Relentless march of FM supports industry maturity

There is a palpable sense of confidence that can be felt throughout all sectors of the FM industry, which has been honed and strengthened by the meeting of the many unique challenges to have emerged in recent years

One of the most notable results from this has been the reaction of industry professionals to the latest various ‘doom and gloom’ warnings featured in the national media of further price rises and potential recession within the UK economy, resulting in comments such as: “We’re not worried, the UK FM industry has always managed to cope with recessions!”

This does not mean that all companies working in the FM sector will breeze through all the trials and tribulations that all businesses face at various times, but it does most certainly imply that they have more opportunities to deal with these challenges and find solutions that will see their organisation continue to not only survive, but also prosper, allowing them to further support the interests of clients and industry partners.

These positive reactions to difficult situations are also another sign of the FM industry’s ‘coming of age’ and another constructive attribute that will support its continued development in the years ahead.

That is not say that our sector is perfect, of course, as everyone who knows and works within it will testify, but there are highly positive indications that the collective efforts of professionals working in all areas of FM are continuing to deliver a favourable impression with clients, industry partners and members of supply chains that bodes well for these to continue and grow.

Those requiring further evidence of this are invited to scan through this issue and the previous editions of FM Director, all of which are available to view on fmdirector.com, to gain more understanding of how the efforts of professional FM practitioners are having an encouraging effect in all sectors.

The application of sound, responsible and sustainable business practices is increasingly seen as the starting point for strategies that support individual businesses initially, before quickly adding a growing number of benefits to clients, supply chains and partnering organisations to add further to the good reputation of our industry.

Of course it is important – if not essential – to retain a realistic outlook to avoid thought processes that can lead to the industry being hailed as ‘the best thing since sliced bread’ and other types of hyperbole, but the application of ‘credit where credit is due’ is also highly relevant to recognise the many achievements within our industry and the potential for these to be added to in the years ahead.

Dennis