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The role of the facility manager is evolving – fast. In 2025, it’s no longer enough to simply oversee day-to-day operations. Facility managers are now expected to think strategically, embrace digital tools, and lead sustainability efforts – all while maintaining compliance and keeping stakeholders satisfied.
Whether you’re managing a corporate office in Bedford or a school campus in Leeds, mastering the right skill set is key to staying relevant and effective in the modern built environment.
Here are the top five skills every facility manager in England should prioritise to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
1. Emotional Intelligence & Soft Skills
As automation and technology take over more routine tasks, soft skills are becoming a facility manager’s most powerful asset.
Facility managers today must:
- Lead and inspire diverse teams
- Navigate tenant relationships with empathy
- Solve problems under pressure
- Adapt quickly to regulatory or operational changes
In short, emotional intelligence isn’t optional – it’s essential. According to a report by Personnel Today, nine in ten UK employers believe soft skills are more important than ever, with communication, leadership, and problem-solving among the most in-demand skills
“Facilities management is not just about managing buildings and equipment – it’s about managing the services that support the activities of the organization.”
— Wes McGregor, Facilities Management and the Business of Space
2. Digital Fluency: Leveraging FM Technology
2025 is the year digital maturity becomes a competitive advantage in facilities management.
The top-performing FMs are those who know how to:
- Use CMMS and CAFM platforms to streamline maintenance
- Integrate IoT and smart building technologies
- Leverage BMS data to drive energy savings
- Use mobile tools to improve field response times
But it’s not just about learning software – it’s about using these tools strategically to reduce costs, enhance service quality, and make data-informed decisions.
Case in Point: Implementing IoT-based monitoring can lead to significant energy efficiency improvements, with studies indicating potential reductions in energy use by up to 17%.
3. Data Literacy & Analytical Thinking
Facility managers are being asked tougher questions by leadership:
➡️ How can we reduce downtime by 20% this year?
➡️ What’s driving our rising utility costs?
➡️ Which assets are nearing end-of-life?
To answer these, FMs need to read, interpret, and act on data – not just collect it.
Critical analytical skills include:
- Understanding KPIs and performance dashboards
- Using predictive maintenance insights
- Benchmarking performance across sites
Being data-literate means becoming a trusted advisor to stakeholders, not just an operator.
4. Stakeholder Communication & Influence
Facility managers today are expected to communicate clearly with:
- Finance and operations directors
- External contractors and vendors
- Tenants, staff, and community members
Whether you’re justifying a new HVAC upgrade or reporting on compliance, you need to translate technical details into meaningful business terms
Example: Instead of “the pump is nearing failure,” say:
“Replacing this unit now avoids a likely breakdown next quarter—saving £5,000 in emergency costs and preventing tenant disruption.”
This kind of value-focused communication builds credibility and influence within your organisation.
5. Sustainability & Compliance Readiness
With the UK government’s continued push for net-zero carbon by 2050, facility managers must play a central role in driving sustainability and regulatory compliance.
In 2025, top FMs will be expected to:
- Track and reduce carbon emissions
- Stay up to date on Building Safety Act and HSE guidance
- Implement low-carbon technologies
- Champion energy-saving behaviours on site
Good to know: Buildings that adopt strong sustainability practices not only cut costs but also see higher tenant satisfaction and long-term asset value.
The FM of 2025: Tech-Savvy, People-Focused, and Strategically Minded
The role of the FM is more dynamic – and more important – than ever before.
To lead effectively in 2025, you’ll need to:
- Think like a strategist
- Communicate like a leader
- Operate like a tech-native
It’s not just about maintaining facilities – it’s about making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
Let’s Build the Future of Facilities Together
At Sector Support Services, we don’t just maintain buildings – we empower facility managers across England with the tools, insights, and partnerships they need to succeed.
From digital maintenance platforms to compliance-ready service delivery, we help FMs deliver excellence, every day.
Let’s connect. See how Sector Support can support your facility’s goals in 2025 and beyond.
Make the Right Choice: Your Guide to Selecting a Reliable Commercial Cleaning & Maintenance Partner
Let’s face it – in property management, the details matter. Overflowing bins, flickering lights, a poorly timed deep clean – these aren’t just annoyances. They can drive tenants away, attract compliance issues, and reflect badly on you as the property manager. So how do you find a cleaning and maintenance partner who actually makes your life easier not harder?
Here’s your essential guide to choosing a service provider who brings professionalism, reliability, and value without the excuses.
1. Credentials That Count: Are They Really Qualified?
Any contractor can claim they’re compliant but where’s the proof?
Start by checking for ISO certifications like ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental), and ISO 45001 (health and safety). These are the gold standards in the UK for professional service delivery. And don’t forget Safe Contractor or CHAS, which ensure compliance with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.
Want cleaning done right?
Look for BICSc-trained staff – The British Institute of Cleaning Science is the UK’s go-to body for cleaning industry training. According to the British Cleaning Council’s 2023 report, trained operatives not only deliver higher quality results but also reduce health and safety incidents on-site.
https://britishcleaningcouncil.org/
2. The Team Behind the Mop: Who’s Actually on Site?
Let’s talk people. Because the real measure of a cleaning or maintenance company isn’t their proposal – it’s their people.
Ask how often staff receive COSHH training (legally required under UK law), whether they’ve completed manual handling certification, and if they’re DBS-checked especially if your property serves vulnerable tenants like students, children, or the elderly.
The HSE consistently flags poor training as a root cause of workplace injuries in the cleaning sector. You don’t want a service that creates more problems than it solves.
HSE Cleaning Guidance
3. Made-to-Measure or One-Size-Fits-None?
Beware the “standard package” pitch. Your property isn’t standard, so why should your service be?
A reliable provider should tailor their services to your building type, tenant mix, traffic flow, and even seasonality. Whether it’s planned preventive maintenance (PPM) or flexible cleaning hours around tenant schedules, customisation is key.
The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) strongly advocates for bespoke agreements, noting that custom solutions lead to stronger long-term tenant relationships and lower complaint rates.
4. When Things Go Wrong: Can They Handle a Crisis?
Emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Burst pipe on a Sunday? Overflowing bins during a bank holiday? Your provider needs to be ready and fast.
Before signing, ask about:
● 24/7 response capabilities
● Average callout time (and whether it’s tracked)
● Real-time updates via FM software or apps
5. Spot the Red Flags Before They Cost You
Sometimes, what a company doesn’t show you is the biggest warning sign. Keep an eye out for:
● Vague pricing or hidden fees
● No proof of insurance (required by law under the Employers’ Liability Act 1969)
● Poor online reviews or no references at all
● Overreliance on agency workers
● No sustainability policy or risk assessments
ISSA UK – Cleaning Industry Association
According to ISSA UK, unclear service expectations and lack of insurance are among the top reasons cleaning contracts get terminated. If you’re spotting red flags early, trust your gut.
The Final Sweep: Choose Smart, Not Just Cheap
The right cleaning and maintenance partner doesn’t just tick boxes — they protect your reputation, keep tenants happy, and ensure your building is compliant, safe, and operating at its best.
Look for:
✅ Proven qualifications
✅ Staff that are trained, trusted, and accountable
✅ Flexible, transparent service delivery
✅ A clear plan for emergencies
✅ A professional attitude from the first meeting
Because when you choose wisely, you won’t just be getting a service provider — you’ll be
gaining a partner.
