Member Article

Belfast hands the BIFM Ireland Conference to Dublin

Dublin is set to take on the challenge of showcasing one of the fastest growing sectors of the Irish economy next year, as the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Ireland Region has passed the baton to their Southern colleagues.

Announced following a highly successful event in Belfast where some 250 delegates from across the island took part in the ‘Workplace, People & You’ themed conference at Titanic Belfast, the move to the Irish capital reflects the exponential growth of facilities management across Ireland.

Hosting the 19th annual BIFM Ireland Region Conference is a coup for the newly formed Southern committee, which has grown rapidly since its establishment in January 2013. The Southern Branch was formed in response to market demand, with many in the region looking for the professional support structures to progress themselves and the industry and Ireland.

With over 240 active members across Ireland who benefit from networking and CPD events run in the region throughout the year, the Southern Branch represents the Institute’s first branch outside of the UK and reflects the needs of a sector which contributes over €130 billion to the Irish and UK economy.

Speaking about the move to Dublin, Mairéad Roche, Business Manager Coordinator, Portobello Institute and committee member said, “We are looking forward to hosting the 2015 conference, which reflects the growing importance of facilities management in Ireland and will allow us to better cater to the increasing number of companies who are seeing how important FM is to enhancing their businesses’ profitability”.

“We look forward to putting on a dynamic programme of events which will help promote increased awareness of the professional development of facilities management in Ireland as well as give professionals an opportunity for enhanced learning and a chance to network with facilities managers from a variety of Irish organisations.”

There are currently in excess of 200 companies delivering high-level facilities management services in Ireland and the professions of facilities management and waste management are amongst the fastest growing in Europe. The BIFM suite of facilities management qualifications are among the most popular offered at the Centre for the Modern Environment, which is a faculty of the Portobello Institute.

Featuring a wide range of international and local specialist exhibitors, the conference will provide a forum for sharing ideas and enabling professionals to spur their respective organisations to greater success through strategic facilities management.

Stephen Welch, Chairman, BIFM Ireland Region said: “I am delighted that our plans to reflect the full spectrum of FM in Ireland are coming to fruition with next year’s conference in Dublin.

“Facilities management still remains one of the fastest growing professions in the UK and Ireland. This important industry has a pivotal role to play in supporting businesses. This has never been truer than in today’s challenging economic climate when companies are looking to drive forward efficiency and streamline their processes to ensure best value and customer satisfaction.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ursula .