Georgia Thomson is a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager in the Facilities Management sector, renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. With over 8 years of experience in the built environment, Georgia is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving positive change and fostering growth in her industry. Armed with a First-Class BA in Business Management from Swansea University and a Graduate Diploma with a focus on Law from Cardiff University, Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Throughout her career, Georgia has demonstrated a knack for cultivating strategic partnerships, driving revenue growth, and delivering tailored solutions that exceed client expectations.
As the Chair of South Wales Women in Property in 2022, Georgia has played a pivotal role in championing diversity and empowerment within the industry. She also remains steadfast in her commitment to creating environments that boost well-being, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. With a keen eye for opportunity and a strategic mindset, she is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of facilities management.
Milestones and Motivations in Facilities Management
In a world where career trajectories often follow conventional paths, there are those who defy norms and carve their own unique journeys. Fresh out of university with dreams of venturing into the retail sector, Georgia Thomson embarked on a Graduate Management Program, diving headfirst into the world of retail for three years in Swansea. However, it didn't take long for her to realise that the retail industry wasn't where her long-term aspirations lay.
Returning to her hometown of Cardiff, Georgia transitioned into a sales role, yet remained uncertain about their career path. A brief stint in pursuing a law degree followed, only to reaffirm that a career as a solicitor wasn't her calling. When she broke her hip and moved back to her parent’s house, amidst this uncertainty, Georgia found herself working for a student letting agency due to unforeseen circumstances, where she discovered an unexpected passion for the built environment sector. Handling financial accounts from home, Georgia quickly rose to running the office, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
After three years, Georgia took a leap into the commercial property sector. Reflecting on her journey, Georgia acknowledges that there wasn't a predetermined plan to enter this field; rather, it was a series of opportunities that led her to where she is today. “So there wasn't actually any motivating factor to get into the built environment sector. It just so happened that that job was available to me and was a good fit at the time,” she says. Three years later she found herself yearning for career advancement and new challenges. Recognising limited growth opportunities within their current company, Georgia took a bold leap into the waste industry, a move that still kept her within the same sector.
Working for a company specialising in remediating Brownfield sites, Georgia interacted with a diverse clientele, including contractors, consultants, architects, and planners. It was during this tenure that she developed a profound appreciation for the construction industry and its monumental impact on daily life. The built environment, she realised, forms the backdrop of our existence, influencing how we live, work, and commute.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Georgia to delve deeper into the realm of facilities management. Recognising the pivotal role of workplaces in shaping employee experiences, she became passionate about creating environments that are not only legally compliant and safe but also stimulating and conducive to productivity.
As businesses navigate the transition back to physical workplaces post-pandemic, the importance of fostering a positive work environment has never been more crucial. Georgia emphasises the role of thoughtful design in enticing employees back to the office, citing the emergence of contemporary workplaces adorned with greenery, relaxing breakout spaces, and communal areas aimed at enhancing employee well-being and motivation.
Facilities Management: Exploring Roles and Responsibilities
According to Thomson, facilities management can be broadly categorised into two main components: hard services and soft services. While soft services encompass tasks like cleaning and security, Thomson's expertise lies in hard facilities management services, which delve into the maintenance and upkeep of critical building assets.
Breaking down hard services further, she explains the distinct roles within this domain. Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) takes precedence, focusing on ensuring the ongoing compliance of building assets such as fire alarm systems, boilers, and sprinkler systems. By conducting regular systematic servicing, companies not only meet legal obligations but also minimise the risk of breakdowns, thereby sustaining operational continuity.
Complementing PPM is the reactive aspect of facilities management services, which entails promptly addressing breakdowns or malfunctions as they occur. Whenever something breaks down Engineers are appointed to fix the problem as soon as possible. The urgency of this component and the role of engineers in swiftly resolving issues mitigate disruptions to business operations. The operational framework of Lancer Scott Facilities Management follows the integration of a project team alongside PPM and reactive services. This dynamic approach allows for seamless execution of diverse projects, ranging from minor refurbishments to large-scale extensions providing Lancer Scott clients with a complete Facilities Management and construction solution for their property portfolios.
Effective Strategies in Business Development and Strategic Partnerships with Lancer Scott
Thomson emphasises the importance of tailoring strategies to align with the specific goals and plans of each company. Drawing from her extensive experience, she advocates breaking down business development into manageable chunks, a methodology that resonates with her own cognitive processes.
As the current Business Development Manager at Lancaster Scott Facilities Management, Georgia manages the Southwest of England and South Wales. To tackle these regions effectively, she adopts a meticulous approach, dissecting them into sectors that hold the greatest potential. Whether it's higher education, corporate offices, or data centres, she identifies the most lucrative markets to pursue. Central to the strategy is the concept of targeted prospecting. By honing in on the most attractive and strategic targets within each market, Thomson aims to establish meaningful connections and cultivate relationships that drive business growth. This approach prioritises quality over quantity, ensuring that resources are allocated strategically to yield maximum returns.
Solutions for Client Success in Facilities Management
Efficient property management systems, ie. a CAFM system (Computer Aided Facility Management) play a pivotal role within the realms of facilities management. Clients such as local authorities find it particularly useful if their FM provider can supply them with this benefit. Central to this is the utilisation of a cutting-edge CAFM system—a digitised property management platform capable of housing a myriad of data, from asset management to budget forecasting. A key advantage of the CAFM system lies in its ability to provide real-time updates and insights, empowering facilities management teams to make informed decisions and effectively track job progress. This seamless integration of technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives sustainability efforts by optimising asset lifecycle management.
Georgia says “In the pursuit of client success, innovation knows no bounds.”
One of the standout features of the CAFM system is its accessibility to clients, particularly local authorities facing budget constraints. By incorporating the system as part of the service contract, clients can leverage the benefits of innovation and technology without the burden of additional costs—an invaluable proposition to delivering quality service regardless of budgetary constraints. Regardless of budgetary limitations, clients can experience the transformative power of technology-driven solutions tailored to meet their unique needs.
Success and Advocacy: Women in Property
Georgia's initial foray into Women in Property stemmed from a desire to expand her network and establish a foothold in the industry. Hailing from Cardiff, she found herself navigating unfamiliar territory in the South Wales construction market, prompting her to seek out avenues for networking and growth. Joining Women in Property provided the perfect platform to connect with like-minded individuals and raise her profile in the market. Driven by her innate passion for driving change and making a tangible impact, she wasted no time in taking on leadership roles within the organisation. Transitioning from a committee member to Vice Chair and eventually assuming the role of Chair, Thomson embraced the opportunity to shape and influence the South Wales branch of Women in Property.
Reflecting on her tenure as Chair, the challenges posed by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and undeterred by adversity, Thomson remained steadfast in her commitment to driving positive change within the organisation and the broader industry. One of her key initiatives during her tenure as Chair was the establishment of a long-term partnership with a Cardiff-based homeless charity—a groundbreaking move that underscored her dedication to fostering social impact alongside professional development. Through initiatives like mentoring schemes and outreach programs, Women in Property continues to spearhead efforts to empower women professionals and drive diversity within the construction and property sectors.
Georgia's tenure as Chair was characterised by a steadfast dedication to growth and inclusivity. Under her leadership, the membership of the South Wales branch expanded significantly, with a notable increase of 25 members—a result of her proactive approach and visionary leadership. She also spearheaded initiatives such as the Student Awards Program, aiming to recognise and support emerging talent within the built environment sector. By hosting events like black-tie dinners and fundraising galas, she sought to create memorable experiences and foster a sense of community among members. Transitioning to the role of Secretary, Thomson remains committed to supporting the ongoing growth and evolution of Women in Property.
Witnessing Growth and Empowerment Among Women in Property
For Georgia, the heart of her advocacy lies in the Student Awards Program—a platform designed to recognise and nurture emerging talent within the built environment sector. Through initiatives like mentoring programs catering to individuals at various career stages, she has witnessed firsthand the remarkable strides made by women in shaping their professional trajectories.
One notable success story that resonates deeply with Georgia is that of a student who not only clinched the 2022 Regional Student Award but also went on to join the committee—an embodiment of the program's impact in nurturing leadership potential. She vividly recalls the judging panel session, where each participant emerged with newfound clarity and direction for their career paths.
Of particular significance is the journey of the award-winning student who embarked on a mission to revolutionise workplace inclusivity within construction sites. Armed with a vision to make women's facilities commonplace in traditionally male-dominated spaces, she spearheaded initiatives to address gender disparities and ensure equitable access to resources.
From implementing women's facilities on construction sites to advocating for the provision of menstrual hygiene products, her unwavering commitment to gender equality has left an indelible mark on the industry. Georgia takes pride in having played a part in the development of this individual, recognising Women in Property as a catalyst for her remarkable journey of empowerment. She values the importance of creating supportive ecosystems where women can thrive and affect meaningful change.
Collaboration and Direct Client Engagement
In intricate business dynamics, striking the right balance between direct client engagement and collaborative efforts can be a defining factor in success. With a wealth of experience spanning five months at Lancer Scott, Georgia acknowledges the importance of understanding the most effective approaches to conducting business.
While her preferred method entails direct engagement with clients, ensuring seamless communication and alignment of objectives, she recognises the significance of collaboration in driving mutual success. Networking and relationship-building play a pivotal role in connections in facilitating introductions and opening doors to key decision-makers within client organisations. Through active participation in forums like Women in Property, Thomson leverages her network to navigate the complex landscape of client relations and business development.
Future Evolution in the Light of Technological Advancement and Sustainability
With a growing emphasis on carbon neutrality and net-zero targets by 2050, sustainability has become a driving force for both Lancer Scott and its clientele. At the core of this shift towards sustainability lies a commitment to leveraging technological solutions to reduce carbon footprints and enhance operational efficiency. The adoption of electric vehicles within Lancer Scott's fleet and the emergence of net-zero buildings among its clients is a tangible manifestation of this commitment.
The integration of technology not only enables more sustainable building operations but also drives innovation in how facilities are managed and maintained. From smart energy management systems to IoT-enabled devices, technology offers a myriad of solutions to optimise resource utilisation and minimise environmental impact.
Thomson envisions a future where sustainability is not just a goal but an integral part of everyday operations within the facilities management sector. Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Lancer Scott and other industry players are poised to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Georgia Thomson's journey in facilities management epitomises the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in today's dynamic professional landscape. From humble beginnings in retail to navigating the complexities of the built environment sector, her story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and charting one's own course.
With a growing emphasis on carbon neutrality and net-zero targets, organisations like Lancer Scott are at the forefront of leveraging innovative solutions to minimise environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency. Moreover, Thomson's advocacy for women in property exemplifies her commitment to fostering diversity and empowerment within the industry.
Looking ahead, she remains optimistic about the transformative potential of technology and sustainability in reshaping the facilities management landscape. With a strategic focus on collaboration, innovation, and client engagement, she is determined to lead Lancer Scott and its clientele towards a greener, more sustainable future. As the industry evolves, Georgia Thomson remains committed to driving positive change and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation.
