Lisa Holmes, a specialist in the management and consultancy industry, is making waves by helping businesses break free from traditional constraints and outdated practices. With 28 years of experience solving complex challenges others shy away from, Lisa is renowned for her ability to revolutionise company cultures, systems and processes to drive growth, innovation, and improved customer service. Tomorrow’s FM caught up with the MD of Sandon Solutions to find out more.
Lisa’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Culture starts and ends at the top.” She believes that the management team is the cornerstone of a positive and productive work environment.
“When organisations fail to prioritise their culture, it can lead to high staff turnover, poor retention, increased absenteeism, and unmotivated employees. All of this inevitably impacts operations, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line,” Lisa explains.
Lisa’s expertise lies in identifying and eliminating the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset that holds many organisations back. By fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, she empowers businesses to break through stagnation and deliver greater value to their clients and employees alike.
Specialist in the facilities and cleaning sector
Lisa’s career spans decades of leadership roles, primarily as an Operations and Account Director within the facilities management and cleaning industries. These experiences have equipped her with unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities in this sector.
As a specialist consultant, Lisa conducts comprehensive reviews of companies, focusing on:
- Work culture and its influence on employee satisfaction and retention.
- Customer service strategies to improve client experiences.
- Operational processes and efficiency.
- Costing models, pricing strategies, and cash flow management.
She recognises the critical role the cleaning sector plays, not only in maintaining cleanliness but also in ensuring public safety. For instance, she highlights the potential ripple effects of an overlooked cleaning job in a hospital, which could increase infection rates and jeopardise the hospital’s rating or operation.
“With advancements in technology, including robotic cleaning solutions, the cleaning sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Businesses must evolve to stay competitive and ensure high standards of service,” Lisa asserts.
Blending psychology with business
Lisa’s approach to management is deeply informed by her academic background in psychology. In 2010, she earned a Clinical Psychology degree from the University of Chichester, followed by a Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Psychology from the University of Portsmouth.
“Business is, at its core, about people,” Lisa says. “Understanding how people think, learn, and behave is essential for creating a thriving workplace culture and delivering outstanding service.”
This unique perspective allows Lisa to uncover the root causes of organisational inefficiencies and implement transformative solutions that are both people-centric and results-driven.
A vision for the future
Lisa is not just a problem-solver—she’s a visionary. She sees beyond the immediate issues and helps organisations future-proof their operations in an increasingly competitive landscape. Her focus on innovation and adaptability is helping businesses in the Facilities Management sector not only survive but thrive.
“I’m passionate about helping companies see the bigger picture,” Lisa says. “It’s about creating a work culture where employees feel valued, customers are delighted, and the business is positioned for long-term success.”
