Bidvest Noonan

A market leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Innovation

Introducing Dynamic Workplace

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We are delighted to announce the launch of our Dynamic Workplace solution. This intelligence-driven solution employs cutting-edge sensor-based technology to optimise service performance, resource utilisation, and transform service management and workplace experiences.


Dynamic Workplace utilises LoRaWAN sensors, which employ long-life batteries and Wi-Fi technology, enabling flexible, easy placement throughout facilities without additional power or connectivity needs. These discreet, wireless sensors provide real-time data on various aspects such as occupancy, temperature, and lighting. By aligning service and resource allocation with actual usage patterns, Dynamic Workplace significantly reduces unnecessary consumption and costs. For example, with Dynamic Workplace, customers can identify when spaces are not in use, allowing them to save on lighting and heating while service teams can reorganise their work plans for greater productivity.


Bidvest Noonan’s Dynamic Workplace solution also enables greater space utilisation. For example, occupancy data can reveal underutilised areas, allowing for a reconfiguration of space to better meet the needs of the workforce or to identify opportunities for energy savings. The service solution is receiving strong support in the market, particularly in sectors with large facilities such as those in Higher Education. Four large universities have already embraced the company’s technology.


‘At Bidvest Noonan, we’re excited about the transformative impact of Dynamic Workplace. The initial feedback from our clients, has been overwhelmingly positive,’ says Peter Smyth, Director of Innovation and Technology. ‘We’ve seen customers harness this technology to not only streamline their operations but also to significantly enhance their sustainability efforts.’

Bidvest Noonan Has Launched Task – Our Cloud-Based Operations Platform for Intelligence-Driven Services

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We are delighted to announce the launch of Task, a cutting-edge cloud-based operations platform. Developed for our 27,000-strong workforce, Task was engineered to enhance service processes, employee management, and asset tracking, transforming the way our company operates in the field.

Task will change the way service teams work, allowing them to leverage real-time data generation and analysis to provide actionable insights for continual service improvement. Its comprehensive suite of applications caters to diverse operational needs across the company, ensuring enhanced quality, accountability, and consistency in our service delivery.

The platform’s capability to attach detailed instructions and guides to tasks ensures consistently high service standards, focusing on safety and professionalism. Our cleaning teams can access specific instructions for impeccable results, boosting client satisfaction. Teams can access integrated Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) and Schedules. Security colleagues benefit from Task’s GPS and NFC technologies, which ensure proof of presence and detailed digital audit trails, thereby offering clients enhanced assurance. The integrated panic button is a highly valuable safety feature, ensuring swift emergency responses for security personnel.

Task’s digital approach to operational documents plays a crucial role in supporting Bidvest Noonan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, significantly reducing paper usage and contributing to broader environmental goals.

Eddie Ingram, our Transformation Director comments, “With Task, we’re taking a significant step towards a more efficient, technology-driven future. It’s a standout platform, fit for the data-oriented and innovative company we have become. Task is key in our strategy to transform how we work and lead in our industry.”

Next-Gen Access Control: Exploring mobile credentials & biometric access

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Liz Cummins, Managing Director for London Security Solutions at Bidvest Noonan, has contributed an insightful article on Next Generation Access Control. In this piece, she explores the impactful shift towards mobile credentials and biometric access.

The access control landscape has evolved continuously for over 20 years and today is at yet another turning point. Gone are the days when simple locks and keys were sufficient, and soon key cards, fobs and PIN codes may also be toppled from their position in access control.

Today, digital transformation is reshaping our approach to security, significantly benefiting security teams by enhancing access control measures. Mobile credentials and biometric technologies have emerged as the frontrunners in this new era. Both of these are explored below:

Mobile Credentials: Your smart device is the key

The use of mobile credentials reflects an understanding of modern behaviour. We carry our mobile phones with us wherever we go. We are all accustomed to using mobile devices to manage our lives, and in the security industry, mobile devices are already an indispensable part of most security solutions, with officers using these devices to record incidents and proof of presence.

The use of mobile credentials offers a seamless, frictionless experience for building users and visitors and improves user satisfaction, operational efficiency, and security. It allows users to gain access to secured doors, gates, networks, and services without the hassle of traditional physical tokens.

Mobile credentials work by storing your access information on your mobile device. This data can then be seamlessly used to gain access to specific areas within a building using proximity-based technology, such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth. For the user, this means they can navigate their building without repeatedly fishing around for their key card.

For security teams, the adoption of mobile credentials is transformative, enabling them to manage access rights more efficiently and respond to security threats more dynamically. Security teams can create, manage, issue, and revoke credentials entirely through cloud-based platforms. This shift enhances security measures. Mobile credentials are far less likely to be lost or misplaced unlike traditional physical security tokens, and mobile devices offer a layer of security to protect against use in the wrong hands that a plastic card or fob cannot offer. Of course, mobile credentials are not without security vulnerabilities, while they are a step forward, the security of mobile credentials is tied to the security of the device and the behaviour of its owner.

Biometrics: Your physical presence is the key.

Biometric technology appeals to our desire for tight security controls, efficiency, and convenience. These technologies typically use physical characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans to confirm an individual’s identity. Biometric systems are inherently more secure because the physical characteristics used are unique to the individual. They cannot be easily forged, duplicated, or shared, which stands in stark contrast to traditional methods like passwords or key cards.

With biometrics, building users may not need to remember passwords or PINs, or carry physical devices such as phones, key cards or fobs to gain access to spaces or services. Earlier generations of these technologies had their inconveniences, taking time to measure and process biometric data. However, modern systems complete these tasks in the blink of an eye. The latest facial recognition systems can identify an individual in under 0.2 seconds and they are fast and effective even in low light situations.

Yet, despite these advantages, biometrics are not without their challenges. They are not a panacea and can still be vulnerable to high- tech impersonation and clever bypasses. No security system will ever be perfect.

Biometric systems introduce privacy concerns and strict data protections as they collect and store biometric data, a special category of personal data. Companies store the biometric data they collect in databases that can be hacked by nefarious actors.

In essence, while biometric technology offers significant improvements over traditional security methods in terms of convenience and security, it also necessitates a careful consideration of privacy issues and the potential for sophisticated attacks. It is a powerful tool in our security arsenal, but one that must be wielded with caution.

Final thoughts

As the landscape of security technology evolves, mobile credential and biometric systems are becoming more powerful, sophisticated, and affordable. Advances in these technologies are driving their popularisation.

When devising a security strategy, it is imperative to consider the blend of solutions that will offer not just robust protection, but also integrate with the behaviour and expectations of users. There is never a “one size fits all” solution in our industry. Each organisation comes with its unique set of challenges, demands, and vulnerabilities. The right mix of security technologies is the one that aligns best with the specific needs and objectives of the organisation.

Ultimately, the decision to implement mobile or biometric access control systems should be a well-informed one, grounded in a thorough understanding of the organisation’s unique environment, culture, and risk profile.

Access control will never be about adopting the latest technologies; it’s about identifying technology’s place and potential within a comprehensive security strategy.

The impact of the AI Act on the facilities Industry

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On Wednesday, the EU passed the world’s first comprehensive AI law, the Artificial Intelligence Act. This Act is set to establish unprecedented standards for AI usage and regulatory compliance. Its significance will be particularly pronounced for the private security and facilities industries in the EU. However, the significance of this Act extends far beyond EU borders, potentially influencing future legislative approaches in other markets.

Notably, the UK has outlined its approach to AI regulation in its 2023 white paper. The UK’s strategy shares common principles with the EU’s legislation. The white paper advocates for a new regulatory framework for high-risk AI systems and risk assessments for AI tool usage.

Implications for the Private Security Industry


Central to the EU’s AI Act are provisions designed to safeguard fundamental rights and public safety. The legislation classifies AI systems based on their risk potential, with stringent regulations for high-risk applications and an outright ban on specific uses such as certain untargeted facial recognition and mass surveillance techniques. For the private security industry in the EU, these measures may necessitate a careful evaluation of surveillance practices and technologies in the future. The act prohibits the use of AI systems that “create or expand facial recognition databases through the untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage”.

The Act restricts the use of ‘real-time’ remote biometric identification systems in publicly accessible areas for law enforcement purposes, permitting their usage only under specific, tightly defined circumstances, such as the search for victims of serious crimes or the prevention of substantial, imminent threats.

The act will present challenges in terms of compliance and operational adjustments for Security providers as they deploy AI. Security firms will need to conduct comprehensive audits of their AI technologies, ensuring alignment with the Act’s requirements. A crucial component of adapting to the new landscape involves educating both staff and stakeholders about the ethical, legal, and operational implications of the AI Act.

The Artificial Intelligence Act is a landmark in the regulation of AI technologies, with far-reaching implications for the private security industry. Ultimately, this legislation aims to pave the way for a safer, more ethical future. As the industry adapts, it remains to be seen how these regulations will shape the landscape of AI in security. Bidvest Noonan is closely monitoring the developments and its dedicated teams are working together to ensure compliance with the Act and careful consideration of the use of AI technology in our business.

Commentary by Peter Smyth, Director of Technology & Innovation, And Olga Mitropoulou, Director of Risk & Compliance

Education Sector Insight Strategies Universities and Facilities Teams are Using to Create Exceptional Campus Experiences

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A Changing Sector
In recent years, universities have heightened their focus on student well-being and sustainability. Today, students perceive
their educational experience as extending beyond traditional classrooms and attending university can be costly for students and their parents and they feel the need to have a formative and important experience while attending. They also expect their university to reflect their values. This necessitates a strategic approach from facilities teams, balancing cost-efficiency with demands for technological advancements and more sustainable approaches.

The higher education sector is witnessing significant growth. There has been an increase in the number of universities, leading to heightened competition for student enrolment. In this competitive environment, the role of facilities management has become more crucial in shaping campus experience, which can be an important point of difference for universities.

International student enrolment has seen a significant increase over the years, now constituting nearly a quarter of the total student population across the UK. The increased diversity of the student population and an increased focus on the importance of inclusion is informing decisions taken by campus management. Prioritizing the accommodation of
diverse cultural backgrounds and needs has significantly impacted various facets of campus life, extending from dining services to residential accommodations. University teams aim to provide a ‘home to home’ feeling for students as they take up residence on campus.

As with all sectors, Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the education sector, with an increased appreciation for the role of cleaning teams in protecting communities from illness and the introduction of new expectations and practices. Another growing trend is the increased focus on mental health in universities. Recognising its importance, universities aim to create supportive environments for students’ mental well-being. This involves designing spaces that encourage relaxation, social interaction, and physical activity, promoting a healthier campus atmosphere. Facilities teams have always been key to providing the right environments for mental wellbeing; however, increasingly, facilities teams are being asked to support their university’s initiatives, such as sharing expertise on substance dangers and helping students recognise signs of mental health issues, along with keeping a watchful eye over the student population.

Central to these evolving trends is the close relationship between universities and their facilities teams. Operating not as separate units but as one cohesive entity, this partnership is foundational in creating a campus environment that is both inviting and conducive to learning.

The Evolving Role of Facilities Services
Facilities services teams within universities across the UK and Ireland are earning acknowledgement for their role enhancing the overall student experience.

A key evolution in the role of facilities services is the transformation of campus security.
In many universities security solutions are being reimagined and security teams are being rebranded to reflect a more guardian-like role, prioritising the safeguarding of students. In many universities, security officers are referred to as campus experience officers or campus ambassadors, reflecting a broader and more engaged role. Their role extends to offering advice on personal safety, acting as first responders in medical emergencies, and being a source of information and assistance in various situations.

The significance of these services in contributing to mental health is increasingly recognised. Environments that are clean, secure, and visually appealing play a vital role in mitigating stress and fostering a positive mindset. However, facilities teams are also supporting university initiatives to look after the mental health of students, particularly security officers who keep a watchful eye over students and providing information about ranging from the dangers of intoxication to how to spot the signs that someone is having suicidal thoughts.

Facilities teams shape campus culture and environment, ensuring impeccable order and a welcoming atmosphere. Their efforts impact the overall experience for students, faculty,
and visitors, developing community spirit and mutual respect. During university events, from exhibitions to festivals, these teams collaborate on logistics, event management, and post- event clean-ups, contributing to student unity and a sense of belonging. Teams may also share expertise at events, enhancing student well-being.

Impact of Diverse and Changing Student Demographics
The increasing diversity of the student body in universities across the UK and Ireland brings with it unique challenges for facilities services leaders. As the composition of students becomes ever more varied, encompassing different ethnicities, faiths, ages, genders, and backgrounds, the need for facilities teams to be both adaptable and inclusive has never been more important.

Facilities teams play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth transition of a diverse student population, including a significant number of international students, into university life.
Facilities teams, especially security officers, are often among the first people a student sees as they arrive on campus, helping to create lasting impressions. Recognising the varied needs and expectations of students—whether first-time attendees or returning mature students these teams provide essential support. International students may find the university experience daunting due to unfamiliar local customs. Facilities teams are instrumental in ensuring their comfort, safety, and overall well-being, addressing both physical amenities and the diverse cultural and personal needs of different student groups.

Facilities teams go beyond managing campus maintenance; they are dedicated caretakers, ensuring a nurturing and inviting environment for students. Today, teams should be recruited and trained to contribute in this way. Their interactions with students should be characterised by understanding and responsiveness, ensuring that all students, irrespective of their background, feel valued and cared for. Our facilities teams on campuses often match the diversity of the students and university staff they serve. Team members come from all walks of life which allows them to more easily relate to others as individuals and as a group.

Adapting to Student Needs
Understanding and meeting the evolving needs of students must be central to any strategy. This requires maintaining a continuous dialogue to stay up to date with the needs of students, keeping pace with the changing trends in student lifestyles and learning environments. Students today need and expect more than basic functional spaces; they
need environments that inspire and motivate them. These areas need to be clean, safe, and attractive, enabling collaboration and creativity.

For many, the pandemic highlighted the necessity for clean, decontaminated, and sanitised environments, but in the university sector, there has always been a focus on infection control, with a need to protect students, who meet indoors in large numbers, from common health risks like colds and flu. Cleaning teams in the sector must ensure that cleaning is thorough and ensure that touchpoints are sanitised.

In universities, there are areas that are in constant use such as bathrooms and areas where litter accumulates quickly such as canteens and common areas. In these areas, there is
an increased need for vigilance to ensure areas remain clean and tidy. When students first arrive at university there can be a wave of colds and other bugs. Methodical frequent cleaning can help reduce cross contamination reducing outbreaks.

Universities face unique security challenges, with students, being vulnerable to crime due to the social nature of campus life. Students desire a visible and responsive security
presence, with well-lit and monitored walkways. Security teams must go beyond traditional methods, becoming strategic partners to ensure a safe and enjoyable university experience, responding promptly to emergencies.

In this sector, it is crucial to build strong relationships with blue light services and collaborate closely with policing agencies to mitigate crime around campus.

Technology in Facilities Services
Embracing cutting-edge technology is a vital aspect of modern university facilities services. Universities, often regarded as the cradles of innovation and new enterprises, are expected to demonstrate forward- thinking in all areas, including in how their facilities are maintained. Our facilities services teams, by incorporating modern technologies, not only enhance operational efficiency but also inspire the student and educator community.
A prime example of this is the implementation of smart systems that gather real-time data about building usage. This allows our cleaning teams to respond to needs as they arise and provides historical data to optimise planning and resource allocation. This is highly valuable in such large and demanding environments as university campuses. On campuses, it pays to know which areas require servicing in real time and which have been unused. Bidvest Noonan’s dynamic cleaning system, a recipient of the ‘Best Use of Smart Solutions’ award at the European Cleaning and Hygiene awards, is a good example; With the dynamic cleaning
solution, the building activity levels are regularly reviewed, and the cleaning solution is flexed to changes in requirements within a building.

The role of robotics in facilities services has expanded significantly. Robotic cleaners, improve significantly every year. Many of the latest machines are capable of autonomously cleaning large areas. This advancement allows university cleaning teams to allocate more time to complex tasks while ensuring efficient use of resources such as energy, water, and cleaning agents.

Campus security teams enhance safety by integrating advanced technologies like improved camera systems, AI, and smart sensors, such as the halo sensor. Smart software solutions, like digital occurrence logs, enable efficient incident monitoring through visual heatmapping, helping teams identify trends and respond effectively.

Technological advancements are also delivering significant sustainability progress. Innovations like the Comac Inaqua, which recycles water from floor cleaning machines for reuse, and aqueous ozone systems, which convert tap water into effective cleaning and disinfecting solutions, and powerful scrubbing machines which use less energy, water and cleaning chemicals all contribute to more sustainable campuses.

Sustainability and Environmental Practices
Today, universities are highly motivated to integrate sustainability into their campus operations. Environmental stewardship has become a priority in the sector as in many others.

Significant sustainability improvements often come from changing existing processes and procedures rather than solely introducing new equipment or chemicals. This approach can include optimising and resourcing usage, adopting eco-friendly cleaning methods, as well as implementing energy-saving practices.

Awareness programs that focus on issues like waste reduction, energy conservation, and the broader environmental impact can help create a culture of sustainability. To be most effective, facility services teams need to be the drivers of such programs.

We have found that water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems, can be effective in reducing the campus’s environmental footprint.

The Future of Campus Facilities Services
As we look towards the future of campus facilities services, it’s evident that the sector is poised for change. This will be driven by technological advancements, evolving student needs, and a continuous push towards sustainability.

The future of the facilities services industry is increasingly intertwined with technology. We’re likely to see a greater adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in routine maintenance tasks. AI can help predict maintenance needs, thereby reducing downtime and improving efficiency. Similarly, automation in areas like cleaning and landscaping can free up human resources for more complex tasks.

Another trend is the growing use of data analytics. By analysing data on campus usage patterns, facilities managers can make more informed decisions about resource allocation, energy management, and space optimisation. This data-driven approach not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the overall campus environment.

One of the key challenges in the near future will be adapting to new health and safety standards following the pandemic. This will require innovative approaches to ensure that campuses are not only safe but also conducive to learning and social interaction.

Sustainability will continue to be a major focus area. There’s a growing expectation for universities to lead in environmental stewardship. This involves not only managing resources more effectively but also educating the campus community about sustainable practices.

Another challenge is maintaining the balance between security and privacy. With the increased use of surveillance and monitoring technologies, ensuring that security measures don’t infringe on individual privacy will be crucial.

Educational institutions strive to balance their need to provide high quality facilities with their need to manage costs. They look to their facilities partners for innovative solutions that deliver maximum value, allowing them to preserve budgets for teaching, research, and other core areas.

Despite these challenges, there are ample opportunities for growth and improvement. The increasing focus on student well-being and sustainability presents an opportunity for facilities managers to innovate and redefine what a campus experience can be. By staying ahead of these trends and challenges, facilities services providers can continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education environments.

The unity and partnership between universities and facilities teams are the heart of creating an exceptional campus experience. Together, they forge a dynamic and responsive environment that adapts to and anticipates the needs of students.

About the Authors:
Lorraine Monaghan is Director of Operations, Education at Bidvest Noonan. Lorraine has an impressive track record in the education sector, having supported a number of large and prestigious universities. David Everett is a former Deputy Director of Campus Experience& Commercial services at a global top ten University in the UK, with over 25 years of experience, including at Director level, across the UK Higher education sector; Jenny Jones is Director of Operations, Corporate and Public Sector at Bidvest Noonan. Jenny has more than 20 years of industry experience.

Bidvest Noonan wins on the European Stage

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Bidvest Noonan has been named winner of the ‘Best Use of Smart Solutions’ category for its innovative Dynamic Cleaning solution at the 2023 European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards.

The European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards stands as the single pan-European recognition program for the professional cleaning sector. The event, which is hosted in a different European city each year, took place at the historic Mansion House in Dublin. Finalists from across the continent, including the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Italy and France were in contention. 

The ‘Best Use of Smart Solutions’ category celebrates businesses that champion the integration of technology to enhance cleaning efficiency, productivity, accountability and transparency. Bidvest Noonan claimed the award for its Dynamic Cleaning solution, which employs cutting-edge sensor technology and smart software to ensure cleaning services are more efficient and sustainable. The system also delivers valuable space management information and energy efficiencies for clients.

idvest Noonan uses a wireless solution that requires no connection to client networks which speeds up installation. The sensors detect motion, temperature, light and humidity levels within the detection area. Addressing GDPR concerns, the data collected is entirely anonymous, providing information only on a specific area and not on individuals.

By providing real-time sensor data and trend analysis, Bidvest Noonan’s solution offers a comprehensive view of building usage and cleaning effectiveness. The solution redefines cleaning schedules based on actual building usage, ensuring cleaning is carried out in the right areas at the right time.

Director of Technology and Innovation, Peter Smyth commented on the win “I am delighted that our Dynamic Cleaning solution has received this award. As the cleaning industry evolves, the integration of data is increasing, driving a wide range of improvements for service providers, customers and stakeholders. We are very proud of the efficiency and sustainability improvements we have been able to achieve for our customers using this system”.

Bidvest Noonan CEO, Declan Doyle, added, “Data has become an indispensable asset in our industry, enabling better decision-making, heightened productivity, and more sustainable operations. The new technologies and approaches we are introducing, such as our Dynamic Cleaning solution allow us to deliver the best possible service to our customers. I’m very proud of the transformative impact we’re making today, and even more excited about the advancements we have on the horizon for our customers.”