Under the spotlight with... Simon Whitehead - ANABAS
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Under the spotlight with… Simon Whitehead

Tell us more about your role at Anabas and your journey with the company so far?

I’ve been with Anabas since February 2020, leading the business development team, overseeing our external communications, and creating new workplace solutions for those prospective clients that value a brilliant workplace experience. 2023 is an important year for Anabas and we’re already working on new opportunities that fit the ideal Anabas client profile.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about your career history?

I’ve been in the FM industry for 19 years, working in business development roles primarily for three FTSE 100 FM companies. This path has brought with it some great travel opportunities, the chance to work for and with some very talented people and gain valuable experiences in how major organisations go about doing business.

 

What are the main challenges you face in your role?

My focus is to understand our prospective clients’ challenges. Negotiating the unique hybrid working strategies for each client is currently high on the list. We are the ones who need to identify the sweet spot between remote working and workplace and help clients make informed decisions. The death of the workplace has been exaggerated – we’re now just using it differently.

 

What do you like most about your role and working in FM?

Working only with clients that value their workplace experience within the corporate environment, I get the chance to visit some incredible client workplaces. Meeting clients to understand their spaces, expectations and working strategies is a core part of the role. I really enjoy it.

 

What’s been your biggest highlight whilst working at Anabas?

2022 has been a positive year or Anabas, winning twelve new contracts with some amazing new clients in the Technology, Media, Banking, Legal, Advertising and Media sectors. We also retained a key pharmaceutical client for a further 5 years, which was particularly satisfying, and also a great endorsement of our operational teams.

 

What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in FM?

I started with little knowledge about the industry, similar to most people. It’s a sector I’d encourage people to investigate. The variety of roles available and the environments you could find yourself in keeps it exciting, the experience you gain opens doors to so many different opportunities.

 

What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the future of FM? 

The future of FM will see major moves towards technology, and smarter tech at that. Robotics are already creating efficiency gains across some services, taking away the need for a human to fill that role. Data on building usage will continue to drive the “Uberisation” of the industry with a more ‘on demand’ approach. This means we need to continually understand the impact on the hybrid working culture, making sure we remain flexible and adaptable with our clients as they return to the “new normal”

 

Tell us how Anabas is #brilliantlydifferent?

At Anabas, the way we deliver our services is what really sets us apart. We channel positivity and enthusiasm into everything we do.

 

To me, good customer service is…

all about attention to detail, responsiveness, flexibility, and delivering it with a smile.

 

What’s on your bucket list?

Easy – both sports related 1) I’d love to attend the US Masters Golf at Augusta, Georgia. 2) To tour the Caribbean for a month or so, watching the England Cricket Team.

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