London, Day Two

15^th August 2014

It’s the second day of the London trip. Just a quick recap for the first day of the London trip. A short tour around London while on our way to the RICS  Headquarters,  after the visit, checked in the Hotel of Royal National London, dinner at a Malaysian owned restaurant called Kerisik, got separated from Mr Naz and are lost most of the time.

It’s somewhat like the movie Finding Nemo. Got separated,  a rescue mission was sent, then finding way back home, while having numerous wonderful adventures. But in this case, no rescue mission was sent. We find our way back by picking up trails from the policemens and from a few really nice people here in London. We’re lost in the middle of the city but still, we managed to find our way back while stopping here and there, and enjoying the nice view of London, the city that never sleeps.

Walking in a group of seventeen people really helps reducing the anxiety of getting lost in a big city. It also helps in making the trip more fun and adventurous while creating a stronger bonds between us.  And somewhat it feels like a school field trip. A win win situation here J  “A night tour around London”.  Few stops here and there, a few photo sessions here and there (a must! (^-^v) ) but mostly just enjoying the wonderful night view of London.

(P/S: The guys even got invited to the pent house for clubbing. But thankfully, they refused due to their strong imaan. LOL)

The five guys at the iconic "Dayyum Song".

Covent Garden, London

Another group selfie at Covent Garden, London

KI finally found his long lost shop :)

Group selfie at the center of Piccadily Circus, London

The biggest M&M shop, M&M World, London.

KI with Julie Kortens after the talk session

Back on track, on the second day 15^th August 2014, we went to Channel  4 and Battersea Power Station Development Company.  During our visit to Channel 4, we were greeted by two very beautiful ladies that worked alongside with Julie Kortens the Head of Corporate Services at Channel 4 , one of the most highly regarded within the FM industry whom was FM of the Year in 2010, and currently was the Chairman of BIFM .

We got to know a little bit about the FM managements of the building before we were taken on a tour in the Channel 4 building. The building was very neatly designed and furnished with colourful features. We were told that careful considerations were made before deciding the designs of the building. The users of the buildings needs and thoughts are also included in the design of it and to make it closer to their hearts and so that to make them more motivated to work in the building itself.

Got to met Jane,a building Surveyor in action.

The building also are changed frequently  according to the events and the needs that follows with the Channel and the staffs itself. How the changes are made without much difficulties really amazes me. When Julie was asked on how she manages it, she gave us one simple and direct answer  “Communication” and that really was spot on. Nothing was more important than good communication. We also got to met the BS of Channel 4, Jane in action.

Group photo session after the session at Channel 4.

After a few hours of discussions, out trip to Channel 4 ended with a group photo session outside of the building.  Channel 4 was a really good example of one of the best facilities managed building in UK. After the visit to Channel 4, we went to buy a takeway at Chicken Express. We got separated again  because there's not enough chairs at the restaurant. We went to find a spot at a nearby garden.

It's such a beautiful place where people sat down and relax while having their food. We're accompanied by a flock of pidgeons whom are friendly enough even to pick up foods put on our foot. Enjoying  such a wonderful  and warm time with the guys at the park is such a memorable experience that i wouldn't want to forget ever.

The routine photo session as usual. 

We later on visited the construction site of Battersea Power Station. Battersea Power Station is a mega project in UK, that’s being led by a few major investors of Malaysian company such as SP Setia, Sime Darby and KWSP. It’s such an honor to know that Malaysia is the one who contributes much to this mega project.

Battersea Power Station is also one of the most controversial project in Malaysia. A construction of a phase 2 protected building, careful consideration needs to be done while carrying out the works to make sure that the building façade will not be affected. One of the most important thing that stands out here at the Battersea Power Station is the Personal Protective Equipments (PPE). Health and safety really are important here in UK.

You need to wear gloves, goggles, safety boots and helmets at all time. The road is off limit to pedestrians even when there’s no car ahead or behind us. A specific pedestrian walk is made to ensure the safety of everyone. The entrance to the construction is heavily guarded. And merit system is used for the workers. If a worker exceeds 9, meaning he's done countless times of mistakes, he’ll be dismissed and wouldn’t be allowed to work there again.

Group photo session after  the tour around Battersea Power Station.

                                   

And as usual at the end of the visit, we took a group photo and heads out back home. Some of us that didn’t go back to Liverpool whom decides to stay for a few days were lead by Tim and Mike to the nearest train station and then we head out to our different ways. For the others, they stayed in  London for a couple more days. But for me, I went alone to York visiting my friend who’s currently studying in York University.

So that’s the end of my so ‘short’ entry. Thank you for reading. Thank you also to the  various peeps who contributed to the pictures and this entry. Roger and out. Kbai J

Written by: Nur Aqilah Zamri

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