19 May 2017 | Martin Read
FMs operating in the Middle East have until 11th June to take part in the BIFM's third annual Facilities Management Business Confidence Monitor 2017 for the Middle East.
Open to all those working in the FM industry and wider profession, the survey will again seek to provide a snapshot of FM sector confidence and prospects across the region.
Jason Goddard, vice-chair of BIFM's UAE Regional Group and CBRE director, said: "As the FM industry across the Middle East continues to develop and mature, assessing its progress will be an important part of shaping its future.
Speaking of the 2016 survey's results, Goddard spoke of "optimistic prospects for growth" within the sector despite "some economic uncertainties and a continuing appetite for training, qualifications and professional development".
Alexis Wheatley, event director for Middle East FM exhibition FM Expo, believes the latest Business Confidence Monitor is well timed.
"We are seeing some big challenges and opportunities impacting the region and [the business monitor survey] will be timely in understanding how this will play out in the FM market," said Wheatley.
"With the introduction of VAT, we could be looking at an 8 per cent total increase in service charges for the UAE. Saudi continues to be a huge opportunity for the FM industry and Qatar's hosting of the World Cup in 2022 creates an immediate need for good FM.
"With barrel costs still low, liquidity remains a challenge, so how is the industry going to react to stronger contract negotiations and what are the other challenges this creates? The Business Confidence Monitor will be a good overview of the Middle East facilities management industry at a time when businesses need to be very smart and prudent about how they are operating. It will be interesting to understand how the industry leaders see this playing out."
Readers can take part in the survey by clicking here. Results will be announced in July.