From boosting the Wales Millennium Centre’s energy efficiency to fostering diversity and inclusion among young people, 2023’s IWFM Impact Awards witnessed a record number of finalists in its 20 categories, spanning topics such as social value, positive climate action and wellbeing. The industry‑leading event in workplace and facilities management celebrated 86 finalists – including organisations, initiatives and professionals – that had demonstrated recent excellence.
On Monday 16th October at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, over 920 attendees – the most tickets sold in recent years – gathered to network, discover industry developments and celebrate national and international success. Mark Griffiths acted as Chair of this year’s Judging Panel, while Sarah Hodge MSc CIWFM served as Deputy Chair; in total, over 70 judges participated. The Awards were hosted by actor, producer and writer Sally Phillips.
2023 is a notable occasion, marking the Institute’s thirtieth anniversary. In the words of Mark Whittaker, Chair of IWFM, the organisation has been “advancing our profession and optimising its impact, by empowering and enabling workplace and facilities managers through professional recognition.” In keeping with IWFM’s ‘Get moving on sustainability: a campaign for change’ initiative, this year’s Awards were the most sustainable yet, with changes to the menu, event materials and travel arrangements intended to reduce the carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the Awards, IWFM CEO Linda Hausmanis stated: “On the 30th anniversary of IWFM, I’d like to express my admiration for all entrants and the valuable work they’ve demonstrated. The Awards categories touch on some of the most pressing issues of our time, so to witness such a wide variety of beneficial outcomes attests to the importance of workplace and facilities management. It’s vital to recognise the central role of professionals in helping businesses achieve success and effectively deliver.
“Despite ever‑changing conditions, I look forward to seeing how the profession continues to overcome challenges and make the most of opportunities. I’d like to express a huge thank you to our sponsors who made the Awards possible, especially our headline sponsor, Waste to Wonder, for their dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility and enabling businesses to pursue sustainability. Well done to all winners and finalists, plus a massive thanks to our judges, organisers and attendees.”
Listed below are the winners in each category.
2023 IWFM Impact Awards Winners
Excellence in Customer ExperienceSponsored by LandsecWinner: Applicant to Alumni – Supporting our residents through innovation, Sodexo
Workplace Experience: Non‑office/Corporate EnvironmentWinner: MOJ Shower pods, Amey
Workplace Experience: Office/Corporate EnvironmentSponsored by Arcus FMWinner: UCAS WOW!
Positive Climate Action: Small Organisation (<250 employees)Sponsored by GSH GroupWinner: Solar PV project, Wales Millennium Centre
Positive Climate Action: Large Organisation (>250 employees)Sponsored by CEFWinner: Together Further for Climate: Carbon Reduction Plan Initiative, Bouygues Energies & ServicesHighly commended: Peterborough Project, Johnsons 1871 and DEFRA
Social ValueSponsored by Waste to Wonder WorldwideWinner: Junior Chef Academy, ESS Defence
WellbeingSponsored by SBFMWinner: Ireland’s Fittest Workplace Challenge, Zevo Health
Change ManagementWinner: Pareto FM, Claremont & Flutter Entertainment partnership
Product or Service DevelopmentSponsored by Rexel UKWinner: SDG12 in Action, JPA Workspaces
TechnologySponsored by Kier PlacesWinner: Project Oculus, Churchill
CollaborationSponsored by Waste to Wonder WorldwideWinner: Landsec Aspire
Best SME Led InnovationWinner: ESG Innovation, Pareto FMHighly commended: CAFM system innovation, Linaker
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion InitiativeSponsored by Thomson FMWinner: Real Estate Diversity & Inclusion, Meta & JLL
People Development and Talent RetentionSponsored by EquansWinner: E.ON and Mitie
Frontline HeroesSponsored by LinakerWinner: Jackie Kennedy, 14forty
Team of the Year: Public or Third SectorSponsored by Premier Technical Services GroupWinner: Estates and Facilities Team, The British Antarctic SurveyHighly commended: Safe2GoHome, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Team of the Year: Private SectorSponsored by Premier Technical Services GroupWinner: Desalination and Distribution Systems, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
IWFM Newcomer of the YearSponsored by 14fortyWinner: Darwin Lloyd, ISS UK
IWFM Manager of the YearSponsored by Jones FMWinner: Prithika Selvadurai, Salisbury (part of Atlas FM)
IWFM Leader of the YearSponsored by Waste to Wonder WorldwideWinner: Dominic Ponniah, Cleanology
