Service Installation in Data Centres: Quality & Reliability vs Speed

Project Director and VP of Field Services, Sandy Laird, joins the Comparesoft Field Service Management Podcast to unpack a challenge every fast-moving infrastructure programme faces: quality and reliability versus speed. Sandy talks about: What it really takes to manage 27 projects at once Why limited training time is widening the skills gap on-site Balancing energisation deadlines with installation quality in renewables Data centre demand: building fast, but still lasting 25–30 years The KPIs that matter: revisits, install volume per crew, and delivery quality Where robots and AI can help O&M (and where caution is needed) Why accountability is the biggest issue on large-scale projects Practical insight for female field service leaders

Regional Field Service Manager Allan Fairhurst joins the Comparesoft Field Service Management Podcast to share his journey from Army logistics and plant operations to leading large fibre delivery teams across the UK. Allan talks about: What really happens on major infrastructure projects like HS2 and the Commonwealth Games Critical KPIs and metrics for empowering high-performance service teams Cutting utility strikes with better pre-site surveys and training Building a genuine safety culture in the field Turning great technicians into confident leaders  

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Ford, Head of Field Service Channel, Rest of World (ROW) at ABB E-Mobility, to explore what it takes to lead field operations during one of the fastest-growing periods in EV infrastructure. Claire shares her journey from the early days at EVBox - when the UK's charging network was still in its infancy - to overseeing service operations across the UK and Germany. She discusses how her experience building teams through COVID, managing exponential growth, and integrating systems like Salesforce and SAP shaped her leadership approach. From recognising the "unsung heroes" in logistics and back-office functions to the realities of remote team culture and cross-border collaboration, Claire offers a grounded perspective on what keeps large-scale EV field operations running smoothly.

Greg Markham, Estates & Assets Director at Serco Health, explains how the reality of working on the frontline can open your eyes to appreciating the work of FM teams and how predictive technology is being readied to improve patient care in healthcare facilities.

Tim Peacock, the Director of Estates and Facilities at Sherborne Girls School, explains how working with the pathology and history of older buildings is key to managing and maintaining the upkeep of a 40-acre site with both educational buildings and boarding accommodation. 

Charlie Wilson, the Head of Property and Estates at Gaucho and M Restaurants, talks us through the post-pandemic challenges in the hospitality industry, the risks associated with FM in Grade I listed buildings, and why you should never ignore your LinkedIn messages.

Karl Haynes, the Site Facilities Manager at GXO Logistics, explores the importance of customer service in supply chain management and setting ESG goals in innovative digital warehouses. 

The CEO of PlantQuest, Gerard Carton, discusses the challenges faced in high-compliance environments in the Pharma, Oil & Gas, and Engineering Sectors and his journey from apprentice to CEO.

Trevor Payne, the Director of Estates at University of Birmingham, talks about leading the project to provide the World's first smart campuses in the UK and Dubai while providing first-hand perspective on FM carbon management and sustainability in higher education.   

Rachel Green, the Director of Estates and Facilities at the Girls Learning Trust, explains the importance of adaptability and resilience in the FM environment to help embrace the advancements in AI.