Getting involved

I was delighted to host the BIFM awards in London on 10 October, where we celebrated the very best FM has to offer, says Ian Broadbent, chairman of the BIFM

 

27 October 2011

My congratulations go to all the winners, as well as all those who put forward entries. I know the judges had a very difficult choice in deciding on the winners. We received great support from our sponsors, in particular Mace which was headline sponsor for the second year running.

It is always interesting to see the Grosvenor House Hotel's Great Room being prepared during the day. Set up starts very early in the morning, with the final clearing of items not completed until around 5am the next day. Just like good FM, this requires planning, co-ordination and, of course, the ability to react if something doesn't quite go to plan.
This year, I set myself a challenge of cycling and running to London to make the awards, covering 234 miles over 3 ays. I was joined by FM World's Diary columnist Dave Walker for the whole journey. At the time of going to press, it looks like the challenge and the generosity of guests at the awards evening raised almost £15,000. This fantastic amount will go towards the vital work carried out by Macmillan.

I would like to thank all individuals who so generously pledged money to Macmillan on the night and the organisations which offered their support prior to me departing. You can find them at www.bifm.org.uk/chairmanscharity

Macmillan provides great support to cancer sufferers and I find it is also very keen to educate and encourage volunteers to supporting it in many different ways.

BIFM also relies heavily on volunteers. The awards evening is a great opportunity to reflect on the work put in by judges, as well as regional and group members and it's important to note that there are many different ways you can get involved, from volunteering to support a committee, providing a venue or simply getting along to a group or regional event and finding out how you can get involved.

Remember, BIFM is your institute, so please take the opportunities to have your say or get involved. Together we can advance our profession.

My deputies and I are always keen to get to regional and group events and/or answer any questions you may have by email. I can be contacted on twitter @ibroadbent_bifm or by email [email protected] and you can find my blogs on the main BIFM website, www.bifm.org.uk/ianbroadbent

[email protected]