FM delivering value in uncertain times

On average, only 30% of the total amount spent on a building goes towards its actual construction. Seventy cents of every dollar spent over the life of a building, is channelled towards its maintenance and operations.

Facilities management includes concepts such as life cycle costs, sustainable practices, and routine preventative maintenance – all of which we need to incorporate when we do business.

This year, the TT Chamber will host its 6th Caribbean Facilities Management Conference and Expo on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The theme of this year’s Conference is “In Praise of FM – Delivering Value in Uncertain Times”. As usual, a wide cross-section of professionals from both the private and public sectors are expected to attend.

Our keynote speaker this year is Thomas Tom L Mitchell Jr – a Certified Facility Manager from the US. Tom is also a trained On-Scene Commander and Base Fire Marshal.

He comes highly qualified and keen on advancing organizational performance by providing solutions that increase individual competency, business sustainability, and organizational longevity. The Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Planning is also scheduled to address participants at the conference’s opening ceremony, while a cadre of local experts will deliver tracks throughout the day.

We will be presenting value-packed content that’s tailored to suit our region and designed to provide participants with immediate applicable strategies to add value to existing businesses and create new opportunities.

Topics will focus on: Sustainability, the importance of FM during economic downturns, customer service, Designing for productivity, and FM&M in education – among others.

FM&M is an industry that touches the lives of everyone in the country, directly and indirectly. There’s a clear correlation between well-maintained buildings and occupant health, wellness, and safety. If nothing else, Occupational Safety and Health legislation in TT is designed to ensure that employees are healthier, safer, and more productive, through proper maintenance of facilities and equipment within those facilities. FM encourages us to reach for a world where sustainability, efficiency, and sound environmental practices are the rule and not the exception.

Locally, we have been slow to accept the value of proper Facilities Management and Maintenance. As global practices evolve, our own perspective will have to change from short term, to one that takes the longer view.

For further information or to register for the 6th Caribbean Facilities Management Conference & Expo, call our offices at 637 6966.