Westbury FM has secured a spot in The Sunday Times 100 2024, the annual ranking of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies. The league table takes over from The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 series, which has been celebrating the country’s leading entrepreneurs for 24 years.
This article first appeared in This Week in FM The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community.
We caught up with Sonia Murton, founder and MD of Westbury FM, to discuss the company’s remarkable journey since she founded it in 2017. Since its inception, Westbury FM has been on a steady upward trajectory, but the leap from £5.2 million to £9.2 million in the last fiscal year (FY23/24) stands out as a defining moment. This rapid growth has secured the company a coveted spot in The Sunday Times 100 2024 List – the annual ranking of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies.
Murton attributes their success to a combination of innovative strategies, a dedicated team, and a solid commitment to client satisfaction. “Our growth is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our entire team,” she said. “We’ve focused on expanding our service offerings and investing in cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of our clients.” This milestone marks a significant achievement for Westbury FM and sets a promising trajectory for the future.
Strategic Innovations Fueling Growth
Murton explained that the secret behind this explosive growth lies in a robust strategy tailored to meet client needs and market demands. The company implemented several key initiatives that have propelled it to the forefront of the FM sector:
Expanding Service Offerings:
Westbury FM listened closely to its clients and expanded its services to meet their evolving requirements. This proactive approach ensured clients had access to a comprehensive suite of facilities management solutions delivered under one roof.
Establishing a Helpdesk:
To enhance management and support, Westbury FM set up a dedicated helpdesk. This move streamlined communication and allowed for more efficient handling of client requests, improving overall service delivery.
Providing Managed Services:
By offering managed services to all clients, Westbury took on overseeing and optimising their FM needs. This approach provided clients with peace of mind and allowed them to focus on their core business activities.
Launching an Asset Management Service:
Recognising the importance of asset management, Westbury FM introduced a specialised service to help clients manage their assets more effectively. This service ensures that assets are maintained, compliant, and operating at peak efficiency.
Expanding the Rapid Response Service:
The Rapid Response Service was broadened to include HVACR emergency repair and maintenance, ensuring clients could rely on Westbury FM for urgent and critical repairs, reducing downtime and enhancing operational continuity.
Extending Regional Coverage:
Westbury FM expanded its regional coverage to include the South West, ensuring more clients could benefit from its high-quality services. This strategic expansion allowed the company to tap into new markets and grow its client base.
People-Focused Approach
Central to Westbury FM’s success is its commitment to its people. The company’s unique self-delivery model sets it apart, offering first-rate service and better value for clients. Murton emphasised, “Our approach is personalised and very much dependent on our people. Competitive compensation is crucial for retaining skilled engineers and technicians, so we offer competitive pay and a supportive work environment that values each individual’s contributions.”
Without the bureaucratic structure of larger organisations, Westbury can prioritise each team member’s professional growth and satisfaction. This focus on fostering a positive and rewarding workplace culture attracts skilled professionals and ensures they remain committed to delivering high-quality service. “Our employees feel valued and invested, which translates to superior performance and client satisfaction,” Murton added.
Westbury FM can offer innovative, tailored services that drive value for all clients by investing in their people and capabilities and broadening sector expertise. This people-first philosophy has been a cornerstone of the company’s rapid growth and is expected to continue fueling its success.
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Plans for FY24/25
Westbury FM’s impressive growth is just the beginning. The company has laid out ambitious plans to continue its upward trajectory with continued growth in FY24/25, including considerable re-investment in its infrastructure and people. Bringing on board talented individuals in key positions with a track record of a service-led approach remains a strategic priority.
The Vision Behind the Success
The success of Westbury FM is a testament to Sonia Murton’s vision and determination. Frustrated by the static culture and lack of progression in the FM industry, Sonia set out to do things differently. With a background in sales and a keen understanding of client needs, she launched Westbury Property Maintenance in August 2017 with three multi-skilled engineers from a small office in Sidcup, South-East London.
From these humble beginnings, Sonia’s steadfast commitment to delivering value, innovation, and problem-solving has driven Westbury FM to its current market position. Her journey, marked by relentless dedication and creative breakthroughs, has culminated in the company’s rapid growth and prestigious recognition in The Sunday Times 100. This accolade stands as a testament to her thriving and impactful approach.
As Westbury FM continues to evolve and expand, it remains dedicated to its core values of people first, excellence through self-delivery, end-user thinking, and innovation. With a promising future, the company is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory and continue making a significant impact in the UK FM sector.
—————————————————————————————————————–
Westbury FM has secured a spot in The Sunday Times 100 2024 – the annual ranking of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies. The league table takes on the baton from The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 series, celebrating the country’s leading entrepreneurs for 24 years.