Boots UK
National Asset Management – Vacant Store Portfolio
Overview
Boots UK required a nationwide asset management programme to assess and catalogue critical building assets across a portfolio of vacant retail stores.
With a large estate and varying site conditions, the goal was to identify risks, evaluate existing building systems, and provide a structured asset register to support proactive maintenance and informed decision-making for future reoccupancy or disposal.
Challenges
To deliver a consistent and accurate asset assessment across multiple sites, the project needed to:
✔ Identify and document all key mechanical, electrical, and life safety assets.
✔ Assess condition and operational status of existing systems.
✔ Evaluate fire and vandalism risks in long-term vacant environments.
✔ Confirm the integrity and functionality of CCTV, power supplies, and other key services.
✔ Produce a comprehensive asset register and risk summary to guide remedial work and future maintenance strategies.
Solution
Times Group deployed specialist survey teams across the UK, using standardised reporting formats to ensure data consistency. Each site was assessed for:
• Mechanical, electrical, and security infrastructure condition.
• Fire safety systems and potential risk exposure.
• Vandalism, damage, and environmental hazards.
• CCTV coverage and power supply reliability.
All findings were compiled into a digital asset register with photographs, condition scores, and priority-based recommendations. This centralised database now enables Boots to plan remedial works efficiently, allocate budgets accurately, and schedule proactive maintenance before reoccupation or handover.
Results
• Full asset visibility achieved across all surveyed stores.
• Fire and vandalism risks identified and prioritised for remedial action.
• Operational issues with CCTV and electrical systems rectified quickly.
• Comprehensive asset register implemented for ongoing portfolio management.
• Enhanced compliance, transparency, and control over maintenance planning
The project provided Boots with a clear, data-driven understanding of the condition and readiness of its vacant estate, supporting better asset management, cost control, and decision-making moving forward.