[WEBINAR] JLL, IWFM, FMJ and askporter discuss 'How to Overcome the Comms Gap in FM with AI and Tech Tools'

A new report by askporter reveals facilities management professionals are drowning in reactive work—but the solution isn't what you think.

When 75% of FM respondents admit they're spending nearly half their time on unplanned, reactive work, we're not looking at a budget problem. We're looking at a communications crisis.

In our recent webinar, "How to Overcome the Comms Gap in FM with AI and Tech Tools," industry experts Harry (askporter), Andrew Targell (JLL Technologies), and Mark Griffiths (IWFM) unpacked the 2026 UK Facilities Management Market research report and the findings are eye-opening.

The Real Problem Isn't Money

Here's what surprised everyone: budgets are actually rising. FM teams aren't struggling to spend money, they're struggling to spend it on the right things.

As Andrew put it: "76% of FM leaders admit their systems don't integrate effectively." The result? Data fragmentation that erodes client trust, burns out skilled engineers, and keeps teams trapped in what Andrew calls "whack-a-mole mode."

The Hidden Cost of Reactive Maintenance

Mark Griffiths shared a powerful insight: "Engineers are craftsmen. If you're experiencing more chaos than craftsmanship, you're not going to keep them on board."

The webinar revealed how reactive firefighting creates a vicious cycle:

• Engineers spend hours on paperwork instead of fixing problems
• Clients lose trust because they can't see work being completed in real-time
• Skilled workers leave for roles where they can actually practice their craft
• SLAs get missed, contracts are at risk, and profitability suffers

Why Your Tech Stack Is Failing You

One of the most revealing moments came when the panel discussed technology adoption. 82% of respondents have adopted smart building or IoT technology, yet 83% still lack real-time visibility.

Translation? You're investing in technology but not getting the outcomes you expected.

Andrew's advice: "Don't think about integrating everything. Think like an architect—design your tech stack to be modular, flexible, and built for the future."

The Path Forward

The panel's consensus was clear: start small, focus on the problem (not the product), and prioritise what actually creates value for your clients.

Harry emphasized: "It's not about bells and whistles. It's about understanding what your customer actually wants and making sure your systems reduce friction, not add to it."

What You'll Learn in the Full Webinar

This hour-long discussion goes deep into:

• Practical strategies for breaking the reactive maintenance cycle
• Real-world examples of how data poverty leads to trust breakdown
• Actionable advice on selecting the right technology without getting overwhelmed
• The role of AI in making FM teams more productive (not replacing them)
• How to get staff buy-in when implementing new systems
• The future of FM in an AI-driven world

Plus, audience Q&A covering everything from legacy system integration to measuring ROI on new technology investments.

Watch the Full Webinar

Whether you're an FM provider struggling with staff retention, a client frustrated by lack of visibility, or a technology leader trying to justify your next investment, this webinar provides the strategic insights you need.

[Watch the full webinar here] and download the complete 2026 UK Facilities Management Market research report.

The communications gap in FM isn't just a technology problem—it's a trust problem, a people problem, and ultimately, a business problem. But as our panel proves, it's also a solvable one.

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