The Shift Toward Specialist Outsourcing
Facilities management outsourcing isn't new, but the approach is evolving. Where businesses once sought single providers for all FM services—a "one contract covers everything" model—there's a growing trend toward working with specialists in different areas.
This is particularly evident in hygiene services, where specialist providers like Doves are increasingly preferred over generalist FM companies that offer hygiene as one of many services.
Why Specialist Outsourcing Is Growing
Several factors are driving this trend:
Increased Expectations Require Deeper Expertise
As hygiene expectations have risen, general FM providers struggle to maintain the specialist knowledge required. Dedicated hygiene companies stay current with regulations, technologies, and best practices in ways that generalists cannot.
Better Value for Money
Counter-intuitively, using specialists can be more cost-effective than bundled FM contracts. When hygiene is just one line item in a large contract, it often receives less attention and innovation. Specialist providers compete specifically on hygiene quality and value.
Greater Accountability
With a specialist provider, there's clear accountability. If there's a hygiene issue, one company is responsible. In bundled contracts, problems can fall between different service areas with no clear ownership.
Innovation and Improvement
Specialist providers invest in their core service area. They pilot new technologies, develop better processes, and continuously improve. Generalist providers spread investment across many services, limiting depth of innovation in any one area.
The Hybrid Model
Many businesses are now using a hybrid approach: a primary FM provider for general services, supplemented by specialists for areas requiring deeper expertise. Hygiene is often one of the first areas to be separated out.
This model provides:
What to Look for in a Specialist Provider
If you're considering a specialist hygiene provider, key factors to evaluate include:
Sector Experience
Does the provider have experience in your specific sector? Healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and education all have unique requirements.
Local Knowledge and Presence
National providers may offer scale but lack local responsiveness. Regional specialists often provide better service for businesses in their area.
Compliance and Documentation
Hygiene involves regulatory compliance. Ensure your provider can support you with documentation, certifications, and audit readiness.
Technology and Innovation
Is the provider investing in modern solutions—touchless systems, smart monitoring, sustainable products?
References and Reputation
Ask for references from similar businesses. Check reviews and ask about their track record with existing clients.
Our Approach at Doves
We've built our business on specialist expertise in washroom and hygiene services. Unlike generalist FM providers, it's all we do, and this focus brings several advantages:
Deep Knowledge: Our team are hygiene specialists, not generalists handling hygiene alongside other responsibilities.
Regional Focus: We know Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire intimately, with local technicians and rapid response capabilities.
Continuous Improvement: We invest our resources specifically in hygiene innovation, not spread across multiple service areas.
Clear Accountability: When you work with Doves, you know exactly who is responsible for your hygiene services.
The Right Model for Your Business
Every business is different. Some benefit from fully integrated FM; others prefer the specialist approach. For many, a hybrid model works best.
We're happy to discuss your specific needs and advise whether specialist hygiene outsourcing might benefit your business. Contact us on 01480 210999 for a no-obligation conversation.