The Harvey Centre is a collection of retail shops, services, leisure outlets, and eateries located in Harlow, Essex. It was opened in 1984 and has been at the heart of Harlow shopping for over 30 years.
We are proud to work in partnership with Centre Manager Bryan Young and his team, and of the special relationship we have built over the past five years. Bryan has been working at the centre for 25 years, initially as Operations Manager, and is responsible for over 50 staff, including both Savill’s employees from the property management company and ASG partner staff.
When ASG first took on the contract, there was some apprehension about the change from a well-established in-house centre model for security and individually outsourced cleaning and maintenance providers, to a full Total Facilities Management contract. This was soon overcome as we proved that we could not only help provide smooth and supportive facilities management but also a very hands-on approach, which dovetailed with the centre’s own management style.
The Harvey Centre is manned 24/7, 365 days a year and had a footfall of over 7.5 million in 2024. Managing the provision of security, maintenance, and cleaning is a complex role, and Bryan relies on the skills, experience and professionalism of his team.
We chatted to Bryan about working with ASG and the retail environment in general:
“Many companies and retail outlets have merged, and we are seeing more co-ownership and multiples with shops diversifying and retail groups increasing in size. We’ve also lost some iconic names over the years, such as Woolworths, and Top Shop, which no longer have a physical presence.
Visitors are looking for more of an experience, not just shopping. We currently offer a six-screen cinema, laser tag, Escape Rooms, Glow Golf and grab-and-go type eateries alongside our 30 retail units.
So, an area we are looking to improve on is our nighttime economy. We plan to offer more to attract a wider audience and develop this side of the business to be more competitive.
Harlow Council acquired the centre in December 2022, with business continuing as usual. In the longer term, we expect this to work in our favour as the council looks to redevelop the town with more community-driven projects. Working with ASG has turned out to be one of the better things we have done. Their working and partner ethics have led to a really good working relationship, and we all work as one team.
ASG keep us ahead of the game with high-tech cleaning solutions, and we recently took delivery of a Window Buddy, which programmes itself, as well as an Agitation Machine for floor surfaces. Red tape and the complex decisions behind machinery provision are made easier through our partnership.
Over our years together, we have appreciated the unique ways of working that not all facilities management companies offer. The staff at ASG have a can-do attitude, often making what might seem impossible achievable. There is a very flat management structure, but everyone is aware of their responsibilities and exhibits a hands-on approach. They are often the first to offer help outside their normal remit.
Our working relationship continues to grow together. There are always challenges, but solutions have been quick and resolved as a team working in partnership. Although ASG has recently become part of the Atlas group, it has retained its mentality and identity.”
