FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) has appointed a new Chairman to support its mission to help the construction industry to manage costs, reduce carbon and mitigate risk.
Colin Smith joins BCIS with 40 years of experience working in companies which specialise in providing data to the construction industry and has previously served as a Chairman, CEO and Director for market-leading technology businesses in the UK, Germany, the USA and Australia.
His role will include guiding BCIS on its journey as it helps the construction industry to make more informed choices, backed by data and forecasts, in terms of carbon and building costs, as well as launching it into global markets.
Speaking about his new role, Smith said: “The business is in a unique position of holding the data the construction industry needs to reveal the best choices in terms of building costs and reducing carbon.
“There is a growing desire to reduce our carbon footprint and ultimately to save the planet. BCIS can and will help the industry to achieve this. To be able to play a part in reducing our impact on the environment is very close to my heart as I consider the legacy we will leave for future generations.
“Thanks to backing from private equity investment, BCIS now has the firepower to build on its services, expand into new markets and offer new products. It’s exciting to embark on this adventure with them, because I know from previous experience how much fun this journey will be and I know together we can make a difference.”
Smith has a long track record of working in the global construction software sector and is also an angel investor in BCIS.
Operating mainly in the role of Chairman in recent years, he has held C-level positions in market-leading technology businesses since the early 1990s.
James Fiske, CEO, BCIS, said: “The years ahead for BCIS are full of promise and we are so pleased to welcome Colin to the team to support our ambitious plans for growth, as we boost the services we deliver, that provide the construction industry with data on cost, carbon and forecasts, helping them to manage building costs and risk, as well as ultimately reducing the environmental impact we have on the world around us.
“His impressive experience with helping tech companies to expand and his passion for harnessing the power of technology and construction are just what we wanted, as we look forward to BCIS growing its business in the UK and moving into new markets globally.”
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
