Facility Management in Tough Times

Simon Weatherill, Chief Executive of the Victorian State Sport Centres Trust, believes that the current economic climate demands that recreation and sport facilities adopt business models with a lower cost base, while also looking at lower cost entry strategies and their role in the community.

In the May/June 2009 issue of Australasian Leisure Management, Weatherill (pictured) writes that managers need to "take time out to assess current business models and think about the future, identifying the opportunities and responsibilities that this economic downturn will bring.

"Unemployment, for example, will see people with increased free/leisure time in tandem with rising social needs and wellbeing programs.

"By analysing the key costs of the business and the revenue they generate. It is possible to rationalise and focus on core business. Even if it is painful to cut some things out, business is about adapting to the prevailing conditions.

"Areas that need to considered are the consolidation of programs and services; economies of scale and the âbundlingâ of contracts; career path structure for employees; the reduction of services that are not core business; and solutions to reduce general operating costs including administration, communications, supplies and utilities.

"In addition to analysing cost control strategies, facility managers must also look to increase their revenue base, which may well be a more difficult task than cost control. Here innovative approaches to marketing and reaching a wider audience of customers is vital."

Weatherill's article is based on a keynote presentation he will be making at the Sports Facility Management in Tough Times workshop to be held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Friday 26th June 2009.

The Victorian State Sport Centres Trust in conjunction with its training arm, the MSAC Institute of Training and major sponsor Quay Clean, have developed this one day industry specific program intended to assist facility managers to make informed decisions for the future management of their facilities.

The event will see Australiaâs leading sports facility professionals gather to share latest trends and information.

Sports Facility Management in Tough Times will be officially opened by the Hon James Merlino MP, Victorian Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. An impressive line-up of presenters also includes Australiaâs leading social forecaster Phil Ruthven and âsuper coachâ Brian Goorjian.

In addition to Weatherill, industry practitioners presenting and sharing their ideas will include Ross Coggan from Sydney Olympic Park and Aquatic Centre, Robert Verboon from Challenge Stadium in Perth, and Bryan Pryde from the Sleeman Centre in Brisbane.

Explaining the event, Weatherill states, âthis collaborative event will gather industry leaders from all over Australia to network, share ideas and interact with industry colleagues. It should be seen as a one day investment for professionals to make informed decisions for the future management of their facility.

"The event presents a unique opportunity to gain a wealth of powerful and comprehensive industry information for your business."

For more details or to book, please contact the MSAC Institute of Training on 03 9926 1302 or go to www.msacinstitute.com.au/

29th April 2009 - MSAC INSTITUTE OF TRAINING LAUNCHED

21st April 2009 - ANSWERS ON FACILITY MANAGEMENT IN TOUGH TIMES

24th April 2008 - CHANGES AT MSFA

7th February 2008 - INTERNATIONAL SPORT FACILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM