The Challenge Of Asset Management For VCOs
Gaining an asset such as land or a building can completely transform both the nature of a VCO and what it can achieve. Similarly, it can also transform a community and what that community can achieve.
For some individuals involved in the VCO or the community, the transfer can represent the fulfilment of a personal dream or a political ambition. This can mean that the enthusiasm and drive of individuals involved can be overwhelming, often meaning that frustrations about bureaucracy and delays are increased.
While it is this enthusiasm that can carry a project forward and make a huge success of it, there is also a downside. Enthusiasm and drive can overshadow practical issues that need to be overcome.
Effective risk assessment and thorough feasibility studies and business planning are key to ensuring that the transfer of an asset represents a real opportunity for the VCO, the PSO and the community as a whole – rather than it becoming a liability for those involved.