The value of specialist compliance services is being reassessed as organisations face growing pressure to understand risk, protect their assets and demonstrate that their buildings are safe. In his latest thought leadership article for the FM industry press, PTSG CEO Dr Greg Ward examines what this means for customers and the businesses supporting them.
An inspection can reveal a fault. A report can record it. The critical question is whether that information leads to the action needed to keep people safe and essential systems working.
That relationship between technical expertise, reliable evidence and informed decisions is central to Greg’s latest article, The Quiet Re-rating of Compliance.
Drawing on five IBISWorld reports covering facility support services, technical testing and analysis, security systems, electrical equipment maintenance and the water sector, Greg identifies a shift in how organisations value compliance.
Together, the reports describe markets representing more than £42 billion of annual economic activity. They cover part of the wider compliance picture, but reveal common pressures: stronger regulation, ageing assets, constrained budgets and technological change.
Growing demand for specialist expertise
The reports point to a broadly positive outlook across the five markets.
UK technical testing and analysis is forecast to grow from £6 billion to £7.2 billion by 2031. Security system services are expected to increase from £2.1 billion to £2.6 billion by 2032, while facility support services are forecast to reach £21 billion over the same period.
The electrical repair and maintenance market presents a more complex picture as legacy equipment is replaced. However, electric vehicle infrastructure, predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics are creating new areas of activity.
Across these markets, Greg identifies a consistent need for services that help customers understand risk, extend asset life and maintain operational continuity.
Evidence that supports decisions
For building owners and facilities managers, completing an inspection is one part of a continuing responsibility.
They need to understand the condition of their assets, where risks exist, what requires attention and whether remedial work has been completed. Clear records help customers prioritise investment and demonstrate to boards, insurers and regulators that responsibilities are being managed.
Greg writes: “Customers are not simply purchasing maintenance, testing or inspection hours. They are buying assurance, continuity and evidence.”
This places greater expectations on specialist partners to provide consistent delivery and a dependable evidence trail across complex estates.
Technology backed by technical judgement
Digital compliance platforms, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance can improve visibility and help organisations act earlier.
Greg argues that their value depends on turning information into action. Collecting data achieves little if customers cannot use it to understand a problem or determine their next step.
Competent people and sound technical judgement remain essential. PTSG employs around 4,000 people, including approximately 3,500 directly employed engineers, whose expertise underpins its service delivery.
Scale that improves the customer experience
PTSG delivers more than 170 specialist services to over 90,000 customers across its five divisions: Access & Safety, Electrical Services, Building Access Specialists, Fire Solutions and Water Treatment.
Greg highlights the responsibility that comes with this breadth. Customers want fewer interfaces, clearer accountability and consistent service, while retaining specialist knowledge and responsiveness.
Scale should give them greater geographical coverage, deeper technical resources and stronger support. Delivering those benefits requires clear operating standards and strong local leadership.
Developing the skills to meet demand
Future growth also depends on the industry’s ability to develop and retain skilled people.
PTSG’s largest apprenticeship programme to date aims to recruit up to 150 apprentices over three years, with its new Centre of Excellence supporting technical development and the transfer of knowledge.
Cost pressures, skills shortages and the investment required by technology remain significant challenges. Greg’s conclusion is that providers combining technical depth, disciplined delivery and transparent reporting will become increasingly important to customers.
For those customers, the result should be safer buildings, better information and more resilient assets.
