In light of our recent, exciting partnership with Schools Plus, I took the opportunity to reach out to Tony Lock, their Managing Director, to find out why the collaboration is important to him, how it came around and everything in between. Tony was appointed Managing Director in June this year, after news that one of their Founders would be moving to China to build Schools Plus 2. When I asked Tony why it’s important to him to help schools capture the missed opportunities of unused school facilities, he responded:
“In the current financial climate, there has never been a more pressing time for schools to capture opportunities for maximising additional revenue in order to maintain essential teaching and learning activities. Turning disused school spaces into profitable, thriving community hubs that can offer spaces for weekly dance classes to corporate events to tuition and sports groups offer the wider community accessible space for ‘out of hours’ bookings.”
First of all, can you tell me how you think the partnership will benefit schools?
We are excited to be expanding our approach with schools so that as well as our fully managed service we can offer schools a range of services and access to partners. We are pleased to be offering schools help with their energy contracts. This is another place they can cut costs and spend those additional funds on better equipment and more staff.
What made you reach out to Indigo Swan?
I saw a post on LinkedIn where Indigo Swan talked about their focus on the education sector. I thought they looked like they had a similar philosophy and way of working to Schools Plus. I called and immediately got a great vibe talking to them and then met James a few weeks later. It’s clear to me that by working together we can help schools even more by taking this approach.
How do you envisage any savings the schools make from the scheme will be reinvested?
In two ways. Firstly, (and most importantly) the scheme will provide schools with all the tools they need to hopefully get a better understanding of their energy costs and become more efficient. Secondly during the first three years there will be a cashback fund generated, that can be used either to support the maintenance and improvements of the sports facilities at the school, or used to increase the community use of the school facilities through discounts or other progressive schemes to increase participation.
Both companies are built on strong business values, why are values important to you and Schools Plus?
Schools Plus have always had values at the core of everything we do. The company’s values are integrity, commitment, accountability and being good with people and we apply these throughout every aspect of the job.
If a school is looking to find out more information about the partnership and how they can get involved what should they do?
We would love to hear from any school who is interested in the services we provide. We can talk further about their circumstances and how we can assist with lettings at their school. You can reach us on 0345 222 2323 or enquiries@schoolsplus.co.uk.
What’s your long-term goal or vision for Schools Plus?
Building on the foundation of operational excellence, I want to grow the number of partner schools utilising community lettings to generate flexible income, so that Schools Plus fund annually the equivalent of more than 500 teachers in England every single year.
How do you customise each schools approach?
Every school is totally different, and we are fully aware of this. We make sure we’re flexible when having conversations and with our approach with potential schools. We have a range of services and even within those there is ample scope for customisation so we can fully meet a school’s requirements.
Are there any issues that can arise from letting out schools’ facilities and if so, how are these overcome?
We recognise that no operation comes without risk but Schools Plus experience of over 15 years of managed lettings allow us to operate our sites in the safest way whilst evolving and reacting to fit the developing education sector.
What’s your best piece of advice for schools looking to take advantage of letting their facilities out?
Whilst flexible income generation is ultimately why schools are looking at community lettings, they must focus on working with a financially stable partner with a strong and consistent operational record. They need a ‘silent partner’ who generates substantial income for the school, paying them monthly, without causing any day to day issues at the school.
We are super excited about our new partnership with Schools Plus and the opportunities it will bring us, but also the schools in our country. If you would like to find out any more about the partnership, there is information available on our website or feel free to get in touch with us hello@indigoswan.co.uk
