Key partnership facts
Key partnership facts
Overview
Since 2022, Equans has delivered Hard FM services at Bruntwood SciTech’s Alderley Park, the UK’s largest single-site life sciences campus. Spanning one million square feet, the multi-occupancy estate is home to more than 250 life science and technology organisations, including Cyprotex and Medicine Discovery Catapult.
As a hub for world-leading scientific research and innovation, Alderley Park depends on high-performing, fully compliant environments.
Equans provides the technical expertise, compliance assurance and operational reliability required to support complex office, laboratory and research facilities.
Significant investment across the estate, including the redevelopment of 8,000m² of high-specification containment level two (CL2) laboratories, has further reinforced the need for a specialist FM partner with deep laboratory expertise.
Our work
Delivering excellence in facilities management
Equans manages 24 buildings across the campus, with additional spaces being integrated as the site continues its phased redevelopment. Operating within a live, multi-let environment, our on-site team works closely with Bruntwood SciTech and occupiers to ensure seamless service delivery with minimal disruption.
Our services include mechanical and electrical maintenance, building fabric works, water systems management, energy and utilities management, and the servicing of approximately 500 fume cupboards and Class I/II microbiological safety cabinets across the campus. We also deliver project and minor works, supporting ongoing laboratory upgrades, reconfigurations and tenant requirements.
These services ensure the safe and reliable operation of complex laboratory infrastructure, including autoclaves, LEV systems, HVAC plant, chilled water systems, walk-in cold rooms, specialist gases, piped services and critical research equipment. Working within regulated environments, Equans maintains a robust compliance framework, incorporating statutory inspections, fixed wire testing, emergency lighting checks, RCD/RCBO testing and technical assurance audits, supported by regular reporting to ensure uninterrupted operations.
In-house expertise and operational efficiency
A key strength of the partnership is Equans’ in-house delivery model, with approximately 95% of services delivered in-house by our on-site team. This approach provides greater operational control, faster response times and consistent service quality, while reducing reliance on subcontractors in high-risk laboratory environments.
Our engineers are trained to operate safely within complex biology and chemistry settings, using laboratory-specific PPE and adhering to stringent chemical and biological safety protocols. This enables the team to maintain critical systems including LEV, HVAC, refrigeration, piped gases, ultrapure water systems, and vacuum and compressed air installations.
Close collaboration with Bruntwood SciTech ensures alignment on safety, compliance and operational resilience, supporting uninterrupted scientific activity across the estate.
Impact
Performance, compliance and CAFM integration
Performance is managed through a robust governance framework, KPIs reviewed regularly to drive transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.
A central component of service delivery is Equans’ Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system, which manages all planned, reactive and predictive maintenance activity. Fully integrated with a central helpdesk, it provides a single point of contact, real-time updates and full visibility for both Bruntwood SciTech and occupiers.
Through intelligent scheduling and real-time monitoring, downtime is minimised and works are planned around laboratory operations wherever possible. Remote monitoring technology is also used to identify potential issues before faults occur, supporting statutory compliance across all critical systems.
Current performance includes:
- 98% Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) delivery
- 100% PPM compliance, reflecting consistently high service standards
- Reactive works consistently exceeding target response times, ensuring swift and reliable issue resolution
Self-delivery of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) services has been particularly valuable, safeguarding the reliable operation of critical equipment and protecting the health and safety of laboratory users.
Supporting sustainability and energy performance
Alongside operational excellence, Equans plays an active role in supporting Bruntwood SciTech’s net zero ambitions through targeted energy efficiency initiatives. These include LED lighting upgrades, air handling unit (AHU) fan replacements and motor optimisation, all delivered in alignment with the campus-wide energy strategy.
During 2023/24, these initiatives achieved:
- Over 6,000,000 kWh reduction in energy consumption
- 2,000 tonnes reduction in carbon emissions
- More than £1.5 million in cost savings
These improvements were delivered without compromising performance across critical laboratory environments.
A partnership for progress
The partnership between Equans and Bruntwood SciTech is built on shared objectives around safety, sustainability, performance and customer experience. Regular engagement, transparent reporting and collaborative planning ensure services continue to evolve in line with the campus’s growth and the needs of its occupiers.
Beyond operational delivery, the partnership contributes wider social value through local employment, skills development and sustainability initiatives aligned with Bruntwood SciTech’s ESG commitments.
By combining technical expertise, a strong on-site presence, and a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, Equans is helping ensure Alderley Park remains a leading environment for scientific innovation and discovery.
Testimonial
“Equans has been a trusted technical services partner at Alderley Park since 2022, supporting our vision of creating safe, sustainable and high-performing spaces for our customers. The team has demonstrated strong technical capability and a collaborative approach, helping us maintain high standards of compliance, reliability and robust service delivery across the estate. Their expertise in managing complex laboratory infrastructure, combined with the successful implementation of systems such as CAFM and a responsive helpdesk, has ensured a seamless experience and consistently strong operational performance. Now more than four years into our partnership, the relationship continues to go from strength to strength. The Equans team consistently delivers high levels of performance, professionalism and service, and we value the expertise and support they bring to the campus. I would have no hesitation in recommending them as a facilities management partner for complex laboratory environments.”
Dan Brown, Head of Technical Services at Bruntwood SciTech Alderley Park
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
