RM named as ICT provider for

RNS Number : 6505P

RM PLC

21 July 2010

 



21 July 2010

RM confirmed as ICT provider for Stoke-on-Trent BSF programme

RM confirms that it has reached financial close for a contract to provide managed ICT services for Stoke-on-Trent City Council's BSF (Building Schools for the Future) programme. RM previously announced on 5 May 2010 that it had been appointed selected bidder for the programme. None of the schools involved in Stoke-on-Trent's BSF project was affected by the DfE review of the BSF programme announced on 5 July 2010.

The contract is expected to be worth £29m to RM over six and a half years. RM will provide a sophisticated managed service to schools in Stoke-on-Trent, including the provision of in-school hardware, networking and communications services, and day-to-day management and support. In addition, RM will offer its Kaleidos learning platform, identity management services, and a full continuing professional development programme.

Terry Sweeney, Chief Executive of RM, said:

"I am pleased that we have been able to reach financial close on the Stoke-on-Trent BSF contract. At the time the DfE stopped the BSF programme, our negotiations with the Council were substantially complete, and building contractors for the project had already been appointed. It's great news that we'll be able to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to ensure that pupils in the City will have access to innovative ICT facilities in their new schools."

Welcoming the news, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, Councillor Debra Gratton, said:

"This is another major step forward in our BSF programme. This agreement with RM means pupils across the city will have access to the latest high-tech ICT giving students the opportunity to develop their computer skills to the highest level."

For further information, please contact:

Iain McIntosh/Phil Hemmings, RM plc	08450 700300
Chris Blundell, Brunswick	020 7404 5959

Notes:

1.   The RM Group is a leading provider of educational solutions that help teachers to teach and learners to learn. RM works closely with educationalists to create new products, processes and technology which improve education. RM is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol RM.L, ISIN GB0002870417. Further details are available at www.rm.com/investors and through the Group's investor blog at rminvestors.wordpress.com

2.   RM announced on 5 May 2010 its appointment as selected bidder for the Stoke-on-Trent BSF project and indicated that the contract would be worth c.£33m. During post-preferred bidder negotiations, there have been changes in the scope of the project and the final contract is for £29m. The Stoke-on-Trent BSF project has procured ICT services separately from construction.

3.   The BSF (Building Schools for the Future) programme was established by Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2005 to renew secondary schools in England. Following the election of a Coalition Government in May 2010, the Department for Education stopped future procurement under the BSF programme. At the time the DfE stopped the BSF programme, Stoke-on-Trent City Council had already reached financial close with its chosen building contractors for its project and its schools were unaffected by the DfE's decision.

 

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