Gleeds acquires Cocentra to further develop its education services
(16/08/2010)

Gleeds' acquisition of Cocentra Ltd is expected to result in the further development of its education services. Cocentra provides educational and ICT advice for schools and Local Authorities throughout the UK and internationally. Cocentra also provides consultancy support through Central Government Frameworks with Partnership for Schools and the DFE.

The amalgamation coincides with a commitment by the new coalition government to embrace the development of Academies in the UK over the next five years and the increased demand for English school curriculum in International schools.

Gleeds feels there is a strong synergy between the Cocentra service offering and their own activity within the education sector which includes project and cost managing the building and refurbishing of schools, Further Education Colleges and Universities.

The merger of the two companies will see Gleeds’ role develop to encompass advising schools, colleges, universities and Local Authorities on all aspects of managing the provision of education, from recruitment to ICT and from facilities management to stakeholder participation.

Richard Steer, Senior Partner at Gleeds, explained that they could have a core role to play in the development of the Academies and ‘Free Schools’ programmes, championed by the new coalition government, as well as enhancing Gleeds’ role in advising educational facilities with which they have an existing relationship.

“We are known for our role in the construction and development of learning facilities and now we can also advise on the management, staffing and even financing of future education establishments, whether controlled independently or through Local Authorities. Working with Cocentra allows us to offer a whole new portfolio of services including change management and development of school infrastructure,” said Richard. “The future of BSF funding seems more limited” he said.

“But we are now able to assist in all aspects of the running of schools that we have previously helped build, from client visioning to the provision of the latest IT solutions. Cocentra’s presence and experience in the Middle East will also enable us to develop our education offering further through our MENA offices”.

Cocentra, which has over 30 staff and has a turnover of £2.75m, currently operates in six core disciplines including; stakeholder surveys, interim management and recruitment, performance data and preparation for inspection, advisory services, ICT services and design of new schools. Cocentra also have contracts to support the design, build and development of new schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Speaking for Cocentra Steve Davies said, “We see a natural fit with Gleeds, which has come about after several years of working in partnership. Cocentra are committed to making a difference to children's lives and education and do so by providing support to schools, Local Authorities and the DFE. This is more than a business, it is a vocation and Gleeds have the same passion for education and continuing improvement, hence our amalgamation. Together through our increased joint capability and capacity we can bring a new dimension for our clients.”