From manufacturing high-quality mattresses to servicing fire doors and providing full-scale facilities management, Global Student is more than just a service provider—it’s a one-stop solution for student accommodation. With a commitment to operational efficiency, sustainability and innovation, Global Student is helping PBSA providers across the UK and Ireland create comfortable, well-maintained living spaces that feel like home.
In this exclusive interview, Global Student CEO Michael Girton shares how the company ensures consistent quality across diverse service areas, tackles industry challenges, and adapts to the evolving needs of today’s students.
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GSL News: Global Student offers a broad spectrum of services, from manufacturing and refurbishing, to fire door servicing and facilities management. How do you ensure consistent quality and operational efficiency across such a diverse range of offerings?
Keeping things running smoothly comes down to smart planning, strong partnerships, and high standards. We forecast and schedule ahead of the summer rush to stay ahead of demand.
We’re selective with suppliers, regularly testing products to maintain quality. On the logistics side, we maximise efficiency—like rolling our UK-made mattresses for delivery to save space, cut costs, and reduce our carbon footprint.
To top it off, we’re backed by CHAS, BM Trada, and Safe Contractor accreditations, so whether it’s manufacturing, refurbishments, fire door servicing, or facilities management, our customers know they’re in safe hands.
GSL News: Your services are described as creating a “home away from home” for students. How do your solutions enhance the student living experience while addressing the operational challenges faced by accommodation providers?
Creating a “home away from home” for students really comes down to making sure everything is good quality and runs smoothly. If providers are dealing with unresolved issues, it can quickly affect how students feel about their space. That’s why we focus on tackling those challenges head-on—whether it’s fixing a leaky tap, refreshing paintwork, doing a full furniture refit, or providing fresh linens. It’s all about the details. By sorting out these operational issues efficiently, we help create a comfortable, welcoming space where students can truly feel at home.
GSL News: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across industries. What initiatives or practices does Global Student implement to ensure its operations are environmentally responsible?
Sustainability is a big focus for us, and it’s built into everything we do. One example is our mattress recycling programme—rather than letting old mattresses end up in landfill, we refurbish or recycle them responsibly, helping to support a circular economy. We’ve also worked on cutting carbon emissions by optimising delivery routes and making our logistics more efficient. On top of that, we partner with eco-conscious suppliers to make sure our procurement aligns with our sustainability goals. It’s all about constantly reviewing and improving to reduce our impact and help create a greener future.
GSL News: As a leader in the PBSA sector, what are some of the challenges Global Student is currently addressing, and how have you adapted to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges we face is the tight timeframe for summer turnarounds, where the pressure to complete refurbishments and maintenance in a short period can be immense. To address this, we’ve honed our planning and project management processes to ensure every detail is accounted for well in advance. Supply chain disruptions have also been a past challenge, but our strong supplier relationships and flexible procurement strategies have helped us ease these issues.
GSL News: The needs and expectations of students are constantly evolving. What trends are you observing in student accommodation, and how is Global Student preparing to meet these changing demands?
Students today are seeking more than just a place to sleep; they want spaces that enhance their wellbeing, support their studies, and provide a sense of community. There’s a growing demand for flexible, multifunctional spaces that cater to both social and academic needs. Sustainability is another major factor, with students increasingly prioritising environmentally responsible accommodations. We’re addressing these trends by offering innovative furniture designs, sustainable product options, and services that prioritise the student experience. By staying attuned to these shifts, we ensure that our offerings remain relevant and impactful.
GSL News: With the PBSA sector evolving rapidly, how does Global Student stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and service offerings?
Staying ahead in such a fast-moving sector means always looking for ways to improve and staying on top of industry trends. We’re big on research and development, whether it’s exploring new materials, technologies, or service models to enhance what we offer. We also work closely with accommodation providers and industry partners, which helps us spot emerging needs and opportunities early on. By staying innovative and flexible, we can adapt and keep delivering what the sector needs as it evolves.
GSL News: Looking ahead, what do you envision as Global Student’s role in shaping the future of the PBSA sector?
We want to lead the way in quality, sustainability, and innovation while always keeping student happiness at the heart of everything we do. By offering smart, all-in-one solutions that make operations easier and put students first, we’re here to set new standards for student accommodation across the UK and Ireland. Whether it’s through greener practices, fresh approaches to service, or creating a culture of excellence, we’re excited to drive positive change and help shape a brighter future for the sector.
GSL News: What legacy would you like Global Student to leave behind for the student accommodation industry?
For me, it’s about being remembered as a company that could always be relied on and who helped solve their problems with a unique one-stop solution. More than that though, I hope we’re remembered for bringing fresh ideas, prioritising sustainability, and genuinely caring about making life better for students. It’s about more than just delivering great solutions; it’s about building partnerships that last and creating a meaningful impact. Ultimately, we want to leave the industry in a stronger, greener, and more inspiring place for future generations of students.
