PTSG Invites FM Sector to Join Mission: 500 Million Step Challenge
Facilities management businesses across the UK are being urged to participate in a month-long wellbeing initiative supporting BBC Children in Need.
Premier Technical Services Group PLC (PTSG) is calling on the facilities management sector to join its workforce in an ambitious wellbeing challenge this November, with the goal of collectively achieving 500 million steps while raising funds for BBC Children in Need.
The initiative, dubbed Mission: 500 Million, will see PTSG’s 3,000 employees attempt to walk the equivalent distance to the moon and back throughout November 2025. The company is now extending an open invitation to FM businesses of all sizes to participate alongside them.
The challenge comes at a time when workplace wellbeing remains a pressing concern across the FM sector. Recent data shows that average employee absence has reached 9.4 days per year – the highest level in over 15 years – with frontline managers and operational staff in facilities management reporting particularly low wellbeing levels.
Greg Ward, CEO of PTSG, said: “Our role isn’t just managing buildings – it’s building healthier futures for our people. Mission: 500 Million is our way of demonstrating that wellbeing initiatives can be inclusive, engaging and make a real difference. We’re not asking other FM businesses to compete against us – we’re inviting them to walk alongside us as we raise money for Children In Need.”
Participants can log steps through any form of movement including walking, running, cycling, dancing, or even marching on the spot during the working day.
FM businesses can join by downloading the free StepUp Pedometer app, available for both Apple and Android devices, and entering the group code D5quLv. The app, already used by major corporations including Amazon, Google, and BMW, provides real-time tracking and leaderboards.
Greg Ward continued: “The evidence is compelling. Just 10 minutes of daily walking can cut the risk of early death by 15%. Employees who exercise regularly show 21% greater productivity, and companies with wellness initiatives see a 42% reduction in healthcare costs.”
Throughout November, PTSG will run daily themed activities including Walk & Talk Tuesday – encouraging walking meetings instead of video calls – and team relay challenges between divisions to maintain engagement.
If the company achieves its 500 million step target, they will donate £5,000 to BBC Children in Need. The initiative aligns with the charity’s 2025 appeal theme “Challenge Yourself,” which encourages individuals and organisations to undertake sponsorable challenges for disadvantaged children and young people.
Greg added: “Every step counts. Imagine the collective impact if our sector comes together – thousands of employees prioritising their health, companies demonstrating genuine commitment to wellbeing and raising substantial funds for a vital cause.”
Mission: 500 Million launches on 1 November 2025, with progress shared via social media using the hashtags #NextGenFM.
FM businesses interested in participating can download the StepUp app and join using code D5quLv or clicking here.
