This is a 700 page 2nd edition of Bernard William’s highly original and pioneering book – Facilities Economics. As its title suggests, the 2nd edition has been substantially rewritten to include valuable new material and data, within a timely pan-european perspective of facilities economics. The book provides extensive inter-country comparisons across EU states, particularly in relation to facilities and support services costs, property investment and returns, premises costs, lease terms, rents and service charges, legislative arrangements and taxation, to name but a few. These pan-european comparisons are clearly illustrated in tables and figures, supported by BWA’s extensive database of facilities costs and performance.

The book is available as one complete volume, or in six ‘stand alone’ parts. The first three parts provide an authoritative and comprehensive account of facilities and their management, premise finance and operations, and business and staff support services. These three parts provide a uniquely rich source of information and insights, providing essential reference material for all working in the field. The following three parts of the book are shorter. They address specific issues related to relocation and development, taxation systems and tax arrangements, and facilities auditing processes and benchmarking. The Book includes a detailed Glossary of terms, a list of commonly used abbreviations, a Table of relevant Statutes and Guidelines, together with a comprehensive Index. This final section will, in itself, be of considerable practical value to the facilities management team.

Bernard Williams’ distinctive personal approach, his expert knowledge and experience in the field, his easy and direct writing style, coupled with BWA’s well tested methods and metrics, combine to produce a book with a remarkably clear direction overall. Naturally there are more detailed expert texts in some of the specific areas that are included. However, despite the breadth and diverse scope of the topics discussed, the book remains firmly focused throughout.

This is a bedrock book. It provides comprehensive coverage of the practical issues of managing property, facilities and support services within a corporate client perspective. The book is expertly structured and indexed for easy access, giving exceptional value for money.

Bev Nutt
Professor of Facility and Environment Management, UCL.