World FM Day invites us to reflect on the vital role facilities management plays in the health, safety, and productivity of the buildings we work and learn in.
To mark the day, we’re sharing the perspectives of Jack Prady, Managing Director for Facilities Management, on what this year’s theme, ‘Resilience in action: thriving in a world of change,’ means for our Property Services business.
What does the World FM Day theme mean to you?
For us, resilience means more than maintaining buildings, it’s about staying curious, improving how we work, and staying agile in a fast-moving world. Whether it’s using data smarter, embracing new tech, or reimagining service delivery, we’re constantly evolving to support the people and organisations who rely on us.
Resilience in action isn’t just a theme, it’s a daily reality for FM professionals. Whether adapting to change, supporting customers, or driving innovation, they’re the steady force behind thriving workplaces.
What is your background, and how did you get into FM?
I started in building services engineering through a four-year apprenticeship at a Manchester-based M&E company. I quickly became interested in the financial and customer sides of the work, which led me into project management and a two-year HNC in Building Services Engineering.
During the 2008 recession, I was introduced to FM through a friend and joined Hochtief, managing a PFI contract for 47 UK schools. It was a steep learning curve, from technical support to stakeholder management. I later built an in-house engineering team to boost efficiency and control. That hands-on experience and the mentors I met really shaped my FM journey.
Describe your career in three words.
Scary, progressive, and rewarding. Saying yes, even when it felt uncomfortable, helped me grow and find what really drives me. I’ve learned the most during times of change, and I’m most fulfilled when leading teams through it. Resilience is about learning and adapting, not avoiding difficulty.
What’s your leadership style?
It’s evolved! These days, I lead with a ‘we’re only here once’ mindset, so let’s make it count.
I believe in collaboration and empowering people to challenge and improve. Healthy debate is welcome, and I see my role as keeping us focused and moving forward. To me, resilience in leadership is about balancing clarity of purpose with adaptability.
Why Wates Property Services?
Wates has the scale, values, and agility to stand out in a fragmented market. What drew me in was the chance to help shape the future of the FM business and build on its strengths. We deliver high-quality services and make customers feel genuinely valued, something that’s rare and worth investing in.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’ve got two amazing kids and a wife who keep me busy!
Outside of work, I’m passionate about fundraising. I designed and completed a 24-hour run for The Christie Charity, and in 2023, I ran from Wembley Stadium to Old Trafford – seven marathons in four days. I’m currently training for the Edinburgh Marathon and chasing a sub-three-hour time. I also coach my son’s under-9 football team, which keeps me on my toes!
