University Advisory
We provide universities with commercial advice and support on strategy, demand, transactions, development and operations. We are unique in the UK market for the depth of our knowledge of student housing. SFG has been involved with closing over 50 university partnership and direct-let PBSA projects. Our experience comes from four perspectives: university, partner, and advisor to each. Through this experience, SFG bring an innovative, empathetic approach to our advice to universities.
London School of Economics and Political Science London, UK
Technical and demand advisor to LSE for its procurement process to select a partner for the development of 676 beds under a modified DBFO contract model.
The project reached financial close in December 2021 with DIF and the University as the equity holders and Engie as the developer. The project involved working with the developer who had obtained planning to construct a structure where the LSE could acquire the site and immediately lease it to the project company to undertake the development work and operate the facility with a reversionary interest back to the University.
SFG has been retained to advise LSE on aspects of the project during the construction phase.
University of Manchester Manchester, UK
We have carried out a number of pieces of work to ensure that the University’s evolving strategy has been underpinned by robust data and analysis, including cost/benefit analysis of different levels of outsourcing, demand and supply analysis and peer group benchmarking amongst others.
We are currently appointed (with CBRE) to lead the procurement of a student housing partner for the c.3,300 bed Fallowfield project. A Preferred Bidder was appointed in summer 2024.
Kingston Student Living Kingston, UK
Acted as a advisor and supported KSL in the area of student experience, with the creation of a programme and recruitment of a Residence Life Manager. Supporting this role throughout 2020 – 2021 with guidance on enhancing the programme and maintaining a positive partnerships with Kingston University.
Staffordshire University Staffordshire, UK
Robert has been advising Staffordshire University since 2010, initially on its consolidation into the Stoke-on-Trent campus and the estate strategy that followed. Robert and David then advised on residential strategy and demand, and SFG most recently acted as lead advisor on the new Student Village project. 700+ new highly sustainable student rooms are currently under construction, and 300 beds in Clarice Cliff Court are under refurbishment, with an estimated completion date of 2026.
