Thorn Baker FM

England's first World Cup match is on Wednesday night... and whilst we're all hoping for a strong start, some FM managers may already be wondering what Thursday morning is going to look like.

In Facilities Management, there's rarely any room for disruption. Buildings still need maintaining, cleaning schedules still need completing and services still need running.
The challenge is that it only takes a handful of unexpected absences to put additional pressure on already stretched teams.

Hopefully everyone arrives bright-eyed and ready for their shift. But if they don't, do you have a contingency plan in place?

At Thorn Baker FM, we support clients across the UK with reliable temporary and permanent FM professionals, from cleaners, caretakers and maintenance operatives through to Facilities Managers, Contract Managers and senior FM leadership roles.
Because whilst the football might be the priority on Wednesday night, your buildings still need looking after on Thursday morning.

⚽ England play Wednesday. Who's covering Thursday?

If you’ve attended an FM event, exhibition or networking forum recently, there’s a fair chance you may already recognise our FB Business Development Exec & Perm Recruitment Specialist, Laura Ball.

Laura recruits across the Facilities Management sector for Thorn Baker, supporting clients with everything from operational hires through to senior FM leadership appointments across the UK.

She spends a huge amount of time out in the industry building relationships, understanding the challenges FM businesses are facing and speaking with the people who keep buildings, estates and services running behind the scenes. So it was really nice recently to also see Laura featured in the FM Power List.

But more importantly, Laura’s approach has always stayed the same:

• Taking the time to properly understand a business before recruiting for it
• Building long-term relationships rather than chasing quick wins
• Being honest and realistic throughout the process
• Finding people who are the right fit, not just available

Looking to strengthen your FM team in 2026? Whether it's an operational hire, a senior appointment or simply a discussion about the market, Laura would love to hear from you. Take a look at her FM Power List profile here: https://obi41.nl/23yks2ax

⚽ As excitement starts to build across the world, we're now just ONE WEEK away from the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In 7 days time, football will dominate conversations, group chats, offices, pubs, WhatsApp groups and probably start a few arguments too.

Whether you're planning your annual leave around kick-off times or simply trying to keep track of all 104 matches, we've got you covered.

📅 Our World Cup 2026 Wall Planners are still available - ask your consultant to drop one in!
🏆 Plus, our World Cup Competition is open for entries

Head here to get involved:
https://obi41.nl/y3tc33p3

🌍 Who's lifting the trophy on 19th July? And more importantly...
🏴 Who's got England in the office sweepstake?

Across managerial permanent recruitment roles, we're seeing the same trend time and time again.

The best managers aren't necessarily chasing bigger salaries.

They're looking for better cultures, stronger leadership, realistic workloads and businesses that genuinely support their people.

If you're responsible for attracting or retaining management talent, this is well worth a read.

📖 https://obi41.nl/2p8pvbeu

Facilities Management never really stops.

Whether it’s cleaning teams keeping sites presentable, caretakers opening buildings before most people are awake, or support staff keeping everything ticking over behind the scenes - when FM works properly, most people barely notice it.

Until suddenly there’s nobody there.

That’s why finding reliable FM staff has become such a challenge for businesses across the UK right now.

This blog looks at what sets Thorn Baker FM apart - from our nationwide coverage and proven process, to the reason so many clients trust us to deliver people who actually turn up, get stuck in, and keep things moving.

With 6,000+ temps placed in 2025, a 98% attendance rate, and dedicated FM teams covering everything from cleaning and caretaking to maintenance and support services, it’s a good insight into how we work and why relationships matter so much in recruitment.

👉 Have a read:
https://obi41.nl/243rbrdb

Thorn Baker: People-driven. Solution-focused. Positive-minded.

⚽ The countdown is properly on now… just 14 days until the World Cup kicks off 🌍🏆

Which means somewhere across the UK:

📦 Wall planners are being blu-tacked to office walls (hopefully a Thorn Baker one!)
🍺 Beer gardens are going to start being chosen based on screen size, not the menu
👕 Football shirts are making their annual comeback
📅 And everyone’s availability is now based entirely around kick-off times

If you still want one of our A3 World Cup wall planners, give your Thorn Baker consultant a shout before they all disappear.

And don’t forget, our World Cup competition is live too.

Entries close at midnight after the first round of group stage matches, so there’s still time to get involved…

👉 https://obi41.nl/38y2yvr4

There’s a reason a lot of people in FM don’t trust recruitment agencies anymore.

Too many cleaners and support staff have been messed around before - shifts cancelled last minute, wrong locations sent over, hours changing without warning, chasing wages, or trying to get hold of someone when there’s a problem and hearing nothing back.

At Thorn Baker FM, we’ve always believed recruitment should feel a bit more human than that. We focus on doing the basics properly - clear communication, honest information, properly briefing people before they start, staying in touch throughout assignments, and making sure people are paid correctly and on time.

No drama, no ghosting and definitely no treating people like just another name on a rota - just honest recruitment, done properly.

Right now, our teams are supporting candidates and clients across facilities management roles across the UK.

So if you’re looking for steady work without the usual agency nonsense, get in touch with your local Thorn Baker FM team today:
https://obi41.nl/2p8jd8s2

Thorn Baker: People-driven. Solution-focused. Positive-minded.

Back after the bank holiday and the rota’s already fallen apart? 🧽

It only takes one or two no-shows in FM for the pressure to start building fast - cleaning schedules slipping and everyone scrambling to cover gaps.

If you’ve been let down last minute this morning, give Thorn Baker FM a shout. We supply reliable FM professionals who turn up, get on with the job, and help keep everything running as it should.

Why FM teams stick with us:

• Reliable, fully vetted FM and cleaning staff
• Fast support when you need urgent cover
• PAYE-only supply model with compliance taken seriously
• Support across cleaning and facilities support

Whether it’s sickness cover, holiday gaps, or a contract that suddenly needs extra hands today - we’re ready to help.

Get in touch with your local team:
https://obi41.nl/2p8jd8s2

Thorn Baker: People-driven. Solution-focused. Positive-minded.

While everyone’s planning BBQs, beer gardens, and long weekends, someone still has to make sure the building is clean, safe, secure, and ready for Tuesday morning - because facilities management doesn’t stop for a bank holiday, and neither do the usual challenges:

❌ Cleaning teams short on cover
❌ Planned works slipping behind
❌ Last-minute sickness
❌ Frontline staff stretched too thin

When everything runs properly, nobody notices, when it doesn’t… everyone does.

At Thorn Baker FM, we supply reliable, fully vetted FM staff who keep sites running smoothly - people who turn up, crack on, and make life easier for your onsite teams.

📞 Need support next week? Contact your local team today:
https://obi41.nl/2p8jd8s2

Thorn Baker - People-driven. Solution-focused. Positive-minded.

Mental Health Awareness Week may be coming to an end, but looking out for each other shouldn’t.

Facilities Management can often be one of the most overlooked industries - long hours, pressure behind the scenes, lone working, and constantly keeping things running without recognition can all take their toll.

This year’s theme has been Action - and sometimes that action is simply checking in with a colleague, making time for a conversation, or reminding someone they’re not on their own.

A quick chat can make a bigger difference than you think.

If support is needed:

🔹 Mind: https://obi41.nl/2p95y8ce
🔹 Samaritans: https://obi41.nl/2byy7xy9
🔹 Mental Health Foundation: https://obi41.nl/yckkamdc