Overview
Join the IWFM South West Region in Bristol for an insightful exploration of the people side of the workplace and facilities management (WFM) industry supported by the IWFM Veterans in FM Network, People Development SIG and Rising FMs. At this SkillShare event, we’ll delve into critical issues such as the ongoing skills shortage, HR challenges, and recruitment trends.
Through expert-led discussions and peer-to-peer learning, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse skill sets needed for the future of WFM. You'll also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge, share best practices, and network with professionals navigating similar workforce challenges.
Key topics include:
- Addressing the current skills shortage in WFM
- Developing talent and supporting professional growth
- Understanding your role – responsibilities, qualifications, and salary insights
What’s included with your ticket
- Charity raffle entry – Each £5 ticket includes complimentary entry into our charity raffle, with a chance to win a variety of exciting prizes. (Proceeds will be split between IWFM’s Chair’s charity Mind and Freewheelers EVS Southwest Blood Bike Charity).
- Networking opportunities – Connect with fellow attendees during breakfast, lunch, and throughout the exhibition sessions.
- Food & refreshments – Enjoy a light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments provided during the day.
- Exhibition access – Engage with local experts in our exhibition area and gain valuable insights, services, and best practices
- Free parking - There is free onsite parking available.
Agenda
09:30 – Arrival breakfast
10:00 – People in WFM (roles and responsibility to others)
11:00 – Break
11:20 – Jobs in WFM (Where are the new people)
12:30 – Lunch; Exhibition and networking
12:30 – (Opportunity to view the Imperial Brands refurbished office complex)
13:30 – Let’s talk WFM (Ask the panel)
14:30 – Break
14:45 – The best of WFM (Shaping the future, reaching out)
15:15 – Raffle & Closing remarks
15:30 – Close
Speakers
Craig Connell
Michelle Connolly
Michelle Connolly is Co-Founder and Director of 300 North - FM, Property & Infrastructure recruitment specialists. Her journey into the sector began in 2015, following a successful 15-year career in providing software solutions for the insurance and financial services markets. Drawing on the experience of working with other market leading businesses & inspirational leaders drove her desire to build an experience-focused, customer-centric business with a strong inclusive culture and highly cohesive team.
Michelle is passionate about collaborating with industry peers and connecting people to develop high performing teams, successful careers & forge long lasting relationships. As a recruitment business owner in workplace and facilities management, her aim is to attract talent from diverse backgrounds to keep the sector innovative.
Having transitioned into FM recruitment herself, she believes experience from roles outside of FM can be profoundly valuable to the industry. She advocates for FM as a promising career choice, particularly for veterans and service leavers due to the applicability of skills and experience gained in service. She is assisted by an understanding gained from having family in the Armed Forces. She's committed to promoting the Armed Forces Covenant across her networks and to making a positive impact in her field and community.
Beyond her professional work, Michelle actively supports the On Course Foundation charity, aiding injured and sick service personnel through golf events and employment opportunities in the golf industry.
Ella Gladwin
Adam Phillips
Mark Sutcliffe
Mark has responsibility for leading the Facilities Management (FM) services team delivering to a wide range of clients across Local Government, Rail, Education and health sectors as well as commercial, manufacturing and leisure clients within the private sector.
Mark served as a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy from 1992 – 2001. During his Naval Career, he served in numerous ship appointments on aircraft carriers, frigates and minehunters and saw active operations in the Adriatic and Sierra Leone. After leaving the Royal Navy, Mark joined the FM industry where he provided FM and property operations across traditional contracts and PFIs, in both public and private sectors. Mark has had a varied career in FM and held many different positions, including working in operations for several service providers (large and small), and within business development. Mark has also worked in a client-side leadership role.
Since leaving the military, Mark has been passionate about supporting the armed forces family including assisting veterans and military partners into work as well as supporting military charities such as Combat Stress. He firmly believes that FM is a great career for veterans and wants to make the FM market more accessible to veterans. Mark previously held the role of Head of the KBR Armed Forces Network, which saw success being awarded a Gold Covenant Award. He is now taking Lorne Stewart along the Armed Forces Covenant journey, having just signed the AFC and already been awarded Bronze Employer Recognition Status.
Mark lives in West Sussex with his wife Claire and two children.