Monday 28 June 2010

Connected FM welcome John Ferry as new Commercial MD

Connected FM welcomed its latest arrival this month as John Ferry settled into the role of Commercial MD for the business. John brings with him extensive experience in sales and project management from his work in the interiors fit-out sector. He will be managing the sales and marketing side of the business, with the assistance of Shona Lyttel.

Much to his delight we're sure, he just happened to join us in a month of very busy tendering activity! Five submissions later and the pressure is still on with a continued flow of new business to win. John is settling in well, getting to grips with the services we provide and getting to know the team (he's already taken on that most important of roles - managing the World Cup sweep stakes!).

Last week John joined the team in our first strategy meeting, where he gave valuable input as we discussed the strategic aims and goals for the future of the business.

We're happy to have John as part of the team and look forward to supporting him in this new role.
Tuesday 22 June 2010

Budget 2010 - An FM perspective

The emergency budget today must have been the most widely anticipated budget of all time, with predictions and pre-budget analysis running amok. I like everyone else anticipated the impact from both a personal and business perspective with some trepidation, were my fears realised, well, not exactly.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills published a short summary of the impact on business, and it does not seem that bad. Reduced Corporation Tax being the main one, and of course the rescinding of the previous governments move to increase NI.

The VAT increase was widely reported and anticipated, and I was surprised it is not going to be introduced until January of next year (Christmas and January sales will be interesting!).

I suspect that the increase in CGT and VAT may have a bigger impact on the building industry than FM, and in fact this could suggest another period of increased focus on Opex not Capex. I look forward to the CIC view of this. The BIFM have a perspective here.

From a personal perspective I am warned that my income will reduce by 2% in the coming 12 months, which to be honest was not entirely unexpected. Like everyone else, we tightened our belts some time ago and even more so in anticipation of this budget.

The Telegraph has a good five minute guide to give you a quick overview. Scottish Enterprise have their perspective here.

How does this impact on Connectedfm remains to be seen, we like everyone else are working very hard for our margins and I suspect that decreasing spare money will exacerbate it. However, we have been telling everyone that we are a business which can help deliver 'best value', so I suspect now is our time.

We are focused on growth, so some of the NI holiday measures (if we can take advantage of them) might help us, couple this with people who want to work for a stable employer and are less inclined to move, then I would hope we can continue our development as a leading FM provider.
Monday 7 June 2010

Financial Controller wanted

Connectedfm are a growing Facilities Management business based in East Kilbride, we deliver a wide range of planned and reactive maintenance services to a wide range of clients across Scotland and the North of England. We have significant expansion plans over the coming months and are recruiting a Financial Controller to join the dynamic management team.
The position will offer a competitive salary, with car allowance and benefits including Pension, Family Healthcare and a flexible working environment. In addition to this the position will offer the opportunity to develop your career through a commitment to personal development and growth as the business expands.
The right individual will have:
  • Appropriate financial qualifications for working in an SME (current TO circa £5m) ACCA, CIMA or CA qualified at minimum with several years experience
  • Proven financial management experience with references
  • The ability to implement financial processes across the business
  • Excellent knowledge of all financial instruments including Invoice Finance and Online Business Banking
  • The business acumen to relationship manage the businesses banking
  • The ability to produce regular Management Accounts, P&L Accounts, Cashflow & Financial Projections
  • Analytical skills in relation to productivity, cash management, supply chain partner terms, material supplier terms, stock management and purchase order management
  • Production of the Board papers for financial reporting will also be required
The business controls its service delivery through an Award Winning Computer Aided Facilities Management Platform. The Concept Evolution system is populated with cost data from our operatives and helpdesk team and provides real time financial information from an operational perspective. The system is then Connected to our SAGE Line 200 accounting platform and our SAGE Payroll software.
The right candidate will take ownership of the financial data flowing through these systems, training will be provided on the Concept Evolution system to understand the capability, however solid working knowledge of the SAGE platform is a pre-requisite for the position.
The business has an Accounts Manager in post who is support by our Accountants, the right candidate will be responsible for the interface with the Accountants and the management and personal development of the part qualified Accounts Manager including assisting them in obtaining their final qualifications.
Wednesday 2 June 2010

Connectedfm sponsor charity cycle for Spinal Injuries Scotland

Connectedfm sponsor charity cycle for Spinal Injuries Scotland

Connectedfm were delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor a charity cycle for Spinal Injuries Scotland.  In partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car we were able to provide a hire van for the week long trip, with Graffix Detail volunteering to do the livery on the vehicle that would provide protection back up and carry supplies for the journey.

  

Kenny Herriot and Alan Cook hand cycled 500 miles in 7 days as they visited spinal units in Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin.  They spent a day at each unit speaking to the spinal injured patients, offering them encouragement and advice in facing their injuries.

The trip, to raise money and awareness for Spinal Injuries Scotland, was completed on 31st May.




Introduction Video

Share this page

Share |

Twitter

BIFM News

FM World news