FMA News & Press Releases
Update on Proposed Merger Talks
Published: Wednesday 18th September 2013
Source: FMA
The merger of Asset Skills, CSSA and the FMA is progressing following the board meetings of all three organisations in preparation for a final decision on the proposal. A need to provide better representation is a key aim of the plans and the merger will bring the benefits of all three organisations under the umbrella of a unified organisation.
The merger plans are largely driven by rationalisation within the industry and the current economic climate. The new organisation will provide a hub for the industry and is necessary for training, networking and development.
One of the founding forces behind the merger is Chris Cracknell, Chair of Asset Skills. Chris comments: “The excitement is really building for all three organisations and in the industry as a whole. We are pushing ahead to make this merger a success and provide an industry body that is much needed. We are very hopeful that members will vote in favour of the proposals and agree with all of the new benefits and offerings we have worked hard to develop. It is time our industry spoke with a more cohesive voice.”
Talks are continuing leading up to Extraordinary General Meetings (EGM) to be held by all three organisations in early November. Sarah Bentley, Chief Executive at Asset Skills, comments: “We are reaching the final stages of talks regarding the merger and the benefits of consolidation are really looking strong. We are working on a training offer designed for the workforce entering and moving up through the career pathways of all of the core sectors we represent.
We have a steering group meeting on Thursday and are consulting widely to develop an employer facing body that adds real value. Further announcements of the details of the merger will be coming soon.”
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Press contacts
For media enquiries please contact:
• Asset Skills: Jess Watson on 07827 947519 or email [email protected].
• FMA: Katie King on 07525 727288 or email [email protected]
• CSSA: Steven Proudfoot on 0207 920 9632 or email [email protected].
About Asset Skills
Asset Skills is the employer-led skills body for facilities management, housing, property, planning, cleaning and parking. We ensure apprenticeships and training are meeting the needs of people and businesses in these industries. Our work is shaped by leading employers across the UK and includes:
• The UK Academy network – a one-stop-shop for employers to access training and skills support.
• Apprenticeships and occupational standards development.
• Project management and delivery – we deliver workforce development programmes.
• Green Deal Skills – we work to ensure the right skills are in place to deliver the Green Deal.
• Insight – we deliver insight and intelligence.
For more information, visit www.assetskills.org or call 0845 678 2 888.
About the Facilities Management Association
The Facilities Management Association (the FMA) is the UK’s leading representative trade body for employers in the FM sector engaged in delivering non-core services to a broad range of public and private organisations. The FMA's goal is to support member companies in their pursuit of ever increasing standards of service and value on behalf of their clients and to assist them in improving their trading positions through innovation and thought leadership.
Visit our website - http://www.fmassociation.org.uk/
Follow the FMA on Twitter @FMAssociation
About the Cleaning and Support Services Association
The CSSA is a membership association for the cleaning and support services sector. It is the customers' guide to quality and reliability in the UK cleaning and support services market. Its dedication to training, marketing and the representation of its members' interests has already made it one of the most respected trade organisations in the country.
Many companies would like to contract out their support services, but are unsure of how to go about it. Look out for the CSSA logo on a contractor's letterhead and business correspondence. It is your warranty that a contractor is ethical, professional and provides good value for money. CSSA membership means that an organisation has been independently vetted and is required to adhere to its Code of Practice. Set up by the leading companies in the industry to monitor standards and ensure proper representation, the CSSA exists for the mutual benefit of the industry and its customers.