Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of Facilities Management Servicess

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The human story behind the surge in cleaning robotics

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The cleaning robotics market has experienced a remarkable 34% increase in installations over the past year, according to the International Federation of Robotics’ newly released 2025 report.

Recent advances have transformed what cleaning robots can achieve. Modern robots can sense their surroundings and adapt to unpredictable environments in a way that simply wasn’t possible just a few years ago. This adaptability is driving adoption across diverse settings. Shopping centres and university campuses use them for frequent cleaning of vast floor areas. Compact office machines support day-to-day operations; and robotic lawnmowers work alongside teams at outdoor areas of manufacturing facilities.

But technology is only half the story. The real challenge is getting people and machines to work well together.

Creating new opportunities 
The rise of cobotics in FM is creating new roles and opportunities. New positions such as robot supervisors and operators are emerging. These roles ensure machines operate efficiently and human judgement and expertise are regularly provided.

The success of any robotics implementation depends on the skill and training of the cleaning teams. Cobots handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks, freeing human teams to focus on higher-value work. This isn’t about replacement. It’s about supporting people, improving workplace safety and delivering better outcomes for customers.

The benefits extend beyond operational efficiency. Modern cleaning machines can reduce environmental impact by up to 90% compared with manual methods, cutting carbon emissions, water, chemical and energy use. Meanwhile, the data these machines generate provides performance auditing capabilities, tracking metrics such as task duration and resource consumption to support continuous improvement.

Organisations are also reporting improvements in staff wellbeing, higher retention rates and stronger team performance. By removing the most physically taxing elements of cleaning work, companies are making these roles more sustainable and attractive to talented individuals.

Cobotics: collaboration at the core 
What distinguishes successful robotics programmes from failed experiments? It comes down to how well organisations manage the human side of technological change. 

Training is critical. Teams need to understand how to work alongside these machines effectively. When done right, cobots provide consistency in repetitive tasks while human teams bring judgement, adaptability and service quality that machines can’t replicate.

This collaborative approach addresses one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: workforce retention. By enhancing rather than threatening jobs, robotics can make FM careers more appealing to both existing staff and potential new recruits.

Where this is going
Despite the impressive growth figures, the FM industry remains in the early stages of robotics adoption. Cleaning leads the way, followed by grounds maintenance and security applications, though many companies in our industry are not yet embracing this technology.

But we’re beginning to see truly connected buildings – buildings that use sensors to calculate how much use spaces have had and then deploy robots as needed. Facilities managers will monitor and control machines through digital twins. Occupancy sensors will trigger robotic cleaners to adjust schedules when spaces aren’t in use.

This integration between robotics and building digitalisation will transform how we manage facilities. But success requires a holistic approach that considers people, processes and technology together. The organisations that thrive will be those that invest as much in their teams as they do in their machines.

Looking ahead
As the robotics market continues its rapid expansion, the FM sector faces a choice about how to integrate these tools. Organisations that take a collaborative approach, investing in training and focusing on workforce development alongside technological adoption, are seeing the strongest results.

The 34% growth in cleaning robotics has not resulted in reduced job opportunities in the sector. Rather than automation replacing human workers, the future appears to be one where people and machines work together, each contributing their unique strengths to deliver better outcomes.

For an industry facing ongoing workforce challenges, this human-centred approach to robotics adoption may prove to be the most significant innovation of all.

Peter Smyth, director of innovation & technology

Stronger together: How collaboration strengthens London’s security

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London’s security depends on teamwork. As the city faces evolving threats, collaboration between police, private security, and local partners is proving essential to creating security solutions. Together, they’re building a network of awareness and action that keeps London safer.

London is facing a new generation of security challenges. The city’s size, its global profile, and the pace of change all increase exposure to risk. Crowded places, complex infrastructure, and constant movement make London both vibrant and vulnerable. Threats are evolving too. Criminal networks adapt quickly, activism has become more organised, and hostile actors continue to look for opportunity within busy London environments.

In this environment, collaboration matters more than ever for security teams in London. Organisations that work together achieve stronger, faster, and more reliable outcomes. Partnerships between public authorities and private security teams operating across London are proving that information shared early, and action taken jointly, can prevent incidents or reduce their impact. No single organisation sees the whole picture alone, but together, the security industry can stay one step ahead.

This collaborative approach, which has taken root in recent years, marks a shift in how London security operates. Security is no longer a collection of isolated efforts. It has become a network. When public and private teams, local businesses, and communities cooperate, they create layered protection that keeps people safer. Each layer strengthens the next, forming what security professionals often refer to as defence in depth.

Good security starts well before a threat reaches a door. Across London, private security teams are building closer working relationships with neighbouring offices, retailers, transport hubs, and hospitals as part of joined-up security provision. When something looks wrong, that information moves fast. A report about suspicious behaviour in one location can help another team prevent a similar incident. This joined-up thinking is changing how districts across the city operate and manage risk from a London security perspective.

Local knowledge is the backbone of this model for any London security provider. A guard who notices a vehicle parked repeatedly outside a site, a receptionist who spots someone testing access controls, or a hospital porter who sees unusual interest in service entrances all contribute to the bigger picture of local security intelligence. The difference now is speed and structure. Formal communication channels between private security providers, local stakeholders, and police allow awareness to be turned into action without delay.

Working with emergency services

The relationship between private security and emergency services has matured within the London security sector. It is now based on preparation, training, and trust rather than ad hoc coordination. Project Servator is one of the best examples of this in London security operations. It brings together police, private security, and the public through unpredictable deployments designed to deter and disrupt crime and terrorism across the capital.

Private security officers play a vital part in these operations. Their understanding of local environments helps shape police planning and deployment. In a major incident, trained security personnel are often first on the scene, managing evacuations, providing first aid, or securing locations until emergency services arrive.

Earlier this year, Bidvest Noonan put this level of collaboration into practice. Working with St John Ambulance and other partners, we delivered a Protective Security Training Programme in London. The exercise simulated a Vehicle-as-a-Weapon attack, focusing on decision-making and communication during the first ten minutes after an incident, known as the Platinum 10 Minutes. This period is critical. The right actions taken quickly can save lives across complex London environments.

The scenario was built around UK Protective Security Guidance and aligned with preparations for the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, commonly known as Martyn’s Law. It translated national counter-terrorism frameworks into practical, on-the-ground skills that London security teams can apply in real situations.

Information and intelligence sharing

Modern security depends on information moving quickly and accurately. In the City of London, police command systems increasingly draw on data from private security intelligence networks, creating a shared real-time operational picture. If a disturbance occurs at one site, nearby teams can be alerted immediately. This level of coordination helps contain incidents and prevent escalation across high-risk security environments.

Technology is strengthening this cooperation further. Secure cloud platforms and mobile reporting tools allow security teams to share updates, images, and incident data in real time. A security manager overseeing multiple sites across London can monitor activity from a single dashboard, directing resources where they are needed most. Over time, these systems also reveal patterns and trends, supporting early risk identification and improved prevention strategies.

The benefits of collaboration

Collaboration delivers measurable results for London security operations. It improves response times, increases accuracy, and builds public confidence. When a security officer identifies a potential threat, that information can reach police and neighbouring buildings within seconds, creating a unified security posture across entire areas of London city

It also underlines the professionalism of private security teams. Their situational awareness, local insight, and readiness are essential to London’s overall safety. They represent the first layer in the city’s defence in depth, bridging the gap between prevention and emergency response.

There is still work to be done. Information-sharing systems are not yet fully consistent, and some organisations remain cautious about collaboration. However, the direction of travel is clear. Security professionals across London are learning from one another, building trust, and strengthening partnerships that make the entire security ecosystem more resilient.

Ian Martin

Director of Risk and Intelligence, Bidvest Noonan

How Facilities Management in Airports Enhances Passenger Safety

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Airports are among some of the busiest and most complex environments in the world. Every day, tens of thousands of people move through busy terminals, navigate car parks, security areas, and retail zones, each with different individual needs and expectations. Families, business travellers, and passengers with reduced mobility all share the same routes and facilities, relying on everything around them to work safely and efficiently.

Managing such a vast and high-pressure environment requires extraordinary precision. Every system, surface, and service have a role to play in keeping people safe. From the cleanliness of floors and air quality to the reliability of escalators and lighting, airport facilities management safety underpins the smooth operation of the entire airport.

At Bidvest Noonan, our people, technologies, and expertise are dedicated to ensuring that airports remain secure, hygienic, and reliable. We understand that passenger safety is a defining feature of a successful airport experience.

Managing Some of the Most Complex Spaces in the World

Airports in particular are complex spaces, combining restricted zones, and high-security areas, each with its own risks and regulations. Managing this mix is a challenge unlike any other in facilities management. The goal is to ensure that every element works in harmony so that passengers can move freely and safely from the moment they enter the terminal until they board their flight. This is the everyday challenge of airport FM safety. It is a continuous process of risk management, coordination, and professional care that keeps complex systems functioning and passengers protected in one of the most demanding environments.

A smiling cleaning staff member wearing a navy and turquoise uniform and blue gloves stands in an airport check-in area, holding onto a barrier post. Check-in signs and queue barriers are visible in the background.

Building Passenger Confidence Through Safety

Passenger safety is a fundamental element of overall passenger experience. When people feel safe, they also feel calm, confident, and well cared for. A secure and well-maintained airport environment helps travelers navigate easily and reduces stress of both passengers and staff

From check-in to boarding, every touchpoint contributes to that feeling of safety. Clear signage reduces confusion, lighting improves visibility, and temperature control ensures comfort. These details can have a strong influence on how safe and prioritised a passenger feels.

Professional airport passenger security measures also play an essential role. Visible officers, CCTV systems, and controlled access points protect passengers without creating a sense of intrusion. When safety is handled professionally and with empathy, it becomes an invisible assurance enhancing airport experience.

How Does Facilities Management Improve Airport Safety?

Facilities management is a key pillar of airport safety. It integrates a number of services including cleaning, security, maintenance, PRM, and more, to create a safe and efficient environment. Every service is interdependent, and together they prevent accidents, protect infrastructure, and safeguard wellbeing.

At Bidvest Noonan, we take a holistic approach to airport facilities management safety. Our teams work together across all disciplines to anticipate risks and maintain consistent standards. Experience is vital in an environment with so many moving parts. Our teams draw on deep industry knowledge and established best practices to manage operations that meet both aviation regulations and passenger expectations.

Safety is the foundation of airport life. It extends far beyond emergency procedures or visible security. It is built into every routine activity, every process, and every interaction.

Airport facilities management safety connects the work of multiple disciplines. Cleaning protects public health, maintenance ensures structural and mechanical safety, and security safeguards people and property. Together, these functions create an environment that feels controlled and trustworthy.

How Does Cleanliness Impact Passenger Safety?

Cleanliness is one of the most visible indicators of safety in an airport. It directly reduces risks such as slips, trips, and falls, and the spread of infection. But aside from the practical benefits of well-maintained spaces with high footfall, a clean environment also signals control, care, and professionalism. 

Bidvest Noonan’s cleaning teams follow carefully planned cleaning regimes to ensure high standards of hygiene. High-touch areas like handles, handrails, and seating are cleaned frequently using environmentally responsible products. Air quality and waste management are continuously monitored to maintain a healthy atmosphere for passengers and staff alike.

Our focus on cleanliness goes beyond presentation. It is an integral part of airport FM safety, providing both physical and mental reassurance to travelers while preventing the very real health risks that can quickly escalate in these busy public environments.

Preventative Maintenance and Operational Reliability

Every airport relies on thousands of interconnected systems: escalators, baggage conveyors, lighting, heating, ventilation, and fire protection. Each one must perform flawlessly to maintain a safe environment for passengers, as well as meeting the core function of air travel

Preventative maintenance across all these systems ensures that critical touchpoints remain reliable from entry to exit. Regular inspections by experienced personnel, data-driven monitoring with the latest technology, and proactive maintenance across every facility prevent failures that could compromise safety or cause operational delays.

At Bidvest Noonan, we use advanced digital tools to record and analyse asset performance, allowing engineers to predict and prevent faults before they occur.

This proactive approach to maintenance is essential in a 24-hour environment. By preventing breakdowns and maintaining infrastructure at peak performance, we help airports operate safely and efficiently for passengers and staff.

Technology Supporting Safer Operations

Technology now plays a central role in enhancing airport safety. Smart systems and data analytics allow FM teams to identify risks faster, make informed decisions, and improve performance.

Bidvest Noonan uses advanced technology such as smart sensors to monitor air quality, temperature, and energy use. Predictive maintenance platforms track asset conditions and highlight potential failures before they impact operations. Integrated digital dashboards provide real-time visibility across cleaning, maintenance, and security functions.

This data-driven approach strengthens both safety and sustainability. It enables teams to allocate resources efficiently, reduce downtime, and respond immediately to emerging issues. 

A Safe Airport is a Better Airport

At Bidvest Noonan, we bring together innovation, expertise, and deep industry experience to deliver world-class airport FM solutions built to enhance passenger safety. Our focus on technology, training, and operational excellence ensures that airports remain safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone who passes through them.

In aviation, safety is the measure of trust. Through our commitment to excellence in airport facilities management safety, we help airports protect their passengers and staff while delivering the smooth, confident experiences that define the world’s best airports.

Bidvest Noonan launches domestic violence policy and support framework for 27,000 colleagues

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Bidvest Noonan has introduced a new Domestic Violence Policy and Support Framework for its 27,000 colleagues across the UK and Ireland. The announcement comes as the UN marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, a global reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the importance of offering understanding and support.

According to UN Women, almost one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and as few as 40% seek help of any kind. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, and these figures underline the importance of clear and accessible support in the workplace.

A central element of the policy is the introduction of up to five days of paid domestic violence leave for all colleagues. This includes colleagues working in the United Kingdom, where there is currently no statutory entitlement to paid leave for domestic abuse. By providing the same level of support across all regions, the company aims to remove uncertainty and make help accessible when it is needed most.

The policy is supported by a wider framework of measures. These include flexible working arrangements, confidential changes to payment methods, time for essential appointments, 24-hour access to the company’s Employee Assistance Programme and bespoke workplace safety plans. A Domestic Violence Toolkit and manager guidance have also been developed to help teams recognise concerns and respond appropriately. The company is now preparing to roll out line manager training in partnership with Women’s Aid.

Julie Mernagh, Chief People and Culture Officer, said the framework supports colleagues during difficult circumstances. “Domestic abuse affects people in ways that are often hidden from view. We want colleagues to feel they can come forward and be met with care and confidentiality. This policy gives people support when they need it, including paid leave and other forms of support. Our focus is on making sure no one has to navigate these situations alone at work.”

CEO Declan Doyle said the new policy reflects the company’s commitment to wellbeing and safety. “Home should be a safe place, but for many people it is not. We want our workplace to be somewhere colleagues feel supported and never alone. By putting these supports in place, we are giving people time, space and understanding when they need it most. Our hope is that this policy helps colleagues feel safer and more protected.”

The Domestic Violence Policy and Support Framework are now in place across all Bidvest Noonan operations.

Bidvest Noonan launched our own innovative patient discharge app

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Bidvest Noonan has developed a new digital discharge app that is improving coordination and efficiency in hospital bed turnaround.

The app was designed in response to needs identified at one of the company’s hospital sites in Ireland, where teams sought a faster, clearer way to manage discharge cleans. Built entirely in-house within Bidvest Noonan’s digital operations platform, the new system replaces manual coordination through calls, spreadsheets, and messaging apps with a fully connected, real-time workflow.

When a bed becomes ready for cleaning, ward staff notify a discharge coordinator, who logs and assigns the task through the app. Cleaning teams receive the notification instantly, record progress in real time, and complete digital sign-offs that create a full audit trail of the clean. Bed management and ward teams gain live visibility of every request, including reasons for delays and completion times.

The app has improved communication, provided a single source of truth for all parties, and eliminated the need for personal devices on wards. It has also established a reliable framework for capturing and analysing live data across the discharge process.

“This innovation was built by our own digital operations team to meet a real operational challenge,” said Susan Howard, Director of Operations at Bidvest Noonan. “It’s helping our people and hospital teams work together more efficiently and with greater transparency. This is what our digital platform is all about, turning insight from the frontline into smarter ways of working.”

Since its launch in September 2025, the app has been adopted successfully with no reported issues and is now being piloted across additional hospital sites.

This initiative forms part of Bidvest Noonan’s wider investment in its digital operations platform, which integrates systems for cleaning, security, and maintenance management, providing clients with real-time visibility, data-driven assurance, and greater operational efficiency across facilities services.

Zuzanna Kotlarz, our Contract Manager, discusses how technology and data are driving smarter, more sustainable plant performance for clients.

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The world of technical services is changing quickly. For Zuzanna Kotlarz, Contract Manager at Bidvest Noonan, the biggest shift ahead is how much technology and data are now shaping the industry. Everything is becoming smarter and more connected, giving teams the ability to see what might go wrong before it happens. Predictive systems and smart monitoring are helping businesses move from reacting to problems to preventing them altogether.

Zuzanna believes this transformation is opening new opportunities to deliver better value for clients. Today, clients want greater transparency and insight. They want to understand what is happening in their facilities in real time and see how services contribute to performance and efficiency. For her, technology plays a vital role in achieving that. Digital reporting systems and smart data tools now allow teams to provide live updates, detailed reports and predictive insights. These tools improve efficiency for engineers and managers while also strengthening client relationships by building visibility and trust.

Another major focus, she explains, is sustainability. Clients increasingly expect their service partners to help them achieve environmental goals. Sustainability is no longer a separate priority; it is central to everything we do, Zuzanna says. Through energy-efficient systems, smarter maintenance strategies and continuous monitoring, Bidvest Noonan’s technical services teams help clients run their plants more efficiently, reduce energy waste and extend the lifespan of equipment. This proactive approach makes operations greener, helps clients reduce costs, plan ahead and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Zuzanna’s career began at Bidvest Noonan’s Service Desk, where she first learned the value of clear communication and teamwork. Early on, she was fortunate to have supportive managers who believed in her and guided her development. Their mentorship helped her recognise her strengths and gave her the confidence to grow. That experience shaped her leadership style today and reinforced her belief in structured mentoring and career development for young professionals. When people are new, they often do not know what opportunities exist, she explains. Having someone to talk to and learn from can make all the difference.

Becoming a Helpdesk Manager at a young age proved to be a defining moment for Zuzanna. The role came with high expectations and constant pressure, but it taught her how to stay calm, make decisions quickly and trust her team. It also deepened her understanding of what true leadership means. She learned that empathy, communication and consistency are key to leading effectively in a fast-paced environment. Our teams in the field and behind the scenes are the ones who keep everything running, she says. My role is to make sure they feel supported, appreciated and empowered to do their best work.

Zuzanna believes that strong performance comes from reliability and consistency. Clients notice when a team communicates well, delivers on time and follows through. Doing the basics right every day builds trust, and that trust leads to long-term partnerships and new opportunities.

She encourages anyone pursuing a career in operations to embrace every opportunity for growth. Saying yes to new challenges, she says, is how you learn and build confidence. Each experience, even the difficult ones, teaches something valuable.

Continuous learning is also central to her own development. Zuzanna often visits sites and plant rooms, talking to engineers and observing how systems operate. She believes that real understanding comes from asking questions and learning directly from experienced colleagues. You learn so much from conversations and hands-on experience, she says. That curiosity helps you keep up in such a fast-moving field.

For Zuzanna, technical services are ultimately about progress and partnership. They are about combining innovation with sustainability, technology with integrity and leadership with care. By focusing on the performance of each client’s plant and the long-term value of their facilities, she believes service providers can deliver more than maintenance. They can create smarter, more sustainable spaces for the future.