Benchmarking methodologies applied to UK facilities management

The use of benchmarking is regarded by many as a panacea to modern day business problems. Irrespective of what business you are in, or the financial state of your business; proponents of the procedure insist benchmarking, if correctly applied, ensures organizations are able to gain the competitive edge necessary in today’s business world. But how can this technique be usefully exploited in the facilities management arena? The theory suggests that a structured approach to the benchmarking of facilities management will give organizations the competitive edge necessary to survive in the worldwide market. But what happens in practice? Is benchmarking used by major companies, and if so, is it used by facilities managers responsible for the company’s office buildings? If it is, is it successful and, more importantly, is it being correctly employed? This paper forms part of a two‐part report which seeks to answer these questions, taking account of the broad range of company sizes and activities who use office space, looking specifically at the UK situation.