EDI TOR’S NOTE CONTACTS
Editorial Editor Ryan Lloyd
ryan@opusbm.co.uk
Advertising Account Director Clare Gapp
clare@opusbm.co.uk
Production Production Director Hannah Wilkinson
hannah@opusbm.co.uk
Designer Nigel Rice
nigel@opusbm.co.uk
Designer Daniel Etheridge
daniel@opusbm.co.uk
CEO Mark Hanson
mark@opusbm.co.uk
EDITOR’S NOTE Hello and welcome to the Tomorrow’s FM Yearbook 2023/2024.
With a pandemic firmly behind us, businesses are now beset by even tougher challenges in the form of inflationary pressures, a cost-of-living crisis, energy supply issues and industrial action. With the country teetering on the edge of what some are now calling a ‘moderate’ recession, industries are being pinched at both ends of the spectrum with higher supply chain and product costs as well as the need to pay employees more to help them meet ever-rising costs for food, mortgages and rent, and other everyday life essentials. It is under this cloud that we explore some of key discussions dominating the facilities management and workplace industry.
Many FM companies know they have to up their game and encourage people to work in a way that yields better outcomes (see The Stoddart Review). With the productivity challenge being a key talking point for many industry professionals – Germany can produce the same amount of GDP in four days as it takes a British worker to produce in five – most are embracing the possibilities of innovative and cutting-edge technology that enhances and streamlines working practices. Despite 2022 being a year of uncertainty and macroeconomic surprises, the Internet of Things (IoT) market held up reasonably well, with the number of connected IoT devices growing from 10bn in 2021 to 14.4bn in 2022. So too, are companies adopting the benefits of computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) tools, helping FMs in general play a more strategic role within organisations. Having technology that can adapt and evolve to keep pace with the changing needs of the business is integral to organisational performance, but as Mitie points out in the leading feature for this yearbook, getting the most value from these investments can be challenging. Make sure you read the company’s advice on page six to find out what questions FMs need to ask themselves when striving to get the most value from their tech investments.
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There’s also the case of the green agenda, with sustainability and environmental social and corporate governance (ESG) now taking centre-stage. Buildings account for a staggering 40% of the UK’s overall carbon footprint – rising to 78% in cities such as London, so environmental improvements to offices and other work settings is paramount. With the UK having committed itself to hit net zero emissions by 2050, businesses will have a major role to play in achieving this. Many organisations are aiming to go further by announcing ambitious net zero targets of their own, often to be met 20 or even 25 years earlier than 2050. The CBRE points out that as mandatory disclosure requirements are introduced throughout the country, it will support the prevention of greenwashing and direct investments towards more sustainable practices. With the energy bill support from Government coming to an end for businesses, high prices are going to force companies to improve their energy efficiency and make renewable energy sources far more attractive.
Finally, for many leading organisations, attracting and retaining top talent remains a key priority. How to achieve this aim remains fervently up for discussion. Whilst flexible and hybrid working arrangements have become increasingly popular in the post-pandemic era, with many managers now under the impression it can improve productivity, according to a study by Equal Parenting Project earlier in the year, the challenge for many businesses remains balancing this with the need to spend less. Earlier in the year, CBRE pointed out that this will likely take the form of more investment in the physical workspace whilst reducing the size and scope of their real estate. In turn, facilities managers are having to cope with the challenges of space optimisation and utilisation at a rapid pace, with a smaller budget.
This publication is copyright Opus Business Media Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior written permission of Opus Business Media Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Opus Business Media Limited cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. The publisher does not necessarily agree with the views and opinions expressed by contributors.
Whatever the remainder of 2023 and beginning of 2024 throws at us, whether that’s the continued uncertainty of inflationary pressures, further issues with supply chains or the challenges in recruitment and retention, the resilience, verve and steadfast resolve of the FM industry is likely to help steer organisations through these myriad challenges.
Until next year.
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www.tomorrowsfm.com Ryan Lloyd, Editor
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