United Group Services was selected due to their comprehensive and highly competitive tender. St.George Group Executive Strategy, Peter Clare said: "United Group Services showed they had the systems and financial capability to implement the broad scope of services encompassed in the agreement. Their commitment to work with the Group to improve service levels, operational and strategic outlook for the portfolio whilst achieving cost savings was one of the key decision points in signing with UGS."

Following a successful two-month transition period, the contract commenced on 1 November. Hamish McLennan, St.George Head of Property, said: "We are pleased that the transition to our new relationship with United Group Services went smoothly as the timeframe was short and the back to source verification is a big task."

Hamish continued: "We have taken an innovative approach to corporate real estate management by co-locating with UGS in Pitt Street, Sydney. This style of management is recognised as best practice for outsourced arrangements, interestingly this has never been done before in CRES management. The co-location provides increased efficiencies in communication across the four streams, which in turn makes decision making more timely and strategic. We have complete confidence in the services they provide and anticipate a long and valued relationship with United Group Services."

The tender process for the management of the Group's property services began in April this year. Seven companies were involved in the tender and all were of a high calibre.