According to GSH Group, UK businesses are losing significant amounts of money through inefficient use of property and should look to drive down FM costs.

According to industry figures, says the company, these losses could be as much as £18bn per annum – and a reduction of 10% in FM costs could save as much as £1.3bn. However, the company is not advocating a knee jerk reaction and emphasises there should be no adverse effect on day-to-day operations. Instead, FMs are encouraged to make smarter use of technology and the management information available, as well refining maintenance and energy management strategies.

Speaking at a GSH event, BIFM Deputy Chairman Rob Greenfield stressed the importance of cutting costs and not compliance. “It would be so easy to cut the budgets for sustainability and health and safety policies, but this could undo a lot of the great work that has already taken place. Organisations are under pressure from their customers, shareholders, finance and legislation, so should avoid the damaging impact such cost-cutting could cause.”