As FM Appreciation Week is in full swing, there's no better time to highlight those who truly embody our values here at 14forty. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our frontline heroes: Josh Lakin and Neil Barker.
Keeping Parklands moving
Josh and Neil are two exceptional Facilities Assistants at our Parklands HQ who work their magic behind the scenes to keep everything ticking along.
Josh is always the first to roll up his sleeves when there's work to be done, whether that's solving any last-minute challenges or lending a hand to a colleague. With his natural instinct to help and can-do attitude, he’s the kind of person you can count on to keep every department running smoothly.
Neil's sharp eye for detail means he spots potential hiccups before they happen. From keeping maintenance schedules on track to ensuring cross-departmental coordination, Neil makes the complex look effortless. Not only that, his easygoing nature and eagerness to help play a big part in creating the friendly atmosphere we all value at Parklands.
Teamwork at its very best
When asked about the dynamic duo, Toni Hollis, Facilities Manager at Compass Group's Parklands HQ was full of praise:
“Joshua's role at the head office involves meticulously coordinating various tasks to ensure every department operates seamlessly. His innate compassion and eagerness to lend a hand embody the true spirit of teamwork. Whether it's managing logistical challenges or ensuring the office environment is welcoming and safe, his proactive approach and genuine care for his colleagues create an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and valued.”
“Neil, on the other hand, is the backbone of operational efficiency. His dedication is evident in his ability to anticipate needs before they arise, ensuring that all functions at the head office run like a well-oiled machine. From overseeing maintenance schedules to facilitating smooth communication between teams, Neil's attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. His efforts not only enhance our workplace efficiency but also foster a strong sense of community and collaboration."
Be A Star winners
The duo were recently recognised at the Compass UK & Ireland Be a Star awards for going above and beyond in their field of work. When a fellow colleague, Shanice Evans, ran into trouble with her car, Josh and Neil were quick to jump in and help.
With a flat tyre and a thunderstorm fast approaching, Shanice was facing the risk of being stranded while her four-year-old son needed picking up from school. But before the storm rolled in, Josh and Neil were on the scene. They quickly swapped out the tyre, shared some helpful advice, and made sure Shanice was safely back on the road.
When it came to nominating the duo for the Be A Star award, Shanice didn’t hesitate to share how much their small act of kindness meant to her:
"Neil really did go the extra mile, showing what a kind and genuine person he is. Joshua’s compassion and willingness to help were the true spirit of teamwork.”
To celebrate their well-deserved win, Josh, Neil, and Shanice were all treated to a day out at Aston Villa Football Club. Afterwards, they got to enjoy a delicious celebratory lunch with other deserving winners from Compass.
A big thank you
It’s people like Josh and Neil who really make a difference to the day-to-day lives of colleagues, customers, and clients. We'd like to say a big thank you to all our frontline heroes for always going above and beyond - not just this week, but every week!