Today - Wednesday - is the day that the government is set to announce a radical extension of the list of approved providers to the UK education sector to include some of the biggest names in the FM industry.

The announcement should see education outsourcing mature into a significant marketplace for our industry as the opportunity to provide non-core services for schools is opened up.

The government has worked hard to convince FM companies that the returns were worthwhile - potentially offering groups of contracts and contracts that extend across neighbouring education authorities.

Group 4, WS Atkins and Serco are all said to be among the extended list, which was limited to ten smaller niche operators.

While WS Atkins spokesperson, Paul Jowers confirmed that his comapny has gained government approval and is on the list, a spokesperson for Group 4 said that it was for the DfEE to make the announcement. Serco was also unable to comment.

Nabarro Nathanson - the law firm who have worked with the Treasury on other PFI "firsts" - are also expected to be on the approved list.

i-FM, will, of course, bring you confirmation of the players as soon as it is available.