News

BIFM Members' Day success

29-06-09 18:22 BIFM

The first full-day BIFM members’ event, held in London last Thursday, was a great success - mixing informative presentations, networking and awards ceremonies.

Over 150 members attended the Members’ Day, incorporating the Institute’s formal AGM, at Goodenough College, which provides residential accommodation for postgraduate students at many of London’s academic institutions.

Architect Terry Trickett chaired sessions showcasing four entrants from the ’Impact on Organisation and Workplace’ category of the 2008 BIFM Awards. Trickett is the lead judge for this section of the awards. Members heard short, introductory presentations on Siemens, Schroders, EC Harris and MBDA, before splitting into groups for more in-depth morning and afternoon sessions.

Tricia Stanley, winner of the 2008 FM of the Year award, gave members a fascinating insight into her career to date and a typical day in her life at Sodexho.

Having moved from the operational and facilities management side of the business into a business development role, Tricia spoke about life ‘on the other side of the fence’. A typical day in her current role as Business Development Manager can essentially be broken into three areas: tender preparation, ’clients for life’ and staff development.

Looking after clients comes with the job, she said but nurturing and maintaining relationships is absolutely crucial in the company’s (and her) long term success.Tricia spoke about the highs and lows – the highs she cited as “making a difference” and the were due diligence and worklife (im)balance.

Tricia also spoke about the special recognition award she received at last year’s BIFM Awards for her instrumental role in the Hull Flood Recovery project. As Hull suffered a deluge, her client, Reckitt Benckiser, faced a serious flood at its factory. Tricia was at the forefront of site crisis management and the factory was fully operational within two days and the R&D and commercial buildings three days later, reflecting dedication and organisation from the entire team of staff and suppliers.

Afer the formal Institute AGM (click link below for report), BIFM Chairman Iain Murray presented certificates to members that had passed Parts I or II of the BIFM Examination. Certificates were also presented to four members that had gone on to achieve the BIFM Qualification - Janet Barrett, Julian Burton, Kevin Keil and Katherine Sliwinska.

Leigh Carter was named as a Fellow for her contribution to the Institute and the profession. Presenting her with the certificate, Iain Murray said: "Leigh was judged to be an outstanding candidate by the Fellows Upgrade panel. Leigh has had many high profile operational roles with IBM, Johnson Controls and more lately with Interserve.

Leigh is currently implementing and transitioning the new DEFRA contract, a multi-million pound FM contract which commenced in April. She has supported BIFM and recently contributed to a BIFM/BDO Stoy Hayward ’hot topic’ breakfast meeting."

The day finished with the inaugural BIFM Recognition Awards (see pic), sponsored by BIFM Training. These new awards acknowledge the hard work and essential contribution of BIFM’s volunteers.

Jenny Mann, MD of BIFM Training, presented the awards to: Best Region - North; Best Committee Member - Lynda Tilbury (Women in FM/London region); Best Sector Forum/SIG - Women in FM; Best Corporate Supporter - Harrow Green; Best Rising FM - Joanne Pigram; Best Overall Member - Lynda Tilbury.

BIFM AGM report