Great Leaders Programme - Aspiring Directors Application Summary

Andy Thomas

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL Smart Client Development and Opportunity maximisation - at FM Conway, we have always had a core of Local Authority contracts, and they have been the bedrock on which the business has been built. Every client is unique in their approach and their plans for their local areas and in the amount of money that they spend.

APPLICATION SUMMARY

Wendy: Good application. Good idea. Well written.

Sam: Good solid application. Showed good leadership reflection. Good idea.

Why is it that some clients have more to spend than others? Sources of funding are varied, but largely fall into 2 main categories:

Sue: Good application, shortlist. Both his proposals well thought out and could benefit the company and our clients.

• Revenue funded – Namely from Revenue generated by the local authority themselves and from central government routine grants. • Capital funded – Funds that the local authority receives from private developers in the area, or from applications to government or bodies such as TFL that the council can make to carry out projects/improvements.

Decision: Shortlist

This latter category is the area that varies greatly from client to client. Some clients are very proactive at chasing all available funding, and some less so.

What is the idea/Opportunity? There is an opportunity for FM Conway to develop an improved knowledge of and a better understanding of potential sources of funding available to local authorities and what these sources of funding are designed to be used for. Using this better understanding, we can take our ideas and initiatives to our clients to explore potential opportunities of securing funding, leading to additional workstreams and revenue for FM Conway, whilst also enhancing our service offering.

THREE PILLARS PROPOSAL From some recent research, I have identified a couple of Mayoral initiatives whereby Councils can obtain grants for projects specifically related to carbon and cleaner air:

• The Mayors Future Neighbourhoods 2030 • The Mayors Carbon offset funds

These are clearly hot topics, and so we should expect projects with green credentials to be the most likely to secure the greatest funds in the coming years. This gives FM Conway a great opportunity to promote our recycling, technological and carbon focused disciplines with our clients, but furthermore, assist them in building their applications to TFL for funding, targeting specific funding streams. When our clients wish to secure funds, they do so by putting an application onto TfL’s portal. TfL will assess applications and provide funding as appropriate. This exercise works best, if we already have in mind where the funds could come from, and we can ensure that the bid targets the key funding criteria. E.g., the Future Neighbourhoods funds above offers support to projects that may fulfil the following criteria:

• Creating a decarbonised, smart, and integrated energy system • Improving air quality and developing zero emission zones • Zero waste, circular economy

From the above criteria, it is clear to see that there are FM Conway initiatives that could fulfil these, such as: SureCharge, LED lighting, smart asset management to reduce waste and target only necessary works, laying of high % RAP or use of cargo bikes or even low carbon plant/vehicles.

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