JOB OF THE WEEK: ADVERTISE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
19 July 2010

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HYDE’S SUCCESSFUL MAIDEN BOND SHOWS MARKET CONFIDENCE IN SOCIAL HOUSING
19 July 2010

One of the East Midland’s largest housing associations has successfully raised £200m from the bond markets. The Hyde Group secured a lending rate of 5.125% - the most favourable achieved by any social housing provider since the financial crisis began in 2008. The deal gives the business the option to raise a further £50m within the next year and a half. "We are delighted at the competitive rate we have secured as this reflects investor confidence in the Hyde Group. This bond will enable us to do so many things as we look to continually improve services to our residents," said David Eastgate, Hyde Group Chief Executive. Government Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: "This successful bond issue shows just what can be done when housing associations are innovative in raising money to benefit people in social housing. I applaud Hyde's approach in making sure the organisation can continue to thrive and grow in difficult economic times." The bond is a 30 year senior secured issue, rated Aa2 stable by Moody's Investors Service. The credit margin of 105 basis points (1.05%) over the 2038 UK gilt rate compares favourably to other housing associations who have issued bonds this year. The bond has been priced at an issue price of 98.3 per cent. The orderbook was in excess of £350m comprising high quality institutional Sterling investors. Lloyds TSB Bank plc and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc acted as Joint Bookrunners for this issue. The bonds will be listed on the London Stock Exchange and will mature in July 2040.

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LAUNCH OF THE GREENHART GROVE ECO-HOMES DEVELOPMENT
19 July 2010

The ground-breaking Greenhart Grove eco-homes development in, Huntingdon was officially launched today by Councillor Ian Bates, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council in partnership with leading affordable housing provider Circle Anglia and Hill Partnerships. Greenhart Grove consists of 29 high quality low carbon homes, incorporating some of the most environmentally advanced technologies available. The development has been constructed to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 specification, an environmental impact rating system, which is step five of six on the road to zero carbon development. The features include photo-voltaic panels, solar-heated water, a heat-recovery system, grey-water recycling, smart-metering, insulated panels, triple glazing and live-planted roofs. Anglian Water were also involved and helped to formulate ideas to minimise water usage. A time capsule, with items associated with the project inside, was buried in the parking area. When opened, it is hoped that people will be able to compare the technologies of 2010 with those that will be developed in the future. In 2008 the council decided that the site, which it owned, off Mayfield Road, provided an opportunity to build a sustainable, eco-friendly development that could make a positive difference to the social, environmental and economic quality of the area. The council invited a number of partner housing associations to prepare ideas of how they would provide around 30 affordable homes that would achieve the high sustainability and design standards. The responses were impressive, but none more so than those of Circle Anglia. The merits of the council’s vision were recognised when Cambridgeshire Horizons and The Homes and Communities Agency provided grant funding for the project. The funding has helped to provide highly sustainable housing, as well as affordable housing to help those in Huntingdon most in need. Councillor Ian Bates, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “We are confident that the development will be an example that others will follow. It sends a clear message that we are taking responsibility to tackle climate change seriously and are prepared to lead the transition to a ‘low carbon’ economy. We believe that Greenhart Grove provides a blueprint for sustainable living, as an affordable, inspiring place, in which people will be proud to live.” Darren Blake, Development Manager for Circle Anglia, said: “We are committed to enhancing the Life Chances of residents and we are really pleased to work in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council to provide good quality affordable, energy efficient homes for the local community. This scheme is a positive example of partners working together to create a vibrant sustainable community that will help residents save money on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions.”

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YOUNG BARNET HOMES RESIDENT WINS ‘OUTSTANDING’ NATIONAL AWARD
19 July 2010

Rui Octavio A young Barnet Homes resident who gives up his time to encourage others to make the most of their lives has been presented with a prestigious national award. Rui Octavio was named last night as the joint winner of the Most Outstanding Young Person category of the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) awards. The NFA represents 69 member organisations, which together manage more than one million properties across England. Rui’s was nominated for his award by Barnet Homes to recognise his work in setting up and developing the youth empowerment organisation Nutmeg (New Unique Talented Motivated Energetic Generation) in the west of the borough. The idea for the group came after the fatal stabbing of Rui’s friend, 15-year-old Kiyan Prince, outside the London Academy in Edgware in May 2006. Rui became increasingly frustrated with the subsequent negative portrayal of young people in the area. Through Nutmeg, he wanted to give youth a chance to showcase their skills in a positive way and make them better informed about the opportunities available to them. Events held by Nutmeg attract hundreds of young people and have included workshops looking at anti-knife and gun messages, perceptions of young people and personal development. Nutmeg has been supported by Barnet Homes, the Metropolitan Police and most recently the Home Office. Rui has also been successful in applying for funding to hold comedy workshops for young people to boost their self-confidence. Barnet Homes Deputy Chief Executive, Derek Rust, said: “Rui’s efforts to help and support other young people in Barnet over the last few years have been nothing short of inspirational. “He and the other Nutmeg organisers have given hope and direction to hundreds of young people. They’ve sent out a message to youth on our estates that it’s good to be ambitious, that it’s good to get involved in what’s going on, and that crime really doesn’t pay. “Rui richly deserves this award. All of us at Barnet Homes are thrilled for him.” The NFA awards were judged by an independent panel; Alison Inman, Chair of the National Federation of ALMOs; Michael Gelling, Chairman of the National Tenant Voice; and Roger Jarman, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission. Alison Inman said: “The NFA Awards always command a high standard of entry and this year has been no exception. The creativity, pro-activity and innovation shown by these individuals and teams and, above all, their steadfast commitment to housing and local communities should act as a benchmark for the entire ALMO movement.”

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NEW MEMBER JOINS EEM PRIOR TO OFFICIAL LAUNCH
19 July 2010

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing and Tuntum Housing Association have become the two latest organisations to join Efficiency East Midlands (EEM), a new Procurement and Benchmarking Consortium, of housing providers. The consortium with its key aim to bring together all registered housing providers in the East Midlands to show how working together can bring savings to their organisations now consists of seven housing providers, representing an overall housing stock of more than 70,000 properties across the East Midlands. Efficiency East Midlands is supported and funded by the Homes and Communities Agency. As a consortium it will aim to achieve savings on the procurement of goods and services and share these savings across all members. During these tough financial times when all our budgets are being tested, making these savings across a number of organisations is a boost, not just for individual housing providers, but for the region as a whole. The consortium will be officially launched on Monday 19th July at Castle Donington Race Circuit. Registration will be from 9am for a 9.30am start. The launch event will bring together a range of people with experience in building, regeneration, sustainable homes and environments. It will also give housing providers a chance to share best practice, jointly source goods and services, promote schemes designed to improve employment and skills and reduce negative environmental impact. Mark Johnson Chairman of EEM, said: "Efficiency East Midlands has the potential to be one of the best organisations of its kind and I hope that other regional housing associations will join us to make this happen."

LADY KINA AVEBURY RE-OPENS SPRINGBOARD’S HISTORIC ST GILES COMMUNITY IN ESSEX
19 July 2010

Lady Kina Avebury has spoken at an event to celebrate the completion of the re-developed site of St Giles, new Chelmsford which is owned and managed by Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group. It is a supported housing project for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems in rural Essex. A special lunch alongside a tour of the site were held, with music, singing and line dancing by residents of St Giles and classical Indian dance by Eastwards Trust. Residents from Eastwards Trust (a charity set up to support Asian elders in Newham) presented a tapestry they made especially for St Giles, to mark the new beginning, and the vision and values shared by both schemes. Set in 22 acres of Essex countryside, near East Hanningfield, Chelmsford, this historic scheme has a rich history dating back to 1913 when it opened as the Hospital and Homes of St Giles, run by a Franciscan Order of monks. From that time until 1985, when Springboard took over St Giles, the present day, St Giles provided care and medical attention for those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy). With the decline in this disease and the development of effective treatment, it was decided to provide instead, homes for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems. Surrounded by fields, gardens and woodland (some of which has been leased to the Woodland Trust for the last 20 years), this unique housing community comprises 40 new, high quality contemporary homes and a modern community block as well as rental facilities. Accommodation includes a mixture of single and two-storey flats and bungalows for singles, couples and wheelchair users. Other facilities (some of which are available to let) include a communal lounge and dining room, function rooms, craft and pottery rooms, an IT suite, extensive grounds with a pond, greenhouses, allotments and woodland, access to local care and domiciliary support agencies and a range of on and off-site activities run by the local college and volunteers. There is also a chapel and a rare species of orchid growing in the grounds. Within the security of the community of residents, staff and volunteers, all are encouraged to find pleasure and purpose in their own independence. Residents contribute, in whatever manner they are able to, to the wellbeing of the whole community by being involved in the activities of daily life at St Giles. Residents are also encouraged to be occupied meaningfully through pottery, woodwork and craft projects, and the extensive gardens, which include a large greenhouse, provides opportunities for gardening activities. Lady Kina Avebury, Vice President (and past Chair) of Springboard, and Patron of Eastwards Trust (also part of Genesis Housing Group), said “I am thrilled to be here today. St Giles has been beautifully transformed and today is a magnificent opportunity to celebrate. St Giles recognises peoples’ abilities, not their disabilities. It recognises what people can do and achieve and the residents have a very good quality of life. While it is situated here in the depths of the Essex countryside, people from the local community come in and residents here go out into the community.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
19 July 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31. The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. TENDERS Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17. St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19. Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6. Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: ADVERTISE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
20 July 2010

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WELLINGBOROUGH HOMES’ LESSONS FOR SUCCESS
20 July 2010

Wellingborough Homes has been named among the region’s best organisations for training and developing its staff. The housing association was named a winner at the East Midlands Learn Direct Achievement Awards. Picture: Wellingborough Homes’ business support coordinator Sue Dedman, head of customer services Maureen Baker and customer involvement manager Irene Carter. The awards recognise and celebrate the positive impact that learning has on people and businesses. The award for Wellingborough Homes follows a training programme which saw all 10 members of the customer services team complete an NVQ Level 3 in customer service. In addition two members of the business administration team also completed NVQs, all in partnership with Learn Direct. Three organisations went through to the East Midlands final in the small and medium sized business category, and Wellingborough Homes was named the winner at an event at Nottingham Racecourse on Thursday, July 8. Maureen Baker, head of customer services for Wellingborough Homes, said: “Our culture is built around the fact that our customers come first. They are at the centre of what we do and the NVQ training has equipped our customer services and business administration teams with the skills and expertise to deliver a professional service. “That means listening to what our customers say and being able to respond to all manner of requests promptly, and to their satisfaction. All of the team worked hard to complete their NVQs and it is really nice that their efforts have been recognised in this way. “We are a learning organisation and continue to invest in the development of our teams to help them provide the best possible services.” Wellingborough Homes will now progress through to the national Learn Direct Awards, due to be announced in October. John Cobbledick, deputy chief executive for Business Advice Direct which delivers training for Learn Direct, said: “As soon as I met with Wellingborough Homes I knew they were 100 per cent committed to progressing staff development and training. “It was refreshing to meet an organisation which was so willing to get involved and give staff training and development opportunities. I am delighted Wellingborough Homes has won the award. This is their third regional award win in a matter of months which demonstrates their commitment and desire to succeed.”

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LUMINUS CELEBRATES PARK VIEW DEVELOPMENT
20 July 2010

Luminus have celebrated the topping out of the exciting new development of Park View, Huntingdon the former Brookside Music School. Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive welcomed employees, Luminus Board Members and representatives from contractors Campbell Buchanan for the ceremony in May 2010. The development on Huntingdon ring road is due to be completed in Winter 2010 and will provide beautiful and practical one and two bedroom apartments with on-site support to allow older people to maintain independence, dignity and peace of mind in a welcoming and friendly community. Park View will provide a fully landscaped and enclosed garden, hairdressers, laundry room, hobbies area, library and a physio room available to all residents. Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, said: “Park View, Huntingdon is a great example of Luminus leading the way in providing quality homes for local people. "In 2010, our Year of Renewing Hope and Inspiration, Luminus is developing desirable and affordable homes available to residents in a difficult economic time.”

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WASTE NOT WANT NOT WITH DMU STUDENT’S ELECTRICITY-GENERATING INNOVATION
20 July 2010

A graduating industrial design student at Leicester’s De Montfort University (DMU) is hoping for award-winning success with his innovative design which transforms falling wastewater into electricity. DMU Industrial design student, Tom Broadbent’s money and energy-saving brainwave is called the HighDro Power and works by harnessing the energy from falling waste water in the soil pipes of high-rise buildings, converting it to electricity through an ingenious device. As well as having developed a potentially commercially viable product, Tom is waiting to hear whether he will win accolades from the Institute of Engineering Designers (IED) and the Dyson Awards. He is also entering the Kevin McCloud Green Heroes award to win the opportunity to show HighDro Power at the NEC’s Grand Designs Live show. The invention was developed in answer to targets set at the G8 Summit by governments to reduce their country’s carbon dioxide emissions and dependency on fossil fuels for energy production by 2050. In HighDro Power, the electricity can either be utilised in the building to save £926-per-year for a seven-storey building or sold back to the national grid on a buy-back tariff. Tom, who is from Cropwell Butler, near Nottingham, said: “The inspiration for HighDro Power was literally a ‘Eureka!’ moment that came when I emptied a bath in a hotel and found that it cleared very quickly and with a large amount of force. It seemed logical that this energy should be harnessed in some way to create green electricity and help governments meet targets and it filled an obvious gap in the market.” To make a working prototype of the design, Tom used rapid prototyping techniques – laser sintering and CNC milling machinery – as well as vacuum forming. He sourced bearings, gears and other materials from companies supplying standard components. He added: “HighDro Power works by using the water discharged from appliances such as showers, toilets and sinks in high-rise apartments. The water goes down the pipe and hits four turbine blades that drive one generator. “The whole thing was influenced by traditional waterwheels to ensure that any solids passing through had limited effects on whether they could function.” In the future, Tom hopes to take his innovation to the next stage by having it fitted to a building for testing. “I am currently a freelance designer but would love to work for James Dyson or a design team at a consultancy or company. My vision is to design products that actually benefit society in some way and get released on the market,” he said. Dr Guy Bingham, DMU Senior Lecturer for the Faculty of Art and Design and programme leader for the Industrial design course within the University’s Faculty of Art and Design, said: “Tom's idea is truly an innovation in the area of energy micro-generation and the actual prototype is simply fantastic; I hope to see this go into production very soon. His work is a great example of what can be achieved from DMU’s design degrees.”

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UP TO £1,000 OF CAPITAL FUNDING FOR DIGITAL INCLUSION NOW AVAILABLE FROM AXIOM HA
20 July 2010

Axiom are looking for likeminded companies to participate in a great opportunity which could give you up to £1,000 of capital funding. Axiom’s Learning Centres are Champion Centres for UK online centres and we are now developing a network of likeminded organisations that have computers which are accessible to individuals and communities. Funded by UK online centres, this project has been established to impact on digital inclusion and ‘get people online’. As a Champion Centre we are looking to work with different organisations to become cascade centres. We will support them to get people online. There is also up to £1000 in capital funding available. We will help you in your delivery of UK online centres excellent myguide courses which are centred on giving people the skills to get them online. For example: • Using the keyboard and mouse • Searching online and online safety • Using emails • Using public services online • Searching for and applying for jobs online As a champion centre we will support you in the delivery of this great product; we have successfully delivered these courses through our own learning centres over the last 4 years and can use this expertise to help you. • We will provide you with access to our Champion Centre Coordinator, who will give you training advice and support. • As a centre it will give you the opportunity to build a proven track record with UK online centres and the opportunity to apply to them in the future for your own direct funding. • We will also be offering up to £1,000 capital funding towards the delivery of this project for example, you may wish to buy new or update existing equipment. • UK online centres also offer various incentives throughout the year that you will also be able to benefit from including being able to apply for up to £1,000 in training grants. We would like you to benefit from UK online centres IT courses and would very much to discuss this great opportunity with you.

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EPPING FOREST YOUTH COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE
20 July 2010

Epping Forrest Youth Council have launched a new comprehensive website. The web site is full of information about the Epping Forest Youth Council, who the Youth Councillors are and what they are currently working on. Users can also find helpful links to other youth projects and services that provide information and advice on bullying, sex, drugs, health, crime, internet safety, policing, domestic violence, youth democracy, what's on, revision, skills development and human rights. The Youth Councillors think it is important that young people are able to go on-line and see who they are and also find out about what they do as Youth Councillors. Check out the Youth Councillors` blog as this will keep you up to date with their work in the community. Youth Councillor James Jackson from Roding Valley School said: “Our Mission statement is; We are young people working together to change Epping Forest District for the better by voicing the views of young people who want to be heard, to those who can make it happen. The Youth Council aims to give young people a voice in their community.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
20 July 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31. The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. TENDERS Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17. St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19. Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6. Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: ADVERTISE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
21 July 2010

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TENDER: BEDFORD: CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR MULTI-DWELLING BUILDINGS AND INDIVIDUAL HOUSES
21 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association Ltd Pilgrims House, Horne Lane Attn: Nicky Hastie MK40 1NY Bedford UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1707339800 E-mail: nicky@echelonconsultancy.co.uk Fax +44 1707339801 Total quantity or scope — Lot 1 – Development projects up to the value of GBP 1 499 999, — Lot 2 – Development projects with a value between GBP 1 500 000 and GBP 4 999 999, — Lot 3 – Development projects with a value over GBP 5 000 000. Excluding VAT 300 000 000 GBP Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate: 23.8.2010 - 12:00 www.bpha.org.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on Eastern Construction Now!

1000TH NEW HOME FOR ACCENT NENE
21 July 2010

Peterborough-based housing association Accent Nene has been celebrating the completion of its 1000th new home since it became part of the Accent Group in January, 2005. Of these homes, 650 have been within Peterborough and 140 within South Cambridgeshire, with the remainder divided between eight other local authority areas in East Anglia and the East Midlands. Both Accent Nene staff and directors and senior board members of the Accent Group joined together at a special event at Hampton Vale in Peterborough to hand over their 1000th home and commemorate the occasion. Edgar Bignall, Accent Group’s Deputy Chair, said: "As one of the main social housing providers in Peterborough, we are proud to have been able to help the local community in such a positive way over the past five years. Most importantly, every house or apartment has provided a good quality home for local people." Chloe Green and her two year old son Leo have recently moved to Accent Nene's 1000th home - a brand new two-bedroom end of terrace house in Hampton Vale, Peterborough. Chloe is really pleased with the quality of her home, and adds: “The rooms are also a really good size – particularly the bedroom - and having a downstairs cloakroom is very useful with a young child! Accent Nene has been very helpful, and I am very happy to be living here." Describing the types of housing that they provide, Tony Grainger, Operations Director for Accent Nene, said: "Our homes have ranged from bungalows and apartments through to four-bedroom houses. Some have been in exclusive rural villages where we have been able to help people stay within the area, whilst other have been in small market towns and many have been on the outskirts of cities. Over the years we have broadened our range of housing, becoming adept at selling and managing shared ownership and providing intermediate rent homes."

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THOUSANDS OPPPOSE 350 HOMES LEICESTERSHIRE VILLAGE PLAN
21 July 2010

More than 2,500 people are fighting Leicestershire County Council’s plans to build 350 houses off Hospital Lane and Bouskell Park, Blaby. The opponents to the plan have said the homes would swallow up 30 of the 57 acres of green space in the distric and have formed action group Land for Life. The group has now and gathered 2,500 signatures of people who oppose the plans. Simon Edwards, chairman of the group, said: "Nobody apart from the council wants this development. We have heard the council is selling the land because is needs the money. "That is not a good enough reason to build a housing estate and to take away what is an important site for people and wildlife. The schools round here are excellent but they are already full. "Where are all the extra children going to go to school?" The land, currently fields, is owned by Leicestershire County Council, which is to submit an outline planning application to Blaby District Council. If this is approved, the land would be sold to a developer with the money going into county services. Under the last Government, Blaby District Council was required to build 7,600 homes across the district. The coalition Government has said it wanted councils to decide how many houses should be built and where. A county council spokesman said: "We will continue to work with Blaby District Council on proposals for the Hospital Lane site to support future housing targets. "When those proposals have been finalised, we will submit a planning application. No date has yet been agreed for such a submission." The application contains plans for improved footpaths, cycleways and bridleways and improved access to Thistly Meadow Primary School. A spokesman for Blaby District Council said it could not comment as the application had not yet been submitted. Andrew Robathan, MP for Leicestershire South, said: "I don't expect that the whole area will remain as farmland forever but I do hope that any development is sympathetic to the residents' concerns."

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NEW £3.8M SOCIAL HOUSING COMPLEX COMPLETED IN DERBY
21 July 2010

Derby's housing chief has welcomed the development of 39 homes. Councillor Phillip Ingall also praised the quality of the workmanship of the new £3.8m complex, in Ashbourne Road at the complex's official opening. More than 30 of the 39 homes, which have been supplied by social landlord Friendship Care and Housing, have already been snapped up. Partnerships such as the one between the city council and Friendship would be key in providing low-cost homes for people in the area, said Mr Ingall, the authority's cabinet member for housing. He said: "Much of the council's housing stock dates from before 1945, some of it even dates back to pre-1919. "This means there are issues such as insulation and therefore keeping tenants warm, as much of the stock is quite old. This can mean higher fuel bills for people such as the elderly who are on limited incomes. "For that reason, developments such as this new one on Ashbourne Road are vital for the future of housing provision in the city." Some £2 million of the costs of the development, which is a mixture of two-bedroomed and three-bedroomed flats and houses, have been met by a grant from the Home and Communities Agency. Jonathan Driffill, Friendship's managing director, said: "I think this is a quite fabulous scheme. "We have worked very closely with Derby City Council, Miller Homes, who built the development, and other partners to ensure it is of a very high standard. "Derby is a key market to us and we will continue to work in the city because we have developed a critical relationship with the city council, here to provide affordable housing for people in the city." Of the 39 units, 31 are rented, four are for shared ownership and the remaining four are classed as "rent to home-buy".

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ARAGON AND MACINTYRE MARK SUPPORTED HOUSING MONTH
21 July 2010

Bedfordshire-based affordable housing provider, Aragon Housing Association (Aragon) and its sister organisation MacIntyre Housing Association (MacIntyre) are marking Supported Housing month throughout July 2010. This National Housing Federation campaign aims to raise awareness of the crucial services running throughout the East of England that help the most vulnerable people enjoy independent and fulfilled lives. Aragon provides a range of retirement housing services across Bedfordshire. To raise awareness of this important work, Aragon has organised events to mark Supported Housing month. There will be coffee mornings in many of Aragon’s retirement schemes and Aragon’s new Retirement Housing Performance Framework, developed in close consultation with tenants, will be launched. In addition to the retirement schemes, Aragon has just opened its first domestic abuse refuge, providing support and assistance to vulnerable people and their families. An open day is being planned to celebrate this new scheme with the assistance of the tenants and their support staff. MacIntyre has recently opened a new scheme in Milton Keynes. Perrydown is a state of the art building with many sustainable, eco friendly features, which has led to it achieving Level 4 in the Code for Sustainable Homes. The individual flats within the building have been developed in close consultation with tenants and tailored to their individual needs. The focus at Perrydown, and across MacIntyre, is to support residents to lead independent lives in their own private homes. As part of Supported Housing month, MacIntyre has taken the opportunity to look at developing a forum of residents, who will be actively involved in shaping the service delivery to all tenants. This forum should be launched in October 2010. Councillors, MPs and other regional decision makers from agencies such as Government Office, the Regional Development Agencies, Police and Primary Care Trusts, are being invited to similar events throughout the region. Coordinated by the National Housing Federation, the campaign comes after an announcement last year, which gives local authorities much more freedom to decide how they use ‘Supporting People’ grants. This gives councils the chance to be innovative in how they commission and provide services for vulnerable people, but carries the risk that vital funding for older people could be lost. Debbie Stuart, Assistant Director – Housing and Support Service for Aragon and MacIntyre Housing Associations and Chair of the East of England Care and Support Practitioner’s Group said: “Supported Housing is very much a key service for many elderly and disabled people living within our Supported and Retirement Housing Services here at Aragon and MacIntyre. We are currently working in challenging times and Supported Housing month is an opportunity for our tenants and staff to celebrate the services that we are providing and raise awareness of the support that we provide to our tenants on a daily basis to help them maintain their independence.” Claire Astbury, East of England Regional Manager for the National Housing Federation, added: “In the current financial climate, it is vitally important that commissioners, MPs, stakeholders and Councillors are fully aware of the contribution that the housing sector is making in supporting and improving the lives of so many individuals in communities throughout the region.”

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DERWENT LIVING TELLS RESIDNETS TO GET ON THEIR BIKE
21 July 2010

Derwent Living is encouraging local residents to give their bikes a health check when it helps launch a bicycle road show on Derby market place next week. The Derby-based housing provider, in conjunction with Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire will be taking the mobile workshop to Derby market place between 10am and 3pm on Monday 26 July, where it will be offering free cycle health checks for members of the public. The team will also be giving advice on the best cycle choice for individuals, how to set-up a bike correctly and advice on basic repairs. People will also be able to get information about cycling in and around Derby, courtesy of the Derby City Council initiative Cycle Derby. The launch of the mobile bicycle workshop is part of a large project by Derwent Living, which is being run in conjunction with Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, to recycle old bicycles. The scheme’s eventual aim is to mend and sell the renovated cycles to members of the public through the workshop. This would ensure that the workshop and its operation is entirely self sustaining. The project has two main aims - to divert waste from landfill by recycling and reusing bicycles and to provide training, work placements, physical activities and volunteering opportunities for Derwent Living customers and the wider community. The project also aims to teach children the importance of problem solving and working together as part of a team. Christine Smith, community regeneration officer at Derwent Living, said: “The launch of the mobile workshop is a really significant part of the bike recycling project and we are excited to finally present it to members of the public. This initial outing will mainly be to give the public advice on their own bikes and maintenance and also to give them more information about the project as a whole. “Eventually, people will be able to purchase repaired bikes at the road shows, which is when the project becomes self sufficient. It really is about making a big impact and the touring workshop is a great way to do this.” Funding for the project is also coming from Cycle Derby - a three year project within Derby with a vision to get more people cycling, more safely, more often. The venture aims to be self sufficient after the first year and will work as a social enterprise, feeding the money it makes back into the project.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
21 July 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com/jobs. Closing date: August 6. North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31. The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20. West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. TENDERS Cairn Housing Association is inviting tenders for its day to day repairs service and void management service. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 17. St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19. Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for Construction of New-Build Homes. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6. Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: ADVERTISE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
22 July 2010

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TENDER: BEDFORD: CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR MULTI-DWELLING BUILDINGS AND INDIVIDUAL HOUSES
22 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association Ltd Pilgrims House, Horne Lane Attn: Nicky Hastie MK40 1NY Bedford UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1707339800 E-mail: nicky@echelonconsultancy.co.uk Fax +44 1707339801 Total quantity or scope — Lot 1 – Development projects up to the value of GBP 1 499 999, — Lot 2 – Development projects with a value between GBP 1 500 000 and GBP 4 999 999, — Lot 3 – Development projects with a value over GBP 5 000 000. Excluding VAT 300 000 000 GBP Time-limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate: 23.8.2010 - 12:00 www.bpha.org.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on Eastern Construction Now!

NEW FACES AT SAFFRON HOUSING TRUST
22 July 2010

John Whitelock has joined Saffron Housing Trust as their new Director of New Business taking on a new role combining the housing development side of the trust with bringing in new services and opportunities. Picture: Cllrs Eloise Ellis and John Overton with Saffron's new Diirector John Whitelock. John is well known to those at Saffron as he has been there, initially with the supported housing team, since it started six years ago. He is looking forward to his new role and believes that Saffron is well placed to help develop new services for tenants and the wider community. Saffron has also welcomed two new board members, South Norfolk Councillors Eloise Ellis and John Overton. Eloise is a University Lecturer in Law, primarily teaching in the field of Public Law and Human Rights. She was elected to South Norfolk District Council in a 2008 by-election to represent the residents of Diss (where she lives) and has recently been promoted to Cabinet with responsibility for Economic & Regulatory Services. John Overton runs an Interior and Project Management refurbishment division for a Norwich-based company and is a member of South Norfolk Council’s Main Planning Committee; Chair of Eastern Rivers Neighbourhood Area Snap’s team; a member of the Eastern Area Planning committee and Phosc Economic Task Group. He represents the residents of Poringland & the Framinghams.

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SOUTH ESSEX HOMES WINS TWO NATIONAL HOUSING ACCOLADES
22 July 2010

South Essex Homes is celebrating after being selected as winner of two national award’s by the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) The winners of the 2010 NFA Awards were announced at a ceremony at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. South Essex Homes, staff member Julie Chipperfield won ALMO Team Member of the Year and exhibition project Southenders won Best use of Communication. Representatives from the 20 short-listed ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) across the country gathered for the award ceremony, part of the NFA’s annual two day conference and AGM before South Essex Homes was selected as a winner. During the awards evening, hosted by Janet Street-Porter, the audience of 350 were treated to a performance by African drumming group NESTAC and films of all the shortlisted projects and individuals. Julie Chipperfield won the award for her commitment and loyalty to helping more vulnerable residents of Southend. Julie has raised over £4,000 for a local women’s refuge, where she is the Manager. The hostel provides support for people fleeing domestic abuse and in need of specialist support and assistance. Julie has raised these funds through a sponsored walk of Southend seafront involving staff and contractors from South Essex Homes. Southenders is an innovative and creative project that tells the stories of people that have made Southend their home. The photographic and autobiographical exhibition, telling the story of 20 different people, including residents, Board Members and staff feature different people, originally residing from all over the globe, from Sri Lanka to Albania, all with a common interest, they now live in and love Southend – Making them proud Southenders. The artwork along with the full autobiographical stories, were displayed as part of an exhibition at South East Essex College. The entire project was self sufficient, with officers using their creative writing and photographic skills to produce the artwork all in house The 2010 NFA Awards ALMO Team Member of the Year category recognises inspirational ALMO team members who have gone above and beyond their daily work responsibilities to support their colleagues, residents and the community. The 2010 NFA Awards Best use of Communication category recognised the most creative and innovative piece of communication distributed by or to residents. ALMOs that went above and beyond the call of duty, engaging with residents and setting up projects to tackle some of the most difficult issues facing them were represented in the category. The awards were judged by an independent panel; Alison Inman, Chair of the National Federation of ALMOs; Michael Gelling, Chairman of the National Tenant Voice; and Roger Jarman, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission. Alison Inman said: “The NFA Awards always command a high standard of entry and this year has been no exception. The creativity, pro-activity and innovation shown by these individuals and teams and, above all, their steadfast commitment to housing and local communities should act as a benchmark for the entire ALMO movement.”

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YOUTH BUILDER OF THE YEAR ENTRY DEADLINE LOOMING
22 July 2010

Last year's winner, Claire O'Brien Deadline for entries to the Youth Builder of the Year award scheme that helps disadvantaged young people build brighter futures for themselves is looming. With more than 700 employers and training organisations throughout the UK having been contacted by Youthbuild UK, organisers of the Young Builder of the Year competition, entrants have until 30 July to put forward the names of youngsters who have turned their lives around by learning a trade. In the 11 years since it first launched, the Young Builder of the Year initiative has assisted hundreds of youngsters to overcome the personal and family setbacks that adversely affected their early lives. John Montague, chairman of Youthbuild UK, and chief executive of TREES, which is the largest social enterprise group in the East Midlands, said: “Most people are defined – to some extent at least – by the jobs they do, and consequently a trade gives a person a sense of self-worth. “Youthbuild UK has helped provide many young people, often with backgrounds damaged through no fault of their own, with the foundations on which they can begin to rebuild their self esteem.” The awards are organised in two age groups – 14 to 16-year-olds in education, and 16 to 25 in employment or training – with finalists attending a ceremony at the House of Commons in October. This year’s prize fund totals £5,000, with up to £1,500 – including tools - going to the overall winner in the older age group, and tools worth £500 going to the school or college attended by the 14-16 age group winner. All applications must be supported by an employer, training organisation, college, or school. Last year’s winner was a young woman who had spent several years in care, overcoming her problems to achieve good GCSE results, and finally deciding as a career as a plumber. She now has an apprenticeship with British Gas. The 2008 winner was a young man who had been bullied at school and had little support from his teachers. Realising he had no future in the village where he lived he decided to move to his grandmother’s house in Stoke on Trent in order to get a place on a training course. His positive attitude eventually resulted in him gaining a plumbing apprenticeship. Howard Platts, a trustee of Youthbuild UK, said: “The awards are a celebration of young people’s achievements in overcoming barriers on their journey through life.”

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SGCH PROJECT AIMS TO MAKE BASILDON GREENER
22 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing has spent £168,000 on ‘green’ improvements across Basildon’s estates including a community garden for local children to grow their own plants and flowers. The funding, which has been allocated for environmental and estate improvement works, has been spent on general groundwork in the area including clearing rubbish, pruning trees and installing bollards to protect grassed areas. The Basildon ALMO has also revamped a football pitch and children’s playground to encourage community cohesion and boost tenants’ sense of pride in their local area. To kick-off the initiative St Georges held a rubbish amnesty to encourage residents to dispose of unwanted items in an environmentally friendly way rather than dumping them on verges and in gardens. The community garden, in Stagden Cross, has been one of the most successful initiatives with ten local children taking complete responsibility for maintaining the flower beds. St Georges Community Housing supplied the youngsters with watering cans, trowels and kneeling pads while Basildon Council’s Parks Officer Terry Simmons taught them the gardening basics. Commenting on the work, which followed detailed consultation with tenants on the improvements they would like made, Steve Shynn, Interim Chief Executive said: “The work carried out in Stagden Cross has not only revamped the whole area, giving it a fresh new look, but also developed important social links between tenants who now have attractive communal areas in their community in which to meet and interact. The garden in particular is very popular with the local children who are taking great pride in maintaining it which is fantastic to see.” Mr Shynn said that the project, which was the result of the combined efforts of Community Warden Steve Doyle and PCSO Dean Chesterman, said that the work was a great example of successful partnership working between St Georges Community Housing and Essex Police. “The improvements have also strengthened the relationships across the community. Many residents now know our staff by name which encourages them to come forward with their housing needs or simply for help and advice.” Other environmental improvements within the St Georges Community Housing scheme include new play equipment for Bellfields play area, re-surfacing of footpaths in Tanswell Post, Malgraves and Moretons and the installation of bollards and fencing to stop residents parking on the grass in Coteland and Winfields.

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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND LEICESTERSHIRE JOIN FORCES TO DRIVE LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH
22 July 2010

The growth agenda and imposed housing targets in Northamptonshire have been scrapped and new ways of boosting local businesses and managing infrastructure and planning are needed for the area – that was the clear message today from leader of Northamptonshire County Council Cllr Jim Harker. Speaking at a full council Cllr Harker said the intention to build hundreds of thousands of new houses in the region under the previous government’s MKSM plans has now been abandoned and new ways of working are to be established to replace the Regional Development Agencies set up by the previous government. The government has announced that Local Enterprise Partnerships – groups of local authorities and businesses - would replace these agencies, bringing strategic government closer to the people and will become key in delivering economic growth by working closer with business to help local economies recover from recession quicker. Cllr Harker was the first council leader to meet with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles about these new bodies. Following this meeting he announced today that the council is proposing a new Local Enterprise Partnership looking to join forces with Leicestershire and other potentially interested partners to drive the wider area forward. Cllr Harker said: “What is clear is that the growth agenda with its thousands of new homes in the county is now a thing of the past. What is also clear is that we will be expected to set up more local partnerships with our neighbouring counties to plan the future. “This is a golden opportunity for us to now drive forward new arrangements working at a more local level to reduce bureaucracy and creating new ways to boost the local economy and enterprise of the area. “I am delighted that Northamptonshire with Leicestershire were the first authorities to have discussions with Eric Pickles about Local Enterprise Partnerships, and I am equally delighted that already we have made real progress in this area. We are working with Leicestershire and hopefully with others on proposals which would see a partnership set up of leading business figures and the public sector to drive investment, planning, infrastructure, skills and employment in our counties. “We are also already talking to other potentially interested partners to join this Local Enterprise Partnership and look forward to submitting our proposals to government in the coming weeks.”

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JOB OF THE WEEK: ADVERTISE YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
23 July 2010

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TENDER: BEDFORD: CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR MULTI-DWELLING BUILDINGS AND INDIVIDUAL HOUSES
23 July 2010

Title: Construction Work For Multi-Dwelling Buildings And Individual Houses. Client: Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association Ltd Value: £3m Duration: N/A Description: — Lot 1 – Development projects up to the value of GBP 1 499 999, — Lot 2 – Development projects with a value between GBP 1 500 000 and GBP 4 999 999, — Lot 3 – Development projects with a value over GBP 5 000 000. Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: nicky@echelonconsultancy.co.uk . Closing Date: August 23 Please mention Housing News when applying for this Tender. To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on Eastern Construction Now!

CONTRACTOR APPOINTED FOR FLAGSHIP NORTHAMPTON HOMELESS SCHEME
23 July 2010

Project leaders behind a multi-million support scheme set to revolutionise homelessness services in Northampton are looking forward to making their plans a reality, having appointed contractors following a four-way pitch and securing government investment. Midland Heart has joined forces with contractor and developer William Davis to deliver the £5.3million Campbell Street scheme in the heart of Northampton town centre. The plans will now move ahead following confirmation of funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – the national housing and regeneration agency. Around £2.8m will be invested through the HCA’s Places of Change and National Affordable Housing Programmes to help deliver the project. With a wealth of experience in regeneration and partnership projects, the project signals the third Midland Heart contract win for William Davis in the last eighteen months. Designed to consolidate and improve the existing provision for the town’s homeless population, the new scheme will act as a multi-functional site bringing accommodation at Acorn House and daytime drop-in facilities at the Hope Centre under one roof, whilst incorporating additional community and support services. The new housing provision will comprise 48 units of accommodation, including 39 self-contained apartments, nine emergency units and four dog kennels, replacing the current services at Acorn House of 31 units, including a seven-bed dormitory, plus additional support services. Plans for the site also include a day centre, IT suite, arts and crafts centre, kitchen garden, housing advice service and training facilities, designed to motivate and engage individuals in overcoming barriers to independent living. In addition, social enterprise initiatives will provide a secure environment to work with and integrate with members of the community. In delivering the project, the team will work closely with partners Northampton Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency, Northamptonshire County Council Supporting People, which is part of its Places of Change commitment, the Hope Centre, NAASH, CAN, YMCA and the Northampton Homeless Forum. Carl Larter, director of new business and development at Midland Heart, said: “This scheme will act as a gateway to services for Northampton’s homeless population, signposting what is available and harnessing expertise across our partnership which will result in a real force for change. “We are delighted to welcome William Davis onboard and look forward to joining with them in delivering a scheme which will set the precedent for homelessness provision in the area.” Richard Cornes, partnerships director at William Davis Ltd, said: “To be signing contracts on our third major scheme in the past eighteen months on behalf of Midland Heart is a testament to the sound partnership that has developed and the confidence that has grown between us. “This prestigious development not only draws on the experience that William Davis has gained in this sector throughout its 75 years in construction, but also addresses the enormous need for this type of provision in Northamptonshire.” Work on demolishing the existing buildings in preparation for the new centre is expected to start later this year.

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DERWENT LIVING BUILDS ON LAST YEAR’S SUCCESS
23 July 2010

Housing provider Derwent Living has jumped nine places in a list of the top fifty developers in the country. The Derby-based housing provider has been ranked as the 28th highest developer in the country this year by the national trade magazine Inside Housing, confirming Derwent Living’s success in continuing to provide much needed affordable housing. The company was also the highest featured East Midlands based housing provider on the list. Despite the difficult economic conditions, Derwent Living invested £60 million in new homes in 2009 and intends to maintain that level of investment in 2010. Peter McCormack, chief executive at Derwent Living, said: “Appearing on the list of the top 50 developers in the country for the second year running is a great achievement for us as a company. The fact that we have moved up the list so significantly is also a reflection of our continued commitment to provide affordable housing when demand has never been higher. We are also pleased to see that we are the highest featured housing provider based in the East Midlands, which is a considerable achievement and we hope it shows our customers that we are committed to meeting their needs and growing their communities. “The last couple of years have been increasingly difficult for housing providers, such as ourselves, and unfortunately, the difficult economic conditions are still with us and continue to provide us with challenges. We are confident though that we can continue to grow and our ranking as a top developer in the country is testament that we are heading in the right direction.”

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NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH CHIEF APPOINTED AT SUFFOLK COASTAL
23 July 2010

Cllr Marianne Fellowes has been appointed as Suffolk Coastal’s new Cabinet Member for Community Health, replacing the outgoing Cllr Sherrie Green. Cllr Ray Herring, Leader of the Council, welcomed Cllr Fellowes to the Cabinet, and believes she will offer considerable abilities in a priority area. “Cllr Fellowes is an experienced Member with skills that will provide an excellent fit for the Cabinet, this Council and our communities. I look forward to working more closely with her on our vital Community Health programme,” said Cllr Herring. Cllr Green departs the post after 5 years as a Cabinet Member and leaves with the best wishes of Cllr Herring. “I am very grateful for the hard work of Cllr Green over the years, particularly in the fields of port health and wider health issues in general. However, I decided to make this change in the best interests of the Cabinet. “Cllr Green will doubtless continue to be an effective ward councillor and I wish her well as she focuses her considerable energies in that direction,” added Cllr Herring.

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LUMINUS EMPLOYEES RAISE £1500 FOR DREAMDROPS, MAGPAS AND SNAP
23 July 2010

Employees at Luminus, the UK number one for leadership, work life balance and strong moral principles, has raised £1500 to be distributed equally between local charities Dreamdrops, MAGPAS and SNAP. Representatives from the three charities were invited to the Luminus Conference along side 230 Luminus employees, board members and residents, to collect their cheques. Luminus employees have been donating through their payroll and fundraising events over the past year to support three local charities which really make a difference in Huntingdonshire: • MAGPAS is the Emergency Medical Charity for Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Peterborough. They have more than 300 volunteers who literally save lives at the scene of medical emergencies. • Dreamdrops aims to raise money to make a real difference to children and families who use hospital or specialist children’s health facilities in Huntingdonshire • SNAP runs a helpline for all victims of domestic abuse providing someone to talk to and confide in and friendly and constructive advice. Luminus Group Chief Executive Chan Abraham, said: “In 2010, our year of Renewing Hope and Inspiration, Luminus employees have embraced the idea of giving something back to the community. These three charities transform lives, provide hope and give support to vulnerable people through difficult times, and are allies in our mission to change the world for the better where we are.”

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STEVENAGE SHELTERED HOUSING GETS A SPRUCE UP
23 July 2010

Fourteen sheltered housing schemes and an emergency accommodation scheme will be getting a major face lift when staff from Stevenage Homes volunteer to take part in a week long project involving gardening, painting and decorating. The project is sponsored by the contractors that are currently fitting Council homes with thousands of new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and wiring systems and repairing roofs. Together they are donating more than £2000 worth of materials and providing skilled staff to lead teams of volunteers to undertake the work. More than 70 Stevenage Homes employees will be working in shifts to make improvements to communal gardens and other areas used by vulnerable tenants. Each part of the project has been identified by tenants. Work will include weeding and tidying gardens, repairing damaged trellis work, painting garden benches and fences and redecorating shared kitchens and communal hallways. Lorraine O’Brien, chief executive of Stevenage Homes, who will be taking a shift in the gardens at Fred Millard Court, said: “We hope to transform each of the areas that we are working in, so that people living in the schemes can enjoy them. I’m really grateful to all the staff who are taking part in the project, I know that they will work really hard to make a difference to our customers’ homes.” Cllr Ann Webb, portfolio holder for housing, added: ”This is a wonderful example of what the staff and contractors working for Stevenage Homes are doing to make life better for the people of Stevenage.”

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