Alan Begg
Job title
Facilities manager
Organisation
Warwickshire College
Job Description
I am one of three FMs looking after a property portfolio of over 377,000 sq ft across a number of sites, including a farm and horse unit. Responsibilities include PPM, customer safety, security, portering, projects and cleaning and, invariably, any other job no-one else wants.
How did you find out about position?
Preparing to leave the Parachute Regiment after 16 years, I saw an advert for the position of campus manager at an agricultural college. Thinking this would be an opportunity to 'put my feet up' before I retire, I applied for it. I was given the job and unsurprisingly, I was soon disabused of my 'feet up' notion.
What attracted you to the job?
The variety, I think. It is not unlike the army. There is always at least one crisis, somewhere, to be solved.
What are the unusual/challenging aspects?
There is huge pressure, outside the academic year, to complete projects and PPM so that minimal disruption is caused to our learners.
If you could change one thing in FM......
We're an eclectic bunch and FM is relatively new. Although the profession is beginning to be recognised, it is still some way off universal acceptance. Unlike say architecture, or quantity surveying, FM has no clearly defined role and until it can solve that dilemma it will lack credibility. As managing facilities becomes ever more complex and technical, one can only hope that all senior managers will see the benefits in employing a recognised professional to manage their facilities.
When and why did you join the BIFM?
I joined in 2002 as I felt it was essential for my career progression to join a recognised professional body. It is also great for networking.
What car do you drive?
An Aston Martin DB9. Then when I wake up I get into my Renault Megane.
Any interesting tales to tell?
One day, some enterprising cows on our farm thought there was a better grazing in the nearby motorway service station and hard shoulder. It took most of the morning for my staff, the police and the fire service to bring the herd back in. Thankfully, everyone took it in good spirit.
