Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Partner for Higher Education Infrastructure
Established in 1998, UPP has built an unparalleled reputation as the UK's leading Design, Build, Fund, and Operate (DBFO) partner for higher education institutions. With over 25 years of dedicated sector expertise, we have developed long-term partnerships with 15 world-class universities, delivering transformative infrastructure projects that prioritise student experience and sustainability. Our full-service approach encompasses finance, design, construction, asset management, and sustainable facilities management, enabling universities to focus on academic excellence while we handle estate development.Committed to environmental stewardship, we pioneered Passivhaus-accredited student accommodation and maintain a science-led Net Zero strategy aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our team of industry specialists combines public and private sector experience to deliver next-generation campuses at scale, supported by a 3.5bn+ investment in UK higher education infrastructure. Through the UPP Foundation, we further champion social mobility by funding initiatives that enhance access to education and student employability.
Services
Design
Finance
Build
Sustainable FM
Lettings and Revenue
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years pioneering DBFO solutions for UK universities
- BREEAM Excellent certified sustainable developments
- Long-term partnerships with 15 leading universities
- Passivhaus-accredited student accommodation specialists
- 3.5bn+ invested in UK higher education infrastructure
Associations and certifications
- BREEAM
- Passivhaus Institute
Services
Design
Our student-led design approach creates sustainable, future-ready campuses through collaborative workshops with universities and residents. We integrate accessibility standards and wellbeing-focused layouts across 35,000+ accommodation units. Our Passivhaus-accredited specialists reduce carbon footprints by 30% compared to industry averages.
Finance
Bespoke DBFO financing solutions enable university partners to develop infrastructure without upfront capital expenditure. Our 3.5bn+ investment portfolio includes innovative models like revenue share agreements and long-term asset management partnerships across 15 institutions.
Build
We deliver large-scale developments with precision timelines, including Exeter's East Park Residence (1,182 beds completed in phases). Our construction division implements strict sustainability protocols, achieving 7.8m LED retrofit projects and 30% energy savings in new builds.
Sustainable FM
Our facilities management combines smart technology with community engagement, maintaining 99-100% occupancy rates. Services include energy monitoring systems, waste reduction programs, and student wellbeing initiatives across 500,000+ sq ft of managed space.
Lettings and Revenue
We optimise asset value through strategic revenue management, achieving full occupancy at locations like Lancaster University's 4,347-room eco-residence. Our digital platforms streamline bookings while maintaining personal support for 35,000+ annual residents.
People
Elaine Hewitt
Chief Executive Officer
Leading UPP since 2021, Elaine brings extensive property and higher education sector experience. She drives our Net Zero strategy and champions equity initiatives, previously holding senior roles at major real estate firms.
Willie McGillivray
Chief Operating Officer
Appointed in 2025, Willie oversees operations with a focus on digital transformation. His 20-year track record in infrastructure delivery includes major transport and education projects across the UK private and public sectors.
Dr. Maria Chen
Head of Sustainability
Leading our Science Based Targets initiative, Maria has spearheaded carbon reduction programs since 2018. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and chairs the UPP Foundation's green grants committee.
Questions
What services does UPP provide for universities?
We offer end-to-end DBFO solutions including design, construction, financing, asset management, and sustainable facilities management for student accommodation and academic buildings.
How does UPP support sustainability?
We implement science-led initiatives like Passivhaus-accredited developments, LED lighting upgrades, and BREEAM-certified projects aligned with our Net Zero commitment.
Which universities partner with UPP?
We maintain long-term partnerships with institutions including Exeter, Hull, Reading, Swansea, and Nottingham universities across 35,000+ student accommodation units.
What is UPP's approach to student experience?
Our student-led design philosophy creates safe, accessible communities with tailored amenities, supported by our 'Building Inclusive Futures' equity and diversity charter.
How is UPP financially structured?
As a REIT-listed company, we provide bespoke financing packages enabling universities to develop estates while maintaining 99-100% occupancy rates across our portfolio.
What sustainability accreditations does UPP hold?
We maintain BREEAM Excellent certifications for multiple developments and were the first to achieve Passivhaus accreditation in UK student accommodation.
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Reviews (2)
Laura A.
Jun 08, 2022
Report
A great company in lovely new offices in London Bridge - I'd definitely recommend as a place to work.
Jack King
Mar 09, 2022
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I was a booked in as a visitor at reading university, me and my host had just walked into a friend's flat who had received a noise complaint, the two security guards asked to see everyone's student identification, my host explained that I was a visitor to the accommodation and that I was booked in. The security then told me that I must return home, I live around 4 hours away and I was intoxicated, still I was told to return home after explaining that I was booked in and unable to return home due to being unable to drive. UPP need to hire more competent security staff.
It is ridiculous that after explaining that I could not return home they still rather forcefully told me that I must leave, therefore requesting that I drive while I toxicated? Luckily I was able to find a place to stay so I wouldn't be staying on the street for the night but it is quite annoying that this student accommodation host/service was fabulously unhelpful in giving answers for basic questions we had.
It is ridiculous that after explaining that I could not return home they still rather forcefully told me that I must leave, therefore requesting that I drive while I toxicated? Luckily I was able to find a place to stay so I wouldn't be staying on the street for the night but it is quite annoying that this student accommodation host/service was fabulously unhelpful in giving answers for basic questions we had.
