Ramesys hopes BSF will help it double in size

Technology specialist Ramesys is ramping up the number of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) contracts it bids for as part of a plan to double the size of the firm.

The information and communications technology specialist has already clinched three BSF contracts in joint ventures with Bouygues and two with Carillion, worth a combined £160m. It is also shortlisted for an additional £123m of BSF work.
Now the firm is looking to double its hit rate, possibly with new construction partners.

Chief executive Mark Chambers told CJ: “We have been winning three deals a year and I can see no reason why we can’t increase that to five next year. Just by our order book we know the company is going to double in size, with turnover increasing from £34m this year, to £50m in 2009, and around £70m in 2010.”

Lloyds Development Capital recently pumped in £9m of funding, some of which will go towards the firm’s additional BSF bid costs.

Chambers said Ramesys can pick and choose its contractor partners. He identified Bouygues, Carillion, Balfour Beatty and Laing O’Rourke as the leading “blue chip” BSF players.

Chambers does not rule out new partners. “We have a good understanding with Bouygues and Carillion, but they can’t bid for every contract,” he said.

Ramesys is also preparing to challenge market leader RM, which has won 35% of  BSF’s ICT contracts  – 10% more than Ramesys. He said: “We would have to merge or buy to challenge RM’s position. It is not on the agenda now, but we will look at it next year, perhaps merging with one of the smaller providers.”