When I joined ExCel it was a building site and I saw it as a great opportunity to be involved in a project of its size. This was the first major exhibition venue to be built in 25 years and a very exciting prospect. The ExCel site covers some 100 acres and includes our own energy centre with developments underway including seven hotels, serviced apartments, a creche and a floating hotel.
How long have you worked there?
I joined ExCel in January 2001.
How does the role differ from your previous job?
The main difference is the constantly changing nature of the business in the venue. One day we could have a large exhibition, the next we could have a production launch or film shoot, the next we could have all three. Every one is as important as the next and we have to be able to deal with this constant change without disrupting any part of the business. As well as being responsible for the usual facilities management services, and their associated costs, I am also responsible for a considerable amount of revenue generated from the delivery of technical services for events.
What does your role involve?
The first six months was spent developing the facilities business plan, formulating contract specifications, tendering and selecting service partners. When the exhibition centre opened in November 2000 I was very hands on as the building was still in its infancy and there was a lot of day-to-day involvement with its operation, with a significant amount of time spent ensuring both the building and the facilities management team functioned effectively. The past six months have seen me take a step back into a more strategic role concentrating on ensuring the long term development of facilities management services and developing an operational focus.
What happens as a big exhibition looms?
The events industry is all about pre-planning. We will be meeting with the event organisers on a frequent basis months — and sometimes years — before an event.
In turn we will be working with our service partners to ensure they understand what is expected of them. For an organiser this is often a once a year event and nothing can be left to chance.
What's the most challenging part and what issues do you have to overcome?
The most challenging issues had to be the first three months of opening where we had 50 per cent of the building in occupancy and the remainder still being commissioned, from a technical services point this was a major challenge.
In terms of the business operation, ExCel has a core management team. One of the main challenges for me was to build a team of consultants outside ExCel who understood the business and were able to support us as a seamless part of our team.
How do you rate your job?
It's an excellent position with a great deal of responsibility, and freedom to make thing happen. We have a great team at Excel and when you look back at what we have achieved over the past two years it's very rewarding. However we have only just started and the site will be transformed over the next five years with ExCel becoming a destination not just an exhibition venue.
Source
The Facilities Business
