Total Facilities Management (TFM) is a popular method of buying FM services. It is where a number of services are bought together and there is a unifying management structure under the FM contract. Typically TFM will include the larger FM services such as the maintenance and cleaning services and would be combined with other FM services such as security, catering, mail room.

FM Contracts come in many different sizes and complexities; from the simple single service for a small site to multi service FM contracts across hundreds of buildings. There are a number of variables which will influence the choice of the length of the contract. These include need to optimise value from the market, cost of change, and need for good supplier relationships.

Why do you need to develop an FM sourcing strategy? Packaging your services properly will ensure you are attractive to the market and you get competitive bids when you tender. Buying the services that your business needs and ensuring appropriate risk transfer will improve value for money and by tendering to the right market should ensure you get a company that is the right fit and will value you as a customer.