Leading soft service provider SBFM has announced that account director Abigail Richards has been awarded the Future Leader FM Award 2025 presented by The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers. This prestigious award celebrates the brightest and most promising leaders in Facilities Management and recognises exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication.
Richards was awarded the 2025 Future Leader FM Award for her unwavering commitment to excellence and her leadership qualities. The judges were impressed with her approach to FM and the impact she has made at SBFM. She has continually evidenced her ability to innovate and create positive impact and has shown her focus for delivering the best for her clients, her team and the FM industry at large. Her strategic direction, passion, and commitment have resulted in heightened performance, cost-saving efficiencies, and social value generation. Richards has also demonstrated her potential for future senior leadership positions at SBFM.
As the 2025 Pattenmakers Future Leader FM, Richards will receive £2,000 for personal and professional development, a £500 bursary for engagement activities with the Livery, as well as access to an experienced mentor and a network of FM professionals. She will also benefit from freedom of the Livery for five years or until becoming a Liveryman.
Abigail Richards, account director, SBFM said: “I am honoured to receive the Pattenmakers Future Leader FM Award. This recognition inspires me to continue collaborating with my amazing team to achieve even greater success and keep pushing boundaries to evolve the FM industry. I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve received from the Pattenmakers, and I’m looking forward to working together.”
Matt Chapman, CEO at SBFM commented: “We are so proud of Abi for this incredible achievement. Her innovative leadership and passion for excellence embodies SBFM’s values and sets an inspiring example for our entire team. This recognition underscores her exceptional impact in the industry. We are excited to see her continued contributions to the future of FM.”
