With shopping centre owners and managers increasingly choosing to go down the FM route when outsourcing their soft services, it is vital for facilities professionals to keep on top of industry trends, latest products and innovations, and the new players in the market.

The Facilities Show, held at the NEC Birmingham from May 13 to 15, alongside security event IFSEC and Safety & Health Expo, is targeted at facilities professionals and building managers. Working in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), the 2008 event sees the return of The Facilities Show seminar theatre. These free sessions address areas such as risk management and security, and are designed to keep members fully up-to-date with new developments.

With recent studies indicating that over 10 million British people believe the threat to the environment is the most worrying issue facing the country today, The Facilities Show will also feature a 'green' conference for the first time.

'The Sustainable FM Academy' will feature a number of environmentally- themed sessions taking place over three days, providing visitors with the opportunity to debate the two vital topics in every major building - energy and waste management. Each day will begin with presentations from expert keynote speakers, followed by a series of educational presentations and finishing with panel debates, featuring the country's most respected FM professionals.

BIFM CEO Ian Fielder says: "Sustainable development is one of the major challenges facing the industry right now, and FMs have a major role to play in influencing the environmental and social development of their organisations, communities and supply chain. I am pleased to endorse the Sustainable FM Academy at The Facilities Show on behalf of the BIFM - the Academy will be an ideal opportunity for our members and other attendees to learn more about this important topic."

Vincent Brain, event manager for The Facilities Show, adds: "Businesses are constantly facing increasing pressure from rising energy costs, improving competitive performance and increased regulations. The Sustainable FM Academy will provide first-hand testimonials and details of the competitive advantage gained through developing an environmental strategy. The 2008 Show will be the perfect place to discover new and innovative ideas to create an efficient, effective and environmentally-friendly workplace."

In addition, within the showcase, leading companies will be on hand displaying the latest products, services and innovations from across the FM industry. Exhibiting companies include GVA Grimley, Initial Washroom, Dalkia Utilities Services and the Carbon Trust.

Other highlights for 2008 include a security guarding and support services area, featuring the UK's leading security guarding companies as well as Safety and Health Seminar Theatres covering issues such as drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

Now in its ninth year, The Facilities Show is set to deliver more to the facilities management industry than ever before.

A holistic approach from Dalkia

With the environment becoming an increasingly important issue for shopping centres and retailers, facilities managers are continuously on the lookout for new products and fresh approaches.

Dalkia has developed a bespoke approach for the retail sector. Demonstrated by some significant contract successes with major high street companies, Dalkia's retail offering provides a cost effective and integrated hassle-free solution to the very specific FM challenges store managers face.

"Taking a new approach and introducing FM to the retail sector in this way provides high street retail organisations and store managers with a range of services that can be tailored according to the very specific demands of individual premises," explains Rob Barling, director of retail at Dalkia.

Recognising the importance of brand image in the retail environment, Dalkia is able to offer a planned lighting and maintenance programme, combined with technical facilities and energy management, to deliver sustainable retail environments.

"Total facilities management is a relatively new concept for the retail sector," explains Ian Adams, marketing communications manager for Dalkia. "Dalkia has replaced the previous approach to services and maintenance in the retail industry, which used numerous suppliers and service providers, with an integrated package. This means more cost efficiency for organisations, with less downtime and more focus on their core business."

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