The International Facility Management Association has launched a web site for members in the UK (www.ifma.co.uk) and it is anticipated that a formal IFMA Chapter will be formed by the time of the World Workplace event to be held in Glasgow this June.

The team behind the initiative says: "The hole left by Global FM needs to be filled and the needs of members for a truly international dimension to their thinking can be best supported by beginning the process to establish a chapter in the UK." The steering committee comprises: Secretary - Mike Liddle; Membership - Martin Pickard; Finance - Alistair Edie; Programme - Elizabeth Halliday; Communication/ PR and Web Site - Keith Pratt.

Phil Roberts, the Vice President for IFMA Europe will act as mentor for the process. He told i-FM that they have been working closely with BIFM to ensure that conflicts of interest are avoided: "There has been good open dialogue between IFMA and the BIFM’s International Group. The understanding is that if a more formal affiliation has not been reached by the time of World Workplace then a UK Chapter will be formed."

A UK Chapter would address the needs of IFMA members relocating, as well as UK facilities professionals interested in international developments. Roberts says there are around 40 IFMA members in the UK, many of whom are also members of the BIFM.

The web site is still under development, with areas programmed for opinions, member services and events. Metzger is already onboard as site sponsor and Recruitment partner with further partners planned for Financial Services, Legal Services, IT + FM Systems and FM Providers.

Richard Byatt