CITY, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned facilities management companies, has announced a significant partnership with Marks & Spencer.

The link-up will see Glasgow-headquartered City, which has Lord Haughey as executive chairman, provide M&S with building and service maintenance supported by a helpdesk, and an in-house facilities management system, across more than 650 stores, offices and distribution sites.

Ian Moore, head of store development and facilities management for M&S, said: “As part of our transformation efforts we’re delighted to be partnering with City to deliver a more efficient approach to facilities management."

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He added: “City’s experience and best in class system will improve maintenance service levels across our stores, distribution sites and offices helping us to deliver a better shopping experience for our customers.”

City said the partnership involves its format of self-delivery and subcontractors, with 580 colleagues joining the business to work alongside 200 suppliers.

Michael Hughes, chief executive at City Facilities Management, which has over 13,000 employees across the UK, France, Australia, Asia, US and Malaysia, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to extend our retail footprint with one of world’s leading brands.

"Our people are at the heart of our business."

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He added: "We are delighted to welcome on board our new colleagues who will play a vital role in delivering our services on behalf of M&S.

"Not only will City’s integrated services provide a dedicated, response to M&S’ maintenance needs but we will also work hand in hand with in house teams and subcontractors to provide a seamless approach to our delivery.

"City’s unique partnership model is ideally suited to delivering service and efficiency benefits and I look forward to a long and successful partnership with M&S."