BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
D&B THE FACILITY GROUP DEVELOPS INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS WITH HOSPITALITY AT HEART Melissa Kooke is part of the Business Development team on concept development for high-end corporates and real-estate companies, what D&B The Facility Group focuses on. The focal point is on optimizing the guest experience and facilitating employees. The two keywords, Melissa says, are hospitality and customization.
Another development that we’re work-
The way we work has changed signifi-
ing on is 3D printing meat alternatives
cantly in recent years. Partly due to tech-
together with Redefine Meat.”
nological advances, and partly out of a growing concern for employee wellbe-
CUSTOMIZATION
ing and sustainability. “Hybrid working
At the heart of every concept D&B de-
is the new standard and there is more
velops is optimizing the guest experi-
interest in corporate social responsibil-
ence. “That ties in with our hospitality
ity”, Melissa observes. “The increased
mission, which is woven into all D&B’s
focus on employee health and interest in
services. That’s why we always ask
sustainability have changed the way of-
ourselves, how does this renewal or in-
fices are being used. It’s crucial that D&B
novation contribute to the guest expe-
offers services aligned to that.”
rience?” Melissa explains. “At the same time, we’re dedicated to facilitating
Kooke in charge of concept develop-
GUEST EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION
ment earlier this year. Since then,
Renewal and innovation are important
In Rotterdam, D&B is providing ser-
creating innovative concepts has be-
topics at D&B. The company is always
vices for WTC Rotterdam and Groot
come a structural part of the facilities
exploring new ways to optimize the
Handelsgebouw, among others. When
service provider’s operations. Melissa
guest experience, particularly through
developing concepts, Melissa says: “For
studied hospitality management and
technology. “Technology can help make
any given location, we assess what the
has worked at a number of different
services more efficient. For example,
needs are and how we can best meet
food sector companies. She joined D&B
we’ve been testing with a real-life holo-
them. One size does not fit all. Rather,
five years ago as food scout for their
graphic remote host. At the moment we
our motto is: ‘One size fits one’. There
We Canteen food court, and in 2020
are developing the functionality of the
is a big difference between the kind
was promoted to bid manager. “I was
remote host and customize the solu-
of experience you create in a multi-
tion per client. What matters is adding
tenant building with a bunch of differ-
concept can be implemented in office
value to the guest experience without
ent tenants as opposed to a corporate
spaces”, Melissa says. “In the food sec-
compromising on quality.”
where the company culture and its ser-
and supporting employees.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Caily Bobbie Jo
D&B The Facility Group put Melissa
always fascinated by how a business
TEXT Céline Boute & Lysanne Wilkens
28
CHANGING NEEDS
As bid manager, Melissa discovered the
der. “Though we’re a small player in the
sheer number of different services D&B
facility services field, we want to do all
offers to shape experiences. “I realized
we can to make a difference. Vegan and
there were many more ideas to develop
vegetarian menu options are a key part
Gondel 1
great initiatives, but there was no time
of that, and so is reducing food waste.
1186 MJ Amstelveen
and focus to tackle these. Now, in my
We are giving workshops and trainings
+31 (0)20 420 06 91
role as concept development manager, I
to our Chefs to increase the competence
www.db.nl
can pour all my energy into that.’’
in cooking vegetarian and vegan food.
tor, you use flavour and scent to craft
vices must be a consistent experience
an experience, but you can achieve the
Sustainability is also becoming an in-
same thing in an office building. That’s
creasing priority for companies. D&B
something I love thinking about.”
was recently awarded level 3 certification on the Dutch CSR Performance Lad-
throughout the office building.”
D&B THE FACILITY GROUP