The facility management company has worked with Northern since March 2017 and this latest contract sees a three-year award with the option for an additional two years. ISS will continue its provision for 477 sites largely in the north of England and will continue its work in the fields of cleaning, mechanics, engineering and fabric for building and grounds maintenance services.

ISS has taken an innovative approach to service, coordination and data analysis and is a major factor in winning this latest contract with Northern. The company’s use of state-of-the-art technology creates the ability to allocate tasks on a flexible basis whilst creating real-time reporting for maintenance and cleaning issues, this facility is also utilised at sites which may not normally be visited by ISS or Northern personnel and is a groundbreaking advantage for all concerned.

ISS will also convert its fleet of 115 vehicles which support its facilities team in the provision of cleaning and engineering services to either electric or hybrid vehicles as part of its ongoing commitment to increase sustainability. Other steps made by ISS in this area include a reduction in chemical cleaning products, energy-saving campaigns throughout its estate as well as targets environmental and recycling schemes.

The new contract came into play on the 1st of October and sees an increased focus on social value and features terms which set out that both ISS and Northern share an ambition to commit more than 250 volunteer hours each year alongside providing support for Community Rail Partnership initiatives and School Liaison projects.

Keith Middleton, Managing Director, Infrastructure, ISS UK&I, said: “We already know that as a business, we have what it takes to deliver a top-notch service to transport clients. But this contract really hits a lot of our sweet spots, from the sheer scale of the Northern network to the great mix of services and products we can offer its colleagues and customers.

“But what really stood out for me during this bid process was the similarities between our two cultures, including our real desire to make every site a destination in itself, irrespective of whether it’s a station, a depot or an office.”

Mark Powles, Customer & Commercial Director, Northern Trains Limited, said: “With nearly 100 million passengers every year using services provided by our 6,900 colleagues, it’s a priority to find a facilities management partner that can keep our sites clean, safe and sustainable.

“In the ISS team, we saw a group of people who shared our passion for delivering an outstanding service, and who really care about our people and our customers. This passion, alongside our joint ambition to drive innovation, will help us to continue our successful partnership for the benefit of our colleagues and our customers.”