It's time to celebrate

Sarah Blackman, deputy editor.

Hi there. You may or may not remember me, but I was at the FmME awards 2009, waiting in the wings for winners to tell me how they felt about their achievements.

Back then I was a writing for our sister magazine Construction Week. I didn’t know much about the FM industry at the time, but I was struck by the sense of ‘community’ within the sector.

From the office administrator to the CEO, everyone has their part to play within a company and it was clear from my first impressions that team work was what led them to victory at the ceremony this time last year.

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A lot has happened over the last 12 months, some of you I have met and a lot of you I haven’t, but I am ready and willing to learn all about your companies and how you contribute to the market. What I know already is that showing recognition to the industry’s top dogs has never come at a better time.

The ever lurking economic downturn has given companies time to concentrate on important issues, such as health and safety initiatives and green solutions, which has led to the opening of new and appropriate award categories for this year’s FmME event, to be held on May 19.

The crisis has also taught us to look back and evaluate how business can be improved. And, quite appropriately, last year’s winners spoke to Facilities Management Middle East this month to discuss their progress since the show - see p13 to find out what they have been up to.

I don’t know which companies or individuals will be awarded for their efforts this year and I am excited to find out, but if previous winners are anything to go by then the FM industry has a lot to look forward to.