Editor's Viewpoint
Playing on a global FM stage
I've been reading the IWFM's ISIG white paper 'Contracts across Borders'. There are some great insights in it from some very knowledgeable people, but also an inescapable sense of déjà vu and a bit of disappointment.
Productivity: a growth industry
UK productivity rates are below par; we all know that. But as one more ‘why & what to do about it’ survey lands on our newsdesk, we can’t help but wonder: why don’t all the proffered solutions get implemented, thus delivering huge gains for the nation?
The challenges of being in FM
I was recently asked for my views on the greatest challenges that face the facilities management sector over the next few years. How long have you got, I thought.
FM: the key to wellness in the workplace
The time is right for a new, more 'evolved' FM model - one that is broader and offers a more holistic understanding of both buildings and people. The benefits to the industry, and its clients, will be immense.
The meaning of Brexit
Has FM factored into business strategy sufficient consideration of the Brexit process, or is there a bit of a shock still to come?
Professionalising our sector
Is it too late for that? The answer depends on what we are prepared to do; but if past events demonstrate anything, the simple answer may be yes, it probably is.
Small is beautiful
The story of FM over the past 20 years has been grow, diversify, extend and grow more. But below the headline-catching stuff has been a trend favouring small businesses, ones that focus on a region or market area, or that just don’t feel driven to be big.
What next for FM?
If there is one thing that FM knows a lot about, it's change. Change has been the story of facilities management since its earliest days.
Seizing the high ground
The FM industry does a lot of things really well. What if we added one more to the list that could lift our perception, our value, our reputation?
Happy New Year?
A new year is traditionally a cause for celebration, marked by optimism, determination and positive thinking. How long all that lasts, of course, is another matter. And this year there's a question mark over whether any of it even gets started.
The productivity gap: what are we missing?
Last week Mace Macro launched a new report analysing our work environments and uncovering a series of problems, along with associated opportunities for improvement. That set me thinking.
Is technology FM's game-changer?
It's a common view in FM these days: we're on the brink of fundamental, widespread change in what we do and how we do it. The driver is clear: rapidly developing technology. But is this really the case?
Brands talk, and people listen
'Brand' is one of those ideas that can seem a bit too trendy for their own good. Of course this particular concept means something in the fast-paced and increasingly global commercial world; but what's it got to do with real life?
Technology is the future
It's become a feature of every market survey, every industry conference, every insight report into the discipline: technology is the future of FM. That is certainly true; and it always has been.
More questions than answers
Predicting change is a mug's game, especially these days when some of the old 'rules' seem particularly unreliable. But it does feel like the times might be ripe for some kind of tipping point in UK facilities management.
Planning for tomorrow
One of the big challenges for every FM service provider these days is sorting out its strategy for the future: how does it see its markets developing? how does it want to be perceived? what sort of clients does it want? what's the right service offer?
What's in a name?
Naming, and the related branding, forms part of the bedrock of marketing strategy. There’s a lot of science to both and a huge amount of material on good and bad experiences. But in the end, you make your decision, unveil your work and pray for the best.
Culture is more important than technology
That's the statement that stuck with me from Wednesday's Smartworking Summit, the latest in the series organised by consultancy Quora and this time focusing on AI in the workplace.
A tale of two FMs
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom. It was the age of foolishness. Sometimes it can indeed be hard to tell where you and others actually are.
Thinking about what we're doing and why
I'm usually the interviewer not the interviewee. Being the one questioned is an unusual experience for those of us on the media side of the business; but it can bring a new perspective to the issues.
The outsourcing debate: do they mean us?
Outsourcing has always been a touchy subject. It’s a good, sound business practice, widely used and time-proven; but it can also be an easy target for criticism, a magnet for hot-button claims around jobs, costs, quality, accountability and more.
Technology and people: An uneasy relationship
Videos of dogs doing tricks are always cute. But what if those dogs are actually quadrupedal robots that can open doors?
Conflicts of interest
Last week, i-FM reported that support services firms on the FTSE index announced more profit warnings than any other FTSE-listed companies in 2017. But why is this so?
Disturbing times
I’m not talking about Carillion going into liquidation or the recent news that Capita saw its share price plummet due to a profit warning, adding to market uncertainty and another knee-jerk reaction to the idea of outsourcing.
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