What’s new in the facilities management industry?
As we head further into 2026, the UK facilities management scene has moved on from just being a background service to a real strategic powerhouse. Facilities management isn't just about "keeping the lights on" anymore; it’s now about hitting big sustainability goals, managing "golden thread" building safety data, and using facilities management software to spot problems before they even happen.
If you're working in the sector, staying still isn't really an option. Whether you’re looking after a commercial portfolio or public sector estates, keeping up with the latest digital and legal shifts is a must for staying resilient.
1. The Era of Predictive Maintenance and AI
In 2026, the industry has mostly moved away from constant "firefighting." AI-powered maintenance is the new standard, using smart sensors to keep an eye on everything from air conditioning performance to how many people are actually in the building. Instead of just doing rounds, facilities management teams get an alert when a piece of kit looks like it might fail, allowing for "just-in-time" repairs that save heaps of time and money.
2. The "Golden Thread" and Building Safety Compliance
The pressure from regulators has never been higher. With the Building Safety Act now in full swing, keeping a "golden thread" of information, basically accurate, digital, and easy-to-track asset data, is a legal must-have. Industry leaders are moving toward unified platforms to make sure compliance isn’t just a boring paperwork exercise, but a live way to keep people safe.
3. Sustainability as a Daily Metric
Net-zero targets for 2030 are getting closer, and facilities management is right on the front line. We’re seeing a massive jump in smart energy management and retrofitting projects. In 2026, "green" facilities management means more than just having a few recycling bins; it’s about using deep data to cut carbon footprints across the whole life of a building.
Spotlight: The Facilities Event 2026
If you want to see all this tech for yourself, you’ll want to clear your schedule for the UK’s biggest industry meetup: The Facilities Event, happening from 28–30 April 2026.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham as part of the Safety & Security Series, this is the place to be for facilities management innovation. It’s held alongside events for health and safety, fire safety, and the workplace, giving you a full 360-degree view of how modern buildings should run.
Why it’s worth attending:
Workplace Leaders’ Summit: get the lowdown on how AI and hybrid working are changing the way we use offices.
Live Demos: check out the latest cleaning robots, smart sensors, and energy-saving kit in person.
CPD Seminars: stay on top of the latest rules on building safety and employment law.
Networking: it’s a great chance to catch up with thousands of others in the trade and swap tips on handling rising costs.
The Future of Facilities Management Software
In a time where data-driven precision is the industry standard, manual workflows and fragmented spreadsheets are no longer enough to keep pace. At ConeRQ, we are at the forefront of this digital revolution, providing specialised facilities management SaaS solutions designed for the complexities of 2026.
The landscape is changing fast, from AI-driven maintenance to the "golden thread" of safety compliance, don't let outdated tools hold your operations back.
Book a demo with ConeRQ today to discover how our facilities management software can streamline your workflow.