CoreNet Global Member Profile -- Barry Varcoe

"Use CoreNet Global to push the world of corporate real estate ahead."

Barry Varcoe of the Royal Bank of Scotland strives to "Look for the best in everyone and everything, and you will constantly be surprised."

Varcoe employs this life lesson when discussing the current state of evolution of corporate real estate. arcoe feels that for corporate real estate to thrive we must "focus upon the basic components of its value proposition, seeking to extend them to embrace more of the 'end product' that the consumer recognizes. We also need to find innovative solutions to the underlying friction caused by the totally disparate strategy and action cycles of business months and real estate years. Achieve these, and corporate real estate should go from strength to strength on the back of the significant extra value it brings."

CoreNet Global helps Varcoe successfully act on behalf of the Royal Bank of Scotland at different levels and through different channels. He takes advantage of the structured learning opportunities presented through chapter meetings and CoreNet Global Summits, the research programs that continually push the knowledge envelope, such as Corporate Real Estate 2010, and the knowledge available on the CoreNet Global website. Varcoe also utilizes the networking opportunities, which allow him to "keep a finger on the pulse of the latest developments and movers within the industry."

"CoreNet Global and its members have a wealth of information relating to just about all of the major challenges currently facing the corporate real estate industry."

Varcoe describes the Royal Bank of Scotland as a corporation that has set for itself amazing goals and objectives with the leadership, focus and dedication to achieve them. "To play my part in that journey I need CoreNet Global to keep pace - to push the world of Corporate Real Estate ahead at a speed not seen before; to tackle the inertia of the 'mass' of our industry and stimulate and catalyze radical change and improvement." As Head of Group Facilities and Logistics at the Royal Bank of Scotland, Varcoe faces the problem of releasing the underlying potential of his department and operations teams. While his team is exceptionally talented, Varcoe feels that the industry had developed a service model that encourages the generalist. "Whilst there is a need for this in part, there is also a great deal of benefit and work satisfaction to be gained from augmenting that base with specialists at a portfolio level who provide considerable enrichment of perspective and knowledge."

Aside from commuting to his office in London and Edinburgh, Varcoe takes time for some fun with his wife and two daughters. He and his wife are currently enrolled in courses to become coaches for their daughters' athletic teams. If coaching his daughters sporting activities do not keep him fit enough Varcoe also plays 5-a-side football and cricket for the village team.