As the industry continues to debate the best course of action for the professionalisation of FM, BIFM explains the theory and methodology behind the FM qualifications on offer.

Learn about the latest developments in networked security from the world's leading suppliers at IFSEC International 2012

While the coalition government continues to claim its support for SMEs, have new public sector procurement models given smaller companies a fair share of the action? Cathy Hayward finds out whether Whitehall has stuck to its promise of a revolution in the way it procures services.

Setting yourself apart from the crowd has never been more vital than it is in today's job market. Michael Hewlett, operations director at facilities management recruitment practice Maxwell Stephens, expounds the importance of qualifications in the recruitment process.

Each service delivery model has its benefits but does one stand out from the rest? Mike Cant of Larch Consulting explains that doing it differently is one thing but doing it properly is quite another thing altogether.

Despite the current economic conditions, Alan Hasson, General Manager at instrumentation specialist Ashtead Technology, reports continued growth in the drain/pipe inspection sector, but he says “This growth is not the result of more people inspecting drains, pipes and culverts, or more pipes being inspected; we have managed to maintain this expansion by investing in the latest inspection technologies and through the creation of innovation financial models to make this technology available to a wider market.”

A look ahead to the largest Facilities Show yet, including the latest edition of the FMJ Debate. NEC Birmingham, 15-17 May

As one of the most important industries to the UK economy, FM deserves more time in the spotlight. Chris Hoar, chief executive of the Facilities Management Association, tells us more.

Facilities Management Journal (FMJ) invites you to the Facilities Show, which takes place on 15-17 of May at the Birmingham NEC and offers its visitors some fantastic educational features and over 40 special seminars. Whether you want to reduce your company's carbon footprint, assess your security or health & safety risk, rearrange your office space, manage your waste better or fully understand the relevant legislation you need to comply to, you can hear more from the experts at the show.

With the health and safety of children to consider, it is all the more important that school washrooms are using the industry’s most superior products, ensuring ultimate hygiene and cleanliness, to prevent the spread of infection. Ricky Thacker, Premises Manager at Mappleswells Primary in Nottingham explains how the SmartOne® mini double toilet tissue dispenser from the Lotus Professional range® has helped the school achieve top marks for cleanliness and efficiency in the school’s washrooms.

David Sharp, managing director of Workplace Law, tells FMJ why understanding what the customer wants is vital to the success of your business.

More and more clients recognise the benefits of having a single point of contact for all their FM services. Servest began providing cleaning services to Leicestershire County Council in the late 1990s but their latest contract now includes pest control, waste management, maintenance and security.

During tough economic conditions, the last thing most businesses look at is investment in print management. Yet print costs are typically around 3% of a company's annual revenue, often running into tens – if not hundreds – of thousands of pounds. The reality is that strategic spending on this essential and often-misused office technology can improve efficiency, significantly drive down costs and deliver rapid ROI.

Gerry Askew, commercial director at SGP Property and Facilities Management, explains how the company is benefiting from an extensive CSR policy and why more organisations should follow suit.

Dave Lewis, head of sales AT npower, examines key findings from the latest npower Business Energy Index and ponders how far companies have come when it comes to measuring and monitoring energy.

Potholes, ironwork theft, failed paving, anhydrite screeds and fast track levelling....Instarmac has an answer for each these of these maintenance problems.

As changes to legislation and the economic and social landscape shift the argument over energy management in 2012, Gordon Ludlow - managing director of Ergoplus Facilities - explains how industries and organisations can breathe new life into the green agenda.

Walking in the facilities manager's shoes this month's FM Insider, is Tim Frankland, joint managing director of Claremont Group Interiors, who explains why the FM industry should do more to accentuate the positive.

Europa, a leading property and support services company, has reason to celebrate after recording a significant reduction in the number of accidents despite increasing staff numbers by almost a third.

Mark Pawson, operations director at Imtech Aqua Maintenance, looks at the delivery of the 2012 Olympics from an FM perspective.