

When our charity partner, Caxton Youth Organisation, needed help with decorating its base in Pimlico, the Aspire team came to the rescue. Armed with paintbrushes and rollers, colleagues from Service Partners, Landsec and Caxton Youth joined forces for a two-day makeover.
See pages 010-041
Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
aAt last, we are seeing signs of spring and considerably less rain! Our March issue should provide you with a little reading matter for the Easter break.
Our main feature this month is the makeover at Caxton Youth Organisation’s facility in Pimlico, thanks to the efforts of our fantastic Landsec | Aspire volunteers. Around 25 DIY heroes donned overalls to roll paint on the walls and provide a fresh, new look. This issue includes photos before, during and after our two days of DIY. Thank you to all our volunteers for your time and effort, which have made a real difference to our charity’s young people and staff.
Sadly, it’s time to say ‘goodbye’ to our outgoing Service Partners – Bywaters, NG Bailey and NJC – and we have a few photos from events over the years to help bid them a fond farewell. We’re
grateful for their commitment to Aspire, their support of our shared values and their sense of fun.
Next month, our main feature will showcase all of our Service Partners – both new and existing – and introduce their Account Managers across the London portfolio. As demand for premium office space remains strong and recent research across Landsec properties shows that increasing numbers of people are coming into the office on Fridays (up to the highest level since 2022), maintaining clean and welcoming environments with excellent customer service is clearly paying dividends – thank you, everyone.
This month’s ‘5 minutes with’ column features Sue Payne, Managing Director of Q&S Limited, and we also have our regular Wellness and Grapevine articles.
During 2024, we’re looking
Following our Future of Facilities tendering process, Monday 1 April marks the start of the new contracts for Landsec | Aspire. This means that we have to bid a fond farewell to our outgoing Service Partners: Bywaters, NG Bailey and NJC.
Colleagues from these three companies have racked their brains at our quizzes, plodded miles for charity as part of our challenges and wielded tools or paintbrushes at our volunteering events. Most importantly of all, they have demonstrated the Aspire values –Bold, Driven, Inclusive and United –in their daily routines across the London portfolio. Thank you all for your commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work.
Everyone at Aspire wishes you the very best for the future!
“Aspire members at all levels at Bywaters, NG Bailey and NJC have been instrumental in making Aspire the success it is today. They have made an invaluable contribution to our operational efficiency, technological innovation, inclusive culture and customer service excellence. Many thanks to you all.”David Wickens Head of Workplace Operations & Chair of Landsec | Aspire
Check out all the event images now.
ASPIRE
With the premises of Caxton Youth Organisation, our charity partner, being in need of renovation, the Aspire team stepped up to the challenge. Colleagues from across the Landsec | Aspire service streams rolled up their sleeves for two days of volunteering.
tThe charity’s club rooms in Tintern House, Pimlico, required decluttering and a lick of fresh paint. A total of 25 volunteers took part in the event on 19 and 20 February, wielding brushes and rollers to freshen up the facility.
Caxton Youth had moved out of its base some seven months previously, in order for the site’s electrics to be upgraded with the help of a grant from Westminster City Council. The charity hired a space nearby, albeit a lot smaller, to allow its young people to continue to meet together and enjoy various activities. Unfortunately, the electrical work at Tintern House revealed some asbestos that had to be removed, meaning that the renovation project has taken longer than originally planned.
Once the electrical upgrade was completed, NJC and Principle went to the site to perform a big clean-up. As Caxton Youth planned to have a clearout before the decorating work began, Bywaters provided a skip for disposal of any unwanted items. Paul Trumper, Retail Operations Manager for Landsec, also sent the charity’s team images of furniture no longer needed at retail outlets for them to choose from. Briggs & Forrester then picked up the items from 80 Victoria Street and One New Change and delivered them to Tintern House. Jaguar Building Services generously donated all the required paint and decorating materials for the volunteering event, while Rapport kindly gave £350 to cover the cost of a brand-new sign with the Caxton Youth logo for the bar in the club’s main social area, which is home to the all-important tuck shop.
“On behalf of the Trustees of Caxton Youth, I am delighted to be able to welcome our young people and staff members back to the clubhouse. The commitment and continued contribution from Aspire members and Landsec has been so important in the refurbishment of our facilities. Our broader partnership is vital to enable the important work that Caxton delivers to the local community and
we are immensely grateful for this continued support.”Kate Boddington Chair of Trustees for Caxton Youth Organisation
Check out all the event images now.
The Team Leaders appointed to organise the volunteers were Mark Gard (Workplace Engineering Manager for Landsec) and Jay Nel (Account Manager for Jaguar). As well as being present on both days of decorating, Mark and Jay visited the site beforehand to discuss the work with Caxton Youth and work out the required amount of paint and materials.
“It’s been good,” said Mark Gard on the second day of the redecoration. “It’s not an easy space to work in. We’ve achieved a lot, considering we had to make good yesterday, as well as removing rubbish and taking down some fixtures.” The first day on site was the busiest, according to Mark, with all the woodwork being primed. The second day was mostly touching up the emulsion and applying the
Check out all the event images now.
Check out all the event images now.
gloss paint. “I like doing the charity days,” he said. “It’s rewarding.” Asked about the performance of his team, he joked: “Well, there’s always room for improvement!” Jay Nel agreed that the event had been successful: “It’s been good and busy,” he said. “And what a transformation!”
In one of the facility’s offices, Michael Dromgoole and Paul Burns of D2E were hard at work. “This has become the unofficial D2E room,” said Paul, going on to explain that Mark Fairweather (Managing Director) and Neil Swindells (Account Manager) had done the first coat of everything in the room the previous day. “We’re the remediation team!” joked Michael. “We’re cracking on and definitely making progress,” added Paul. “The challenge is that there’s not much space to work, but this is offset by having plenty of coffee and
bacon rolls available. They’re brioche rolls, so they’re really nice.”
Refreshments ordered from caterers, Bennett Hay, kept the volunteers’ spirits – and energy levels – up. Tea, coffee, snacks, bacon rolls and sandwiches were always on hand, with some celebratory beers being delivered after lunch on the second day.
A number of Landsec staff also took part in the event. “I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Alison Currell (Senior Aspire Service Delivery Manager), who was on site for both days. “I’ve got a soft spot for the charity and it’s very satisfying.” Marlene Aguilar (Workplace Support Assistant) also volunteered on both days. “It has been really enjoyable seeing the transformation,” she said. “It’s completely different and it’s been a nice change from being in the office.”
A registered youth charity based in Westminster and credited as one of the top youth services by Westminster’s Council, Caxton Youth Organisation offers a number of facilities and services, tailored to improving the lives of young people with disabilities.
Check out all the event images now.
Caxton Youth supports young people with physical or learning disabilities in the borough of Westminster. As well as its base in Pimlico, the charity operates a minibus and has an outdoor pursuits facility on Midge Island on the River Wey in Surrey. Its mission is to develop independent living and social skills in people aged 11 to 25 in order to promote wellbeing and inclusion.
The charity employs six full-time and three part-time staff to support around 40 members. Its Youth Club operates in Tintern House, Pimlico, and is open from 6.30pm to 9.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Various age groups attend on different evenings to ensure ageappropriate activities. It’s a safe space where members can meet and make friends, as well as build their independence and employment prospects.
The charity’s most recent project, Greener Futures, has focused on sustainability. It has included an exhibition of members’ artwork in Pimlico Library that features recycled materials and photographs of the natural world – some of which were taken during a recent visit to Kew Gardens.
Check out all the event images now.
“It’s fun but it’s harder than I thought it would be, so I’m tired. I will probably ache all over tomorrow –especially my arms.”Diana TupizaService Support Manager for NJC
Workplace Managers, Jenny Harper and Brad Cordrey were busy decorating the gents’ toilets, touching in the freshly painted blue. “I’m loving it,” said Jenny, adding that she and Brad were enjoying being told what to do – for a change – by their Team Leader, Mark Gard. “I’ve been calling him the Boss Man,” joked Brad, who added that he was enjoying the event: “It’s a change from the normal routine, and it’s nice to know we’re doing some good as well.”
At the back of the club rooms, more Aspire members were hard at work. Kelly Barlow, Ed Spencer and Lee Walker were painting the large social area with pillars either side. “It’s been very good and the guys have enjoyed it,” said Kelly Barlow, Workplace Manager, who took part on both days. “We’ve done a lot. I’m no good at the cutting in – I’m just sticking to using the roller! It’s nice seeing the place transformed and the kids deserve it.”
Ed Spencer (Business Unit Head for Jaguar) and Lee Walker (Jaguar’s Account Manager for Hill House) explained that Kelly had been singing along to the radio a lot of the time. “I’ve only known Kelly for a day and it seems like a lifetime!” joked Lee. “She’s been
organising us and she’s a good organiser. It’s been good fun.” Ed had also enjoyed the volunteering. “I’ve loved it,” he said. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist but here we’ve just had to crack on!”
Busy in the room at the very end of the premises were Elliott Taylor, Kristina Jakaityte, Nicole Santamaria and Diana Tupiza. This room had been used as an office but will be a multifunctional space in future. It will provide office space for Caxton’s youth workers during the day but become a sensory chill-out space and music studio when the Youth Club is running. There is a plan for the young people to paint a mural on the wall.
Elliott Taylor, Account Manager for Jaguar, explained that the team working in the room had not only had to remove the wallpaper but also the five coats of
paint they found underneath it! Kristina Jakaityte, Portfolio Manager for NJC, volunteered on both days. “It’s been interesting and fun,” she said. “I enjoy a bit of DIY.” On the other hand, Nicole Santamaria (Receptionist with Rapport at The Zig Zag Building) was a complete novice. “It’s my first time doing any decorating,” she explained. “It’s fun but it’s harder than I thought it would be, so I’m tired. I will probably ache all over tomorrow – especially my arms.” Diana Tupiza (Service Support Manager for NJC) attended both days. “Yesterday was quite hard,” she said. “We were removing old paint, but I’ve enjoyed it.” Staff from Caxton Youth rolled up their sleeves for the decorating event too. Jessie Frost (Finance and Facilities Officer) helped on both days and led the
Check out all the event images now.
Landsec
Alison Currell
Kelly Barlow
Brad Cordrey
Marlene Aguilar
Umair Sohail
Jenny Harper
Mark Gard
Paul Trumper
Jaguar
Robbie Kitson
Jay Nel
Edward Spencer
Lee Walker
Elliott Taylor
Jamie Boss
D2E
Neil Swindells
Mark Fairweather
Paul Burns
Michael Dromgoole
NJC
Kristina Jakaityte
Diana Tupiza
Rapport
Melissa Lynn
Jessica Pilakis
Nicole Santamaria
Sonia Freire
Quentin Meliz
project from Caxton Youth’s perspective, being the contact for liaison with Alison Currell, Mark Gard and Jay Nel. Jessie, who has been with Caxton for six years, said: “It’s gone really well, with so many people helping. We had everything planned very well, I think. We’re very grateful for all the help from Aspire and the volunteers.”
Elysse Graves, Intern Youth Worker, said: “It’s nice that it’s all a bit brighter.” She has only been with Caxton Youth since March 2023, so was in building for just a couple of months before the charity had to move out. “The temporary space was a lot smaller than we’re used to,” she explained, “with only one room instead of four.”
Eliane (Ellie) Edmond, Head of Programmes, explained that the young people wanted bright colours for their refreshed club rooms. “The colours are our brand colours – green, blue and orange,” she said. “We’re not using the hot pink as we thought it might be controversial! The young people will love it. This project shows the importance of the partnership with Aspire,” Ellie continued. “Our building hasn’t been decorated for years because we don’t have the money or capacity to do it, so it’s brilliant to have volunteers with amazing skills that they can share with us.” Jessie Frost agreed, adding: “We would have had to fundraise and then we’d have had to take time away from our work with the young people to do the decorating.”
Check out all the event images now.
“We’ve achieved a lot, considering we had to make good yesterday, as well as removing rubbish and taking down some fixtures.”
Mark Gard, Landsec Workplace Engineering Manager
BEFORE AFTER BEFORE
The Cardinal Estate recently held a very successful Quiz Night for customers, which the Aspire team worked together to support.
Organised by Jenny Harper, Workplace Manager, with help from Rapport’s Giulia Cremonese (Cluster Supervisor) and Sonia Freire (Receptionist at 80 Victoria Street), the event was held last month.
Participants for the quiz included customers from 80 Victoria Street, 100 Victoria Street and Nova, as well as teams from Landsec, Rapport and Bennett Hay (caterers to Landsec). The event saw 11 teams of six rack their brains as they competed for a large hamper for the overall winners and two smaller hampers for the teams correctly answering a bonus question in each half of the quiz. The hampers were kindly supplied by Bennett Hay.
The evening was hosted by Jez Worsnip from quiz specialists, The Quiz Team.
“Sonia Freire helped me find the quizmaster,” says Jenny Harper, “and he was fab! The event went down a storm and we are already looking at alternative locations across the Landsec portfolio to host more.”
The two rounds of general knowledge questions were followed by a creative round, with teams competing to design the best balloon bouquet. Then there was a charity raffle, with prizes including 90 minutes of darts and a bottle of Prosecco at Flight Club, a luxury resort experience for two at Otherworld, a hamper of toiletries from Boots and vouchers for Wagamama, Specsavers and Zizzi. The raffle and
entry fees for the evening raised an impressive £751, with the winning team – Cripptonyte (Cripps) – being able to choose the charity to benefit, which was the children’s hospice, Demelza.
“Many thanks to the Rapport team, especially Sonia and Giulia, for helping us organise the quiz,” says Jenny, “and, of course, to Tommy from Bidvest Noonan for keeping us safe on the night and helping me judge the creative round. A huge ‘thank you’ must also go to Jerome Baker of Landsec for the communications to customers and organising the teams. And, of course, to Marcus Henry of Bidvest Noonan, who helped us draw in some of the fantastic raffle prizes from our brand partners at Cardinal.”
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 a number of new faces to the Aspire family. Fabianne Silva has joined the Amplify team as Member Host for Myo St Paul’s. “I enjoy music,” says Fabianne. “I like to go to live concerts, or bars with live music.”
Fabianne also enjoys travelling, walking and going to restaurants and theatres.
Pavel Lungu has joined the Rapport team as Receptionist at 80 Victoria Street. He previously worked for a customer at 6 New Street Square. Pavel has settled in smoothly to his new role. “I look forward to meeting you all,” he says. “Thanks for the warm welcome and assistance.”
Also new to Aspire is Kristine Rose, who has joined the Rapport team as Dedicated Cover. “I am happy to represent my countries, the Philippines and the Seychelles!” says Kristine. “I am passionate about health and wellness, and never afraid to step out of my comfort zone.”
Congratulations to Angelica Silva, Dedicated Cover for Myo, who scooped the ‘Front-of-House Hero of the Year’ accolade at Amplify’s recent Group Genuine Awards. Myo also won the ‘Team of the Year’ award at the event.
“Angelica is an invaluable member of our Myo team,” says Becca Munroe, Senior Workplace Manager, “and this award is so very well deserved.”
Veronica Chiaranda, Receptionist with Rapport at 100 Victoria Street, managed to get this selfie with Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
Customers at Nova North and South enjoyed some delicious free pizza recently, along with scratch cards with prizes, courtesy of Flight Club. The social darts and events venue staged a popup event, arranged by Rapport’s Cluster Supervisor and FOH Experience Coordinator, Quentin Meliz.
The event proved extremely successful. “All the tenants loved it,” says Quentin. “The event facilitated interaction among different tenants, allowing them to come together and engage in conversation during lunchtime, which was great to see.”
Flight Club gave very positive feedback to the reception team for their assistance in setting everything up on the day. Well done and thank you to Quentin and the Rapport team!
What do you like to do outside of work?
I relax by reading, walking the dog, doing Pilates and socialising. I also enjoy gardening, but that’s a bit of a busman’s holiday! This year, I’m going to the theatre more – I was brought up on it because my mum used to be a Box Office Manager, so I used to get to see all kinds of shows, from musicals and plays to opera and ballet.
What’s on your bucket list?
More travel. In particular, to New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Are you a fan of anything or anyone?
Pink. I saw her in concert last year and I’m going again this year. I enjoy live music and dancing. I’m not really a sports fan but I do watch my sons –aged 17 and 20 – play cricket in the summer, preferably with a G&T in hand!
Do you have any mantras in business or in life?
Be open-minded, ready to listen and willing to learn. I once read something along the lines of our assumptions being like windows on the world and that sometimes you need to clean them so that the light (new ideas) can get in. I tell my sons not to be afraid of making mistakes, but make sure to learn from them.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
Aside from starting Q&S with John Rodgers in 2000, I’m very proud of my sons – they continue to amaze me every day.
Have you been inspired by anything you’ve seen, read or experienced lately?
It’s not recent but I read a book when I was in my twenties called “For Those I Loved” by Martin Gray, a Holocaust survivor. It was about his experiences in Poland during the war, in which his
family was killed, told from a child’s perspective. It was just inspirational – it was about courage, mental toughness and the ability to always have hope. You can’t forget it, once you’ve read it.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
Don’t stress the small stuff. And be grateful for what you have; there’s nothing wrong with striving for more but sometimes you need to stop and take stock.
Do you have any regrets?
No, life’s too short for regrets. I think that any negative points in your life make you who you are now.
Do you have any pets?
We have a New Zealand Huntaway called Hugo. He’s a big sheepdog. We got him as a puppy during lockdown and he just grew and grew! He’s got a loud bark but he’s actually a big softie and a bundle of fun.
What’s your all-time favourite movie?
I’m not really a big movie person but I got completely hooked on Traitors recently. I find the way in which people interact with each other fascinating.
What was your first ever job?
When I was still at school, I had a summer job working in the shop of a
family friend who had a photography studio. It was fun, because I got to meets lots of new people. I started in the gardening industry over 30 years ago but by accident, really. My background is business management and PR. Someone wanted help running their landscaping business and I stepped in – which is where I met John, and the idea of Q&S was born. John has all the horticulture knowledge and my skill set is the business management side of things. That said, I get enthused by the way Q&S works with nature rather than against it – gardening without chemicals. Following the pandemic, people definitely appreciate green space more; they realise how important it is for mental and physical wellbeing.
What would you say is your best skill in business?
Critical thinking, problem solving and clear communication. And I’m always willing to learn; I’m quite happy for someone to tell me there’s a better way to do something. I don’t have all the answers and nor should I.
What’s your favourite part of your working day or week?
I like getting out and meeting people. I also enjoy walking through the landscapes that our amazing teams maintain and watching other people engage positively with these spaces. And your least favourite?
Spreadsheets!
FRIDAY 8 MARCH
Landsec | Aspire colleagues across the London portfolio wore purple ribbons on Friday 8 March to mark International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is held on 8 March every year and this year’s theme was #InspireInclusion. IWD is a global event that is designed to celebrate the achievements of women, promote gender equality and raise funds for female-focused charities. Many thanks to Quentin Meliz, Cluster Supervisor and FOH Experience Coordinator for Rapport, for making the ribbons available at reception desks and organising these photos of Aspire members from across Landsec’s buildings.
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.
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.
Take care of yourself… BE WELL. LIVE WELL. Mental health matters.
Schedule quarterly check-ins with yourself to determine where you’re doing well and where you need a little help.
Prioritise your own well-being.
Disconnect from social media, emails and work, when you can.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Be patient with yourself and others. Remember that your needs are just as important as those of the loved ones you care for.
It’s important to think about other people and their feelings in the interactions you have with them. It’s possible to be a leader but also a team player. You can be kind as well as direct. You can be ambitious while remaining centred. You can be an expert but admit that you’re still learning.
Leveraging the power of data to provide insights is a critical component of the Aspire strategy. With Landsec creating more dynamic ways of capturing data, we have been able to crunch large and diverse volumes of data that relate to our properties, assets, customers and the Aspire team. Some of this analysis has brought visibility to grey areas
in our operations, supporting the workplace team in making datadriven decisions. Most importantly, it also showcases the good work every member of the Aspire team does in our respective areas to improve the customer experience and, obviously, reveals the opportunities that are available for improvement. Below are some interesting highlights.
Last month
(Unless stated otherwise)
With Landsec constantly striving for innovative ways to improve our customer service, data is the key. If you would like more information on a more specific set of analytics, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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.
For
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.
in this magazine contact aspire@landsec.com
Landsec, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL +44 (0) 20 7413 9000 aspire@landsec.com
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
CCongratulations to Gustavo Dourador for winning a Player of the Month award.
Gus, Logistics Operations Manager for Bidvest Noonan, was nominated by James Lloyd, Senior Portfolio Manager at Landsec. James praised Gus for his “impeccable customer service across the Nova portfolio”.
Thank you, Gus!
1st April 2024 - Contracts Go Live
During 2024, we’re looking to drive the FUTURE of FACILITIES to infinity and beyond.
After a long and detailed tendering process, we have selected the Service Partners to innovate, dedicate and blast our way to 2030.
For more info see One Magazine