We are delighted to welcome Andrew Simmons as the newly appointed Bank House Building Manager. Andrew is the man responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operations and security of Bank House and brings a wealth of experience in the real estate industry, having worked for a number of high-profile companies.
Find out more about Andrew, his impressive track record and his new role at Bank House:
Andrew, please can you tell us about your new role at Bank House.
I am the Building Manager which means that it is up to me to ensure that the building is a safe, comfortable, and functional space for its occupants, while also managing the financial and operational aspects of the building.
I will be making sure that the building is well-maintained and all equipment and systems are functioning properly. I also manage day-to-day operations, such as ensuring that all necessary services are provided (e.g., heating, cooling, water, electricity)
The safety and security of the building and its occupants is also my responsibility. This includes implementing security protocols and procedures, conducting regular security checks, and responding to emergencies.
Which roles have you held prior to your new position at Bank House?
I have worked on the coveted Crown Estate portfolio and with high-end clients like BAFTA and Smeg which has given me the capability of managing complex and demanding facilities.
In a previous role I was responsible for managing a building through the post-construction phase and then opening it in the City of London. This required a high level of attention to detail, organisation, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with contractors, vendors, and occupiers.
Overall, I’m looking forward to utilising the skills and experience gained in previous roles to the successful operation on Bank House.
What have been your first impressions of the building?
Bank House has several outstanding features. A well-designed reception area can make a big difference in creating a positive first impression and setting the tone for the overall experience in a building.
Having views from all levels of the site is definitely a unique and desirable feature that can enhance the overall experience for occupiers and visitors.
Bank House offers cutting-edge services and this can provide added value to occupiers and contribute to their overall satisfaction with the building. Being part of something special in the city centre can create a sense of pride and motivation to contribute to the success and reputation of the building.
What is currently happening at Bank House?
DAC Beachcroft have just competed their fit out of one and half floors and taken occupation in recent days which is a fantastic milestone. We then have the completion of the Lycetts’ fitout in June with more in the pipeline.
How important do you believe is the workplace to the success of an organisation?
The modern workplace is evolving and people are looking for more than just a place to work – they want a space that inspires and engages them, where they can collaborate with colleagues, and feel a sense of belonging.
Creating a workplace that employees enjoy going to and embrace is not only beneficial for the well-being and job satisfaction of the employees, but it can also have a positive impact on productivity, innovation, and overall business success.
By offering amenities such as comfortable breakout spaces, communal areas for socialising and networking, and access to natural light and views, employers can create a workplace that employees look forward to coming to every day.
Additionally, providing opportunities for learning and development, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements can contribute to a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
What are you looking forward to about your new role at Bank House?
Setting up a new building is always exciting and creating a positive culture within the local area.
The first occupants walking into the building is definitely an exciting moment and the opportunity to shape how the building is managed is a great responsibility.
I like to create a customer-centric culture within a building, where the needs and concerns of customers are prioritized and addressed effectively. By doing so, they help to improve customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately drive business growth.
What are your aspirations for Bank House?
Embracing the changes in how people work and making Bank House the best in class within the North East is a fantastic goal for us to strive for.
Integrating Bank House into the local area and create a culture of “work, eat and be entertained” within Pilgrim Street and the surrounding businesses is something that is in the forefront of my mind and something that is important to us all here on site.
This type of community-building approach can contribute to a more vibrant and engaged local economy and can help to attract and retain high-quality tenants.
