itSMF 
As with many ‘not for profit’ organisations the itSMF faces the difficult challenge of marrying the need to operate on a financially sustainable, and hence commercially viable, footing with the need to uncompromisingly put the needs of its members first.
This really comes down to getting the most value out of each pound of stakeholders’ money – as is the case with businesses that are run for profit - so it is little surprise that the group looked to a CEO with commercial rather than specific ‘not for profit’ sector experience to direct its path through a rapidly evolving environment.
The biggest challenge facing the group at the moment appears to be the retention and growth of its membership. At a time when both IT and training and develop budgets continue to be under pressure, the group must demonstrate that it provides sufficient value for money for its members, and prospective members, to see membership as a “must have” and not a discretionary spend. Constant innovation and development of service will be key to keep itself, and its members, ahead of the game in probably the most rapidly evolving industry of all.
In the short term, the impending premises move brings significant challenges, but also opportunities. The leaning towards buying is understandable if the group has significant capital reserves, particularly given that most would perceive the market for commercial property to be at a relative low. That said, most businesses continue to opt for the greater flexibility and lower risk generally associated with leased premises. Once again, it is about getting the best value for money and, first and foremost, finding the right location from which to continue the group’s development in rapidly changing times.
Alan Poole, Director, James Cowper LLP
0118 9590261 or email apoole@jamescowper.co.uk
July 2011