Glasgow-headquartered facilities management firm City has taken on 580 new staff after winning a huge deal to look after Marks & Spencer sites across the UK and Ireland.
No financial details about the deal have been revealed but it is thought to be the largest ever FM contract won by City which was co-founded by Glasgow-born chairman Lord Willie Haughey.
Scottish Government contractor Mitie predicts profit rise under turnaround plan
Under the partnership deal, City will provide all of M&S’s building and service maintenance needs at its stores, offices and distribution sites.
As part of the agreement, 450 employees who were previously carrying out the work for a number of sub-contractors to M&S have transferred over to City.
Another 130 have been taken on directly by City in recent months – including many at City’s Glasgow HQ where the helpdesk for the contract is manned – ahead of the new contract starting today.
Michael Hughes, chief executive for City which is the UK’s largest privately owned facilities management company, said the deal was a “fantastic opportunity to extend our retail footprint with one of world’s leading brands”.
“Not only will City’s integrated services provide a dedicated, response to M&S’s maintenance needs but we will also work hand in hand with in-house teams and subcontractors to provide a seamless approach to our delivery.”
The 580 City staff working on the contract will work alongside 200 suppliers.
Ian Moore, head of store development and facilities management for M&S, said: “As part of our transformation efforts we’re delighted to be partnering with City to deliver a more efficient approach to facilities management.
Outsourcing giant Capita profits fall 26% but it predicts increase for current year
“City’s experience and best-in-class system will improve maintenance service levels across our stores, distribution sites and offices helping us to deliver a better shopping experience for our customers.”
City now has over 13,000 employees delivering services across the UK, France, Australia, Asia, USA and Malaysia.
