SI CBX wades into corporate PFI debate

As talk about the potential benefits of removing property from the company balance sheet goes on - with little sign of anyone actually doing it yet - at least one interested party is content to wait.

SI CBX, a keen advocate of the broad infrastructure management approach to support services, says it is only a matter of time.

"It took a long time for public sector PFI to get off the ground," notes business development director John Weston, "but after the passing of time, and a change of government, we are seeing many major projects deliver benefits.

"The time of corporate PFI will come," he says. "Like the public sector before them, companies will see the opportunity to achieve a better return on assets, have less capital tied-up and gain from a long-term partnership with a provider whose core business is the workplace."

Weston offers his views in a video clip built in to the new SI CBX website. The site has been re-created over the past several weeks to reflect a growing presence across Europe. It provides links to other Sulzer Infra companies and aims to meet the needs of clients, potential clients, suppliers and even potential employees. A new video comment on a current issue is promised every month.

Meanwhile, ICL, the only proclaimed large-scale corporate PFI candidate, remains closed-mouthed while negotiations with potential partners continue.

Elliott Chase