RM selected for Salford and W

RNS Number : 8529T

RM PLC

15 June 2009

 



15 June 2009

RM selected for Salford and Wigan BSF Programme

RM has been selected as ICT supplier for the Salford and Wigan BSF (Building Schools for the Future) programme. RM will deliver managed ICT services as part of the Hochtief-led Transforming Learning Partnerships (TLP) consortium, which has been appointed selected bidder for the programme. RM previously announced on 28 May 2009 that Salford City Council had resolved to appoint TLP as selected bidder.

The cross-boundary partnership, with two local authorities working together, is the first of its kind in the North West. The first stage, which addresses schools in Salford, is expected to be worth up to £26m to RM over the next five years. Wigan Council is currently consulting on its BSF project, which will transform 20 schools in the Borough, and which is likely to result in additional business for RM.

Terry Sweeney, Chief Executive of RM, said:

'Salford and Wigan's partnership approach to BSF is innovative and forward-thinking - working together, the two authorities can make a real difference to education in the North West. We're pleased to be part of the consortium they've selected to help them and look forward to working with our TLP colleagues - and with educators and education managers in the two authorities - to deliver a superior solution.' 

Councillor John Warmisham, Salford City Council's lead member for children's services said: 

'This is an exciting step forward for education in Salford and I'm very confident that TLP will help us to deliver on our plans for 21 century learning in Salford.

'The BSF programme will secure the best possible future for pupils in Salford and will mean by 2012 every high school in the city will have been rebuilt creating many opportunities for young people.'

Councillor Susan Loudon, Wigan Council's cabinet champion for children and young people said: 

'The government's investment means we can plan for, and deliver, the very best. 

'This is a once in a lifetime chance to do something that few of us are privileged to do - make lasting and fundamental improvements to our children's life chances and our community facilities.' 

Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, said: 

'The appointment of a Selected Bidder is excellent news for the progress of the BSF programme nationally and even better news for the learners and communities of Salford and Wigan.  

For further information, please contact: 

Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc	08450 700300
Chris Blundell/Franziska Boehnke, Brunswick	020 7404 5959

Notes:

• 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 ww.rm.com/investors and through the Group's investor blog at rminvestors.wordpress.com

• BSF (Building Schools for the Future) is the largest single schools capital investment programme for over 50 years. BSF will provide world-class teaching and learning environments for all pupils, teachers and communities in England. A key part of the initiative is to ensure that local authorities develop a sustainable, area-wide ICT strategy for schools in line with the Government's personalised learning agenda: 10% of the funding is ring-fenced for ICT.

• Transforming Learning Partnerships comprises Hochtief PPP Solutions, RM and Laing O'Rourke.

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