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Kelvin Varghese’s remit will include business strategy, innovation, training and development, at the UAE home maintenance specialist

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25^th March, 2020: Dubai-based sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), has promoted Kelvin Varghese to Director, responsible for the strategic growth of the company while leading 800 specialist technicians.

With over 15 years of experience in the facilities management (FM) industry, the last four of which have involved managing all elements of FM, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and business development for H&G’s parent company Farnek, Varghese has directed operations at several marquee projects including City Walk, Dubai Airports and more recently Burj Khalifa.

Varghese has previously held roles at BK Gulf and Imdaad, with experience of markets across the GCC and India. As well as holding a master’s degree in engineering, he has also been recognised by MEFMA, the Dubai Civil Defense and holds a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said: “In addition to Kelvin’s understanding of our corporate structure, he brings a wealth of industry understanding to this role having worked on several key projects for both Farnek and Hitches & Glitches in recent years. His ability to lead large teams of multidisciplined FM professionals will be invaluable.

“With schools closed, people working from home and many self-isolating, it is imperative that home environments stay well maintained, clean and safe.”

Varghese will direct a 800-strong team of FM, MEP and HVAC specialists who cover all forms of home maintenance and repairs from electrical and plumbing works, to water tank cleaning, air conditioning and swimming pool maintenance, smart home product repairs and updates, gardening, cleaning and general handyman jobs, air conditioning, cleaning and plumbing services to home improvement.

Commenting on his new role, Varghese, said: “We have a clear strategy to deliver excellence in every service we offer by focusing on quality, value and sustainable best practice. In recent years we have established Hitches & Glitches as a tech-led, innovative company – this is an area will focus on as we move forward to cement our reputation as a market leader in the home maintenance industry.”

Hitches & Glitches recently launched a groundbreaking home maintenance app in the region, enabling owners and tenants to follow the progress of their home maintenance service requests from reporting the issue to job completion. The platform tracks the exact arrival time of the technician live on google maps, it also allows customers online approval for the cost of materials to complete their home repair.

“This new innovative platform underscores our unique, customer-focused offering while highlighting our tech credentials,” added Varghese.

As well as providing home maintenance tracking, the app also allows customers to browse H&G’s wide range of maintenance packages before subscribing to a suitable package, or indeed customising their own package specific to their individual needs.

Farnek recognised for their commitment to CSR through a range of programs and activities focused on the workplace, marketplace, community and environment

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 15^th March: Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has been awarded the Dubai Chamber Advanced CSR Label, the first FM company to achieve the accolade, during a ceremony at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters.

To achieve advanced status, Farnek’s approach to CSR and sustainability was assessed across seven areas, including workplace, marketplace, community and environment, in addition to stakeholders’ involvement, steering and governance.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauded companies for enhancing their image and reputation in the market and setting an example for others to follow.

He added that the Dubai Chamber had created four specialised categories, in an effort to recognise a wider range of organisations that were excelling in adopting best CSR practice in line with international standards, focusing on four areas, namely, workplace, marketplace, community and environment.

The range of activities and programs Farnek implemented in these areas was recognised by the Dubai Chamber with assessors providing particular praise for Farnek’s employee retention strategy, staff development and leadership program, as well as employee wellbeing and happiness thanks to a proactive ‘Employee Happiness Committee’.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said, “Sustainability and safety as well as employee welfare and development, are fundamental to our business and it is gratifying to be the first FM company to be recognised with the Dubai Chamber Advanced CSR Label.

“Our CSR strategy has contributed significantly to four decades of business accomplishment in the UAE and will undoubtedly underpin our corporate strategy through the next forty years,” he added.

Farnek’s corporate integrity, service quality and safety through ISO 9001 (quality management), energy efficiency and waste reduction were other areas of the business that were highly commended.

Nadia Ibrahim, Head of Consultancy at Farnek, commented, “We will now be widely recognised as having the highest metric for assessing our own performance and compliance with quality standards and international best practice.”

The Label serves as an assessment and development tool, enabling companies to implement CSR best practices and analyse their strategies and regulations in their efforts to curb the effects of their commercial activities on the environment and the community. It can also be used in internal audits to evaluate and develop CSR policies.

Founded in 2004, the Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) is the first institution of its kind in the UAE that plays a leading role in promoting corporate social responsibility. The Centre encourages member companies of the Chamber to adopt responsible business practices, which ultimately enhance their performance and competitiveness.

• Farnek to integrate 1,800 Certis staff making the total FM company a top ten player in UAE manned security market  
• Middle East commercial security market expects over 16% annual growth and will be worth more than $5.6 billion by 2022

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1^st March: Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek has completed the acquisition of Certis Guarding Services LLC.

Singapore headquartered Certis, has been operating in the UAE for over a decade and has offices in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The company employs more than 1,800 staff and Certis is considered one of the top ten companies in the security services sector in the UAE.

“We estimate that there will be increased demand for commercial security, particularly manned security detail, over the next four to five years, throughout the UAE. We have been growing our security services division steadily and recently expanded our operation into Abu Dhabi,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“However, to become a major player in the UAE security services market, we needed a substantial presence, to compete for major contracts that require substantial manpower which on occasions can come with short term mobilisation. Acquiring Certis now affords us that presence and flexibility, as well as a competent and experienced security workforce.

“We have also inherited a very impressive portfolio of blue-chip customers, which gives us the opportunity to present our unique smartwatch security system, as well a broader range of sustainable and innovative of FM solutions,” he added.  

Turning to the practicalities of the acquisition, the Certis trademark will be rebranded as Farnek with personnel from Certis’ offices already relocated to Farnek’s head office in Dubai and office in Abu Dhabi.

Certis employees will stay in their current housing complex, before moving into Farnek’s $41 million, state-of-the-art, staff accommodation centre in Dubai Investments Park. The facility, which has been fast tracked and already has the shell construction completed, will be ready for employees to move in by October, and will provide the smartest and the most energy, water and waste-efficient facility of its kind in the region.

Farnek has invested well over one million dollars into research and development to advance, amongst other tech-driven initiatives, its multifunctional smartwatch technology.

The Android watch is programmed, coded and developed in-house and provides attendance and incident reporting as well as call facilities. All watches are connected to Farnek’s state-of-the-art command centre, to pinpoint the exact location of guards and provide them with real-time updates.

Recent market figures from research outfit, Frost & Sullivan, have estimated that the Middle East commercial security market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% to $5.6 billion by 2022.

The research indicated that demand for IP-based video surveillance systems, access control and intrusion detectors would continue to drive the market, which is supported by increased government spending on infrastructure projects and the introduction of new and more stringent regulations, creating additional market opportunities.

“Offering a well-trained and tech savvy workforce is essential, new age surveillance is all about automation, intelligence, and resource efficiency. We are currently focusing on command and control room solutions, body cameras and Mobile DVRs, time & attendance solutions with Cloud management and video door phone systems,” added Oberlin.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

UAE home maintenance specialist’s new app will allow homeowners and tenants to track the entire journey of their service request from reporting the issue, live tracking of the technician on google maps, through to job completion

Dubai-based sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), part of the Farnek Group, has launched an Uber-style home maintenance tracking app.

The smart technology platform, which is the first of its kind in the region in the home maintenance industry, will enable owners and tenants to follow the progress of their home maintenance service requests from reporting the issue to job completion. The platform tracks the exact arrival time of the technician live on google maps, it also allows customers online approval for the cost of materials to complete their home repair.

With an experienced and professional team of over 100 technicians, H&G’s new app will cover all forms of maintenance and repairs from electrical and plumbing works, to water tank cleaning, air conditioning and swimming pool maintenance, smart home product repairs and updates, gardening, cleaning and general handyman jobs.

Javeria Aijaz, Information and Communications Technology, Farnek, said: “Gone are the days of taking full days off work or giving up your weekend to wait at home for technicians arriving to take care of your home repairs. With a real-time tracking system which is linked to Google Maps, our customers will be able to track the location of their technician and their exact arrival time through the app.

“With this app, convenience combined with quality, reliable and value for money services for our customers is key. Not only does this innovative platform further extend our unique, customer-focused offering but it also reinforces our position as the leading technology-driven home maintenance specialist in the UAE.”

As well as providing home maintenance tracking, the app also allows customers to browse H&G’s wide range of maintenance packages before subscribing to a suitable package, or indeed customising their own package specific to their individual needs.

App-users can also make payments via the smart platform through Google and Apple Pay for any parts or works carried out in their home, offering a fast and simple way to pay online and further adding to the convenience credentials of the app. Users will also be able to keep up to date with H&G’s latest products and offers.

Not only does this new platform provide an innovative service offering for customers, but it will also provide an effective and efficient dashboard for H&G’s technicians, with all jobs now assigned electronically through the app.

Aijaz, added: “On accepting a job, technicians will receive a full brief of the work required. Through the app they will be able to prepare and send work estimates to customers as well as our operations team, place orders for materials from a detailed inventory list and provide a full update on the status of the works, and indeed, completion of the job once the customer is satisfied.

“The platform is now live and the perfect way to connect clients with a high-quality, seamless and convenient customer journey while negating the need for tedious amounts of administration work from a Hitches & Glitches perspective” she added.

The app is now available on Android and IoS.

ENDS

About Hitches and Glitches

Hitches & Glitches is a technology led office and home maintenance business, and its vision statement is to become the ultimate provider of sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance services throughout the UAE. It strives to deliver excellence in home maintenance services with a focus on quality, value and sustainable best practice while being led by innovative technology, which exceeds the expectations of our customers.

To find out more, call 800 42634 or visit www.hitchesglitches.com

Markus Oberlin, CEO of UAE-based Farnek, shares his top five industry trends to watch out for in 2020

Markus Oberlin, CEO of UAE-based Farnek, which was placed at number 4 in FM Middle East’s 2019 FM Power 50, shares his top five industry trends to watch out for in 2020. 

1. Long term partnerships

As the demand for buildings to become smarter by employing advanced technology, whether new build or retrofit, FM companies will more than ever need to start developing strategic partnerships with their customers.
It will be essential to understand the mechanics of their customers’ business and be prepared to invest in technology and infrastructure, hand-in-hand with the customer to achieve common goals.

2. Sustainability 

Being a Swiss-owned company Farnek has been an advocate of sustainability for 40 years now, long before it was mainstream opinion. As more extreme and erratic weather patterns develop across the globe – you only have to look at Australia currently in the grip of devastating bushfires, exacerbated by record high temperatures and months of drought – it is critical we all try to reduce our carbon footprint.
Through energy and water conservation, recycling as well as waste management, our intent in the short term is to reduce our carbon footprint, but the ultimate aim must be to operate in a carbon neutral environment.

3. Employee welfare 

Happy, motivated and dedicated employees make an average company into a great company. In a labour-intensive industry such as FM, (Farnek currently has over 8,000 employees), it is vital that management puts staff welfare right at the top of their agenda.
Quality staff accommodation, with a variety of recreational facilities; good healthcare amenities; comfortable and reliable transportation; educational support and development and tangible career prospects. But most of all it should be about respect and celebration of cultural diversity throughout the workforce.

4. Data driven decision making 

Building Management Systems (BMS), the Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart technologies will, through the implementation of a 5G Network, reach a heightened real time level where more precise, accurate and faster decisions can be made. This will also have a major impact on predictive maintenance.

This will be one of the most exciting areas of progressive deployment in our industry today, it will accelerate the use of technology with limitless possibilities and will without doubt radically change the way that we operate as FM professionals. This brings me neatly onto my fifth point.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) /Augmented Reality (AR) / Robotic or Machine learning

Much has been made of the technological or fourth industrial revolution, especially the challenge of training technicians as well as keeping them up to date, as technological advances inevitably accelerate. Ironically, technology will provide the solution to this problem and here are a few examples.

By simulating certain work environments in the classroom, through the utilisation of smart glasses, field technicians can be given relevant and bespoke training; Smart Washroom technology in high traffic venues such as shopping malls, will allow management to measure footfall for smarter allocation of cleaning staff as well as consumables, providing invaluable historical records for procurement departments as well as qualified customer satisfaction surveys about their washroom experience.

Finally, the use of AI will optimise the performance of helpdesks with predictive peak calls, intelligent routing and a user sentiment analysis. In addition, it can be used to provide online and real time tracking of service teams which will improve the customer experience as well as 3D printing of spare parts required for maintenance or repairs.

https://www.fm-middleeast.com/people/75911-farnek-ceo-lists-top-five-fm-industry-trends-for-2020

Farnek is proud to be working with Yas Marina Circuit on a long term contract to provide mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), cleaning, landscaping, pest control, waste management, specialist services, logistics and additional civil works.

We’re proud to be working with Yas Marina as we approach the final race of the Grand Prix calendar.

Leading UAE-based FM company, learns how leadership excellence determines exceptional customer service from Disney experts in US

The head of talent development from leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has just returned from a training course and fact-finding mission, at the Disney Institute, Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando, in the US state of Florida.

Uzair Bhamji, who manages the personal and professional development of Farnek’s 8,000 employees, commented: “Disney has been at the forefront of customer service excellence, since it opened its first theme park in Anaheim, California in 1955 and has managed to stay relevant, by defining leadership through actions rather than by title. These leaders create shared values and propose a compelling vision within a framework of effective leadership practice.

“Disney firmly believes that a strong, clear and well-defined customer service strategy coupled with employee empowerment, tends to drive stronger employee performance, which leads to exceptional customer service and ultimately, improved business results,” he said.

“Disney’s customer strategy defines how every employee is expected to behave in every situation and how to make decisions using the D-think mentality. This means that there is no need to improvise at the point of service delivery,” added Bhamji.     

During his week-long visit, Bhamji was taken through the ways in which to better foster leadership at Farnek and to understand how to intentionally demonstrate the behaviours that uphold Farnek’s vision and organisational values, in a parallel fashion to how Disney operates.

“Disney’s consistent business results are driven by superior customer service and this is how it sets itself apart from other organisations,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.  

“One of the most compelling propositions about Disney is that although it has over 8,000 cleaning and maintenance staff at Disney locations around the world, many of whom are earning a modest salary, it still offers some of the highest service standards in the world, proving that motivation is not merely confined to money,” he added.

Bhamji also made a number of interesting observations at Disney World, especially how Disney has created a culture of happiness (comparable in many ways to the UAE Ministry of Happiness) by referring to all team members as leaders; there are no employee numbers, merely partner numbers, cleaners are called custodians; empowerment was highly evident and finally there were no warning signs or negative symbols.

“It was also very interesting to notice that the ‘custodians’ were empowered to enhance the customer experience whenever necessary,” commented Bhamji.

Farnek is now making preparations to demonstrate the benefits of Disney’s customer service quality standards, to all of its workforce, through its state-of-the-art, in-house training centre, by October 2020, allowing Farnek’s customers to experience its new and enhanced levels of quality, emulating Farnek’s peers in the ‘magic kingdom’.

In terms of quality, Farnek was the first FM company in the UAE to comply with ISO 41001:2018 last year and is also certified by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc). In addition, earlier this year, Farnek successfully achieved the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building (CIMS-GB) certification.

Farnek wins five-year Dubai Airports contract

UAE-based facilities management company to mobilise 800 staff to provide cleaning services in Terminals 1 & 2, Concourse D, DXB Cargo & Logistics as well as DWC

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has been awarded a five-year contract by Dubai Airports.

Farnek, who will mobilise in excess of 800 cleaning staff to fulfil the contract, will be responsible for Terminals 1 & 2, Concourse D, Cargo & Logistics at Dubai International (DXB), as well as Dubai World Central (DWC).

“As the gateway to a global destination for tourism and trade, and as the world’s number one airport for international passengers, we have very specific requirements in terms of the quality and standard of cleaning required at DXB. Farnek has been a preferred partner since 2014 and has a very clear understanding of our requirements. Farnek also shares our vision for sustainability in their day to day operations and we value that greatly,” said Dorothee Stein, Head of Facility Care, Dubai Airports.

The contract includes the cleaning services management of landside and airside facilities, including all passenger and stakeholder areas. In addition, at DWC, Farnek will also be responsible for managing the passenger baggage trolley services.

“Being awarded this contract in the face of intense competition, speaks volumes for our innovative approach to utilising technology and sustainability in our day to day service offering,” commented Julian Khalil, Director Soft FM, Farnek.

“We will be using our smart watch technology for example, to service remote areas more efficiently and we were the first company in the UAE to be certified to the cleaning industry management standard for green buildings (CIMS-GB), which effectively endorses our ability to deliver sustainable, high quality, customer focused cleaning services,” added Khalil.

The CIMS-GB standard is also tailored to provide Farnek’s customers with precisely what they need to secure points under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings; Operations and Maintenance (LEED EB: O&M) Green Building Rating System.

The LEED programme aims to encourage and support building owners and operators to become more environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently, an issue that is becoming increasingly important as Dubai aims to achieve smart, sustainable city status by 2021.

Farnek’s proposals always clearly demonstrate its compliance with six core principles – quality systems, service delivery, human resources, health, safety, environmental stewardship and management commitment.

As a part of Farnek’s sustainability strategy, management focus on plans to conserve natural resources, as well as analysing the environmental impact of its operational impact. Staff are then trained choose the most efficient cleaning techniques using minimal water and electricity, as well as producing less waste.

Farnek boosts executive team with new head of sustainability

Nadia Ibrahim to drive environmental strategy at total FM company, including carbon and energy management, waste management and water saving initiatives

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek has boosted its executive team, promoting Nadia Ibrahim to Head of Consultancy, responsible for driving Farnek’s sustainability strategy.

Having previously worked in Farnek’s waste management department, Ibrahim will now be managing Farnek’s award-winning consultancy division, responsible for all activities related to sustainability, such as auditing energy efficiency, water-saving, and recycling initiatives, as well as waste management schemes, using a number of tools including Farnek’s own Optimizer software programme.

Ibrahim has over 12 years’ experience, throughout the Middle East and India and has a master’s degree in environmental management, is an ISO Lead Auditor with NEBOSH certifications and is a Green Globe Accredited auditor.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said: “Nadia has been working with us for almost two years now and besides corporate knowhow, brings a wealth of experience in multidisciplinary sustainable planning and design projects and unparalleled knowledge of health, safety and quality programmes, audits and inspections.

“A key element of the role will be showcasing to our clients, not only the latest technology and techniques to reduce energy, water and waste and the positive impact that has on their carbon emissions, but it is essential that we show businesses how much money they can save – it really is a win-win situation,” he added.

Ibrahim will direct a team of energy efficiency engineers, auditors and sustainability performance consultants who are working across a number of industry sectors in the UAE including hotels and hospitality, retail, commercial offices and residential properties. 

“I have been a sustainability specialist for over a decade now and I am particularly keen to generate even greater awareness of Farnek’s consultancy and our capabilities and of course our unrivalled credentials

“In terms of energy output and water consumption, we can carry out audits, monitor, measure, manage and benchmark, using our Optimizer software. Based on these results we can then also calculate levels of carbon emissions and create a reduction and management programme.

“We also have a range of sustainable products from solar technology to energy and water saving modules and devices.

“Waste management is also a major concern for many businesses, especially the food and beverage departments within hotels. Simply following a strategy of reduce, reuse and recycle, many hotels are now learning how to dramatically lower their food costs,” added Ibrahim.

Earlier this year, Farnek celebrated a decade of achievement with international sustainability certification body Green Globe – having audited and certified 100 hotels and leisure facilities from 24 different hotel chains, in 38 cities across 14 countries in the MENA region.

With Farnek’s support, the process of Green Globe certification has enabled members to save over 180 million kWh of energy, worth over US$20 million and nearly two million cubic metres of water which would have cost almost US$5 million dollars over the last 10 years.

AI-driven Smart Washroom to provide light relief for Dubai residents

UAE-based facilities management company utilising IoT and AI Smart Washroom technology as part of revolutionary pilot scheme in Dubai; estimated manpower cost savings of over 20% during low footfall

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has launched the Middle East’s first digitally monitored washroom to maximise customer satisfaction and promote cost efficiencies.

Using the most advanced and innovative technologies, IoT sensors, machine learning, AI and cloud architecture to promote air quality, identify water spillages, and monitor washroom usage and consumable levels, to ensure the highest customer satisfaction standards. The system collects statistical data digitally, analyses and reveals customer trends and patterns, to offer the best possible customer experience, a win-win for shopping mall tenants and landlords.

“By using a digitalised solution, we’re harnessing big data and transforming the service offering to be more customer experience-driven and cost-effective. Our pilot project installed in a major shopping mall in Dubai is already at an advanced stage, and we estimate we can make manpower cost savings of over 20% during low footfall,” said Farnek CEO, Markus Oberlin.

Unique to Farnek, the system can not only be retrofitted into existing washrooms and implemented for all industries, it also features several sensors and processes unmatched by any other product on the market. Maximising the use of IoT, sensors are located strategically to detect and identify peak times, monitor safety and determine when a cleaner is required.

A dedicated people counter monitors all in and out movement; an air quality monitor identifies gasses such as ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds; a moisture detector identifies spillages on the floor; while a consumables monitor measures the level of dispensers such as paper towels, toilet rolls and soap solutions. This fosters accurate predictions on stock replenishment and eliminates downtime by 100%.

“But essentially, it boils down to the intrinsic correlation between footfall, air quality and customer experience. Using multiple sensors, we can determine the air quality index (AQI) during periods of elevated footfall, evaluated against recognised international standards.

“AQI works like a thermometer that operates from zero to 500 degrees, but instead of measuring temperature, the AQI will identify any changes in the amount of impurities in the air. To counter any negative readings, say during peak footfall, we can adjust the airflow to ensure more fresh air is circulated, which subsequently increases the level of customer satisfaction,” added Oberlin.

The system also supports real-time customer feedback allowing facility managers to re-evaluate service delivery – further enhancing the customer experience. 

Smart technology key to Farnek’s increased share of Abu Dhabi manned security market

• FM company invests AED 5 million into R&D with ME commercial security market estimated to be worth AED 20.6 billion by 2022
• Smartwatch technology to spearhead firm’s advanced market proposition

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek is to benefit from the increased demand for commercial security, particularly manned security detail, over the next four to five years, in the UAE capital.

Farnek’s security division, based at its office in Abu Dhabi, has gained significant market share during the past 12 months, thanks primarily to the introduction of its unique smartwatch system and a highly trained workforce able to maximise the benefits this new technology affords.

With an existing customer base including hotels, residential real estate and industrial premises, Farnek has seen unprecedented growth in its manned security division in Abu Dhabi. Having launched initially with just 72 guards in 2017, Farnek is now outperforming the market with a current growth rate of eight per cent per month and now employs over 170 guards.

Discussing Farnek’s market position and the growth of the security industry in Abu Dhabi, Saeed Tamimi, Farnek’s Abu Dhabi Security Manager, said that he expects Farnek’s headcount in Abu Dhabi, to more than double within the next few years, as the infrastructure becomes more sophisticated and demand for technology-led security and surveillance increases.

“Security in Abu Dhabi has witnessed incredible growth over the last decade, in parallel with the UAE capital’s economic performance and the rapid growth of its infrastructure.

“Naturally, across all vertical industry sectors including tourism, real estate, leisure and banking, end-to-end mobile, digitally led, full protection services, are in high demand. This is where Farnek has been able to capitalise on and expedite its market offering.”   

In order to satisfy the technology demand, Farnek has invested AED 5 million into research and development to advance, amongst other tech-driven initiatives, its multifunctional smartwatch technology.

Unique to Farnek’s security offering, the Android watch is programmed, coded and developed in-house and provides attendance and incident reporting as well as call facilities. All watches are connected to Farnek’s state-of-the-art command centre, to pinpoint the exact location of guards and provide them with real-time updates.

“Through embarking on the digital transformation of our services, we’ve seen a large uptick in enquiries for our unique security service offering. Businesses like the technology, they’re encouraged by Farnek’s near 40-year pedigree, and they’re also reassured by the fact every one of our security guards has either a police or military background,” added Tamimi.

According to Gartner, the leading research and advisory company, spending on information security technology and services in the MENA region topped AED6.6 billion in 2017, an 11% increase on the previous year.

Recent market figures from research outfit, Frost & Sullivan, have estimated that the Middle East commercial security market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% to AED20.6 billion by 2022.

The research indicated that demand for IP-based video surveillance systems, access control and intrusion detectors would continue to drive the market, which is supported by increased government spending on infrastructure projects and the introduction of new and more stringent regulations, creating additional market opportunities.

According to Tamimi, offering a well trained and tech savvy workforce is essential if clients are going to realise the full potential of their investment in secure technology. And there are add on benefits and niche market openings.

“These opportunities are not only confined to security companies supplying hi-tech equipment and more locally-based manned security details, this sophisticated equipment will need to be installed and maintained, particularly with the UAE’s abrasive summer climate. So, we see additional prospects for more sophisticated maintenance as this fast-paced vertical market inevitably grows,” added Tamimi.

“This new age surveillance is all about automation, intelligence, and resource efficiency, commented Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“We are currently focusing on command and control room solutions, body cameras and Mobile DVRs, time & attendance solutions with Cloud management and video door phone systems,” added Oberlin.

Farnek – Green Globe sustainability partnership, saves MENA hotels $25 million in energy and water bills over 10 years

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek is celebrating a decade of achievement with international sustainability certification body Green Globe.

Having signed their original partnership agreement in 2009, over the past decade Farnek, working together with Green Globe, has audited and certified 100 hotels and leisure facilities from 24 different hotel chains throughout the MENA region in 38 cities across 14 countries.

Farnek has also coached over 2,900 hotel heads of departments about the process of certification, the wider environment and cost benefits of sustainability. As such 85,000 members of hotel staff, responsible for servicing approximately 28,000 rooms, will have received direct training.

“With Farnek’s support, the process of Green Globe certification, has enabled members to save over 180 million kWh of energy, worth over $20 million and nearly two million cubic metres of water which would have cost almost $5 million dollars over the last 10 years,” said Sandrine Le Biavant, Director – Consultancy, at Farnek.  

“A facility can save energy and water consumption by between 5% and 20% and subsequently make significant savings on utility costs, according to Farnek’s Hotel Optimizer benchmarking data – thanks to the guidelines and precise no cost, or low-cost recommendations provided.

“Potentially an average sized, five-star city hotel can save as much as $100,000 per year and in addition, waste recycling can also achieve up to 51% diversion, generating additional income from waste rebates,” added Le Biavant.

Farnek and Green Globe have worked in tandem with a range of four and five-star properties, as well as local independent and international chain hotels such as, Moevenpick, Jumeirah, Anantara, TIME Hotels, JA Resorts and Emaar Hospitality, as well as hotel owners for whom sustainability standards and audits encourage a strong team focus on savings.

Green Globe is the leading sustainability certification for tourism facilities and businesses, providing them with a detailed framework (per department) on how to implement sustainability, practically.

The Green Globe Standard includes 44 core criteria supported by over 385 compliance indicators related to environmental, social, cultural and organisational initiatives.  

“To motivate compliance to the highest international standards, Farnek’s role as an independent consultant and auditor over the past decade has been of paramount importance,” commented Guido Bauer, CEO – Green Globe.

“With increasing interest in sustainability in the MENA region from governments, corporate customers and also individuals, including the scale of leisure facilities, I am confident that in Farnek I have an innovative and trusted partner who strongly drives the agenda of sustainability. Green Globe will continue to evolve in partnership with its members, to address the challenges and opportunities that the next decade will bring,” added Bauer.

Out of the 19 requirements from Dubai Sustainable Tourism integrated in the Hotel Licensing standards, 15 are already included in Green Globe certification requirements, while other standards are related to Dubai Government’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing tourism programmes.

Many Green Globe certified hotels have subsequently been recognised for their efforts through programmes such as Green Hotelier Awards, Dubai Quality Awards, Dubai Sustainability Awards and other internal green awards, organised by their own management companies.

“However, it is not just about cost-savings and awards,” stated Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“Green Globe certification is a powerful program that can initiate a paradigm shift in corporate culture, that is not only positive for the environment and the communities in which they operate, but also fulfilling for all of the stakeholders involved, because of the depth of the programme and the stringent auditing process, members that are certified can be considered as true leaders in sustainability,” said Oberlin.

Plastic feels fantastic on Dubai Eye’s, the agenda

Listen to our director of sustainability, Sandrine Le Biavant, talk all things Plastic Feels Fantastic on Dubai Eye’s, The Agenda, with Tom Urqhart.

Why we choose to provide our staff with sustainable clothing, the PET recycling process and our plans to divert more PET from the UAE’s landfills.

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Hitches & Glitches Launches 100% Recycled Uniform Polo Shirts

Hitches & Glitches, part of the Farnek Group, is taking sustainability to a new level, introducing a brand new, 100% recycled uniform polo shirt for its employees.  Made purely from recycled plastic bottles (containing ‘rPET’ or ‘recycled PET’), Hitches & Glitches’ employees will start wearing the innovative new shirts from today – each one putting six old water bottles to good use.

PET is best known as the clear plastic used for water and soda bottle containers, and is 100% recyclable.  The polo shirts will be manufactured by DGrade, which supplies the highest quality eco-friendly products that are made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET).

For Hitches & Glitches, plastic bottles that are collected from new recycling bins in the Al Quoz Head Office and employee accommodation blocks are turned into yarn, which is then used to manufacture each of the shirts.  According to DGrade, producing yarn from recycled plastic uses 50% less energy compared to manufacturing virgin polyester yarn, and results in 55% less carbon emissions.

Markus Oberlin, CEO of Farnek, said: “With sustainability at the core of our business strategy, we are proud to unveil the new 100% rPET Hitches & Glitches employee polo shirt, which has taken our team a great deal of time and effort to conceptualise, design and produce. Working with DGrade has been pivotal in the implementation of this initiative, as we are aware that every bit of conservation is important.  By putting plastic waste generated by our own employees to good use, Hitches & Glitches is leading the way in sustainable clothing in the home and office maintenance industry.”

To date, Hitches & Glitches has diverted nearly 4,000 rPET bottles from the UAE’s landfills and turned them into its pioneering sustainable clothing range. It plans to roll out the uniforms across its whole business, including Farnek, helping to further reduce the amount of plastic diverted to landfill.

“Throughout this process, our aim was to ensure we were producing something that was both sustainable and functional.  The unique shirt is a performance fabric that whisks away moisture, ensuring our staff are kept cool and dry while attending to customers’ needs, and at the same time helps us to reach our sustainability goals,” added Oberlin.

The amount of plastic present within the UAE is increasing at an alarming rate, and takes thousands of years to decompose in a landfill.  DGrade’s research shows that the UAE has the fourth highest consumption rate of bottled water per person in the world, and that the country produces more than 2.75 billion rPET water bottles every year.  Currently, less than 6% of plastic is recycled in the UAE, and 50% of camel deaths in the country are attributed as a result of plastic ingestion.

Founder of DGrade, Kris Barber, said: “We’re thrilled to support Hitches & Glitches in working towards achieving its sustainability goals. By sourcing its uniform from DGrade, Hitches & Glitches is participating in a closed-loop supply chain; reusing used water bottles to produce uniforms that would otherwise be made using virgin polyester fabrics derived from oil. A closed-loop supply chain is pivotal in establishing a sustainable economy in the UAE and can only be achieved with the commitment from organisations like Hitches & Glitches.”  

For more information, please visit: https://www.hitchesglitches.com

Farnek breaks ground on AED 150 million state-of-the-art staff accommodation

New intelligent and environmentally-friendly 800 room facility in Dubai South, will be completed in summer 2020 and home to 5,000 employees

Leading UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has broken ground on its new AED 150 million state-of-the-art staff accommodation in Dubai Investments Park.

The 100,000 square feet facility, which will become home to some 5,000 Farnek employees, will be completed by the summer of 2020. The low-rise (basement, G+5) building will raise the bar for intelligent buildings, employing the latest smart technology and the most energy, water and waste-efficient accommodation centre of its kind, not only in the UAE but throughout the region.

Farnek has worked extremely closely with an architectural team on the building design, to ensure that it would operate as efficiently as possible rather than having to do that retroactively.

“That is what typically happens when competent FM companies are not consulted about design,” commented Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“Through smart and sustainable design, we hope to save at least 20% more than a conventional staff accommodation centre, in energy and water savings. That could be worth up to AED 3 million every year,” added Oberlin.

Three areas of design that Farnek paid particular attention to, were energy, water efficiency and waste management.

“Designing a sustainable home for 5,000 people, will come with certain operational challenges, such as waste and sewage management. We have designed a unique solution that will reduce the volume of waste generated that would ordinarily go to landfill,” said Oberlin.

Some of the other design highlights include solar panels on the roof of the building covering 150 square metres, which will meet all hot water requirements. Over 4,000 LED-lights are to be installed throughout, supplying 90% of the total amount of lighting required.

The low energy lighting system also works in tandem with occupancy sensors and photocells installed in the common areas such as the corridors and externally in the parking areas, to optimise the building’s energy-efficiency.

Further energy-efficient features include reflective glazing which reflects and absorbs the sun’s rays, reflective exterior paint, wall and roof insulation, energy recovery ventilation and energy-efficient air-conditioning.

The facility’s 800 rooms will be managed by a bespoke software solution, so that new employees can be welcomed 24/7 at a dedicated reception lobby, sign in and be shown to their rooms in minutes. Other features include, a prayer room, medical clinic, restaurant, library, gym, and a barber shop.

“Connectivity is essential for staff welfare today, so free Wi-Fi will be made available to all staff throughout the entire complex,” said Oberlin.  

Dubai South will invest AED1 billion in the development of facilities and infrastructure with key focus on logistics in the next few years, with the sector in Dubai South recording double-digit growth year-on-year. And Dubai World Central (DWC) has quickly ascended the global rankings for international freight volumes and is now ranked in the top 20.

“Having up to 5,000 technicians just minutes away from the Expo 2020 site and DWC, will certainly afford us a competitive edge, in the short and longer term,” said Oberlin.