Continuing the series celebrating firms recognised at the Awards For Achievement, Tom Bradshaw reports on CI Traders large business nominee Amalgamated Facilities Management THE island’s only one-stop shop for facilities management is not resting on its laurels.

Amalgamated Facilities Management chairman Mark Palfrey said the company prided itself on the entrepreneurial flair to recognise other opportunities in the marketplace.

That was how it came into being five years ago and it has enjoyed impressive growth since.

In December 2001, the previously independent companies of Amalgamated Engineers, Hydrojet and Herridge’s merged to offer a comprehensive range of building maintenance and refurbishment services.

They combined expertise in mechanics and electrics, coatings and drainage and construction respectively.

In addition to these companies, AFM acquired fire and security alarms specialist firm Integrated Security Services in 2003.

Mr Palfrey said the business linked the tradition and know-how of these companies and added sophisticated facilities management technology to coordinate the skills base.

‘We allow companies to free up their thinking time to concentrate on their core business activities, giving them maximum opportunity to concentrate on being competitive in their own area of expertise,’ he said.

‘At the same time, AFM can drive efficiencies in the historical way the business support services operate, allowing a reduced client overhead – a true win-win for Guernsey business.’

AFM has more than 100 well trained and multi-skilled staff.

Mr Palfrey claimed it succeeded by putting the client first.

‘We understand that your business is unique and you need a tailor-made solution that delivers the optimum blend of hard and soft services.’

The former includes the installation and maintenance of a range of systems such as firefighting and security and the latter includes pest control, waste management and cleaning.

These days, promoting energy efficiency is high on the agenda.

It carries out surveys for clients and helps manage improvements which Mr Palfrey said could be summarised as a three-step change.

n Staff training in general housekeeping such as switching off monitors and lights and recycling and using both sides of paper.

n Minor modifications to premises including heating timer settings, correct use of time clocks and movement sensors for lighting.

n Major improvements to premises.

AFM has extended this eco-friendly message beyond its clients by holding seminars which bring experts to the island to raise awareness of technological advancements that can save money and help to reduce carbon emissions.

Beyond supporting industry with its professional services, AFM also strives to do its bit for the community.

Last year it sponsored the Super Six Athletic Challenge, the Harbour Carnival tug of war and the Castel School football team.

The company also raised money for Breatheasy with a Le Val des Terres bed push.

As well as corporate financial support, a number of the staff give up a lot of their own time to voluntary charity work.

Mr Palfrey is community services officer for Round Table, manager Bob Farrell is the deputy commissioner of operations for St John Ambulance and manager John Waterman established the Oakley Waterman Foundation.

‘We regularly make donations to help support local events and organisations in a discreet way. Guernsey has a strong community spirit which we feel proud to be part of.’