The benefits gained can provide competitive advantage both to clients and to their supply chain partners. That was the overriding message arising from a lively debate hosted by The FMA at this year’s Facilities Show.
With all seats taken and an attentive crowd gathered around, the FMA debate was one of the most popular sessions of the week at the Facilities Theatre in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Chaired by Martin Pickard of The FM Guru Consultancy, delegates heard contributions from a panel of Members before entering in to a thought provoking discussion on innovation in the FM supply chain.
Nick Shaw, Divisional Director of Vinci Facilities explained the need for relationship driven contracts that focussed on performance and where, through use of techniques like the Balanced Scorecard, service providers could challenge the status quo. Delegates agreed, citing examples of performance improvement through better focus on sustainability.
Managing Director of Larch Consulting, Lucy Jeynes explained how e-procurement systems made it difficult for suppliers to get across a message about creativity but outlined ways in which clients in pursuit of an innovation oriented supplier could phrase questions that would ease the process. Procurement professionals in the audience were in strong agreement with the need for better information
Understanding the needs of the client is key to developing innovative solutions agreed Fiona Perrin, Sales and Marketing Director of HSS Hire. Even the provision of fundamental services like facilities equipment can be redesigned to address specific needs once effective communication is established. Audience members agreed but cited difficulties in engaging with clients when dealing with some intermediaries.
Chris Hoar, Chief Executive of The FMA was confident about the appetite of the facilities industry to embrace innovation and to generate benefits for everyone involved. “Facilities management is a significant percentage of the nation’s gross domestic product and government, business and industry all rely on the work carried out by our members to carry out their day to day business. It is vital that everyone works together to promote the excellent work being done at all levels to deliver new ideas and better solutions to the management of the built environment and wider workplace.”
Summing up, Martin Pickard expressed delight at the positive nature of the debate and the enthusiasm shown by all parties for greater collaboration in pursuit of mutual benefit.