British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) said it has launched the initial phase of the third annual FM business confidence monitor for the Middle East region.

Open to all those working in the FM industry and wider profession, the survey will run until June 11 with the aim of providing a snapshot of the sector's confidence and prospects across the region, said a statement from BIFM.

In addition to the survey, the Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) research will be supported by a series of interviews to establish a complete view of the FM market confidence by canvassing the opinions of senior decision makers as well as the teams on the ground delivering FM services throughout the Middle East.

Jason Goddard, vice chair of BIFM’s UAE regional group and CBRE director, said: "As the FM industry across the Middle East continues to develop and mature, assessing its progress will be an important part of shaping its future."

"The 2016 BCM results revealed optimistic prospects for growth within the sector despite some economic uncertainties and a continuing appetite for training, qualifications and professional development. The 2017 monitor will build on these findings, enabling us to look at future trends and best practice, and offering relevant insights into the challenges and opportunities that will drive further growth across the region," stated Goddard.

Together, the survey and interviews, which are being conducted in partnership with FM Expo and supported by publisher i-FM, will provide an accurate and authentic forecast of overall business confidence for the next 12 months within the market.

Alexis Wheatley, event director for FM Expo, said: "The monitor is coming at a great time as we are seeing some big challenges and opportunities impacting the region and it will be timely in understanding how this will play out in the FM market."

"With the introduction of VAT, we could be looking at an eight per cent total increase in service charges for the UAE. Saudi Arabia continues to be a huge opportunity for the FM industry and Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup in 2022 creates an immediate need for good FM," stated Wheatley.

“With barrel costs still low liquidity remains a challenge, so how is the industry going to react to stronger contract negotiations and what are the other challenges this creates? Speaking directly to the individuals on the ground, the BCM will be a good overview of the Middle East facilities management industry at a time when businesses need to be very smarty and prudent about how they are operating and it will be interesting to understand how the industry leaders see this playing out,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service