The Facilities Management Exchange

Season 2 is here! We're kicking off with our amazing guest, Rob Richardson, Head of Facilities Management at Bidwells.

Rob started out as a journalist. He then moved into FM at Broadgate Estates and went on to roles at CBRE, client side in real estate and now Bidwells. Away from work, he captained the Great Britain sitting volleyball team at the London 2012 Paralympics and has won 135 caps.

In this episode we talk about:

- How journalism gave Rob the basics of good FM
- His Paralympic journey, from last in the world to a home Games quarter-final
- Disability, inclusion and why proactive recruitment matters
- Why FM is all about people, and what Virgin Atlantic can teach us about service
- Being brilliant at the basics and not over-stretching your team
- Advice for anyone looking to start a career in FM

If you enjoyed it, please like, comment, share and subscribe. There's plenty more to come this season.



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00:00 Welcome to Season 2 & introducing Rob Richardson
01:48 From journalism to facilities management
03:40 Starting out at Broadgate Estates, Regent's Place
05:01 The Broadgate legacy & the future skills programme
06:16 Being a sponge: mentors and making mistakes
07:50 Setting your own standards
08:33 Rob's Paralympic story
11:08 The email that started it all
12:25 From last in the world to London 2012
14:07 Media training: from the Games to FM
15:52 Sponsor: Bidwells
17:19 Social media lessons for young professionals
18:05 Facing Iran & the 8ft 1in player
18:56 How sitting volleyball works
20:55 135 caps and still playing
22:21 Disability and inclusion in FM
24:29 Leaving every candidate with a positive impression
26:29 Advice for people with disabilities entering FM
29:17 Rob's biggest leadership lesson: FM is about people
30:19 Going client side and seeing the other perspective
32:08 The one team ethos
33:10 What Virgin Atlantic taught us about great service
35:38 Be brilliant at the basics
36:41 Residential vs commercial FM
39:08 The toughest part of leadership: team capacity
40:47 "Does it make the boat go faster?"
41:27 Learning from defeats
43:25 The Bidwells culture
44:53 Learning from other buildings
46:00 Sponsor: Total Pest Control
46:50 The FM time machine: what would Rob do differently?
48:35 It's okay to change your mind
49:38 The FM wheel: careers beyond site roles
51:15 Industry consolidation
52:59 Advice for anyone looking to get into FM
54:54 Wrap-up



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This episode is sponsored by Bidwells.
Bidwells is a leading UK real estate advisor. It works in the sectors that will shape the future: science and technology, sustainability and modern living. It was the first property consultancy in the UK to become a certified B Corp. Its 600+ experts manage over £5.2bn in property assets and advise on more than 4 million acres of UK countryside and coastline. It has been doing this for nearly 200 years and still works with many of its original clients.
If you want property advice built for new technology, climate change and the people who use your buildings, visit Bidwells: https://www.bidwells.co.uk

This episode is sponsored by Total Pest Control
We've worked with Total Pest Control for close to 35 years and have always found them responsive and diligent, with a real commitment to helping clients on the sites they look after. They handle everything from rats, mice and bedbugs to specialist services like netting and hawking. They're fully insured, hold all the accreditations you'd expect and offer a free site survey.
Find out more: https://www.totalpestcontrol.co.uk


#facilitiesmanagement #fmx #bidwells #totalpestcontrol #sport #olympicsport #volleyball #paralympics #property #propertymanagement 

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For the final episode of Season 1, we're joined by Ross Abbate, CEO of Macro, one of the world's leading facilities management and workplace experience businesses operating across 49 countries.

From his early days struggling through his first role in FM, to leading a global organisation and shaping strategy across multiple continents, Ross shares the leadership lessons, career decisions and mindset shifts that have defined his journey.

This episode is a fascinating conversation exploring leadership, resilience, networking, culture, confidence and what it really takes to succeed in a global business environment.

In this episode expect:

• Ross's journey into facilities management and the challenging first six months of his career
• Why "another day, another challenge" became a mindset that helped shape his success
• The importance of backing yourself when things aren't going to plan
• A brilliant performance incentive strategy that transformed team engagement and results
• His move from Australia to the UK and the career opportunities that followed
• The networking advice every FM professional should hear
• How introverts can build meaningful networks without pretending to be someone they're not
• The story behind becoming CEO of Macro and the challenges that came with stepping into the role
• How leadership teams build strategy across a business operating in 49 countries
• Why the best business plans allow room to adapt and pivot
• Ross's approach to handling pressure, uncertainty and responsibility as a CEO

This is a fitting finale to Season 1 — packed with leadership insights, practical advice and honest reflections from one of the industry's most respected leaders. Whether you're just starting your career or leading teams across multiple regions, Ross's perspective offers valuable lessons on growth, resilience and the power of staying curious.

Welcome to Episode #15 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Andy Kelly, Helen Spall and Tony Retberg for a fascinating conversation exploring the unique challenges and rewards of managing some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings — from Manchester Central and the Houses of Parliament to Freemasons’ Hall.

This episode dives into the realities of heritage Facilities Management, balancing modern operational demands with centuries of history, and why the people behind these buildings are so passionate about what they do.

In this episode expect:
• A behind-the-scenes look at managing landmark heritage buildings
• The hidden operational challenges of maintaining historic venues
• Ghost stories, urban legends and some unexpected humour along the way
• Honest reflections on the pride FM professionals feel for the buildings they manage
• Career journeys into FM from aviation, security and events
• Why transferable skills are one of the biggest strengths in the industry
• The importance of people, relationships and workplace culture in FM
• The debate around AI, automation and whether experience will always beat technology
• Advice for young people looking to break into Facilities Management
• The growing need for apprenticeships and opportunities within the industry

This is a candid, insightful and entertaining conversation about heritage buildings, operational pressures, career progression and the future of Facilities Management — packed with stories, practical lessons and a genuine passion for the industry.

Welcome to this special episode of The Facilities Management Exchange in partnership with the City Security Council

In this episode, we’re joined by three rising professionals from across the security industry for an honest and insightful conversation around ambition, progression, pay, apprenticeships, leadership and the future of security careers in the UK.

From overcoming imposter syndrome and fleeing adversity to building careers through relentless hard work and sacrifice, this episode shines a light on the real people behind the industry — and the challenges facing the next generation coming into security.

This is a raw, inspiring and thought-provoking discussion exploring career growth, confidence, opportunity, workplace culture and what it truly takes to progress in one of the UK’s most demanding sectors.

In this episode expect:

• The biggest challenges each guest has faced in their career so far
• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth
• How every role helps “polish your skills” and shape your career path
• A discussion on ambition, drive and whether everyone actually wants career success
• The realities of pay, wage growth and the increasing pressure businesses are under
• Why the government needs to do more to support businesses and employers
• A huge conversation around apprenticeships — and why removing them could damage the future of the industry
• Advice for anyone feeling suppressed or stuck in their current role

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in security, facilities management or leadership — especially those looking to build a long-term career and create opportunities for the next generation entering the industry.

Welcome to Episode #13 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Darien Jay, Sharlene Rhoden and Debra Watson for a deep dive into the world of Facilities Management consultancy — how people enter the industry, what keeps them there and how relationships, value creation and adaptability define long-term success.

This episode explores three very different career journeys into FM, and what they reveal about the realities of consultancy, networking, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving sector.

In this episode expect:
• How each guest found their way into Facilities Management 
• The honest answer to what keeps people in the industry
• Why great consultants are defined by being problem solvers 
• The role of relationships in FM 
• How supplier ecosystems often drive the most innovative thinking in FM
• The importance of networking
• Honest reflections on over-promotion
• Why FM is still largely meritocratic 
• The growing impact of AI and technology
• How COVID reshaped working patterns

This is a candid, practical and insight-packed conversation on what consultancy really looks like inside FM — from career lessons and commercial realities to the future of technology, talent and workplace culture.

Welcome to Episode #12 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Andrew Hulbert — entrepreneur, investor, culture-builder and one of the most recognisable figures in UK FM. Andrew is the founder of Pareto FM, a business he grew from a laptop in his bedroom into one of the industry’s most admired companies, ultimately exiting in a deal worth $100 million.

This episode is an honest, energising conversation covering entrepreneurship, culture, politics, pressure, sacrifice… and the mindset required to build something truly exceptional.

In this episode expect:

• Why showing up — literally going to the office — is still one of the most underrated success strategies in business
• How Andrew built the company from a laptop in his bedroom
• What made Pareto FM different — adaptability, treating people right, and building a culture where anyone could call anyone out
• The realities of running an FM company in today’s volatile economic environment
• The personal cost of ambition — relationships, loneliness, sacrifice
• The deeper meaning of wealth
• Professional vulnerability: why great leaders don’t need all the answers
• Andrew’s biggest leadership mistake — and what he’d do differently if he 
• The advice he wants every entrepreneur — and every young person entering FM — to hear

This is an episode packed with insights, honesty, humour, and hard-won wisdom from someone who built, scaled and exited one of the most transformative businesses in FM.

Welcome to Episode #11 of The Facilities Management Exchange

We're joined today by Petra Velzeboer — global keynote speaker, author, mental health expert, and founder of a consultancy dedicated to transforming workplace culture and building high-performing teams rooted in genuine wellbeing.

Raised in a cult, Petra has seen first-hand how toxic systems break people down. With 17+ years in mental health and organisational culture, she now uses that lived experience to help individuals and businesses create environments where people can truly thrive — not simply survive.

This is a powerful, eye-opening conversation exploring technology, addiction, culture change, human connection, and Petra’s extraordinary personal journey.

In this episode expect: 

• How billions are being spent, competing for our attention
• Why so many of us use our phones to avoid difficult emotions
• The rise of digital addiction, doomscrolling and the disconnect between online and real life
• The skill of turning fear into excitement
• Advice for anyone stuck in a toxic work culture
• Petra's history, growing up in one of the most notorious cults
• Petra's latest book, Digital Wellbeing: Recharge your focus and reboot your life

Links to purchase Petra's books are below: 

• Digital Wellbeing - https://amzn.eu/d/0hsTu0wR
• Begin With You - https://amzn.eu/d/01ogj77S

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Welcome to Episode #10 of The Facilities Management Exchange

We're joined by Bernard Crouch, Todimu Bello, and Wayne Young for a powerful conversation about discovering your first role in Facilities Management and the challenges many aspiring professionals face when trying to break into the industry.

In this episode expect:
• How people really find their way into Facilities Management
• Why FM is still overlooked in schools and career pathways
• The perception problem facing the industry
• The realities of starting out – from janitors to leadership roles
• Advice for young professionals trying to break into FM
• The power of networking and saying yes to opportunities
• Todimu’s journey, resilience, and passion for the industry

Enjoy everyone! 

In this FMX BITE, Mark asks our guests, what is the hardest challenge they have faced in their working life from an LGBTQ+ perspective.

Our amazing guests are honest and open about their experiences, which should hopefully help others who are going through similar situations. You are never alone.

Listen to the full episode on all platforms.

Welcome to Episode #9 of The Facilities Management Exchange!

We're joined by Co-CEO Reuben Heppelthwaite of Not Just Cleaning, alongside James Makanjuola and John Makanjuola - better known as the Maka Twins - founders of Makagroup Cleaning.

In this episode expect: 

• Entrepreneurial roots and family legacy
• Building a commercial cleaning company from scratch
• Making cleaning cool 
• Speed, risk and resilience in business
• The power of story, trust and social media
• The future of Facilities Management

Enjoy everyone!