BIFM, the professional body for facilities management, has launched its Facilities Management Business Confidence Monitor in partnership with i-fm.net and Barclays.
The research will act as a complete picture of FM sector confidence by canvassing the views of the sector’s senior decision makers and the teams delivering those services on the ground throughout the UK. It will ask for opinion on current business performance, the business outlook for the coming months, and individual career prospects of people working within facilities services organisations, large or small, at all levels and encompassing all roles.
Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive, BIFM, said: “The FM services market is estimated to be worth approximately £111 billion and employs almost 10% of the working population in the UK. The sector’s sheer size and prominence means it absolutely should be considered a bellwether of the UK’s economic performance.
“The market is as competitive as ever and commercial pressures haven’t eased even as we exit the recession. This project aims to accurately reflect the attitudes of those in the heart of sector so that we can begin to assess what the medium term has in store.”
Nicki Thomson, Managing Director and Head of Business Services, Barclays, said: “As a bank with a long history of industry specialism in FM, we are committed to contributing to growth in the sector and the wider support services industry.
“From our interactions with clients we believe there is a good degree of optimism in the sector. Many of our clients have seen success but this hasn’t come without its challenges and clearly there is much to think about as we progress into 2015. The views and opinions of those who set the strategy and lead the UK’s top FM companies will provide a valuable insight into the current thinking and attitudes which sit at the very heart of this dynamic sector.”
The FM Business Confidence Monitor survey can be taken by visiting www.bifm.org.uk/bcm