Case study: Relocation and clearance for the University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh needed a trusted partner to deliver relocations, clearances, and logistics across its large and complex estate. Projects ranged from major multi-phase relocations to urgent, same-day requests. The challenge was to support the university’s operational needs while meeting strict environmental and compliance commitments.

Consistent support

Business Moves Group (BMG) has worked with the university for more than four years, originally under the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC) framework and now under the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) framework. Our partnership has been defined by flexibility, sustainable practices, and reliable delivery.

Key projects in this time have included:

• Kennedy Tower clearance – a two-phase clearance and relocation project, ensuring all furniture and equipment was moved or sustainably disposed of in line with environmental commitments.
• 40 George Square – relocation of furniture to support the closure of upper floors, planned to minimise disruption while optimising space use. A phased approach to staff moves and packing and relocation of all IT.
• Examination logistics – uplift, transport, and set-up of exam furniture across the estate, ensuring every site was fully equipped and ready on time.
• Secure storage – during a three-month refurbishment, BMG stored items at our warehouse with full inventory control, returning them exactly when needed.
• Infirmary Street – a complex, multi-phase furniture move requiring careful coordination to maintain teaching and administrative functions.

Alongside these larger projects, we also support the university with smaller ad hoc requests, from single room moves to urgent deliveries.

The results

• Operational continuity: All projects were delivered without disruption to teaching or administrative activities.
• Sustainability impact: Sustainable disposal practices ensured compliance with the university’s environmental goals. More than 400 items of furniture at Kennedy Tower, including chairs, desks and cabinets, were diverted from landfill.
• Reliability and flexibility: BMG consistently responded to both long-term projects and urgent, same-day requests.

Client feedback

Scott Lyell, waste and furniture store manager
“BMG understood how seriously we take sustainability. They didn’t just clear spaces, they made sure materials were reused or recycled responsibly, which perfectly aligns with how we want to operate as a university.”

Lisa Currie, assistant project manager
“The move at 40 George Square was a real test of coordination, and BMG kept everything calm and controlled. Their planning meant staff could carry on with minimal disruption, which was exactly what we needed.”

Louise Docherty, logistics manager and project officer
“What stood out was how flexible BMG were. Whether it was a major relocation or a same-day request, the team always found a way to get it done – and done properly.”

Looking ahead

Now appointed to the NEUPC framework, we will continue to support The University of Edinburgh with relocation, clearance, and logistics services – delivering efficient, sustainable, and dependable solutions for one of Scotland’s most prestigious universities.

Office relocation support

We have supported numerous educational institutions with relocation and change management projects. You can see more education case studies in our ‘Recent Projects’ page and filtering by education.

To find out more about how we can help you, get in touch with our teams or fill out a quote enquiry form.