Aspire One Newsletter - Issue 85 April 2023

One

ASPIRE Quiz Night

We raised £1620

The rivalry was intense and you could almost hear the cogs turning as eleven teams of six battled for supremacy in the annual Landsec | Aspire Quiz Night.

See pages 004-025

The voice of Landsec | Aspire // Bringing our community TogetherAsOne

tThe Forge, the UK’s first net zero commercial office development, was officially opened on 20 April. Built using innovative design and construction techniques that put sustainability first, The Forge features almost 300m 2 of green roof to promote local biodiversity and over 100 solar panels that contribute to its 100% renewable electricity. It is the first of many net zero developments we’re opening as part of our commitment to creating places that make a lasting positive contribution to our communities and our planet.

Last month we updated our carbon reduction targets and committed to reach net zero by 2040. With nearly 40% of global carbon emissions created by our industry, it is our responsibility to lead the way towards a lower carbon economy. Our updated targets now cover carbon emissions

from all sources – including our development pipeline, supply chain and customers. This means that it’s more important than ever that we work collaboratively to achieve our sustainability goals.

In this issue of One magazine, we say ‘hello’ but also wave ‘goodbye’. We welcome two new members of the Landsec | Aspire family: Umair Sohail (Aspire Data Analyst) and Peter Joyce (Account Director at NJC). Then we bid fond farewells to Sammy Harrington (Key Account Director with Bidvest Noonan) and Ula Zawadzka (Senior Portfolio Manager at NJC) as they leave us for their next adventure.

You can also enjoy all the photos from our annual Aspire Quiz, as well as catching up on our recent community news.

Wickens Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire

The Forge is located in the centre of vibrant Bankside.

Mark Heppelthwaite, Non-Executive Director for NJC, did the

NEW MIXED-TEAM FORMAT

ASPIRE Quiz Night

29 March 2023

Not only was this annual event great fun for everyone involved, the evening raised an incredible £1620 for our charity partner, Caxton Youth.

Held at the Kings Arms in Wormwood Street on 29 March, the quiz featured eight rounds on subjects including The World, Politics, Sport and TV & Film. The teams also had three challenges at their tables – Famous Landmarks, Know Your Coffee and Dingbats – to mull over during the evening. Mark Heppelthwaite, Non-Executive Director for NJC, did the honours once again as quizmaster in what proved to be a tightly fought contest. With the teams organised to include a mix of Landsec and various Service Partner colleagues, there was the opportunity to both catch up with old friends and make new ones. Aspire members enjoyed food and drink as they racked their brains and decided on the all-important strategy of when to play their jokers.

Many congratulations to the winning team, the Allsorts – comprising Liz Cummins (Bidvest Noonan), Stuart Smith (Landsec), David Saville

(Principle), Chris Pope (NG Bailey), Andrew Brocklehurst (Landsec) and Simon Watson (NG Bailey) – who won an Easter egg and a bottle of Prosecco each. Commiserations to the team coming last on the night, Smarty Pints. We won’t name and shame them but they each bagged a Cadbury Creme Egg!

A raffle was also held at the Quiz Night, with prizes ranging from a £300 John Lewis Voucher to dinner for two at the Michelin-starred City Social Restaurant and a ride for four in Chimney Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station! The raffle raised a fantastic £810 for our charity partner, Caxton Youth Organisation, which Jaguar Building Services generously matched to bring the total raised to a staggering £1620. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and to the Jaguar team for their wonderful support.

Did you know?

If your workmate excels in one of the Landsec | Aspire values, you nominate them for a Player of the Month award. See page 38 for

Check out all the event images now.

Umair Sohail

Umair took over the role of Aspire Data Analyst on 3 April, taking the reins from Femi Olunuga. “I was fortunate to have a handover from my predecessor,” says Umair, “which was really useful. It allowed me to understand what software is used and the scope of my new role. As a result, I feel very comfortable.”

Based at the Aspire Centre of Excellence at One New Change and 16 Palace Street, Umair has a first-class degree in Economics & Politics from De Montfort University, as well as a certificate in Business Economics from the University of Hertfordshire. He has been working in data analytics for five years, in a variety of sectors from healthcare to construction and global payments. “Each role has had its own unique way of keeping me engaged but the time I spent with Cardtronics, the cash machine operator, was really exciting,” says Umair. “Part of my job was to analyse data around the physical threat to the company’s ATM estate, so I was liaising with the police, clients and also third-party vendors.”

Now Umair’s role entails working closely with both the AspireAnalytics and AspireAssist teams, mining data and analysing it to form valuable management information. “My first impression was that Landsec is very software-driven,” says Umair, “and wants to make its data transparent.”

Asked what his job involves on a day-to-day basis, he says: “There are various components. It’s about managing people’s needs, wants and expectations, so good communication is required. It’s also about knowing the potential of software to yield a tangible, real-life result. But it’s also a matter of making sense of raw data and working out how to supplement it to make it more valuable. In this way, I can help to bring forward new ideas for business efficiency.”

Umair thinks the best thing about his time at Landsec so far is the people and the atmosphere. “When I’m here, I feel ready to work,” he says. “I feel welcome, energised and part of the family. Part of what attracted me to Landsec was the engaging and inclusive culture.” Asked what the most challenging thing is, he says: “Understanding new sets of data. Also, working with Service Partners as well as the organisation, as that’s new to me.” What makes Umair tick outside of work? He describes himself as “easygoing and a bit old-fashioned”. He enjoys writing, finding it therapeutic to put his thoughts down on paper, and reading – mostly non-fiction, to keep himself up-to-date with economics, psychology and philosophy. He also enjoys hiking, a good movie, meeting friends and listening to music of any genre.

A big football fan, he supports Arsenal –“I’m conditioning myself to heartbreak,” he jokes – and plays competitive footie regularly. “I also like travelling to see other cultures and appreciate them,” he says, “and I’d really like to visit Japan and Australia next.”

Peter Joyce

Peter joined NJC as Account Director for the Landsec Portfolio on 1 March. He brings significant experience, having had various responsibilities at two major facilities service providers over the past 12 years, culminating in the role of Key Account Manager. Based at NJC’s headquarters in The Zig Zag Building, Peter is accountable for operations, finance and contract retention for the whole Landsec portfolio. Assisting his two Portfolio

Managers with day-to-day issues, he is frequently out and about across buildings in Victoria and the City. Peter is happy with how everything is going so far. “It’s been good,” he says, “and the people at Landsec have been very welcoming. It’s been a very demanding time, getting to know my team, the client team and all the processes. I’ve been asking a lot of questions and my team have been really supportive.”

He says that the shift from working for a global organisation to a family-owned company has been a wholly positive one. “NJC has a close, friendly culture and I really feel part of a team,” he says.

Outside of work, Peter enjoys spending time outdoors – especially walking with his partner, Grecia, in the local parks and forests in Surrey. “We enjoy going to Box Hill, which is nearby,” he says, “but anywhere green, really. I was born in Hammersmith and spent over 20 years in London but I prefer the countryside.”

He spends time with his children – two sons aged 6 and 11 and a daughter aged 9 – every other weekend and plays 5-a-side football on Sundays with local friends. He also enjoys socialising with friends and travelling. Over the past five years, he and Grecia have visited Dubai, Norway, Greece, Spain and Austria. She is Peruvian and in December they plan to go to Peru to see the sights and visit her family.

5 minutes with… Anita Kporye

Senior Customer Experience Manager, NG Bailey.

Do you have any mantras in business or in life?

Treat other people as you’d like to be treated yourself. It’s very important to me.

What would you say is your greatest achievement?

Being a mother. I knew the kind of mum I wanted to be. My daughter, Soraya, makes me so proud. We had some feedback from her pre-school recently that she was very gentle, calm and kind. It means the world to me to instill kindness in my children –the world needs more kindness.

Do you have any pets?

No, but I think my daughter will want to have one when she’s a bit older.

What would you say is your best skill in business?

Communication. Not everything runs smoothly all the time, so it’s important to manage people’s expectations. My first job after university was at a Disney store and that was where I learned the importance of customer service.

What’s your all-time favourite movie?

What do you like to do outside of work?

I thoroughly enjoy cooking. It’s my passion. My mum is a good cook – she opened a restaurant once – so I’ve grown up with food. Cooking allows me to be creative. It’s savoury food rather than baking because I don’t measure, I just go with the flow. I cook a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese and Thai. I also like to relax with my husband and daughter, who is three. I’m about to go on maternity leave as we’re expecting another baby girl.

What’s on your bucket list?

I love travelling and have been fortunate to visit America, Thailand and a lot of Europe. I also spent a month in South Korea. There are lots of places still on my bucket list but we achieved one recently when we went on safari in February to Amboseli National Park in Kenya. My daughter loves animals – unfortunately, she was sleeping when we saw many of them! Words cannot describe what it’s like to be so close to wild animals.

We saw lions, elephants, zebra and giraffes close up, with great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was the best holiday ever.

Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?

I’m a Christian and my faith means a lot to me. It inspires me to be a better person and hopeful for the future.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?

Not to judge a book by its cover. The older I get, the more I understand that we don’t know what people go through behind closed doors, so we shouldn’t prejudge their situation or the choices they make.

Do you have any regrets?

I gained education, life skills and a husband at university, so I don’t regret going but I do wish I had researched other possible options, such as apprenticeships. Coming from an African background, I felt under a lot of pressure to go to university. I wish I’d had more guidance about money matters at that time too, to help manage my student finances better.

The Lion King – the original version. When I first watched it as a child, it had a massive impact on me. It was so emotional. I loved the storyline and it’s really stuck with me.

What was your first ever job?

Selling kitchens by cold calling when I was 17 or 18 at college. It was hard work, so I only did it for two weeks!

What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?

When we’re in the office, which is open plan, and we’re bouncing ideas off one another.

And your least favourite?

Mondays, because some of the buildings that I help look after operate 24/7 and a lot can happen over the weekend, so there’s always a barrage of things to sort out on a Monday.

Back to the floor at One New Change

On Monday 24 April, members of the Aspire and Landsec Operations teams attended ‘Back to the floor’, an event hosted by Principle Cleaning. Designed to provide insight into some of the tasks the cleaning teams on the ground carry out on a daily basis, the event proved to be both enjoyable and an eye opener, with many participants being surprised by how labour intensive some of the duties are. Many thanks to Principle for organising this opportunity and kudos to the cleaners who do a fantastic job across our sites, making them a pleasure to visit and work in.

Ross WilesAspire Systems Manager.

David PayneSenior Workplace Manager.

Pride

June is Pride Month, when the LGBT+ community is celebrated worldwide.

Why June? Well, Pride events mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which took place in Greenwich Village, New York, in 1969. So June is a chance to celebrate how far society has come since then, as well as to think about continuing the journey of progress. And all this can be done, if you wish, with plenty of rainbow flags, face paint and glitter!

The Landsec | Aspire family works hard to develop and maintain an inclusive culture, so look out for local events next month and get involved. Maybe you could become an ally with the LGBT+ Allies network. An ally is someone who does not necessarily identify as part of a particular group but who works to end discrimination by supporting that group. For more information, e-mail aspire@landsec.com

You heard it through the Grapevine

Laptops donated to Tea at 123

Members of the Aspire team were delighted to welcome Jessie Frost, Finance and Facilities Officer for Caxton Youth Organisation, to the Aspire Centre of Exellence at One New Change earlier this month. Jessie was invited over from Caxton Youth’s base in Pimlico to collect several pre-loved laptops that were being donated by Aspire to the charity.

The laptops, which were handed over by Shamora Dalhouse (AspireAssist HelpDesk Manager), will be used by the staff and young people at Caxton. Alison Currell, Senior Aspire Service Delivery Manager, commented: “It was great to see our equipment getting a new lease of life!”

In this section of One magazine, we share snippets of news from across the Aspire family. It’s where we welcome new faces, bid fond farewells and celebrate promotions and other achievements. Please send your news to aspire@landsec.com

This month we welcome Veronica Chiaranda to the front-of-house team at 100 Victoria Street. Veronica is Italian and has lived in London for seven years. “I am very happy to have joined the team,” she says, “and I hope to meet you all soon.”

Also joining the Rapport team is Anastasia Kuprina, who recently started working at Nova. Anastasia used to live in Ukraine and speaks Russian fluently. She loves fashion, cats and dogs. “I have a cat called Monty and a dog called Obi,” she says. Many congratulations to Melissa Harvey, Guest Services Manager for Rapport, who won the Leadership Award for Large Contracts at this year’s Rapport Excellence Awards. The Landsec front-of-house team was also shortlisted for Team of the Year in the awards and made it to the top six. Well done to the whole Rapport team!

Well done to Tania Dias and Ayan Osman, Members Concierges for Myo at 123 Victoria Street, for hosting a successful afternoon tea recently. Guests enjoyed a wonderful spread of sandwiches, savoury wraps, scones and cakes, washed down with glasses of Prosecco. As you can see, the event was a real hit with Myo members.

Wellness

with Jessica Pilakis

In this regular feature, we are sharing wellness tips from Jess Pilakis, Deputy Guest Services Manager for Rapport. A qualified beauty therapist with over a decade’s experience in spa and resort management, Jess loves everything to do with fitness, health and wellbeing.

Jess says...

Check out these check-in questions

This month’s wellness topic is about the different ways in which we can connect or check in with the people around us. Being able to check in effectively with those around you can have a huge impact on their day. It will also give you a massive sense of fulfilment – knowing that you helped someone or made a connection will really change how you feel.

This exercise recognises that personalising the questions we use to engage with people really matters. Generally, asking someone how they are will trigger an automatic response of “good” or “OK”. Not much thought has gone into either the question or the response.

However, if you try some of these check-in lines, you might have more success. It might seem a bit strange at first, but give it a go! You will be amazed at the sense of fulfilment that comes from building basic connections with the people around you.

Wellness

Ask JESS

If you have any questions or wellbeing topics that you would like us to cover, email aspire@landsec.com in confidence. Your privacy will be respected.

Farewell

from Landsec | Aspire

Sadly, we have to say ‘goodbye’ to Sammy Harrington (Key Account Director for Bidvest Noonan) and Ula Zawadzka (Senior Portfolio Manager for NJC) as they leave Aspire for pastures new.

Ula has worked for NJC since 2020, starting as Portfolio Manager and becoming Senior Portfolio Manager in 2021. Prior to this, she spent nine years with workplace hospitality provider, BaxterStorey, as Assistant Manager and then Catering Manager. Ula plans to go travelling, starting with a week in Poland and three weeks in Bali, possibly followed by Australia.

“We would like to thank Ula for her hard work and commitment to NJC and the Landsec account over the last three years,” comments Wayne Smith, Operations Director for NJC. “She has been a valued member of the team and formed some special friendships within the Aspire Community. We wish her all the best for the future and a safe and enjoyable time on her travels.”

Francisca Cumbicus, Service Support Manager with NJC, says to Ula: “It has been a pleasure to have worked with you. Thank you for everything and a great person like you will always be remembered. All the best in your new adventure.”

“I would like to thank Ula for giving me the opportunity to work together,” says Diana Tupiza, Service Support Manager for NJC, “and for her support, help and patience. I wish her the best of luck in her new projects. We will miss her very much.”

“Ula has been an amazing colleague,” says Jordon Joseph, Landsec Workplace Manager, “always willing to go above and beyond to help out and support our team. Most importantly, Ula always brought so much positivity and fun to the workplace. Her contributions have been significant, and we are grateful for everything she has done. We will miss her greatly.”

Kristina Jakaityte, Portfolio Manager at NJC, says: “Ula is a true professional, leader and good friend. She is the person who will speak the truth, act on the truth and stand for truth. We will truly miss her here at NJC.”

Good luck, Ula, from everyone at Landsec | Aspire!

Ula Zawadzka

Farewell

Ula Zawadzka enjoys the Landsec | Aspire Christmas party at Ruby Blue in Leicester Square.

Sammy Harrington

Sammy has spent six years with Bidvest Noonan. Prior to becoming Key Account Director in 2020, he was first Training Manager with the company and then Security Manager. Before that, he spent 12 years as a Police Officer in the Met. Some of Sammy’s colleagues have shared their thoughts as he leaves the Aspire family...

Jef Adams, Estate Security Manager at Cardinal Place, writes: “Thank you for all your support over the years. It’s been a pleasure working together (mainly yours, of course!). You’ll be missed by all, except for your sarcasm. Good luck in the future and I’m sure our paths will cross again, you lucky so and so. All the best.”

Clinton Krishna (Security Manager for 62 Buckingham Gate, The Zig Zag Building and 123 Victoria Street) describes Sammy as “An astute man”. He says of him, “I learnt the lesson from your words first, but I remember the lesson because of your actions.”

Sean Bates, Estate Security Manager for Bidvest Noonan, writes: “Sammy was a great help in progressing Adnaan Butt to take the Key Account Manager role, which gave my current Deputy Estate Security Manager, Kaspars Kligulis, a chance to shine, and both of them a chance to progress through the company that we are both proud of. I would like to thank Sammy,” continues Sean, “for his continuous support of the team at Nova, helping us to win the 2022 Bidvest Noonan Best Medium-Sized Managed Security Contract Award.”

On his last day, 17 April, Sammy used his LinkedIn profile to thank his peers, writing: “I wanted to take a moment to thank all the incredible colleagues and clients I have met along the way, many of whom I consider dear friends today...

Thanks again, Bidvest Noonan –it’s been an absolute blast!”

Sammy Harrington enjoys a well-earned break at the midway point of the Aspire Thames Path Walk 2022.

TO MAINTAIN MORALE

We recognise & reward

Landsec | Aspire is always looking for your feedback to help us give praise where it’s due. Whether you’re a team member or a Landsec customer, let us have your Player of the Month votes and winners will be featured in One Magazine.

What are the Aspire Staff Recognition Awards?

Every month a ‘Player / Team of the Month’ is selected from nominations by you, other Aspire team members and Landsec customers. Winners receive a certificate and some well-deserved prizes. It is a credit to everyone that each month lots of nominations are received, illustrating just how good the Aspire team is and how team members are held in such high regard by the people they work with.

How do your workmates

excel in the Aspire values?

— Bold

— Inclusive

— Driven

— United

Aspire Recognition Awards.

Aspire PLAYER OF THE MONTH March ‘23

Each month we salute the people recognised by you for exceptional performance or for simply being a great team member. Nominations can now be made by emailing aspire@landsec.com or directly via WhatsApp on 07834 431208

Certificate of Recognition Team

Safely returned items at ONC

QQuentin Meliz, Cluster Supervisor for Rapport, was nominated for helping to reunite valuable items with their owners recently.

When he noticed that a handbag and some documents had been left on the street in front of One New Change, Quentin jumped into action. He found an ID within the bag and sent a message to the person via LinkedIn, advising the owner that he would keep the bag safe at reception for collection. He then realised that the documents belonged to someone else and contacted them using an email

address he found on them. There was also a credit card and he managed to reach out to the owner of that using LinkedIn. It turned out that there had been a theft at a nearby pub the night before. All three individuals collected their belongings from One New Change and were incredibly grateful. This is an outstanding example of being driven in customer service. Well done to Quentin for winning a Player of the Month award.

Green fingered success

RRicky Elliott of Q&S was nominated by Landsec Workplace Assistant Chloe Miller, for going above and beyond in relation to a large project started on the Cardinal Place estate recently.

Ricky liaised with various Service Partners, providing regular updates. “He has been very helpful and informative,” says Chloe, “as well as making a lot of effort to engage with us, teach us about the different plants and help us understand why they are doing certain works to certain areas. He’s been a great asset to the estate over the last few months.”

Thank you, Ricky and congratulations for winning a Player of the Month award.

united