2018-07-17
ISS joins together with its Financial Services clients to debate the future
The backdrop to the forum on 28th June was a secret oasis right in the heart of the city of London – the Old Victorian Bathhouse, in which 48 people from across the Financial Services sector gathered together to discuss the ever-moving evolution of the banking sector and the future changes impacting the sector
Following an introduction from Matt Brabin, CEO of ISS & Ireland and Richard Johnston, the MD of the ISS Financial Services Sector, the group was joined by Mark Essex, Corporate Affairs Director from KPMG. Mark gave an update on Brexit and the likely outcomes, particularly in relation to financial services organisations. Sitting alongside the government and industry, Mark has been closely tracking the developments of Brexit through the legislative process so shared a deep understanding of the intricacies involved.
Following the original referendum and after initial wonderment by the nation, government and Europe as to what Brexit actually means for the UK, Theresa May finally declared that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ last September – but are we yet any clearer on what that actually means?
Mark indicated that several opportunities to avoid a cliff-face decision had come and gone and outlined future scenarios based on our remaining options, in consideration of the extended post-Brexit negotiation period.
In terms of how Mark and KPMG advise their clients, “We advise looking at three horizons. First: Look up and consider the world beyond Brexit. What are the long-term trends for your business? Is your business model fit for purpose in ten years’ time? Then look at transition – are there changes you know you will need to make by 2020? Is there a downside to starting those changes early? Then look at cliff edge – what happens if there’s no transition?”
Mark subsequently detailed how these uncertainties are affecting the financial services industry and invited questions from the audience.
Following this, Nick Ward, Global Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communications, delivered an interesting presentation. Nick has spent 25 years in investor relations in corporate banking so had real empathy and understanding with the Financial Services sector audience. Other than Brexit, Nick also highlighted the huge changes in compliance and how the banking sector is much more regulated since 2018.
In addition, he talked about the major focus by businesses on their Corporate Responsibility – partly to improve each bank’s war on talent and partly to reinstate a positive brand for banking in general. Nick identified the six major key factors driving the transformation in the banking sector, including technology and property strategy.
The bank of the future will look radically different from today – from FTE and asset intensive to branchless and automated. Where ISS can help is in addressing the issues closer to the core, in principle helping our customers win the war on talent; supporting their engagement of their workforce and optimising asset performance. Engagement drives productivity!
This created a natural segue to the next presentation from Gitte Andersen from Signal, a newly acquired ISS company focusing on workplace design to maximise productivity through better workplace experiences. Gitte highlighted that it is proven that improving the workplace to what an audience needs produces documented improvements in productivity. “You no longer compete for talent inside your sector but against established workplace supporters.”
The opportunities which exist to leverage these efficiencies include Space Optimisation; Talent Retention; and maximisation of productivity. Because of this, Gitte suggested that our industry is currently transitioning from Facilities Management to Experience Management. To do this successfully however will require a step-change in mindset and thinking. It therefore goes beyond the usual remit of a workplace design specialist. Gitte highlighted many successful case studies which Signal’s workplace design specialists have worked on around the globe which have helped their clients achieve this, and more.
The audience raised some interesting questions to conclude an informative evening and left with the latest whitebook and whitepapers from ISS and the new book from Signal 'Space at Work'.
Following the original referendum and after initial wonderment by the nation, government and Europe as to what Brexit actually means for the UK, Theresa May finally declared that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ last September – but are we yet any clearer on what that actually means?Mark indicated that several opportunities to avoid a cliff-face decision had come and gone and outlined future scenarios based on our remaining options, in consideration of the extended post-Brexit negotiation period.
In terms of how Mark and KPMG advise their clients, “We advise looking at three horizons. First: Look up and consider the world beyond Brexit. What are the long-term trends for your business? Is your business model fit for purpose in ten years’ time? Then look at transition – are there changes you know you will need to make by 2020? Is there a downside to starting those changes early? Then look at cliff edge – what happens if there’s no transition?”
Mark subsequently detailed how these uncertainties are affecting the financial services industry and invited questions from the audience.
Following this, Nick Ward, Global Head of Strategy, Marketing and Communications, delivered an interesting presentation. Nick has spent 25 years in investor relations in corporate banking so had real empathy and understanding with the Financial Services sector audience. Other than Brexit, Nick also highlighted the huge changes in compliance and how the banking sector is much more regulated since 2018.
In addition, he talked about the major focus by businesses on their Corporate Responsibility – partly to improve each bank’s war on talent and partly to reinstate a positive brand for banking in general. Nick identified the six major key factors driving the transformation in the banking sector, including technology and property strategy.
The bank of the future will look radically different from today – from FTE and asset intensive to branchless and automated. Where ISS can help is in addressing the issues closer to the core, in principle helping our customers win the war on talent; supporting their engagement of their workforce and optimising asset performance. Engagement drives productivity!
This created a natural segue to the next presentation from Gitte Andersen from Signal, a newly acquired ISS company focusing on workplace design to maximise productivity through better workplace experiences. Gitte highlighted that it is proven that improving the workplace to what an audience needs produces documented improvements in productivity. “You no longer compete for talent inside your sector but against established workplace supporters.”
The opportunities which exist to leverage these efficiencies include Space Optimisation; Talent Retention; and maximisation of productivity. Because of this, Gitte suggested that our industry is currently transitioning from Facilities Management to Experience Management. To do this successfully however will require a step-change in mindset and thinking. It therefore goes beyond the usual remit of a workplace design specialist. Gitte highlighted many successful case studies which Signal’s workplace design specialists have worked on around the globe which have helped their clients achieve this, and more.
The audience raised some interesting questions to conclude an informative evening and left with the latest whitebook and whitepapers from ISS and the new book from Signal 'Space at Work'.