National Chairman Meets Local Managers

The Chairman of a national body has visited both Guernsey and Jersey, to meet local facilities managers.

Mr Iain Murray, Chairman of the British Institute of Facilities Management, has visited the Channel Islands as a guest of AFM Limited. Mr Murray addressed a local audience of facilities managers and contractors, drawn from both the public and private sectors this week before carrying out a business review of AFM.

Mr Murray told the audience that the main issue in the property industry is sustainability: 'It's been at the top of everyone's agenda for the past two years and that shows no sign of changing. In fact, the current economic conditions mean that efficient building managment is more vital than ever.' He added: 'As an industry we are well placed to help businesses through the credit crunch, by promoting and delivering efficient, effective and sustainable working environments.'

Mr Murray said that good facilities management practices help companies to act responsibly: 'A lot of businesses are now talking about a triple bottom line; namely people, planet and profit. Energy usage is a big part of achieving that, which is one of the ways in which our industry can really help.'

Mr Murray, who also works as a consultant, told his audience that he will soon take over as Managing Director of a new UK facilities management company, which will be similar to AFM: 'I helped Garenne Group to create AFM from several smaller companies in 2002, and have been back to the Channel Islands to review the business since then. I shall soon be going through that process again, for myself, so this is a timely visit.'

The presentation was hosted by AFM Limited, whose Chairman, Mark Palfrey, commented: 'We're delighted to welcome Iain to the Channel Islands both as a friend of the company and in his new role as Chairman of our institute. It's been useful to receive an update on the work of the Institute, particularly in the area of professional development. Iain is establishing an all-party Parliamentary Group for sustainability, so that the industry can engage fully with the Government. He added: I think it's useful to keep in touch with some of the wider industry issues, which are helping to shape the business environment.'

After reviewing AFM Limited, Mr Murray was scheduled to represent the Institute at conferences in Dubai and Dallas.

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