ISG Hosts Transformational Change Debate

Held at Trafford Town Hall in Greater Manchester, ISG’s North West Debate was attended by a broad spectrum of delegates, with 45 attendees representing a number of public and private sector organisations, including local authorities, universities, architecture practices, consultants and main contractors.

Following a welcome from ISG, the event featured three case studies from public sector organisations that have faced significant transformational challenges and cultural shift; Bolton Council, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Trafford Council. The forum provided an impetus for debate on the current and future implications of these trends on large public sector organisations and their constantly evolving property requirements.

Amongst the delegates was David Ward from Triangle Architects who commented:  “I thought it was a really good event and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After years of recession and the influence of central government policies, it was interesting to hear how local authorities have dealt with real adversity, and that these pressures have brought about transformational change and opportunities."

The Q&A session and event summary was delivered by Steve McIntyre, a director of the BCO and former chairman of its Northern Chapter. He commented: “With change comes a need to re-examine the nature of public sector estates and consequently office environments, which include considerations such as flexible working, the role of technology, the drive to increase energy efficiency and to reduce operational costs.

“This event provided food for thought about how transformation can be managed effectively in the context of the built environment and what the future catalysts for change will be.”

The North West Debate is the latest in a series of seminars hosted by ISG to encourage delivery partners to engage in discussions about the changing requirements of private and public sector organisations in order to facilitate strategic planning.

Alan McCarthy-Wyper, managing director of ISG’s construction business, added “The dynamics and demands of the public sector present many complex asset management challenges and our Transformational Change events provide a collaborative forum for public and private sector organisations to come together to learn, question and debate the key issues, while highlighting best practice initiatives and real-world solutions.

“It is clear that public/private sector collaboration fosters innovation, the transfer of cross-sector experience and best practice that helps drive improvements in customer service levels, operational efficiencies and the development of optimum estate planning solutions across our public services. We were delighted to support this event with Trafford Council and the BCO and thank the delegates for their insight and shared experiences."