Education sector - University in-house team launches commercial arm

The in-house facilities team at Keele University is trying its hand at facilities contracting with the launch of a commercial operation called Keele Facilities Management (KFM).

As the in-house university team, KFM provides facilities services for Keele University and Keele Conference Park. But it has also picked up contracts for local organisations.

KFM director Jenny Deaville said taking the operation to a wider market was the next logical step. 'We have proven experience and ability to provide a facilities management resource nationwide,' she said.

For the last five years, Deaville has been general manager of Keele University Hospitality but has been moved to head the new company.

KFM will offer a full range of customer services in four core service areas. Its catering services department will either manage a client's existing catering facilities or establish new facilities; the residential services department will maintain and refurbish residential facilities and provide security and cleaning; the estate management unit will oversee new-build programmes and provide project management services; and the events department will oversee events-handling and offer advice.

'We have built our offer on two key principles: delivering creative solutions and working in partnership to enhance business performance,' says Deaville.

* Contractor YJL has launched a facilities management arm, YJL Facilities. This follows last month's launch of fit-out operation YJL London.