Park People: Marcus Cain, CBRE

From cappuccinos to collaboration, Milton Park’s Head of Facilities Management, Marcus Cain shares how he and his team at CBRE keep the Park running like clockwork.

Can you tell us a bit about CBRE Facilities Management (FM) and its role at Milton Park?

CBRE FM is here to support Milton Park’s 2040 Vision. While we keep everything ticking over, our central aim is to help the Park thrive. Whether that is cleaning and security or engineering and landscaping, our job is to ensure Milton Park is a safe, sustainable and ultimately, a great place to work.

Our team works closely with the CBRE Property Managers and collaborates with Milton Park’s asset management, development, compliance and marketing teams to deliver a joined-up service. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in facilities management?

I fell into facilities management (FM) in the ’90s and never found my way out!

FM is a blend of problem-solving, people skills and technical know-how. It’s a challenging field that can push you to your limit but the satisfaction of seeing real results and steady progress makes it all worthwhile.

As Head of Facilities Management, what does a typical day look like for you?

There’s no such thing as a typical day in FM but it always starts with a cappuccino from the Hive Café in Bee House. I’m fortunate to work alongside my fantastic colleagues Lucy, Yasmin and Matt at our FM office at Bee House. Together, we handle both tactical operations and strategic planning.

Our role is centred on enabling people, building teams and delivering a service. We’re always looking for ways to add value to Milton Park so we stay responsive to the day-to-day while keeping a firm eye on the future.

What’s something most people don’t realise about FM?

Many people don’t realise it’s a professional, skilled discipline. Our cleaners, security staff, gardeners and engineers are all highly skilled professionals doing essential, hands-on work to keep Milton Park looking its best. They’re the glue that holds everything together and the oil that keeps the wheels turning.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The People. We’re building a ‘One Team’ ethos with our suppliers so everyone is signed up and committed to high standards, responsiveness and continuous improvement.

It’s not perfect but that’s the point. We’re continually learning, adapting and evolving with the Park.

Can you tell us about any exciting projects you’re working on at Milton Park?

We’re currently focused on sustainability and biodiversity initiatives. Projects underway include refreshing our landscape maintenance specification, auditing our security services and updating our emergency response plans.

We’re also excited about the upcoming launch of Signal Yard, Milton Park’s exciting new amenities project and we look forward to mobilising our FM services there.

Separately, I’m also looking forward to putting my green fingers to the test and judging Milton Park’s Urban Garden Awards in celebration of National Allotment Week. From neatly tended raised beds to spaces brimming with peas, beans and carrots, I can’t wait to see the creativity and care that budding growers have put into getting their plots to flourish across the Park.

What do you enjoy most about being based at Milton Park?

Milton Park offers a diverse mix of interesting people and occupiers and there’s always a real buzz here. I also really enjoy the vast amount of green spaces which we’ve certainly made the most of during the summer! 

Ultimately, it’s a place where important and exciting things happen and we’re proud to be part of shaping, maintaining and building that community. 

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