< Previous10 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.com UPDATE STAT ATTACK The facility management market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $1tr to over $5tr by 2032, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc. Increased investment in the construction and real estate industries around the world is expected to boost the market growth. For instance, in May 2021, the Brazilian government announced plans to invest $50bn in the infrastructure sector. Based on service, the management service segment held around 15% revenue share in 2022 and is anticipated to expand substantially from 2023 to 2032. Management services assist fi rms in making the best use of their facility's resources, including space and power. The Latin America facility management market is set to garner nearly $713bn by 2032 ascribed to the increasing eff orts of multinational businesses to expand in Latin American nations like Colombia and Chile. $5tr $50bn 15% $713bn 12 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.com TIPS Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations, Hitches & Glitches, off ers fi ve simple tips to save money, reduce carbon footprint and improve indoor air quality ZZoohhaaiibb AAzzhhaarr HHeeaadd ooff OOppeerraattiioonnss HHiittcchheess && GGlliittcchhees offffeerrss fifivvee ssiimppllee ttiippss SUMMER TIPS Many UAE re s i d e n t s may have ta k e n advantage of the Eid Al Adha holiday coinciding with the end of the school term and decided to take a well-earned family vacation. For residents now returning to Dubai, the summer heat will no doubt be a reminder that it’s still not too late to prepare your home for another two months of hot and humid weather. Apart from that all- important A/C service, there is still a lot more that can be done to minimise utility bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations at Farnek’s home maintenance company Hitches & Glitches, off ers fi ve simple tips that will save you money, reduce your carbon footprint and improve your indoor air quality. FIVE TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN YOUR HOME 1. Service your AC units to ensure optimal performance. 2. Invest in a smart thermostat or other smart energy saving devices, such as NEST, which records the optimum temperatures of your home and automatically readjusts the indoor temperature – which can reduce your energy consumption by up to 20%. 3. Drawing the curtains in empty rooms will help reduce the heat radiation through your windows, this will keep your home cooler and move tall/heavy furniture away from AC vents to maximise air fl ow. 4. 90% of a washing machine's energy is used to heat the water. So, if you wash your clothes at 30-40 °C you'll reduce your electricity bill. 5. Fix draft excluders to all exterior doors and windows to stop cool air escaping and hot air, sand and dust entering. Even temporary ones will do the job. FIVE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY AT HOME 1. Get your electrical wiring checked (25% of building fi res in Dubai are started by electrical faults) 2. Make sure your fi re extinguisher and fi re blankets have been serviced. 3. Check all of your electrical appliances for wear and tear, especially cables, cords and plugs and check the warranties. 4. Also, when was the last time you got your water tank cleaned? Warm temperatures encourage bacterial growth. 5. Have your home deep cleaned to reduce dust particles from contaminating the indoor air quality in your home. FIVE TOP TIPS TO SAVE WATER AROUND THE HOME. 1. Check garden sprinklers for leaks and check timers, choosing early morning and early evening irrigation timings will avoid excessive evaporation. 2. If you are lucky enough to have your own private swimming pool, get the pool serviced and consider installing pool covers to provide shade and reduce evaporation. 3. Attach tap aerators to reduce water consumption, contrary to belief they do not aff ect water pressure. 4. Use grey water (used bath and sink water) for fl ower beds and indoor plants. 5. Get dripping taps, shower heads and toilets checked – you’ll be surprised just how much water they can waste and make a habit of turning the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth, it’s good to educate kids in this routine as well. Remember that we usually experience high temperatures right through to the end of September, so in the meantime it’s not too late to make your home environment as comfortable and as healthy as possible, for you and your family. Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations, Hitches & Glitches10-12 September 2023 Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center SCAN ME TO REGISTER FOR FREE14 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.com Q&A Operations Director Gopalkrishnan takes us through his 20-year journey at Emrill CELEBRATING HOW DOES IT FEEL TO REACH THIS 20-YEAR MILESTONE AT EMRILL? CAN YOU SHARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FROM YOUR JOURNEY IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT? My journey in facilities management over the past two decades has been both memorable and truly rewarding. Since 2003, I have been part of a rapidly evolving industry in the UAE. Witnessing the changes over the past 20 years and growing with the industry has helped me become the facilities management professional I am today. Since joining Emrill as an assistant facilities manager 20 years ago, I have witnessed fi rsthand a 9900% increase in the value of the projects we provide facilities management services for, which is a testament to the importance and value of facilities management across our region. I have had the opportunity to be mentored by industry-leading professionals and share my knowledge with employees across every level of our business. It is both fulfi lling and gratifying to help shape peoples’ careers, as people have helped shape mine over the years. OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, WHAT MAJOR CHANGES HAVE YOU OBSERVED IN THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY IN THE UAE? HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY EVOLVED, AND WHAT WERE THE DRIVING FACTORS BEHIND THESE CHANGES? As an industry that is constantly evolving, facilities management has experienced signifi cant changes over the years. Now, more organisations understand the importance of sustainability and are using energy-effi cient and smart building solutions for projects. In the UAE, the government is committed to shaping a greener, more sustainable and brighter future, and as FM professionals, we are contributing to that vision through the provision of more sustainable FM solutions. There has been a shift towards technological integration to enable detailed data collection and analysis, leading to better-informed decision-making to improve service delivery and overall building performance. The importance of value partnerships and enhancing the customer experience is now integral in FM, as well as the continuous improvement of service off erings and the development and progression of FM professionals working in the industry. AS THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE IN THE EARLY YEARS OF YOUR CAREER COMPARED TO THE CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTER NOW? HOW DID YOU AND EMRILL ADAPT TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES? In my early days of FM, there was not an abundance of technology and information was not as accessible as it is today, so information on project scopes to mobilisation strategies followed manual procedures, which was time-consuming. Many of today’s FM processes had not yet been developed and implemented, and our industry’s health and safety regulations were not as evolved as they are today. As part of our ‘Pioneer of Safety’ initiative, Emrill prioritises safety with in-depth safety programmes and industry- accredited training and certifi cations. Implementation and adoption of technology to benefi t FM operations can be challenging due to its constant advancement as new technology is always emerging. Ensuring that the evolving needs of clients are successfully met is also important which is why we have introduced FM digital solutions, including Techsphere, which allows real-time access of information to both employees and clients. Emrill has always been a ‘future-ready’ organisation and has been at the forefront of developing and implementing strategies, initiatives and processes to cater to the changing requirements of FM and our clients. We have embraced technology, placed paramount importance on the safety of our people and continuously worked towards providing service excellence which exceeds our clients’ expectations. September 2023 15www.fm-middleeast.com Q&A LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT IN THE UAE IN THE NEXT FIVE TO TEN YEARS? HOW DO YOU ENVISION EMRILL POSITIONING ITSELF TO ADDRESS THESE CHANGES? Leveraging the power of technology and investing in tools to improve FM operations, including IoT, Artifi cial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics, will continue to be important as the industry evolves. We will develop and implement technologies and harness the power of data analytics to make more informed decisions which improve our operations. It is essential for organisations to achieve the optimal balance between automation and human involvement while benefi ting from technological advancements. Sustainability will be a global focus for years to come. We will continue to off er sustainable solutions, green building initiatives and employ energy-effi cient measures to help the UAE and our clients achieve their sustainability goals. At Emrill, we believe in creating opportunities for all employees to learn and grow, which has created a strong workforce of passionate individuals well-equipped to deliver FM service excellence. Our goal is to develop the future of FM today with our training and knowledge-sharing programmes. AS SOMEONE WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS LOOKING TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THIS INDUSTRY? Understand the importance and value FM services can bring and take the time to completely understand each client’s needs. Keep developing your skills, both communication and industry-specifi c, and embrace all opportunities to share knowledge within your team. After 20 years in FM, I am still learning. It is an ongoing process, and it is important to be passionate about what you do and be able to embrace change. CAN YOU DISCUSS SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT THAT HAVE EMERGED IN THE UAE SINCE YOU STARTED WORKING AT EMRILL? HOW HAVE THESE TRENDS IMPACTED THE WAY SERVICES ARE DELIVERED TO CLIENTS? The number of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) service providers has increased in the UAE as clients are more aware of the benefi ts of using a single FM company for multiple services, streamlining operations, reducing costs, increasing effi ciencies, and ensuring better coordination across multiple FM functions. Another trend is the increase in digital transformation and smart building technologies, including integrating IoT devices, sensors and automation systems to increase sustainability eff orts by optimising energy usage, monitoring building performance and enhancing security. Awareness of sustainable FM practices has led to advanced energy solutions and the acknowledgement of sustainable activities through certifi cations, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Estidama, which recognise environmentally focused practices. Clients understand the importance of increased safety eff orts, and there is more of a focus on compliance. At Emrill, we prioritise safety and well-being initiatives, which improve both the customer experience and employee wellness. THE UAE IS KNOWN FOR ITS AMBITIOUS CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. HOW HAS EMRILL MANAGED TO STAY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE INDUSTRY AND SUPPORT THESE PROJECTS WITH ITS FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES? At Emrill, we focus on our team's continuous improvement and development and introduce innovative ways to enhance our services and increase client satisfaction. We ensure that we fully understand each client’s specifi c needs and the property market as a whole and develop and implement proven, tailored and adaptable solutions which support any change we may face in clients’ requirements. We also adopt emerging technologies which are benefi cial to our industry and deliver cost-effi cient, high-quality services. Our effi ciency-enhancing apps and complete digital FM solution, Techsphere, has empowered our people through the use of technologies and increased operational effi ciencies and strengthened our value partnerships. Our people are the driving force for our success, so we ensure we foster a company culture that encourages development, collaboration and employee growth and satisfaction. Through knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as ‘Leadership for All’, we are able to provide additional learning for employees from seasoned FM professionals and learn from each other as project requirements continue to evolve. In my early days of FM, there was not an abundance of technology, and information was not as accessible as it is today, so information on project scopes to mobilisation strategies followed manual procedures, which was time- consuming Gopalkrishnan, Operations Director, Emrill16 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.com COVER STORY 16 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.comSeptember 2023 17www.fm-middleeast.com THE SPECIALIST COVER STORY RONS Enviro Care, Founder and CEO, Joseph John envisions creating a one-stop shop solution for specialised facilities management services It was in 1982 when Joseph John started working in the UAE at a young age. Back then, he says, it was not an easy journey as he had to resort to doing odd jobs. Starting as an offi ce assistant and rising to the ranks of an Operations Head for one of UAE’s leading ready mix concrete industries, Unimix, John spearheaded some of UAE’s iconic landmark projects such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Emirates Towers. Fast forward to present day and John is at the forefront of the specilised services industry, where he founded a specialised cleaning and FM company called RONS Enviro Care. He says: “I have a ‘never give up’ sprit, which transformed me from an employee to entrepreneur to an employer of over 450 employees. I tell my employees ‘nothing is impossible’ and they should always strive to be the number one in anything that they do.” Talking about how John recognised the need for specialised cleaning services in the facilities management industry, he says: “It all evolved with an idea of providing value addition to our existing customers, and evaluating their needs for specialised services. RONS went ahead to cater to all types of specialised services, at times very specifi c needs [of clients]. John adds: “We never decline any customers or community; we have the resources to customise anything and everything.” RONS Enviro Care now boasts a plethora of services that stem back to the original days of his F&B experience, each service complementing the other, culminating in an eco-system of services whereby a client can call one service provider to take care of every need, without the headache of [dealing with] multiple entities. RONS Enviro Care has a robust scheduling process for every job that is entrusted to it, and it makes sure these are addressed in a timely manner keeping in mind its customer’s needs. The fi rm has CCTV robotic cameras, Super Sucker Vacuum Units of various capacities; latest automated HVAC equipment for addressing all needs from service, maintenance, and repair; duct robotic surveying cleaning equipment; tank cleaning equipment and machinery (water, sewer, storm and oil); kitchen exhaust systems comprising ecology units, electrostatic precipitators, exhaust fans, and capture jet hoods; diving services and drain underwater repairs equipment and technology; among others. 18 September 2023www.fm-middleeast.com The service list is comprehensive; however, as John notes, “it is an ever growing list”. RONS off ers complete solutions in the kitchen extraction service line. From hood cleaning, to full supply and installation of the system in its entirety. The company recently introduced the full service, right from manufacturing to servicing and cleaning. Initially, the company had to rely on certain third parties for kitchen exhaust systems for which the costs had to be passed on to clients. Now, however, with the introduction of manufacturing, ecology units, capture jet, kitchen hood, exhaust fan, ESP supply capabilities, and in-house expertise, the savings can be passed on to respective clients. “Now RONS truly off ers end-to-end services with the introduction of our kitchen exhaust system capability,” John continues. “As part of our structuring, the inclusion of such complete services allows us to be technically profi cient, as well as be highly competitive.” Talking about the challenges that the fi rm typically encounters when providing specialised cleaning services for facilities, John says that the “major challenge is time”. He adds: “Majority of clients want jobs to be carried out with no or minimal downtime. Additionally, working in challenging high temperatures, restricted spaces, and hazardous situations having to maintain high safety measures to ensure our workforce and the environment are both taken care of before we undertake any jobs, especially high-risk jobs, makes things diffi cult to a great extent. To address this vital factor, we have round the clock operations 24 x 7, which makes sure processes, procedures and team management are optimally utilised. Manpower and machinery are well monitored and because of that we can provide optimised service to the client with minimal downtime. In an ever challenging and changing market, it has been essential to react, diagnose, execute and report to clients as a matter of urgency. John reveals: “In an emergency situation, one thing you can never be is slow to action.” Action is another key element to John’s tenacious character. “I am a man of action and I push each member of my organisation to have the same drive and passion.” Providing an overview of the current landscape of the specialised cleaning market in the UAE's facilities management sector, John says: “With the emphasis more on human well-being, especially after the pandemic, the awareness has been growing and governments and citizens the Xxxx xxx xxxx Lake cleaning by RONS Enviro Care COVER STORYSeptember 2023 19www.fm-middleeast.com world over are increasingly recognising the importance and benefi ts for periodic health and hygiene measures, and wanting a more sustainable approach towards improving the environment; this has evolved tremendously. Here, in the UAE, the emphasis for making this the best city to live in the world only emboldens the facilities management and cleaning services market to a great extent. This will only keep evolving into a bigger sector as we move forward with so much of initiatives that are being planned towards better well-being. With more awareness towards a better well-being for society and community, the demand is only growing. Every industry will have a specifi c need for facilities management and specialised cleaning.” The facilities or industries in the UAE that typically require specialised cleaning services are hospitality industry, healthcare service providers, manufacturing services, especially FMCG, the food service industry, shopping malls, and government facilities. RONS Enviro Care’s one-stop shop includes cleaning and maintenance of grease traps, water tanks, kitchen exhausts, A/C ducts, pest control, sewage tank cleaning, and unblocking of drainage lines. Talking about the innovative technologies or practices the fi rm has adopted to stay ahead in this competitive landscape, John says: “We are abreast of the latest technology trends and methodology available. We acquire these and implement the same strategies across our operations. “We provide constant and regular trainings to the team. We discuss and review challenging situations and share the resolution with the workforce. This gives them a better preparedness and understanding of how to address similar COVER STORY challenges if ever encountered.” John says that the facilities management business is diverse and vast. It has been evolving greatly due to more awareness towards wellness, well-being and climate change. He concludes: “It has and will always be our endeavour to keep thriving, to believe ‘nothing is impossible’ and to always be number one. To be able to provide the best customer services and experience in the facilities management and specialised service industry. Because of this professional approach along with our visionary goal, RONS has received several accolades and awards. Our goal in the future is to continue to keep pace with the exceptional vision of UAE’s leadership, which is by far the best in the world, and to be a part of the evolution, in making UAE the best city to live in.” Here, in the UAE, the emphasis for making this the best city to live in the world only emboldens the facilities management and cleaning services market to a great extent RONS Enviro Care personnel at workNext >