Abigail Richards, an account director at SBFM, has received the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers' 2025 Future Leader FM Award.
The award celebrates emerging talent in the UK's facilities management sector which employs approximately a tenth of workers across the country.
A panel of independent judges for the award lauded Richards' approach to facilities management, her impact on her employer, and her dedication to creating a positive impact for clients and the wider community with innovation that adds social value.
Richards has also demonstrated her potential for senior leadership positions at SBFM.
As winner of the award, Richards will receive a prize of £2,000 to spend on personal and professional development, a £500 bursary to support further engagement with the Livery, and access to an experienced mentor and network of facility services professionals.
She will additionally benefit from 'Freedom' of the Livery for five years or until she becomes a Liveryman.
Richards says, “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.
SBFM chief executive officer, Matt Chapman, adds, “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.”
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers holds a Royal Charter and was first recorded as a trade association for the (now obsolete) craft of making patterns in 1379.
Today, it continues as a Charitable Foundation providing financial support to multiple causes and sectors, including the footwear industry, education and the City of London.
