Partnering for Progress:

How EMC has supported the University of Cumbria.

Over the past 12 months, EMC & Associates has been proud to work in close partnership with the University of Cumbria, delivering tailored facilities management and catering consultancy across multiple projects – all designed to support their ambition for sustainable growth and an outstanding student experience.

As the University continues to expand its footprint across the region, including the launch of its new Barrow and Carlisle campuses, EMC has provided strategic guidance and hands-on expertise in key areas of campus planning, contract tendering, and operational transformation.

Supporting New Campus Growth: Barrow & Carlisle

From day one, EMC was engaged to provide expert input into the development of both the Barrow and Carlisle Citadels campuses. These projects represent a bold step forward for the University – not just in infrastructure, but in how the institution reimagines the role of its spaces to support learning, wellbeing, and community integration.

Our involvement included:

Early-stage catering design and planning support for the new Carlisle campus, helping shape a food and beverage experience aligned with student lifestyles and local partnerships.

A comprehensive catering tender process for the wider university estate, ensuring a commercially viable and student-friendly offer across all sites.

Advice on refectory fit-out and service design for Barrow, supporting the delivery of a contemporary and efficient environment tailored to a growing student population.

More Than Just Tenders: Adding Strategic Value
While much of our work is rooted in the mechanics of tendering and contract management, the real value EMC brings lies in our ability to see the bigger picture.

Over the past year, our role has expanded to include:

Contract performance reviews of existing FM and soft service contracts to ensure alignment with post-COVID student expectations.

Stakeholder engagement across estates, finance and student services to co-develop service specifications that reflect real needs – not just standard frameworks.

Market testing and benchmarking to give the University confidence that every pound spent delivers genuine value.

We’re particularly proud of the trust the University has placed in us to guide critical decisions across its evolving campus strategy – ensuring that operational decisions reflect long-term goals around sustainability, student satisfaction, and financial prudence.

A True Partnership Model
At EMC, we don’t just deliver reports – we build relationships. The past 12 months with the University of Cumbria have demonstrated how effective a partnership model can be when it combines technical expertise with commercial objectivity and a deep understanding of the HE sector.

Whether advising on a kitchen redesign or managing a complex multi-campus tender, our mission remains the same: to help institutions make smarter, more confident decisions.

Want to see how EMC can support your estate’s transformation?
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can bring the same strategic focus and operational know-how to your next project.