Rm Regulatory News (RM.)

8 Feb 2006 07:00

RM PLC08 February 2006 RM confirms first Building Schools for the Future contract with Solihull Council RM confirms that it has reached contractual agreement with Solihull Council toprovide managed information and communications technology (ICT) services toschools in the Borough. The company announced that it had been appointedpreferred bidder for the contract on the 11th October 2005. The contract, which is expected to result in business worth £6.4 million overfour years and eight months, is part of Solihull Council's Building Schools forthe Future (BSF) programme. Under the terms of the contract RM will provide ICTservices to existing schools in Solihull, as well as working with the Borough todesign and develop sophisticated ICT systems for schools that will be rebuiltand refurbished under the BSF initiative. Commenting on the contract, Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, said: "The BSF programme is setting out to transform secondary schools in England,with innovative ICT systems playing a key role in that transformation.Establishing a position as a valued partner in BSF projects is an important partof RM's business strategy. "Solihull Council has chosen RM as its ICT partner for BSF ahead of selectingthe contractor that will rebuild and refurbish its schools. This a greatopportunity for RM to work with the Borough, teachers and the chosen contractorto make sure that educationally effective ICT is fully integrated into thefabric of Solihull's new schools. We look forward to working with educatorsacross Solihull to provide an ICT service that genuinely helps teachers to teachand learners to learn" Councillor Ken Meeson, Solihull Council Cabinet Member for Education andChildren, said: "The BSF programme will deliver schools for the 21st Century and it is importantthat we also have 21st Century technology to maximise benefits for pupils. Thecontract with RM will deliver state of the art facilities and I am particularlypleased that it will also provide integrated ICT capabilities for other schoolsin the Borough." - Ends - For further information, please contact:Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc 08709 200200Fiona Laffan/Mark Antelme, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 Notes to Editors: The RM Group is a leading provider of educational products and services toschools, colleges and universities, local government and central governmenteducation departments and agencies. Founded in 1973, RM works closely witheducationalists to use new products, processes and technology to improveteaching and learning and is recognised as a leading innovator in theeducational information and communications technology (ICT) arena. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is a £45 billion Department for Educationand Skills initiative that will rebuild or substantially refurbish all Englishsecondary schools over the next 10-15 years. A key part of the initiative is toensure that schools develop a sustainable ICT strategy focused on improvingteaching and learning. RM will provide a managed ICT service for six schools in Solihull. The scope ofthe service includes the design, implementation and ongoing management of allthe ICT needs in these schools. The service also includes the provision of anLEA-wide Managed Learning Environment, a programme of training, and an educationsupport team to assist with the introduction of the technology. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange