Specialist building services provider Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) is launching a month-long fitness challenge this November, aiming to collectively clock up 500 million steps while raising funds for BBC Children in Need.
The initiative, dubbed Mission: 500 Million, will see the company’s 3,000 employees across the UK attempt to walk the equivalent distance to the moon and back – around 10 times around the Earth.
The challenge forms part of PTSG’s wider employee wellbeing strategy, tackling the impact of winter months on physical and mental health in the facilities management sector, where workers often face demanding schedules and varied shift patterns.
Greg Ward, CEO of PTSG, said: “This isn’t just about fitness, although getting our people moving is incredibly important. Mission: 500 Million is about pride, belonging, and demonstrating what we can achieve when we work together as one team. We’re linking wellbeing with purpose – taking care of our people while supporting children and young people who need it most.”
Inclusive Approach to Workplace Wellness
The challenge has been designed to be accessible across all roles and fitness levels. Steps can be logged through any form of movement – walking, running, cycling, dancing, or even marching on the spot – with employees tracking progress via the StepUp Pedometer app, already used by companies including Amazon, Google and BMW.
In addition, PTSG will make a donation of £10 for every one million steps, that’s a donation of £5,000 to Children in Need is the mission is completed.
Structured Wellbeing Programme
Throughout November, employees will participate in daily themed activities designed to maintain engagement, including “Walk & Talk Tuesday” – encouraging walking meetings instead of video calls – and team relay challenges between divisions and departments.
The physical challenge is supported by a structured Lunch & Learn series, with four 30-minute wellbeing sessions delivered by PTSG employees covering movement and fitness tips, healthy eating and mental resilience.
Progress will be tracked through live league tables for individuals and divisions. The company will also share stories and progress on social media under the hashtag #NextGenFM.
Winter Wellness Focus
The timing of the challenge addresses a growing focus within the FM sector on employee wellbeing during winter months, when seasonal affective disorder and reduced daylight can impact workforce morale and productivity.
The initiative aligns with BBC Children in Need’s 2025 appeal theme “Challenge Yourself,” which encourages individuals and organisations to undertake sponsorable challenges to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
Mission: 500 Million launches on 01 November 2025, with PTSG aiming to complete the challenge by 30th November 2025.
