Market-leading
Facilities
Management
Software
from FSI
Concept Evolution:
core CAFM solution
Concept Advantage:
Workplace Technology
apps
FSI GO:
Mobile Workforce
Enhance corporate
wellbeing with CAFM
technology from FSI
@ConceptCAFM
in FSI (FM Solutions) Limited
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 21
FMJ.CO.UK
THE CLIENT FM’S VIEW
LUCY HIND,
FACILITIES DIRECTOR, COVANCE LABORATORIES LTD
It is really
interesting
looking back
at 2018, Brexit,
the collapse
of a national
organisation and
other economic
challenges. We
are all aware
that facilities
management
is a dynamic
profession,
which supports
the core
functions of business through creating an e ective and
e icient built environment for business; for its clients and
occupants to its visitors, while maintaining interactions
with parties such as FM consultants, in-house FM teams,
contractors, suppliers and service providers. The diverse
nature of FM functions necessitates e ective supply
chains and as such the role of facilities is constantly
challenging and changeable. When I have spoken to
industry leaders and practitioners it is interesting to
hear what is believed to be the key areas that need to be
addressed and considered as we move into 2019. These
include the imminent technological, sociological and
cultural changes facing British business. For me looking
back at what happened in 2018 and forward into 2019, I
have to consider the what I would call, localised impact,
that I believe should be a key focus for our industry,
which takes us back to the basics…. and an issue which
is critical to both client and supplier alike; the client and
supplier relationship, the relationship between the two
and the connectivity to ensure business sustainability. I
have to ask myself if we truly understand the importance
of communications and the clear expectations between
organisations working together in FM. This is highlighted
when organisations fail to talk about issues that force
them to take drastic business action a ecting not just
them but their supply chain and client base. “If an
organisation is struggling why not talk to the partner
organisation to look at how a mutual solution could be
found?” is o en suggested. When this doesn’t happen, is
this due to a perceived fear of failure or is it a lack of real
partnership, a mistrust in each other? For FM to succeed
going forward we need to ensure collective thinking, open
book policy and a push for real partnerships between
clients and contractors. This will help ensure that both
party’s expectations are met to ensure sustainability
in business and to create a robust, lasting working
environment. With the growing complexities in facilities
management and its commitment towards enhancing
customer value, establishing the nature of FM supply
chain is vital for all.
My plan to get us back to basics will include:
• Removing the over reliance on email and electronic
messaging
• Focusing on client relationships through more
face-to-face interrelation
• Ensure clear partnership plans to enhance contract
management for both parties
Our need for speed to action as leaders and managers
has moved us to use technology at an extreme level
for aspects of our daily working and home lives which
includes the use of email, messaging and Lync for
communication. We all are aware how electronic
communication can be misunderstood, maybe by
stepping back and focusing on relationship building
we can bring about a new way of working. It will be
interesting to see if more direct communication will
indeed make a positive di erence in such a business
world.
VP OF IFMA UK CHAPTER’S VIEW
ANTONY LAW,
VP IFMA UK CHAPTER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
CHURCHILL LONDON
2018 will most likely be remembered for the collapse
of Carillion in January and the consequences of its
liquidation, which have played out throughout the rest of
the year. Unfortunately, recent reports suggest that 2019
will bring the same fate for another large service provider,
with thousands more jobs on the line and another unfair
dent on the outsourcing industry’s reputation. As a result
of this, it’s very likely that transparency (or lack of) will
again feature as one of the industry’s biggest challenges
over the next 12 months and will continue to be a key
issue to overcome as the exact outcome of our exit from
the EU is finalised.
The year was not all doom and gloom, however, as it
also saw the introduction of IFMA and RICS’ professional
statement for
procurement
of facilities
management.
This landmark
document
allows property
professionals
to reduce
risk, increase
transparency,
and further
trust in
the entire
procurement
process. This
is a really positive step and comes at just the right time.
We must provide the industry with the right tools if we
FM CLINIC
Lucy Hind
Let us help change your world.
T: +44 (0)1708 251900
E: info@fsifm.com
www.fsifm.com
Antony Law
ADVICE & OPINION
link
/www.fsifm.com