Maintenance Made Easy: Hard FM Solutions for Howard Kennedy

Howard Kennedy is a London based law firm that delivers advice to businesses and individuals on both domestic and international matters. There are over 250 lawyers, with a further 150 people in their business support and business service teams, all based at their impressive London Bridge office alongside the River Thames. After the Covid Pandemic, the firm’s Facilities Director acknowledged that when their people began to return, his team had to provide a slightly different and more agile approach to maintenance as the challenges of fluctuating staff attendance presented a chance to adapt their approach. For a site of this size, the increase in complications created a high demand, leading the client to seek support from a more flexible, agile and innovative company. Artic was one of the companies invited to tender for the contract that we proudly and successfully won.

 

The Challenges of Howard Kennedy:

Before Artic Building Services, Howard Kennedy’s current incumbent was found to be underdelivering on their promises of service. The client was having to schedule and rearrange preventative planned maintenance (PPM), chase for trained engineers to attend site and was frustrated with productivity and site engagement levels that were being delivered. They decided to search for a solution whereby minimal intervention would be needed to make sure all PPMs would be completed; procurement processes would be managed and where they could trust that the service they were being promised was being delivered.

As a law firm mindful of the standards expected of them by their client, it was critical for the facilities, equipment and plant within the office to be running to optimal efficiency whilst minimising faults. Equally important was the proactive attitude and reactive response to calls and emergencies.

 

Scope of Works:

Artic was contracted to oversee both planned and reactive maintenance services to assets across six floors, ensuring safe and efficient operations of the firm’s mechanical and electrical installations.

The assets that needed to be maintained included the following:

• Air Handling Units
• Split AC Systems
• Water Heaters
• Pump Systems for AC and AHU
• Temperature checks
• Inspection of toilet mechanics and flush systems
• Distribution board
• Emergency Lighting
• Water Heaters
• Waste Pumps
• Solenoid Valves
• Fire Dampers
• Handyman services
• Immersion Heater
• Pressure Vessels
• Kitchen Extract and Fire Rated Duct
• Hydromag Water Conditioner
• Distribution Board Maintenance.

 

Solution:

As a part of Artic’s solution, monthly performance reviews were implemented which improved communication between us and Howard Kennedy’s Facilities team. It was important for Howard Kennedy to have an open dialogue available, so the fluidity of our management structure made it easy for reactive callouts to be raised and for issues on site to be addressed efficiently and effectively. Our service delivery was supported by our 24/7/365 support desk, providing a high level of support at all hours. This showcased Artic’s flexible approach to our client’s needs.

All assets were to be routinely maintained to a set schedule to keep equipment running as it should be. Artic’s engineers are fully trained with the specialised skills needed to address maintenance challenges and take charge of any procurement of parts needed for additional works.

 

Benefits to the solution:

Artic’s proactive approach to all maintenance, means that PPMs are being completed in line with industry standards and with minimal intervention, saving the client time. There is now an open dialogue between the dedicated contract manager and client allowing for solutions to be appropriately discussed in line with the expected time frame. As a result of open communication and our engineer’s proactive attitude, there has been an increase in productivity and therefore a reduction in asset downtime. Artic engineers are now a familiar and trusted figure within their office that provides a level of security and reassurance to the FM team.

 

Conclusion:

The M&E contract is maintained effectively by the team at Artic, and a trusted relationship has grown, providing the Howard Kennedy FM team with the knowledge and comfort that Artic Building Services are there to help them deliver on their promise of delivering exception facilities management services throughout their prestigious offices.

Are you managing an office in London or surrounding home counties and need help optimising your facilities management? Contact Artic today for all major office maintenance needs.