ECA and BIFM become partners

The ECA and the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) have signed a formal partnership agreement.

The ‘Partners in FM Excellence’ agreement was signed today (5 March 2009) by BIFM chief executive Ian Fielder, ECA president Allan Littler and David Pollock, ECA Group chief executive officer.

It follows several months of discussion about ways in which the two organisations can work together to deliver enhanced benefits to their members. The agreement will forge closer links between the ECA and the BIFM, particularly in the provision of information services to members. It will also result in greater collaboration on influencing policy makers in Government and on projects dealing with issues such as sustainability, accreditation schemes and other industry standards.

Commenting on the agreement, Ian Fielder said: “I’m delighted to have reached this agreement with the ECA. The BIFM recognises that facilities management is, by its very nature, a collaborative enterprise. Our members will welcome the chance to access the expertise of the contracting community and to share best practice. This approach is increasingly important to reducing the environmental impact of building occupancy.”

ECA chief executive officer, David Pollock said: “In a rapidly changing marketplace we recognise the need to form strong alliances with other prestigious industry bodies with similar aims and objectives. We welcome the opportunity offered by this partnership with the BIFM to share ideas and services and to promote our members’ mutual interests.”

The agreement specifically commits both parties to work together to develop and promote excellent FM standards; to provide shared access to member benefits and services; and to collaborate on development issues. One of the first practical benefits of the agreement will be that members of the two associations will have access to many of the protected features on each other’s websites.