fully networked Air Quality Management System which covers both monitoring and mitigation.
And what’s the most challenging?
The most challenging part of my role in promoting the importance of indoor air quality is convincing organisations to invest in clean indoor air programmes; however at Fellowes we’re fully equipped to provide proof of concept with complimentary, no obligation indoor air quality assessments and trials which always create confidence with my clients.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A mentor once gave me some great advice around setting aside time for yourself. Much like clean indoor air, it aids your overall wellbeing which in turn helps you maintain performance levels when it matters the most.
Peaky Blinders or The Mandalorian?
Peaky Blinders.
