Welcome to this special episode of The Facilities Management Exchange in partnership with the City Security Council

In this episode, we’re joined by three rising professionals from across the security industry for an honest and insightful conversation around ambition, progression, pay, apprenticeships, leadership and the future of security careers in the UK.

From overcoming imposter syndrome and fleeing adversity to building careers through relentless hard work and sacrifice, this episode shines a light on the real people behind the industry — and the challenges facing the next generation coming into security.

This is a raw, inspiring and thought-provoking discussion exploring career growth, confidence, opportunity, workplace culture and what it truly takes to progress in one of the UK’s most demanding sectors.

In this episode expect:

• The biggest challenges each guest has faced in their career so far
• Why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for growth
• How every role helps “polish your skills” and shape your career path
• A discussion on ambition, drive and whether everyone actually wants career success
• The realities of pay, wage growth and the increasing pressure businesses are under
• Why the government needs to do more to support businesses and employers
• A huge conversation around apprenticeships — and why removing them could damage the future of the industry
• Advice for anyone feeling suppressed or stuck in their current role

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone working in security, facilities management or leadership — especially those looking to build a long-term career and create opportunities for the next generation entering the industry.

Welcome to Episode #13 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Darien Jay, Sharlene Rhoden and Debra Watson for a deep dive into the world of Facilities Management consultancy — how people enter the industry, what keeps them there and how relationships, value creation and adaptability define long-term success.

This episode explores three very different career journeys into FM, and what they reveal about the realities of consultancy, networking, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving sector.

In this episode expect:
• How each guest found their way into Facilities Management
• The honest answer to what keeps people in the industry
• Why great consultants are defined by being problem solvers
• The role of relationships in FM
• How supplier ecosystems often drive the most innovative thinking in FM
• The importance of networking
• Honest reflections on over-promotion
• Why FM is still largely meritocratic
• The growing impact of AI and technology
• How COVID reshaped working patterns

This is a candid, practical and insight-packed conversation on what consultancy really looks like inside FM — from career lessons and commercial realities to the future of technology, talent and workplace culture.

Welcome to Episode #12 of The Facilities Management Exchange

Today we’re joined by Andrew Hulbert — entrepreneur, investor, culture-builder and one of the most recognisable figures in UK FM. Andrew is the founder of Pareto FM, a business he grew from a laptop in his bedroom into one of the industry’s most admired companies, ultimately exiting in a deal worth $100 million.

This episode is an honest, energising conversation covering entrepreneurship, culture, politics, pressure, sacrifice… and the mindset required to build something truly exceptional.

In this episode expect:

• Why showing up — literally going to the office — is still one of the most underrated success strategies in business
• How Andrew built the company from a laptop in his bedroom
• What made Pareto FM different — adaptability, treating people right, and building a culture where anyone could call anyone out
• The realities of running an FM company in today’s volatile economic environment
• The personal cost of ambition — relationships, loneliness, sacrifice
• The deeper meaning of wealth
• Professional vulnerability: why great leaders don’t need all the answers
• Andrew’s biggest leadership mistake — and what he’d do differently if he
• The advice he wants every entrepreneur — and every young person entering FM — to hear

This is an episode packed with insights, honesty, humour, and hard-won wisdom from someone who built, scaled and exited one of the most transformative businesses in FM.