Arcus FM helps shape the future of FM with Aston University
Leading facilities management company, Arcus FM is proud to announce its collaboration with Aston University through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project.
The project is a first for Arcus FM and will see the award-winning organisation recruit a PhD graduate who specialises in data analytics and computer science, with the aim of bringing together industry and academic experts to drive efficiencies within the growing organisation.
Arcus FM was created on the principle of delivering a total FM solution and has evolved from being a pure managing agent to self-delivering the majority of FM services for its nationwide clients. Discussing the KTP, David Lane, Head of Technology and Innovation at Arcus, explains: “This role is an exciting opportunity for someone to take on, a strategic project with the support of mentors from Arcus FM, Aston University and Innovate UK. The project will apply machine learning, game theory and optimisation techniques to enhance Arcus’ utilisation of resources, enabling our business to deliver a sector-leading level of service and efficiency for our clients.
“We’re very excited about what this project will bring to Arcus and also the FM industry as a whole. It really has the potential to be game-changing for the sector.”
Speaking about the project, Martin May, KTP Manager, Business Engagement said: “The KTP project is an excellent applied research opportunity in Computer Science and Mathematics that will lead to an in-depth understanding of the requirements of real-world problems. The application of optimisation and evolutionary algorithms to a complex commercial issue will stimulate future research in artificial intelligence.”
David adds: “We knew working in partnership with a university would give us the academic expertise and innovation we needed. Aston’s charter has specialist expertise in both Mathematics and Computer Science and novel and recent research will be crucial in pushing the boundaries on this project.”
KTPs are three-way partnerships which see a graduate (known as an Associate) work with a business to lead a strategic project. Associates are supported by the company as well as the university, which provides academic advice and expertise as well as research facilities.
The partnership between Arcus FM and Aston University received financial support from the KTP programme. KTPs aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK learning base. This successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership project, funded by Innovate UK, is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.
