Facilities Management 2015 Boasts Expert Speaker Line-Up

Event organisers, Easyfairs, have secured three of the biggest names in environment, innovation and education to headline the FM Matters programme at Facilities Management 2015, which takes place on 24-26 March at the NEC, Birmingham.

The hotly anticipated FM Matters returns to Facilities Management 2015, which takes place on 24-26 March at the NEC, Birmingham.

The first major name to take to the stage will be Chris Goodall, Consultant at Europe’s leading media analysis ?rm, Enders Analysis. Goodall has become one of the most influential and trusted voices on how individuals, businesses and the government can best respond to climate change.

He has had an eclectic career ranging from teaching Economics at Harvard, and working as a consultant for McKinsey and BSG, to private investor and board member of Which? He also writes for a variety of publications including The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Independent, plus he has had three books published – The Green Guide for Business, Ten Technologies to Save the Planet and How to Live a Low-Carbon Life.

On a practical level Chris has co-designed a plan to make the Maldives carbon neutral, with GE amongst the first suppliers to sign contracts. Closer to home he sat on the judging panel of the Manchester Report, which was a high profile competition to find the most practical solutions for emissions reduction.

During his presentation he will explore why businesses wanting to be greener, still find it easier said than done. He will also detail the most suitable ways to measure a company’s carbon footprint and what to do with the results. Goodall will be speaking on day one of the show at 12:00.

In a second impressive show announcement, Kate Bellingham, Director of STEM Innovation at Gazelle, will also be headlining FM Matters. Originally an electronics engineer specialising in computing, Bellingham began her broadcast career on Tomorrow’s World, working on educational programmes for both the Open University and BBC Schools. She presented a weekly show on Radio 5 Live, as well as a series on engineering for BBC Learning Zone.

She currently sits on the advisory board of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, she is a Patron of WISE – Women into Science, Engineering and Construction, plus she was also awarded a ‘Women of Outstanding Achievement Award’ for Communicating Science, Engineering and Technology to Society by the UKRC.

More recently Bellingham has been co-presenting the BBC2 series entitled ‘The Museum of Life,’ about the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum in London. It is sure to be an educational and inspiring account of the industry from a leading expert. Bellingham will take to the stage at 12:15 on day two of the show.

The final speaker signed up for this year’s FM Matters programme is John Elliott MBE. Elliott, founder and former chairman of Ebac, who is described as a leading innovator in the manufacturing field, is a major coup for the show. Elliott’s organisation produces half the water coolers in the UK, plus they supply specialised refrigeration equipment for everything from military field hospitals to the London Underground.

Ebac is a British success story, beating competition from around the world to secure its position as Europe’s leading water cooler manufacturer. John has spread their manufacturing base to include humidifiers, air conditioners and even a luxury spa, but always keeps an eye on his business values.

John built his company from scratch, teaching himself engineering and building his first drying machines in his garden shed. After more than thirty years, he remains at the helm, having steadfastly refused to transfer production overseas.

John is a well-known and respected local figure and was awarded his MBE for helping small businesses in the North East. Since stepping down as chairman, John has placed the company in trust (with his daughters) and now oversees the dispersal of the profits to local community projects.

He demonstrates the importance of innovation and the success that can be found in a specialised field. He illustrates how diversification is important; but always within the context of one’s core business. His talk is already one of the most hotly anticipated aspects at this year’s show. Elliott’s talk will take place on the final day of the show at 12:00.

In addition to FM Matters, the show will also feature The Business Exchange, showcasing 20 free content-rich talks packed full of advice, new innovations and case studies for delegates to learn from, plus there will be a full exhibition hall packed with international names and suppliers from right across the facilities spectrum.

There will be additional entertainment in the form of show favourite, Lions’ Lair, which will see the event’s newest technologies, innovations and concepts pitched to an expert panel in a bid to find the best in show. The winner will be announced live on the show floor, straight after the voting has closed.

Furthermore, the show is co-located with Easyfairs’ flagship event Maintec, which is celebrating its 40th edition, plus its brand new show – Cleaning 2015, which will focus specifically on the buyers and suppliers from within the cleaning sector, giving them a dedicated show for their needs. The Health & Safety Event, which is run by a leader in the health and safety sector, Western Business Exhibitions will also return for its second year rounding off the clever co-locations.

Stand bookings for Facilities Management 2015 which takes place on 24-26 March at the NEC, Birmingham, can be made by contacting Chris Collins +44 (0)20 8843 8825 or email chris.collins@easyfairs.com

For further information about visiting or exhibiting visit www.fm-birmingham.com