Managing Multisite Compliance: A Smarter Approach for Facilities Managers
Written By Martin Hembling, Commercial Director
Smarter Multisite Compliance for Facilities Managers
Managing compliance across a multisite estate is one of the most complex responsibilities facing today’s facilities managers and building managers. Whether overseeing hospitality groups, retail portfolios, healthcare environments, or commercial property estates, the challenge is the same: ensuring every site remains compliant, safe, and operational, also without creating an administrative burden or exposing the organisation to unnecessary risk.
At Swiftclean, we work closely with facilities managers responsible for large, geographically dispersed portfolios across the UK. From this vantage point, it is clear that a strategic, multiservice approach to compliance, anchored by robust kitchen extract cleaning, fire damper and ventilation compliance and legionella control, delivers both operational resilience and measurable value.
The Compliance Challenge in Multisite Estates
Multisite contracts introduce layers of complexity that single-site operations rarely experience. Facilities managers must contend with:
- Variations in building age, design, and usage (the older the building, the more complex the job – usually)
- Differing local authority expectations and inspection regimes
- Inconsistent service histories and legacy documentation (such as a lack of accurate fire strategy drawings for example)
- The need for standardisation across multiple suppliers
When services such as kitchen extract cleaning, legionella control, and fire damper testing are delivered by different contractors, visibility and accountability can quickly fragment. This increases the risk of non-compliance, audit failure, and, most critically, fire or health and safety incidents.
Kitchen Extract Cleaning: The Compliance Foundation
Kitchen extract cleaning is a cornerstone of compliance for any estate operating commercial kitchens. Grease accumulation within canopies, ductwork, risers, and fans presents a significant fire risk and is a key focus for insurers, enforcing authorities, and fire safety officers.
Swiftclean delivers kitchen extract cleaning in accordance with TR19® Grease, and in fact aided the writing of this specification, providing facilities managers with:
- Risk-based cleaning frequencies aligned to kitchen usage
- Nationally consistent service delivery across all sites
- Detailed post-clean reports, including photographic evidence
- Clear compliance documentation suitable for audits and insurers , including BESA PCVR Certification
For multisite estates, consistency is paramount. A standardised specification, delivered by a single provider, ensures every site meets the same compliance benchmark, reducing variability and eliminating uncertainty. It can mean simple time savers, such as all post-verification documentation being all on one portal, or having one point of contact in the office to speak to.
Beyond Extracts: The Value of Multiservice Contracts
While kitchen extract cleaning can often be the starting point, facilities managers increasingly recognise the benefits of consolidating compliance-critical services under one trusted partner.
Swiftclean supports multisite clients through integrated service delivery, including:
Legionella Control
Water systems present a latent but serious risk across commercial estates. Swiftclean provides legionella risk assessments, monitoring, and remediation services aligned to ACOP L8 and HSG274, ensuring legal compliance while reducing administrative oversight for facilities teams.
For a full list of services, check out the service tab on our website: All Services – Swiftclean (UK) Limited
Fire Damper Testing and Maintenance
Fire dampers play a critical role in compartmentation and life safety, yet they are frequently overlooked. Swiftclean delivers inspection, testing, and reporting in line with BS 9999 and BS 9991, ensuring dampers function as designed in the event of a fire.
By integrating these services into a single contract, facilities managers gain a unified compliance framework rather than a series of disconnected activities.
Operational Benefits for Facilities Managers
A multiservice approach delivers tangible advantages across multisite estates:
- Single point of accountability for compliance-critical services
- Aligned service schedules, reducing disruption to operations
- Centralised reporting and documentation, simplifying audits
- Improved visibility of risk across the entire estate
- Cost efficiencies through coordinated delivery and reduced duplication
Just as importantly, facilities managers can redirect time away from supplier coordination and towards strategic asset management and stakeholder engagement.
Consistency, Governance, and Assurance
From Swiftclean’s perspective, successful multisite contracts are built on governance and transparency. Facilities managers require confidence that compliance is not only being delivered, but demonstrably evidenced.
Our approach emphasises:
- National coverage with local delivery capability
- Standardised methodologies and technician training
- Digital reporting platforms for real-time access to records
- Proactive identification of compliance gaps before they become issues
This model provides facilities managers with assurance that compliance is embedded across the estate – not dependent on individual sites or reactive interventions.
A Strategic Partnership, Not Just a Service
Managing multisite compliance is no longer about procuring individual services in isolation. It requires a strategic partner with the technical expertise, scale, and tried-and-tested systems in place to support complex estates over the long term.
Swiftclean stands out from other providers, not only due to our longevity and expertise across our teams, we are also proud to have our in-house training centre at our head office – Swiftclean Academy, where we offer a range of courses to suit a variety of needs including BESA accredited courses, inhouse training to ensure our staff are trained to the highest level, online legionella awareness courses – within our portfolio we also have a one day TR19 Grease management course suitable for facilities managers.
At Swiftclean, we invite inquiries or queries regarding compliance for your building(s). We believe that compliance encompasses multiple critical areas, such as fire safety, water hygiene, and operational resilience. By partnering with a single, experienced service provider, facilities managers can effectively reduce risks, improve consistency, and ensure that their properties remain compliant, safe, and well-prepared for future challenges.
Common Compliance Questions Answered:
Q. I am not sure if my buildings are compliant, can you help?
A. Of course, if you’re uncertain about the compliance of your buildings, we can assist you. Simply reach out to us to schedule a compliance check, and if necessary, we can also arrange for site surveys to ensure everything meets the required standards.
Q. Can you manage compliance for buildings across different regions in the UK?
A. Yes. Swiftclean has national coverage with local teams, so your sites receive consistent, professional service regardless of location.
Q. What areas of compliance do you cover across multisite sites?
A. We cover all critical compliance areas including kitchen extract cleaning, legionella control, fire damper testing, and ventilation. Our services ensure your sites meet legal requirements and industry standards.
