Facilities Management Association

I am pleased to report that we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cleaning and Support Services Association. This is our sixth such formal tie-up with key industry organisations, each designed to foster cooperation, knowledge sharing and mutual development. We are in discussion now with the CSSA about opportunities to bring added benefits to our respective industries and our members.

Our four Working Parties are getting stuck into their subject areas: Health & Safety, Membership & PR, Events and IT. The Events group has been particularly busy. Our November 4th networking evening, hosted by Savills, was a huge success. The presentation, on the important but complex subject of dilapidations, coupled with the opportunity for informal chatting over a glass of wine, drew nearly 100 guests – our largest ever such event. Our calendar of Last Thursdays is now planned and sponsored right through July 2010. Click here to see what's on the schedule over the next several months.

In addition, the FMA is supporting two important conferences this month, Towards Net Zero and WorkTech09. And of course we are looking forward to another very successful Workplace Futures event in February. You should book early for that one to avoid disappointment – your FMA membership entitles you to a 10% discount on the fee.

Our new website continues to draw praise. We are also continuing to develop the administrative and membership systems that lie behind it. These are allowing us to communicate more effectively as we grow. Growth, of course, is very much on the agenda. Do remember that we are always happy to hear suggestions or to receive introductions from members to new companies that would benefit from joining the FMA.

Finally, I am delighted to report that the first-ever FMA Golf Day really could not have been better. We drew a field of 60 players; both the course and the weather were superb; and the organisation was first-rate (thank you Dave Hurrell of i-FM). There has already been demand for a follow-up, and we are looking at courses and dates for the spring.

To learn more about any of these topics, or about the FMA, what we do and how we can help you, please get in touch.

Chris Hoar
Director General
Facilities Management Association