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HOLE IN ONE ‘25
The sun shone for this year’s golf day, which saw teams from across the Aspire community bring their A game to Farleigh Golf Club in Warlingham. See pages 016-039
We raised £2k
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HOLE IN
Farleigh Golf Club
Warlingham, Surrey
One Magazine
Cover: Andrew Lambros, Senior Account Manager for Jaguar Building Services, with Jamie Cotgreave, Workplace Operations Director, Landsec.
David Wickens
Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
IIn this month’s issue, you can check out all the photos from our annual Landsec | Aspire Golf Day, which was held at Farleigh Golf Club on 1 August. Thankfully, the weather was kind this year and everyone enjoyed a great day’s golf. Congratulations to Recorra for winning the team competition and thanks to all participants, who helped raise £2000 for our charity partner, Caxton Youth Organisation.
In next month’s edition we’ll be bidding a fond farewell to Caxton Youth, as our three-year partnership comes to an end. Then in our October issue, we’ll introduce our new charity partner and feature all the photos from our 27-mile Aspire Challenge hike through the Forest of Dean and
Wye Valley, which will be our final fundraising event in aid of Caxton.
We will be installing Aspire noticeboards in welfare rooms across the Workplace portfolio over the next few weeks. These will be a focal point for our latest information and everything Aspire. The noticeboards will also feature our Aspire Higher poster, with a QR code to enable you to give a quick ‘high five’ to a colleague – you can read more in this issue.
Also in this edition, you can find out who won our Player of the Month award for July and meet Ellis Burgess, Deputy Guest Services Manager for Rapport, in our ‘5 minutes with’ column.
We’re fundraising for
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SUSTAINABILITY in action
Our sustainability framework – Build well, Live well, Act well – aims to design, develop and manage buildings in ways that enhance the health of our environment and improve the quality of life for our people, customers and communities, now and for future generations.
We are delighted that so many of you across the Landsec | Aspire community are committed to supporting us in delivering our vision. You can read about a few recent examples from across the Workplace portfolio on the next few pages.
On your bike
Thank you to the Recorra team for helping to collect unwanted bicycles across our sites for donation to The Bike Project, a charity that refurbishes bikes and donates them to refugees in the UK.
The Bike Project addresses transport poverty among refugees, which is a critical barrier that can prevent them from accessing essential services such as healthcare, education and legal advice. To date the charity has rescued and refurbished 14,000 bikes.
Of the bikes collected from the Landsec portfolio, six were refurbished and immediately donated to refugees; two will be sold in the charity’s online shop to raise funds to support its work, which includes teaching refugee women to cycle for the first time; and 17 will be used for spare parts, saving these bikes from going into landfill and reducing the cost of bike refurbishment.
The collections helped save approximately 68 tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) per bike. Following the success of this collaboration with The Bike Project, Recorra is planning another bike collection in the future.
Down by the river
Kudos to the Regular Cleaning team for recruiting volunteers to help with a river clean-up recently. The company partnered with Thames21, an environmental charity that works with communities to restore and look after London’s 400-mile network of waterways, to mobilise volunteers from its own team, as well
as from its clients and other Service Partners. Jordan Joseph, Workplace Manager, was one of those taking part. The volunteers met at Perivale Golf Course on 6 August for the hands-on activity, led by experts from Thames21 Their efforts helped with conservation and enhancing biodiversity in the river habitat. Well done to everyone involved.
Cardinal Place is just one estate that reflects our sustainability strategy and the positive effect that Q&S has throughout our green spaces.
Up on the roof
The Q&S team have been working hard to improve biodiversity on the roof of n2.
With Landsec having a new nature strategy – Let Nature In – it’s great to see our Service Partners putting this into action around the portfolio. Recognising that nature can not only improve our quality of life but can also be one of the best lines of defence against climate change, the strategy aims to let more nature into the design, development and management of Landsec spaces.
Q&S has long been committed to sustainable urban gardening. The company maintains the green spaces in the Landsec | Aspire portfolio across the capital in an environmentally responsible way by avoiding chemicals, using battery-powered tools, prioritising native species and creating habitats to support wildlife.
Recently the team focussed its attention on the sedum roof at n2. “Ricky Elliott has been building habitats for bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies and hoverflies,” explains Jack Davies, Contracts Manager. “The planting palette is based around wildflowers and drought-resistant perennials. The roof at n2 is a prototype and we plan to roll this out to other sedum roofs in the portfolio.”
The habitat changes are designed to attract birds and invertebrates, particularly native pollinators. The constructions include piles of dead wood (providing shelter for various invertebrates), sand mounds (ideal nesting habitat for solitary bees), pebble banks (offering elevated structure for plant growth) and gabion baskets (for habitats and planting).
“We are also trialling an acoustic monitoring device – an AgriSound Polly 2.0 – to record pollinator activity,” explains Jack. “This is a solar-powered device that will enable us to monitor our success in attracting insects.”
At Landsec, we create places that make a lasting positive contribution to our communities and our planet. To us, sustainability means anticipating and responding to the evolving needs of our customers, communities, partners and employees. We create innovative spaces of enduring value where people can thrive now and in the future, keeping environmental and social issues at the core of everything we do.
Please reach out to your Workplace Manager for more information on our sustainability strategy and how you can play a part.
by Glenn Darlison - Aspire Service Delivery Director (Hard Services)
HARD SERVICES WELCOMES
Tom Townson
I’m delighted to introduce Thomas Townson to the Aspire community in his new role as Workplace Technical Manager for MediaCity.
Tom’s career path at MediaCity is a real success story, beginning as a handyman and rising through the ranks. He brings with him almost two decades of experience, deep technical expertise and a proven track record of innovation and leadership in critical infrastructure management.
His journey at MediaCity began over ten years ago, when he joined the facilities management provider at the time as a handyman. From the outset, Tom demonstrated a strong work ethic, a natural aptitude for problem solving and an eagerness to learn. His potential was quickly recognised by management, who supported his progression by nominating him for an apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering. His achievements in his studies laid the foundation for his transition into the role of Electrical Technician, where he quickly earned the respect of his peers and supervisors.
Tom was an integral part of the team that helped MediaCity secure several prestigious industry accolades, including the PFM Best in Class award. His contributions were not only technical but also strategic, as
he started to influence how electrical maintenance was approached across the site. He began to take a proactive role in redefining service delivery standards, leading relationships with suppliers such as Schneider Electric and ABB to enable MediaCity to selfdeliver high-voltage (HV) and lowvoltage (LV) servicing. This included the maintenance of critical infrastructure that supports the uninterrupted operation of MediaCity’s facilities in a live, high-pressure environment.
Tom’s commitment to seeking ways to tailor services to meet the evolving needs of MediaCity’s diverse and dynamic business operations led to his appointment as Lead Site Critical Infrastructure Manager, where he oversaw the delivery of bespoke engineering solutions and drove continuous improvement in service performance.
Now Tom brings his wealth of experience, passion for excellence and deep understanding of MediaCity’s operational landscape to his new role as Workplace Technical Manager. His appointment marks a significant step forward in Aspire’s commitment to delivering high-quality, resilient and future-ready technical services.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Tom. We look forward to the continued impact of his leadership and expertise within the Aspire community.
5 minutes with…
Ellis Burgess
Deputy Guest Services Manager, Rapport
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my partner and my four-year-old son. We tend to go to family-friendly destinations. My son likes animals, so he loves a farm visit. I also enjoy socialising with friends and trying new places. I love a bottomless brunch! I’m not very sporty but I do enjoy Pilates. I’m really into country music at the moment – it’s all over my Spotify – and I like listening to audio books and podcasts. ‘Parenting Hell’ with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe is a favourite –it’s funny and really relatable. What’s on your bucket list?
I’d like to visit the south of France –St Tropez, Monaco or Cannes. Are you a fan of anything or anyone? My guilty pleasure is online shopping. I’ve always been a big fashion fan and I like to keep an eye on what colours and styles are trending.
Do you have any mantras in business or in life?
One is: ‘If you are confident in what you do, then it will always work out in the end’. Another is: ‘Be proud of what you achieve, no matter how small it may seem’. What would you say is your greatest achievement?
In my personal life, it is raising my son, which I’ve mostly done alone since he was one. He is autistic and non-verbal, so it has been a challenge – but he is a very happy and healthy boy, and I wouldn’t change anything. In terms of work, it would be going from Team Leader of one site and 13 receptionists to Team Leader for 65 receptionists across London, Manchester, Leeds and Scotland, which I did after returning from maternity leave.
Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?
I recently stumbled across Dr Rangan Chatterjee, who has published several titles that I find relaxing to listen to as audiobooks. I’m currently listening to ‘Happy Mind, Happy Life’ and I would highly recommend it to help with that positive mindset.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
That Maths is important when you become an adult! It wasn’t my best subject in school.
Do you have any regrets?
Never…I have learned so much from past experiences and I guess everything happens for a reason.
Do you have any pets?
I don’t; however, my family have always been animal people. My parents have a dog, my younger sister has a dog, and my older sister has two dogs and two chickens.
What’s your all-time favourite movie?
This is a tough one because I change my mind depending on my mood. I really enjoy the Harry Potter movies. I love thrillers or horror movies with a big twist, so I would say ‘Gone Girl’ – but if I’m looking for something funny, then ‘Johnny English’. What was your first ever job?
When I was 16, I used to work after school and at weekends in a children’s soft-play venue. I did this for five years and it was one of the most difficult jobs I’ve had – with
very excited children running around me, sometimes cuts and bruises to deal with, and often having to clean toilets and empty nappy bins –but I made some friends and memories for life.
What would you say is your best skill in business?
I would say determination and problem solving. If I am given an issue to resolve, I will find a way to fix it and will not stop until I am happy with the result. I have always been very results-driven and achieving a positive outcome makes me feel content.
What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?
There are many. Receiving positive feedback from customers about our reception team really brightens my day. It means that we have done our jobs right. I am very passionate about excellent customer service, so when I know our teams have been recognised for this, it makes me proud.
And your least favourite?
People calling in sick at 6am!
Where every detail is carefully
New faces at Acuity
Acuity, MYO’s partner for concierge support services, has recruited two new team members this month. “Orla Cleary joined the team as Member Host on 4 August,” says Billy Jarvis, Reception Manager for Acuity. “She is based at MYO Liverpool Street. Then Edina Nagy took up the role of Dedicated Cover Host – supporting all MYO locations – on 11 August.”
Welcome to Orla (left) and Edina (right)!
This month at MYO
Although August is a quiet month in terms of events, there has been plenty to keep the MYO teams busy. As well as welcoming two new members in the Acuity team, our Service Partners have been helping us to gear up for the launch of MYO King’s Cross next month.
Becca Munroe
Workplace Operations & Experience Director
Final prep at MYO King’s Cross
Our seventh location, MYO King’s Cross will open its doors in September. Located just a three-minute walk from King’s Cross station and close to the cultural hotspot of Granary Square, the site is surrounded by stunning architecture, canal-side views, great retail opportunities and lively bars.
Our Service Partners have been helping the MYO team make all the final preparations for the launch. “We are recruiting a static supervisor for the King’s Cross site,” says Nilesh Makwana, Account Manager for BGIS. “In the background, we’re also in the process of setting up the site documentation and the site familiarisations for planned maintenance.”
Principle Cleaning will be using drone technology at MYO King’s Cross. As the site includes The Stables, a 200-capacity events space in a grade II-listed building, the drone will be able to overcome the challenges with access. Pumped cleaning solution from the ground via a hose, such drones can clean windows on multi-storey buildings with ease. “We’re really excited to be supporting the mobilisation of MYO King’s Cross ahead of its opening,” says Sylwia Romanowska, Operations Director. “The Principle Cleaning team has been on site several times to scope out what’s needed, and recruitment is already in full swing as we build a solid team ready for go-live. Things are moving along nicely, and we’re working closely with everyone involved to make sure the launch goes smoothly and successfully.”
Check out all the event images now.
TCheck out all the event images now.
This year’s Aspire Golf Day was a fantastic event and raised £2000 for Caxton Youth Organisation –a brilliant fundraising amount, as our three-year partnership with the charity begins to draw to an end. After tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, the teams had access to the range to limber up before teeing off from 10.30am. The Surrey countryside provided a beautiful backdrop for 18 holes of competitive golf on the Championship Course.
A drinks buggy catered for any thirsty golfers during the day, with free drinks also provided at the halfway hut and back at the clubhouse. Once the driving, chipping and putting was all over, Recorra was victorious as the Team of the Tournament – well done to Sol Jackson, Oliver Swan, Tom Palmer and Kerri Blake. At the awards presentation, the Recorra team received a £1000 voucher for Foxhills, the award-winning golf hotel and spa in Chertsey, as well as a bottle of Prosecco each.
The Individual Overall Winner trophy was awarded to Dan Byrne of Arc, who also received a voucher for a four ball at Farleigh Golf Club and a bottle of Prosecco. The other prize winners, who received one of the sustainably sourced trophies and a bottle of Prosecco, were Ben Swinbourne of Principle Cleaning and Greg Langridge of Twenty One Engineering (Nearest the Pin), Connor Garnett of Twenty One Engineering (Nearest the Pin in Two) and Oliver Reed of Arc (Longest Drive).
After the awards, Alison Currell (Aspire Service Delivery Director, Soft Services) gave a few words about Aspire’s three years of partnership with Caxton Youth Organisation. Two representatives from the charity – Paige Kaye (Fundraising and Communications Manager) and Annalisa (Trustee and parent of one of Caxton’s young people) – then thanked Alison Currell, Glenn Darlison (Aspire Service Delivery Director, Hard Services) and the Aspire Service Partners for their support. In a special gesture, they also presented Alison and Glenn with framed artwork created by the young people at Caxton. Then everyone enjoyed a BBQ meal and chatted together.
Thank you to everyone who took part, and to Marlene Aguilar for organising this great event.
Check out all the event images now.
Congratulations once again for an amazing event. We really enjoyed the day – it was well organised, as always, and it was great to hear the life-changing impact that the charity partnership has had over the last three years.
Mark Chalmers Chief Operating Officer, Regular Cleaning
We raised £2k
Look out for our brand-new noticeboards, which will be installed in your welfare rooms over the coming weeks. This new initiative is designed to bring Landsec | Aspire information and news together in one place. In particular, it’s a quick and easy way for you to give a high five to a colleague in our Aspire Higher campaign.
The Aspire Higher Award was announced at the Aspire Staff Recognition Awards in March, in response to feedback received in the Aspire Engagement Survey. It has been launched to enable Aspire members to shine a light on a colleague who has demonstrated one of the Aspire purposes – Customer Service, Excellence, Integrity or Respect.
It’s really quick and easy: simply scan the QR code on the Aspire Higher poster on your noticeboard and fill out the short, online form. Ta da! Your colleague is nominated and they may get the chance to attend our exclusive Aspire Awards dinner in April 2026.
Giving a high five to a colleague is a great way to demonstrate that you recognise and value their efforts. Showing that we respect each other’s work helps to build the ethos of excellence that forms the heart of Aspire and helps ensure that our customers get unrivalled service every day.
So, please take a moment to give a high five to someone who deserves it!
Look out for this QR code in welfare spaces
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 Awards?
Every month a ‘Player/Team of the Month’ is voted on by you and your Aspire colleagues from nominations by 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 reflect the Aspire purposes?
— Customer Service
— Excellence
— Integrity
— Respect
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 aspireplayerofthemonth@landsec.com or directly via WhatsApp on 07702 908921
Gordon stands out
CCongratulations to Gordon Honeywell of Bidvest Noonan for winning our Player of the Month award for July, as voted by Aspire members.
Gordon was nominated by Sean Bates, Nova Estate Security Manager, for consistently delivering excellence in his role. “Gordon’s professionalism, calm approach and willingness to step in whenever needed make him a standout member of the team,” says Sean.
When a customer at n2 had an issue recently and Gordon was quick to resolve it, the customer was full of praise: “He’s always a pleasure to speak with, friendly and helpful, and nothing is ever too much trouble. On Sunday,” continued the customer, “one of our employees arrived without their pass, and Gordon handled the situation smoothly and professionally. He really went above and beyond, and I was so grateful not to have to spend my Sunday sorting it out.”
Well done, Gordon!
