One Issue 20 November 2017

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ISSUE 20 : NOVEMBER 2017

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The voice of the Aspire Team - Bringing our community together

WHAT’S INSIDE

HEAD OFFICE

ASPIRE PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

October ‘17 See page 12 for more on the winners.

READ MORE INSIDE >>>>

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HAPPINESS THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE ASPIRE TEAM, LANDSEC’S HEAD OFFICE HAS BEEN FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS THE HEARTBEAT OF THE RECENTLY REDEVELOPED VICTORIA AREA.

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ONE MESSAGE FROM

The Steering Committee

‘tis the season to be

TogetherAsOne ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS SEEING EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, MAKING AN EXTRA EFFORT TO COME TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR CUSTOMERS FEEL SPECIAL. DECEMBER IS A TIME OF CELEBRATION FOR ALL WE HAVE DONE OVER THE YEAR AND FOR THE TEAM WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE. With this is mind, we have a whole variety of events coming up to get everyone into the spirit of the season. First is the Aspire ‘Beach Ball’, which will provide everyone with a well-earned break and a chance to join in the festivities together.

There’s Christmas Jumper Day as well, which will raise money for The Honeypot Children’s Charity and aid them with all the outstanding work that they do. There will be the Hannukah event at New Street Square which everyone is invited to.

In addition, there will be several Seasonal Cheer events taking place in selected Landsec buildings across London to celebrate what is sure to be a very enjoyable time of year.

It is a huge achievement to have successfully integrated so many different faiths and beliefs into the work we do, not only with our upcoming events, but all year round. This is something we can truly be proud of and a quality that we should take every opportunity to acknowledge.

With so much going on, we look forward to seeing everyone taking part in the upcoming festivities as we move TogetherAsOne into the holiday season.

Ian Burr Head of Property Management, Landsec

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU NEW STREET SQUARE LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON RUNNING FROM 12TH-20TH DECEMBER, HANUKKAH IS THE ‘FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS’ AND IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JEWISH CELEBRATIONS OF THE YEAR. Landsec Operations Manager Madeleine Velupillai and the rest of the Aspire team at New Street Square have been busy in their preparations to honour this special part of the holiday season.

The event will take place on 14th December between 17:30-19:00 onsite, where all Aspire members are invited to take part. In keeping with the spirit of things, a nine-foot menorah (a ninelamp ancient Hebrew lampstand) will be set up in the square as a key symbol of this holiday period. In addition to this, those in attendance will even have the chance to contribute to the festivities with the ‘make your own menorah’ kits that will be provided at the event.

To this end, Landsec has teamed up with the charity Chabad Lubavitch UK, which will be in charge of running the event.

Having been established in the UK since 1959, Chabad Lubavitch UK now has centres all over the country. They have continued to work to spread the core values of Judaism and to make it as accessible as possible to newcomers.

For a great way to celebrate Hannukah with the rest of the team, New Street Square will be the place to be this holiday season. With Chabad Lubavitch UK taking part, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.

Madeleine Velupillai and the rest of the Aspire team at New Street Square have been busy in their preparations.

A TIME FOR REMEMBRANCE Across the country, November is recognised as a month of remembrance. Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, marks the day that the First World War ended and is a time to remember those who lost their lives in war.

To mark this occasion, members of Ultimate Security and the Office Concierge staff at 80-100 Victoria Street came together for a two minute silence in a great display of unity.

They also worked hard to promote the poppy appeal onsite for the Royal British Legion, which continues to raise money for war veterans and their families.

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU

100VS

THE HEAD OF THE OPERATION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SITES SUCH AS THE NOVA BUILDING NEARBY AND SO MANY OF ASPIRE’S BRIGHTEST STARS ONSITE, IT IS NO WONDER WHY 80-100 VICTORIA STREET WAS CHOSEN AS THE NEW HOME FOR LANDSEC’S HEAD OFFICE IN 2016. BUT WHILE CUSTOMERS OCCUPY MANY OF THE UPPER FLOORS AND THOUSANDS PASS BY EACH DAY ON THE STREETS BELOW, IT IS ONLY ON THE FIRST FLOOR THAT THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF STEERING LANDSEC OPERATIONS CAN BE FOUND.

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Sandra de Oliveira and Maryana Panchak of NJC

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NJC Portfolio Manager Charles Walden, helps keep the building green and tidy.

t is here that the company’s top executives, business partners and senior managers meet to discuss plans for all the sites spread across London and beyond.

The decisions made here affect not only everyone within Landsec but their Service Providers as well.

Working behind the scenes is a small but highly skilled, closely-knit team of Aspire members, who have been helping to keep the Head Office running since day one.

Overseeing much of the activity here is Landsec’s Office Manager Jan Portch, who keeps a keen eye out for anything and everything that may present a problem within the Head Office.

Working closely with Assistant Manager Richard Blenkinsop and Post Room Manager Rob Lis, she and the rest of the team have been able to efficiently organise the meetings, office spaces and all other facilities on the first floor.

Of course, none of this would have been at all possible without the Service Providers, all of whom have been ‘absolutely instrumental’, Jan comments, ‘in making the department what it is today.’

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These talented individuals have become fully integrated at the site; Maintenance Engineer Trevor Burdon, of NG Bailey, actually operates in the same office as Jan and works seamlessly with her and the rest of the team. The level of trust between them is very impressive, as members of staff like NJC Cleaner Sandra de Oliveira can be relied on ‘to get any job done’, Rob comments.

NJC Cleaner Maryana Panchak, meanwhile, has been onsite since before the Head Office moved to 100 Victoria Street. As someone who gives her all in everything she does without ever asking for praise, she has become a highly valued member of the team here, recognised as one of the ‘unsung heroes’ of Aspire. As Jan comments, ‘without Maryana, we never would have moved in’. Although the members of the Head Office work within the very top department of Landsec, it is clear that every individual is valued for the role they play, with managers and other members of staff sitting side by side.

Although Jan, Rob, Maryana and the others operate separately to everyone else on site, it’s important to remember that they still have strong links to the rest of the Aspire team.

Front of House and Cleaning at 80 VS clearly have a great bond.

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Mail Room staff regularly deliver a first class service.

Indeed, it is impressive that although they are only based on the first floor, they have been able to maintain strong working relationships with the members of other departments based onsite. Jan comments that ‘they do us proud’ when referring to members of security such as Tejapa Thapa and Jef Adams, for instance, acknowledging the vital roles that they play on a day-to-day basis.

Another great example of this is Rob’s relationship with NJC Portfolio Manager Charles Walden, coming from offsite, and General Postroom Manager Ahmed Ali. Seeing them interact with one another, it is clear that they regard each other as friends as well as work colleagues..

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Based in the lower levels of the building, it is up to Ahmed and the other few members of his team to receive hundreds of deliveries each day, sorting and forwarding them as required to the various departments across the site.

As with Jan and her staff working on the first floor, this is a good illustration of a small team undertaking a big responsibility with their roles.

The deliveries dealt with by this team, of course, also include those sent to Head Office. Speaking to Ahmed at length about his role, he comments that he and the rest of the team ‘maintain a very close relationship with Head Office’.

The attitude of everybody at 80-100 Victoria Street incorporates the ‘one team ethos’ which has made the Aspire movement so successful, one that acknowledges that each department is a part of a single, greater whole.

Ahmed Ali can be recognised by his constant beaming smile and friendly personality.

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Having worked as a Personal Trainer previously, Rob is always seeking to improve himself physically as well as mentally.

In focus with

LANDSEC, CARDINAL PLACE

Rob Lis THE RISING STAR OF HEAD OFFICE As the Post Room Team Leader and one of the key players of the Head Office team, Rob Lis has consistently set a great example for the rest of the staff at Cardinal Place. His efforts at the centre of the operation and behind the scenes, along with his determination to improve, have made him a highly respected individual onsite.

Working as part of a small, five-man team, he has demonstrated time and time again the ability to adapt to any problem that comes his way. Whilst maintaining close communications with Office Manager Jan Portch and other members of the Head Office team, it’s up to Rob to ensure that meeting rooms are prepared correctly and to coordinate the rest of his team when dealing with functions or other events. Of course, this means that Rob is often faced with a whole range of different duties. Rather than being daunted by this, however, he instead sees each challenge as ‘an opportunity to learn more and to improve’. This attitude

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is what has allowed Rob to develop so much over the 10 months he has been working on the site, having expanded all the knowledge and set of skills necessary for his role.

Long before he joined the team at Cardinal Place, Rob was already making a name for himself in his home country of Poland, playing football at a semi-professional level. True to this, he has remained committed to sports and general fitness for most of his life, having even worked as a Personal Trainer. He speaks of this with the same enthusiasm that he brings with him to work every day, always willing to push himself and to take on any challenge. He also has a deep-rooted

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interest in travel; in addition to the trips he makes to Poland, Rob takes every chance he can get to go abroad in order to expand his knowledge of other cultures.

Most recently he spent some time in Bulgaria, where he was impressed by the genuine, friendly way of life there.

Rob combines his self-discipline and commitment to constantly improve with the easy, friendly nature that has made him so popular at Cardinal Place.

He will surely continue to further his abilities and be an invaluable member of Head Office operations.

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Friday 15th December

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY To help Aspire raise money for The Honeypot Children’s Charity, let’s all join together wearing fab festive jumpers.

To join the fun, simply text ASPI48 to 70070 & donate £2

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The ‘king of one-liners’, Martyn’s trademark wit has made him a much-loved member of the team.

In focus with

Martyn Pharo

LANDSEC, MIZUHO HOUSE

THE ONLY MAN FOR THE JOB Reliable, professional and absolutely dedicated to his role, Martyn Pharo has gained the respect of both customers and colleagues at Mizuho House. He has gone from strength to strength since day one, and ‘has excelled in his role and become more confident in everything’, Supervisor Glenn Darlison comments.

Martyn interacts with customers, stakeholders and service providers on a daily basis, always ready to learn and adapt quickly on the job. As he approaches even the most stressful of situations with a level head, he is known by everyone onsite as someone who can be turned to when difficulties arise. He is also the only person from Landsec who manages Demised Services, meaning his position is unique within the company.

The time he first assumed the role of Assistant Operations Manager was a very busy period of mobilisation and transition. Fortunately, Martyn was able to take all of this in his stride, providing a fantastic

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service throughout. His one-liners and sharp comic wit also helped the rest of the team through this difficult time, creating a happier working environment throughout. It’s easy to see why he is such a welcome sight for everyone onsite.

Landsec colleagues Cassie Carson and Martyn Pharo

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When he’s not excelling at Mizuho House, Martyn dedicates his time to his girlfriend, family and friends.

This usually involves him doing Netflix marathons at home or going to music festivals throughout the year. He has also become known for his impressive collection of Filofax organiser wallets, which enable him to keep on top of arrangements.

Martyn’s all-round performance and his unique responsibilities have made him an absolutely integral part of proceedings at Mizuho House. His trademark sense of humour has only strengthened his relationships with the rest of the team, customers and everyone else he interacts with.

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ASPIRE STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS ASPIRE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

October ‘17

LAST MONTH SAW THESE PEOPLE RECOGNISED BY YOU FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND FOR SIMPLY BEING A GREAT TEAM MEMBER. NOMINATIONS CAN NOW BE MADE VIA THE WEBSITE.

“ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP” WINNER: Mohamed Jalloh & Alfredo Santa Matos - NJC, New Street Square

Thanks to the efforts of Mo and Alfredo, however, the leak was controlled before

E OF RECO G AT

TION NI

They demonstrated this recently on Saturday 7th October when the site experienced serious flooding in the basement area. As well as presenting a threat to equipment and the building, this incident would have been especially problematic as NG Bailey staff were onsite trying to carry out a Building IST test. Because of the water, they were unable to gain access to critical areas.

CERTIF IC

P

olite and courteous to customers and colleagues alike, both Mohamed Jalloh (Right) and Alfredo Santa Matos of NJC, have become key parts of the team at New Street Square. Fellow Aspire member Colin Harvey of NG Bailey, comments that they are the types who ‘are always willing to help’ and to go above the line of duty when necessary.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

long. They worked together with the members of NG Bailey present in order to limit the damage of the flooding.

Once this was done, they were able to clean up the area so NG Bailey were able to complete their testing.

In recognition of the great service they provided that day, Mo and Alfredo have been nominated by Colin for a Player of the Month Award in Excellence.

“PUTTING THEIR COLLEAGUES’ WELLBEING FIRST” WINNER: Keith Wright & Fowzi Suleman - Ultimate Security, Cardinal Place

O

ne of the best things about the Aspire team is the core teamwork that is championed by Landsec and all their Service Providers.

Having a closer team not only creates a more friendly working environment but also means that difficult situations are resolved more quickly.

eye on the situation and wasted no time in intervening. Recognising that his colleague was in distress, he immediately radioed for help.

Working together with Fowzi Suleman, also of Ultimate Security, the two of them worked quickly together to remove the gentleman from the building.

CERTIF IC

For putting the wellbeing of their colleagues first, both Fowzi and Keith have been nominated for Player of the Month Awards for Teamwork.

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TION NI

It was an ordinary day for Receptionist Ruth Lloyd of Office Concierge, when she was approached by a gentleman at 100 Victoria Street. Although Ruth tried to be as polite and informative as possible, the individual remained persistent and began to make her feel very uncomfortable.

Ruth was very grateful for how quickly this problem was dealt with, commenting on this display of ‘great teamwork’.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Luckily, Keith Wright of Ultimate Security, had been keeping a close

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2017 ASPIRE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Award ceremony:

Tuesday 5th December (Invite only)

Voting is now closed

Thanks

YOU VOTED OVER 400 TIMES! Our presentation ceremony celebrates the winners of our ‘Player of the Year’ awards and is the result of votes submitted by you and your workmates through our website.

Votes are currently being counted and the finalists will be invited to attend our Recognition Awards on 5th December. You will be able to personally congratulate each winner later in the evening at the Beach Ball. See you there! #PinkBeachwear

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WE’RE DREAMING OF A

pink

CHRISTMAS

WITH DECEMBER JUST AROUND THE CORNER, ASPIRE MEMBERS FROM ALL OVER LONDON ARE GEARING UP FOR OUR ANNUAL SEASONAL SHENANIGANS. THIS YEAR, HOWEVER, IT’S A FESTIVE FIESTA WITH A TWIST AS WE’VE PUT A SPIN ON THINGS BY ADDING AN INTRIGUING BEACH THEME.

W

illing Aspire members are invited to dress to impress in whatever beachwear they can think of. Anything from sunglasses and hats to Hawaiian shirts, skirts and linen trousers, as long as there is a touch of pink!

Of course, our ‘Pink Beachwear’ dress code is 100% optional, so anyone wishing to attend in traditional ‘smart casual’ is still more than welcome.

With a range of special surprises arranged, this unique way of seeing in the holiday season is ONE event you can’t afford to miss!

EVERYBODY’S WELCOME

Tropicana Beach Club Parker Street, London, WC2B 5PW

# P i n k B e a c hw e a r

TO C O N F I R M YO U R P L AC E E M A I L A S P I R E @ L A N D S EC.C O M

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ASPIRE WHAT’S ON

Beach B A L L

5th December 2017

T U E S 5 T H D EC 6 . 3 0 P M ‘ T I L L AT E

Summer is here Club Tropicana, drinks are free...

Fun and sunshine, there’s enough for everyone...

All that’s missing is the sea...

But don’t worry, you can suntan!

S M A R T C A S UA L // O P T I O N A L P I N K B E AC H W E A R

PartyAsOne # P i n k B e a c hw e a r

TO C O N F I R M YO U R P L AC E E M A I L A S P I R E @ L A N D S EC.C O M

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ASPIRE WHAT’S ON

gineeri

ng

AspireAsOne T H E

M OV I E

Integrating 712 employees from 10 service partners across some of the highest-quality space in the London can be a challenge, but not if we AspireAsOne

Coming soon # g r e a t t e a mw o r k

CONTACT For further information regarding the articles in this newsletter please contact Amanda Heppelthwaite at aspire@landsec.com Landsec, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL T +44 (0) 20 7413 9000 E aspire@landsec.com One newsletter is keen to welcome points of view from Landsec staff and service partners. Therefore, the views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Landsec. We welcome contributions whether through social media, email, letters or stories. Please forward contributions to aspire@landsec.com

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