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

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TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
19 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Jephson Housing Association Group II.2) QUANTITY OR SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT: Lot 1 - Planned maintenance work. Lot 2 - Cyclical maintenance work. Duration in months: 48 (from the award of the contract) NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S): Jephson Housing Association Group Jephson House, Blackdown Contact: Ian Woodland CV32 6RE Leamington Spa UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1384251516 E-mail: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk Fax +44 1384459223 Internet address www.jephson.org.uk Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley B32 3BZ Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1214234000 E-mail: johncooper@holbrowbrookes.co.uk Fax +44 1214234230 Internet: www.holbrowbrookes.co.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now!

CIH WEST MIDLANDS CALLS FOR GOOD PRACTICE AWARD 2010 NOMINATIONS
19 July 2010

The CIH West Midlands Regional Committee, seeking to recognise housing practice excellence in the region, are inviting submissions for this year’s Good Practise award. The closing date for entries is Friday 3rd September. The theme of the award this year is Housing Organisations contribution to Customer Insight and Influence. The award this year is sponsored by Capita who will form part of the judging panel. Capita are regular supporters of the CIH West Midlands Region and CIH nationally and have long been at the forefront of recruiting for the public sector, charities and not-for-profit organisations. They operate across a wide range of specialist areas and manage temporary, contract and permanent vacancies. Nominations for this year’s awards should incorporate all of the following aspects: • How understanding customers has developed and improved services • Innovative ways of working with customers • Adapting to respect diverse needs • Outcomes of involving communities • How this has been achieved at a low cost As well as a chance to publicise your organisation’s achievements the prize includes two tickets to next year’s CIH Presidential Dinner (2011) with travel and accommodation paid for, and two free places to the next Regional Conference in 2011. The award will be presented at The West Midland Regional Award Ceremony at Birmingham City University on 1st November this year. As a condition of entry, winners should expect to showcase the work they are doing at the Midlands Regional Conference in May 2011. A small panel including members of the Regional Committee and a representative from the sponsor will judge submissions. The panel may wish to visit shortlisted organisations during September 2010, with the winning organisation being announced soon after 13th September. Organisations may nominate either themselves or another organisation and there is a limit of one submission per organisation. Deadline for submissions is Friday 3rd September 2010 and should be sent to Jayne Anderson at the CIH, Octavia House, Westwood Way, Coventry, CV4 8JP. Please provide 5 copies of each submission To receive a nomination pack contact Nirmal Samrai at Shropshire Housing Group on 01939 238840 or email: nirmal.samrai@shropshirehousing.org.uk

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WEST MERCIA HOUSING GROUP APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
19 July 2010

Peter Quinn West Mercia Housing Group has appointed a new executive director to head up its development, regeneration and property services, which includes overseeing some of the largest regeneration projects in the West Midlands. Peter Quinn joins West Mercia as its Executive Director for Development, Regeneration and Property Services. He joins the housing group, which includes Coventry-based Whitefriars Housing Group, Harden Housing Association in Birmingham, Kemble Housing in Herefordshire, and Nexus Housing in Worcestershire, from Lovell Partnership where he was National Business Development Manager. With 28 years experience in housing and development, Peter’s previous roles include Executive Director of Development at Midland Heart, as well as Executive Director of Operations at St Pancreas Housing Association and Director of Development at Thames Valley Housing Association. His new role at West Mercia Housing Group will include looking after the group’s investment in its properties, and giving strategic direction to the development and regeneration departments. The appointment of Peter now completes the executive team at West Mercia Housing Group. Peter joins the group which is undertaking two major regeneration projects, including a £360m housing redevelopment in Coventry, which will see approximately 3,000 new homes built over 15 years. His role will also involve working with the North Solihull Partnership, of which West Mercia Housing Group is a partner. This project is a £1.8 billion investment to regenerate four areas of Solihull, set out over 15 years, to develop ten new primary schools, five new village centres, and better transport and green space. Peter said: “It is an exciting time to be coming on board with West Mercia. I am looking forward to developing the Spectrum Development Partnership which offers us a platform for development opportunities across the west midlands through a group of ten affordable housing providers working together. “I am also looking forward to the challenge of providing not just good quality housing but additional benefits to communities that we work in.”

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FIRST HOME COMPLETE AS PART OF £26M BRUM BUILDING PROGRAMME
19 July 2010

Birmingham City Council has celebrated the completion of the first home of 293 new homes it is delivering, as part of a £26 million house building programme, which began in January 2010. The new family homes are being delivered through the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust on council owned land, which has been donated for free. The council is working well ahead of the Government’s deadline to have homes complete by March 2011 and is the first authority in the West Midlands to complete external works to its first home, in Brooklea Grove, Kings Norton, as part of the Local Authority New Build programme. Birmingham City Council was joined by its partners, Coleshill-based firm Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) West Midlands, a Keepmoat delivery company, which delivered the first home, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), council tenant representatives and apprentices working on the scheme, amongst others, to mark this important step forward. 18 year-old apprentices Jonathan Schwarm (apprentice plumber) and Harry Brindley (apprentice plasterer), who are learning new skills and helping deliver new homes, were proud to be a part of the day. Training and employment opportunities were created with the developers, through jobs and apprenticeships, helping tackle unemployment within the city, particularly amongst younger people. Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing at Birmingham City Council, said: “This marks yet another significant milestone in the development of our first new build council homes, through the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust. The first of 500 we aim to build each year. “I am delighted by the progress made by our partners FHM and it will not be too long before the first houses are handed over and families found for these wonderful new homes. “I would like to thank the HCA for helping us to achieve our ambition and I am sure they will continue to work with us in the future. I’m sure these homes will be the cornerstone of the community and complement the wider regeneration in Kings Norton, the ‘Big Change’. “Thanks also to our young apprentices who are working hard to help deliver 43 new homes on this site. I am sure FHM are looking after them well are providing with them skills they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.” David Rhead, Birmingham Area Manager for HCA West Midlands, added: “We are pleased to have supported Birmingham through the local authority new build programme and the strong partnership between the HCA, Birmingham City Council and FHM is demonstrated in the scheme being one of the first in the country to complete local authority homes. We look forward to further completions here and support the city’s ambition for this community.” Fraser Mercer, Managing Director of FHM West Midlands, said: “We are very proud to be building the first council properties in Birmingham for the first three decades. We are delighted to have completed the first plot at Brooklea Grove, we have a fantastic working partnership with BMHT which has enabled FHM to play their own part investing in the city’s economy and creating new jobs.” The council’s house building plans represent Birmingham’s first major council house building programme in almost three decades. The council is confident that the homes could be ready to be occupied later this year. All homes will meet high quality design and environmental standards which will reduce running costs and energy bills for residents. In January this year, Birmingham City Council was also the first local authority to gear up to deliver new homes for social rent as builders in Kings Norton, Hodge Hill Sparkbrook and Handsworth started works to supply 129 new council homes as part of the first phase of building. The second phase of building began in April on sites in Northfield, Ladywood, Handsworth and Saltley, when for the first time the council started building 164 new family homes for sale, with social rent, side by side, providing mixed tenure developments and excellent housing choices for Birmingham’s families.

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TREE PLANTED AT NEW WALSALL EXTRA CARE SCHEME
19 July 2010

Knaves Court, Housing 21’s new extra care scheme for older people in Brownhills, Walsall grew a step nearer to completion this week with a special tree planting ceremony. Housing 21 staff were joined by soon-to-be tenants and representatives of the project partners – Walsall Borough Council and Willmott Dixon – for the occasion. Soon-to-be tenants Elsie Hill, Bill Parker and John Dolphin, all residents of St James Resource Centre, planted a tree at the site. They will both be among the first to move into Knaves Court when it completes in September. Knaves Court will provide 60 one and two bedroom spacious apartments for rent or shared ownership. On-site facilities open to the local community will include a hairdressing salon, restaurant and shop. Deborah Wright, who will be Housing 21’s Court Manager at Knaves Court when it opens, said: “It is exciting to see Knaves court nearing completion and I am sure the tree will be a delightful addition to the garden for many years to come.” Councillor Barbara McCracken, Walsall Council cabinet member for social care, health and housing, said: "I have spoken to many residents at Mattesley Court and Alrewych Court and having seen how well they are thriving. I am delighted that another Housing 21 scheme is well on its way in the borough." Knaves Court is the third extra care scheme to be provided under the £165 million project to re-provide older people’s housing across the borough. Mattesley Court in Mossley and Alrewych Court in Northgate were opened last year and other extra care schemes in Delves and Short Heath will soon follow. Many of the tenants moving into the new extra care schemes have gone from residential care back into independent living. The project also includes Rushall Mews Rehabilitation Centre which opened last year and a new residential care home designed specifically for people with dementia.

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SANCTUARY HELPS YOUNGSTERS DESIGN THEIR COMMUNITY
19 July 2010

Youngsters from two primary schools in Stoke have been given the opportunity to express their thoughts on the future of the City Waterside Community through a project funded by the Sanctuary Group. Sanctuary provided £500 funding towards equipment and materials for the project which allowed pupils from St Luke’s and City Waterside Primary Schools to produce artwork and models of how they want their community to look in 25 years’ time. The money was used to purchase a variety of equipment and materials including pens, pencils, paper, paint, card, clay, wood and tissue paper, and Sanctuary staff then hosted a number of workshops and provided support for the youngsters to help them produce their drawings and models. A total of 50 youngsters, 25 from each school, took part in the project and their works were displayed at the City Waterside Community Centre this week, when residents from the local community were invited to view and feedback their thoughts on the models. The project was organised by Sanctuary as a way of involving youngsters in the consultation for City Waterside as regeneration works continue in the area. Shoaib Khan, a pupil from City Waterside Primary School, said: “Building and thinking about what Stoke-on-Trent would look like in the future was what I found most interesting, but also designing the project.” Christa Ripley, Sanctuary’s Regional Manager for the Midlands, said: “There are many changes taking place in City Waterside and it’s important to allow harder to reach members of the community the opportunity to have their say on future proposals. “This project not only increased awareness of the regeneration activity taking place in the area, but helped youngsters build their confidence and feedback their thoughts in a fun and exciting way.” Councillor John Davis, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: "I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of pupils from both schools. These types of projects involving young people are essential in the regeneration programmes as these will be the ones affected in the long term. We must value their opinions and suggestions.”

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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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SARH PROVIDES SUMMER FUN FOR ALL IN BLYTHE BRIDGE
19 July 2010

A range of activities has been organised to give people in Blythe Bridge the chance to beat the boredom blues during the summer holidays. Stafford and Rural Homes has organised the free activities – funded by the Blythe Bridge Community and Learning Partnership – including fishing, crafts, circus skills and musical entertainment. The sessions have been organised following feedback from last year’s Respect Action Day, held by SARH in Blythe Bridge, where customers requested more activities for young people and opportunities for the community to come together. Anna McLauchlan, Neighbourhood Project Officer for SARH, said: “We have chosen a wide selection of sessions to try and appeal to young people of all ages and abilities. We also tried to arrange the sessions at venues that everyone can get to and completely free of charge so nobody is left out.” The summer sessions taking place are: Monday and Tuesday (July 26 and 27) Two-day fishing course provided by Stone Private Angling Club. Day one at Blythe Close – 11am to 1pm Day two at a local pool in Fulford – 10am to 2pm. Friday, August 6 Jo Jingles fun music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children at Blythe Lodge. For 3 to 5 year olds: 10.30 to 11.15am. Under 3s: 11.30 to 12.15pm. Thursday, August 19 Summer crafts at Blythe Lodge, 2 to 5pm. Wednesday, August 25 Magical Mayhem Circus Skills at Blythe Close – 2 to 4pm. Although the sessions are free, all places must be booked.

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

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TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
20 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Jephson Housing Association Group II.2) QUANTITY OR SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT: Lot 1 - Planned maintenance work. Lot 2 - Cyclical maintenance work. Duration in months: 48 (from the award of the contract) NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S): Jephson Housing Association Group Jephson House, Blackdown Contact: Ian Woodland CV32 6RE Leamington Spa UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1384251516 E-mail: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk Fax +44 1384459223 Internet address www.jephson.org.uk Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley B32 3BZ Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1214234000 E-mail: johncooper@holbrowbrookes.co.uk Fax +44 1214234230 Internet: www.holbrowbrookes.co.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now!

HOUSING COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY BRIDGES THE 10 YEAR GAP
20 July 2010

After working with more than 300 clients, employing 50 staff and putting in more than 23,000 hours of work, housing marketing and communications agency, The Bridge Group, celebrates its tenth anniversary this week. The consultancy, which is based in Coventry, was founded in July 2000. Since then, the organisation, which works predominantly with housing sector and local authority clients across the country, has grown to be consistently placed in the ‘top 150 consultancy’ league table compiled by PR Week. It is also listed as the top-ranked public sector PR consultancy in the Midlands, according to figures published by the same title. Other accolades have included winning Communicators in Business awards for brochures and annual reports designed by the company. Communication successes have included creating positive identities for new clients, handling crises and helping organisations to improve sales and win new business and awards. Managing director Nicola Winn, who is a former chair of the East Midlands region of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “I think that one of the things that has helped us stand out from the crowd is the fact that all of our senior staff have worked in a senior capacity within the housing and local authority sectors. “This means that we routinely offer a specialist ‘critical friend’ service for clients and we directly tailor our communications services to tackle the issues which we know are prevalent within the housing industry. “Over the past 120 months I think the most significant change that we’ve seen to our trade is the evolution of digital media. From interactive websites to social networking, the tools we now have at our disposal are far more wide-ranging than when the company was launched. “I’d like to thank our clients, both past and present. But in particular I want to pay tribute to our staff. One of the most important things about The Bridge Group is our fun and creative team spirit. Every day is a fresh experience and our team is a delight. I feel very lucky to have overseen The Bridge Group for 10 years. Now we’re focusing on building the business for the next decade.”

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HEREFORDSHIRE RESIDENTS GET DIGITAL
20 July 2010

Herefordshire Housing has been working with older residents at Penyard Gardens, Herefordshire, to improve their knowledge of digital technology and start using the internet. The result has been the creation of a digital hub. Residents at the housing scheme set up their own internet access as they were keen to learn more about the wonders of digital technology. Working with the residents, Herefordshire Housing arranged for a reconditioned computer from local company, Enviroability. A second computer was also kindly donated by a resident. Get Digital sessions were organised by the housing association with the help of IT colleagues and IT support from Enviroability. Suzanne Farmer, Customer Involvement Officer for Herefordshire Housing, said: “The residents were really keen to learn more about digital technology so we arranged sessions for them in their communal area. We worked with Enviroability who provided them with the computer and IT support and Age Concern who helped with online shopping.” Residents used search engines, emailed family members in Australia, looked at street views of loved ones homes in other countries, made online purchases, viewed online art galleries and got to grips with the Nintendo Wii. The group also connected the computer to a projector and watched a clip from British Pathe of historic Ross-on-Wye and used youtube to watch films of the Wye Valley. Residents will also be exploring social networking in the near future as they learn how to use facebook.

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KIND HEARTED WREKIN TRUST TENANTS RAISE FUNDS FOR LOCAL HOSPICE
20 July 2010

Kind hearted tenants of The Wrekin Housing Trust dug deep into their pockets to help raise funds for a local hospice during the recent Woodside Fun Day. In all, a total of £115 was raised by The Wrekin Housing Trust as a result of donations from people visiting the Trust's stand, which will be presented to Severn Hospice. Wendy Gough, Area Manager for Woodside, said: "Tenants had a fantastic time at the Woodside fun day. "The weather was great and we were pleased to speak to so many of our tenants. We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who contributed money to the Severn Hospice appeal. We are delighted to be able to provide funds for such a fantastic cause." The event, which saw the Trust and its partners such as the Police, Telford & Wrekin Council and the Fire Service promoting their services, was deemed a success. Both tenants of the Trust and local residents of Woodside enjoyed such delights as football coaching, a tombola, bouncy castle and a hook-a-duck stall.

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CITY SHOW SUCCESS FOR WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES
20 July 2010

Thousands of people have attended the annual City Show in Wolverhampton. The sun shone and Wolverhampton Homes board members, staff and volunteers were out in force to answer queries and let people know about their services. The team gave out over 1,000 energy saving light bulbs and more than 500 eco-friendly shopping bags with advice and goodies in. Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett stopped by to see the Wolverhampton Homes trailer and chat to the Chair of Wolverhampton Homes’ Board, Sue Roberts. (Pictured right)

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WALSALL RESIDENTS URGED TO GET DIGGING FOR GARDEN COMPETITION
20 July 2010

A Walsall housing association is inviting 1,800 residents to enter a competition to find the best garden in the borough. Budding Alan Titchmarsh’s are being urged to pick up their trowels and enter their gardens into Caldmore Area Housing Association’s annual green-fingered challenge. Entries can range from back gardens to humble window boxes – giving all residents the chance to get involved and make their areas bloom. Residents have until Wednesday 21st July to enter the competition. Entry forms can be downloaded online at www.caldmorehousing.co.uk or picked up at Caldmore’s Head Office in Caldmore Green. Mike Hew, Chief Executive at Caldmore Housing Association, will visit each garden before deciding on a winner. Margot Lambert, Director of Housing and Care Services, said: “It’s an honour to host the garden competition which proves popular with our residents year after year. “It’s always amazing to see how much time and effort residents put into their gardens and of course they’re also making their communities greener places to live.” The winner of the competition will receive £100 worth of ‘Love to Shop’ vouchers and will also be featured in the Association’s newsletter.

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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: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
21 July 2010

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TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
21 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Jephson Housing Association Group II.2) QUANTITY OR SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT: Lot 1 - Planned maintenance work. Lot 2 - Cyclical maintenance work. Duration in months: 48 (from the award of the contract) NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S): Jephson Housing Association Group Jephson House, Blackdown Contact: Ian Woodland CV32 6RE Leamington Spa UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1384251516 E-mail: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk Fax +44 1384459223 Internet address www.jephson.org.uk Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley B32 3BZ Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1214234000 E-mail: johncooper@holbrowbrookes.co.uk Fax +44 1214234230 Internet: www.holbrowbrookes.co.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now!

SHREWSBURY:1500 HOMES PLAN
21 July 2010

More than 1,500 homes could be built in two areas of Shrewsbury alongside major plans to create two new business and employment districts in the town, reports the Shropshire Star newspaper. An area next to Shrewsbury Town FC’s Greenhous Meadow has been earmarked as a designated strategic employment site, with 22 hectares of land already reserved under Shropshire Council’s Core Strategy. About 900 new homes could also be built either side of Oteley Road, near to the stadium, as well as a four hectare extension of Shrewsbury Business Park off Thieves Lane. A report to this week’s meeting of the council’s cabinet also outlines proposals for 700 homes to the north of Welshpool Road, further along the town’s bypass, along with 12 hectares of additional employment land. Dave Wallace, team leader for communities and housing policy at Shropshire Council, said the figures related to development that would take place over the next 26 years. He said: “At this stage in the process it’s not so much developers so much as the promoters of land who are acting on behalf of the landowners in putting forward these sites. “Every bit of land on the bypass of Shrewsbury has been promoted by landowners and it is basically a case of take your pick assessing things like transport infrastructure, landscape character, accessibility to services and the relationship to the existing built-up area. “Also, because we are looking at employment land we have had to take into consideration the balance of employment sites. “A lot is in the north of the town and the advice from our consultants is that it would be advantageous to have employment land in the south as well because of its good links to the A5.” Mr Wallace said members of the council’s cabinet and full council would consider the Core Strategy final plan this week to decide whether to submit it for examination to the West Midlands Regional Spacial Strategy with hopes it could be adopted by Spring.

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MULTI-MILLION SAVINGS MADE THROUGH NEW BRUM CONTRACTS
21 July 2010

Savings of more than £36million were achieved by Birmingham City Council last year thanks to the negotiation of contracts offering better value for taxpayer money. The figure is almost eight times as much as the saving gained from improved deals during 2008/09 (£4.555million) and comes at a time when public finances are tightening across the board. The bulk of this year’s total came through a new contract for housing repair, maintenance and gas servicing – £30.9million cheaper than the previous deal. Other deals that were struck in 2009/10 included a three-year contract for the supply of stationary, paper and electrical equipment, developed in collaboration with other local authorities, which will save Birmingham £1.5million alone. A contract for the provision of groceries and catering equipment was also signed that will achieve savings of £1million over its three-year duration. Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It is vital that all public bodies use the funds that they receive from taxpayers as effectively as possible – and this is of particular significance when times are tough such as they are now. “As a council, we have made a concerted effort to refine our procurement processes to extract the maximum value from any contracts we sign, not only in terms of our bottom line but the benefit the deal will gain for the wider community and economy. “The savings and benefits that can be gained are huge – in the last year we have proven that. Through our Corporate Procurements Services team, we will continue to leave no stone unturned to ensure that this continues to be the case in years to come.”

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£2.3 MILLION HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OPENS IN NORTH WARWICKSHIRE
21 July 2010

The first residents have moved into a new affordable housing development built by Jephson Homes Housing Association on the site of an old pub in North Warwickshire. Gate Court has been built in Dordon, in partnership with North Warwickshire Borough Council and contractor Wates Living Space. The development’s name was taken from The Gate Inn, which previously stood on the site. An opening ceremony was held on site yesterday and speeches were given by Jephson representatives, local councilors and development partners. To mark the occasion, a bird table was erected in the building’s communal area. Gate Court is a single building containing 17 two-bedroom flats, all for rent. Two of the ground floor units have been made available for tenants with limited mobility and incorporate level access showers. The scheme is designed to Code 3 sustainability standards and incorporates the use of green technology to provide heating and hot water. An agreement is in place for North Warwickshire Borough Council to have 100 per cent of the nomination rights for initial lettings and 75 per cent of the subsequent lettings. All of the 17 flats have now been allocated. It is the first development Jephson has completed in North Warwickshire, with the Association now being one of the council's preferred development partners. Rose Green, Jephson’s Regional Committee Chair led the speeches on behalf of Jephson. She said: “We are very pleased with the end result and Gate Court will be a lovely home for its new residents. “We are happy to be working in partnership with North Warwickshire Borough Council to help meet the housing needs of local people.”

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160 RESIDENTS NOW TRAINED IN GOING GREEN
21 July 2010

More than 160 residents in the West Midlands have been trained in cutting their carbon and reducing fuel bills as part of a major green campaign. The Fit for the Future project, backed by Advantage West Midlands, aims to spread awareness of sustainability and help the region develop its role as an economic hub of green technology. It aims to train 600 people this year in Energy Conservation on a free 2-hour course. So far 165 people have been trained. Over 25 have also completed a one-day accredited Level 2 course with a target of 100 by October. The project is being led by the Accord Group in partnership with Black Country and Family housing associations, and Sandwell Homes. There are also 5 paid jobs as Community Climate Change Champions, who will be employed by the Accord Group through the Future Jobs Fund. The roles are open to those who have been out of work for 6 months. As part of the project there is also an interactive website at www.thegreenhouseproject.org.uk, which includes the training online. Resident Mike Poppett, from Cannock, said: “The training and information that we received made me think about energy conservation in my own home and how much money I could save.” Natalie Jones, project co-ordinator, said: “The courses are proving really popular and people are coming forward every day. It’s an ideal way to improve your skills, learn about how to save money in the home and widen your career options with work placements and jobs.”

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WOLVERHAMPTON RESIDENT CELEBRATES 107TH BIRTHDAY
21 July 2010

Everything came up smelling of roses on the 107th birthday of Louisa Watts in Wolverhampton. Five generations of her family were on hand to mark the milestone in the life of the woman whose plight as she was forced to leave Underhill House council care home made headlines around the world in January. Her close friend Cissie Pugh, aged 99, who also had to leave the council care home, was guest of honour at yesterday’s party after arriving on Thursday to live alongside her at Bentley Court in Wednesfield. The Queen sent another card of congratulations and multi millionaire businessman Trevor Beattie, who championed her cause during the fight to keep Underhill House open, arrived with a huge red rose for every year of her life. Retired New Cross Hospital cleaner Mrs Watts, who went to a Blakenhall care home before being moved to be close to her family, said: ”This is a lovely day.”

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: GET YOUR TOP JOB HERE!
22 July 2010

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TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
22 July 2010

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Jephson Housing Association Group II.2) QUANTITY OR SCOPE OF THE CONTRACT: Lot 1 - Planned maintenance work. Lot 2 - Cyclical maintenance work. Duration in months: 48 (from the award of the contract) NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S): Jephson Housing Association Group Jephson House, Blackdown Contact: Ian Woodland CV32 6RE Leamington Spa UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1384251516 E-mail: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk Fax +44 1384459223 Internet address www.jephson.org.uk Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley B32 3BZ Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1214234000 E-mail: johncooper@holbrowbrookes.co.uk Fax +44 1214234230 Internet: www.holbrowbrookes.co.uk To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now!

WATES LIVING SPACE TO DELIVER 158 AFFORDABLE TIMBER HOMES IN BROMSGROVE
22 July 2010

Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) and West Mercia Housing Association have appointed Wates Living Space to deliver 158 new affordable homes in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. The timber houses and apartments will be built on a Greenfield site near Perryfields Road and include an equal mixture of rented and shared ownership homes. They will be funded jointly by BDHT and West Mercia, supported by a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and Bromsgrove District Council. Wates Living Space has just started on site with the first homes due for completion in March 2011. Wates Living Space will also deliver new jobs for local people as well as offering a number of training initiatives during the build programme. Phil Sperring, Business Unit Director for Wates Living Space, said: “We are delighted to be working with BDHT and West Mercia Housing not just to deliver much needed affordable new housing within Bromsgrove but to deliver wider community benefits, invest in local community projects and provide local training and employment opportunities.” Mike Brown, Chief Executive of BDHT, added: “Wates has been the number one performer on the Spectrum Framework for housing delivery across the district. "We’re looking forward to another development, which will make a real difference to local people in these tough times.”

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£11 MILLION TURVES GREEN EXTRA CARE SCHEME COMPLETED
22 July 2010

A special ceremony has been held on the building site of an £11 million extra care scheme in Turves Green, Birmingham to mark the completion of external works. Saxon Court in the Northfield area of the city is the second of two new extra care schemes being built for older people, through a partnership between Birmingham City Council and Housing 21. Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing at Birmingham City Council, was joined by representatives from project partners at the Homes and Communities Agency, Housing 21 and Willmott Dixon Housing Limited, as he laid the last tile on the roof of the development. Saxon Court will provide 87 apartments and 8 bungalows and is on course to be complete by spring 2011. The extra care scheme will support older people with a range of needs via a care and support team which will be available 24 hours a day. Birmingham City Council donated its own land, valued at £2 million, for free and secured £5.1 million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency, to deliver the scheme which will support the housing needs of older people in the city. Saxon Court will include options for rent and for purchase, either outright or on a shared ownership basis. It will provide facilities which can be also be used by older people within the local community, including a hairdressing salon and restaurant. Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing at Birmingham City Council, said: “I’m proud that Birmingham City Council is leading the way and providing our older citizens with more housing choice than ever before. This ceremony marks real progress for us and our partners, Housing 21, as we get closer to opening this scheme to our citizens. “Both extra care schemes with Housing 21 are part of the Council’s larger plans to ensure our older residents are given the chance to live an independent and active lifestyle in suitable accommodation.” Paul Spooner, Regional Director for the Homes and Communities Agency, West Midlands, said: “We are pleased that HCA funding has enabled this extra care scheme to reach this significant stage and residents will soon be able to access high quality, affordable homes and excellent facilities.” Tayo Bilewu, Director of Development and New Business at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to see construction nearing completion. Saxon court will provide high quality accommodation in an extra care setting so that residents can enjoy independent living in a safe and secure environment.” Eamonn Burns, Operations Director for Willmott Dixon Housing, said: “The scheme is progressing extremely well. We are delighted to be working with our partners, Birmingham City Council and Housing 21, to deliver a very high quality scheme on time and on budget.” It is estimated that the number of people aged over 85 years is forecast to increase by 79% by 2031 and by 2016, there is estimated to be an additional 17,000 pensioner households in Birmingham.

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SOLIHULL COMMUNITY HOUSING WINS AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECT
22 July 2010

Solihull Community Housing (SCH) has received a national award for a new service which has slashed tenants’ waiting times for housing adaptations. (Left to right) Solihull Community Housing Trusted Assessor, Chris Carrick, Award sponsor Warm Front Managing Director Andrew Walton, Solihull Community Housing Trusted Assessor Kevin Scruton and Host Janet Street-Porter. The Trusted Assessor service, which fast tracks residents who require minor adaptations including handrails, extra stair banisters and bed raisers, won the Most Innovative Project award from the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA). Working with Solihull NHS Care Trust, four members of SCH’s Maintenance Team have been specially trained so they can make home assessments and install the relevant equipment to resident’s homes. Using this service takes on average two weeks from the initial customer call to the installation of equipment. In the first 12 weeks of the pilot, the SCH team were allocated 76 jobs, resulting in 58 cases not having to go on the Occupational Therapy waiting list. The Fast Track programme not only reduces waiting times for the delivery of equipment and minor adaptations but also mitigates increasing demand on the Care Trust’s Occupational Therapy service. At the awards SCH were also shortlisted for the Most Outstanding Young Person Award. Adam Farrell, aged 18, volunteers at SCH on the Youth Pod project which aims to engage local young people with SCH’s services and activities. Adam also administers SCH’s Facebook page and Twitter account. The winners of this year’s NFA awards were announced at a ceremony on Thursday evening at the Midland Hotel, Manchester hosted by Janet Street-Porter. SCH Director of Asset Management Peter Gardner, said: “We are delighted that our commitment to improving service for our residents has been recognised by the NFA. Through working closely with the Care Trust we have been able to reduce waiting times for minor adaptations, which has made a huge difference to tenants. “I would also like to congratulate Adam for being shortlisted for the Most Outstanding Young Person. He has been a real asset to the teams and has been hugely successful in getting young people interested and involved in SCH.” This is the second year running that SCH has won the Most Innovative Project from NFA. Last year they won the award for their broadband project which provides free broadband to council tenants living in high-rise blocks.

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BIRMINGHAM STUDENT ACCOMMODATION RECEIVES ANUK ACCREDITATION
22 July 2010

HCR Groups Birmingham-based Student Accommodation, Alexandra House has received ANUK Accreditation for high quality of service and housing. HCRs popular student accommodation Alexandra House in Birmingham has just undertaken its Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) assessment. ANUK is a national organisation, supported by the National Union of Students, which gives students the reassurance of knowing that their accommodation has been recognised as offering high quality of service and housing. The accreditation is voluntary and aimed at both educational establishments and private sector suppliers. Those who join ANUK do so as part of their commitment to providing students with a first-class housing service which covers not only the accommodation itself but the relevant procedures in place for health and safety, student applications and staff training. In order to gain ANUK accreditation over 90 different aspects of the accommodation service were assessed, and the organisation also ensure they gain valuable insight from the students currently residing in the accommodation. ANUK were especially impressed with the current application and guarantor processes, welcome pack and tenancy agreement provided to students by HCR. Alexandra House is conveniently situated for all of the Birmingham University campuses and has superb transport links to Birmingham City Centre. The accommodation comprises of 97 generously sized fully furnished study bedrooms covering four floors, each with Internet access. Every bedroom is located close to a large well-equipped kitchen, which even contain a personal lockable food cupboard for each student. The rooms cost from £75 per week including all utilities (council tax, water, gas and electricity) and no deposit is necessary. HCR Managing Director, Andrew Finney, said: Every step is taken to ensure that all HCR clients, whether they are a student or CEO receives a high level of service. This accreditation reflects the hard work that HCR employees have put in to making Alexandra House one of the premium student accommodations in Birmingham.

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
22 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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THOMAS VALE EMPLOYEES MAKE A GIANT LEAP FOR CHARITY
22 July 2010

Ten employees from Midlands-based house builders, Thomas Vale Construction, have taken part in a fundraising tandem sky-dive in aid of a variety of charities across the country, raising in excess of £4,000. The group participated in the sky-dive at Tilstock Parachute Centre in Shropshire and eventually enjoyed glorious weather for their 10,000ft jump. Jade Wallis, PR & Communications for Thomas Vale who raised money for the Stroud Valleys Project in Gloucestershire said: “The contrast between heart stopping free-fall and relaxing parachute glide was huge. You went from total excitement to being very chilled in 30 seconds. Everyone who jumped all agreed it was one of the best experiences ever. And as a good bonus we managed to raise over £4,000 for some very worthwhile causes.” All ten of the Thomas Vale staff jumped, despite the temperamental weather which caused delays on the day. Claire Fell, Group HR Manager at Thomas Vale who raised money for The Air Ambulance said: “It took 25 minutes to ascend to the height of 10,000 feet (2 miles) - The houses did look like dots! At 10,500 feet the plane stopped accelerating and the door was opened.Our ears instantly popped and it becomes even more of a reality. "I have to admit that I did scream for the whole free fall that seemed to last for ages. It was in fact just over 30 seconds and 5,000 feet - yes, that's about 125 miles per hour! Then there was a huge tug and the 'chute was open. The sun was shining and the views over the Shropshire plains were beautiful for the next 3-4 minutes of descent”. Thomas Vale Construction has been a keen supporter of local charities. and is the principal sponsor of Ability Counts, West Midlands. The regional Ability Counts leagues are supported by county FA's as part of their disability development plan, giving disabled footballers the opportunity to play regular competitive football. So far this year, Thomas Vale has raised a massive £7,000 for the football club.

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

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TENDER: LEAMINGTON SPA: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES OF BUILDING INSTALLATIONS
23 July 2010

Title: Repair and Maintenance Services of Building Installations Client: Jephson Housing Association Group Value: £3m Duration: N/A Description: Further information such as specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained at: Holbrow Brookes Construction Consultants, Pinewood, Bell Heath Way, Woodgate Business Park, Contact: Holbrow Brookes Construction Constultants Attn: John Cooper / Robert Shirley B32 3BZ Birmingham UNITED KINGDOM Tel. +44 1214234000 Further information can be obtained from Mr Steve Mellor on 01270 686 439 or email: ian.woodland@jephson.orh.uk . Closing Date: N/A To advertise your tender here, email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more details. This tender also appears on West Midlands Construction Now!

ALL ADVANTAGE WEST MIDLANDS STAFF INVITED TO APPLY FOR REDUNDANCY
23 July 2010

Advantage West Midlands has, this week, opened a scheme inviting all of its 326 staff to apply for voluntary redundancy. The news comes after spending watchdog the National Audit Office gave the RDA the maximum score for its performance - one of only two RDAs in the country to have achieved the maximum rating. A spokesman for Advantage West Midlands said that it intends to keep a "business-critical" number of staff with "the right skills and experience" in order to keep the agency – and ongoing projects – running. The spokesman could not say how many staff this would involve, but said it could be "a significant number." AWM staff must submit applications for voluntary redundancy by 9 August, the spokesman said. Successful applicants would then leave the RDA by 22 October. The spokesman said that AWM is currently carrying out a review of 600 projects, having been told by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills that it must save £37.1 million, or 18.6 per cent, of its budget in the current financial year. It has also imposed a freeze on new spending. AWM, which was formed in 1999 under the previous Labour government, said it expects to announce that some of its 600 projects will be axed when the review reports back in the autumn, the spokesman said, but would not be drawn on how many. Chief executive Mick Laverty, said: "These are difficult and unsettling times for staff. The important thing now is that we focus on continuing to do the best job we can in the months ahead." The NAO report was commissioned by the business department. Business secretary Vince Cable and communities secretary Eric Pickles last month set out plans that would see all eight RDAs outside of London replaced by local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) - joint local authority-business bodies with the responsibility of promoting economic development. The Government expects RDAs to be wound down by 2012.

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WOLVERHAMPTON DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CLOSE
23 July 2010

The urban regeneration company for Wolverhampton has announced that it will be wound up and could cease operations as soon as September. Wolverhampton Development Company said that its funders - regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and Wolverhampton City Council - could not guarantee funding beyond March 2011. It added that it was facing a 25 per cent reduction in its funding for the current financial year. Chief executive Stephen Catchpole, said: "We will meet to make final decisions in late August, but the feeling is that if we cannot continue next year, then there is not a lot of point limping on." The company was established in 2007 and helped deliver the £37 million Victoria Hall student village and planning consents for a number of commercial developments. WDC chairman Graham Mackenzie, said: "I am disappointed that funding will no longer be available but, given the serious nature of the public sector deficit, I am not surprised at the decision."

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BIRMINGHAM CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING SERVICES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
23 July 2010

A leading housing agency that has been helping people in Birmingham to manage their own homes for 25 years has launched a brand new website. The bchs (Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services) website – which has been developed with the help of residents - can be found at: www.bchs.org.uk. The site has a host of new features including a text alert service where residents can register to have all the latest bchs news sent straight to their mobile phones. It also includes information on how residents can have a say in designing their homes and co-operatives and set up their own Tenant Management Organisation. Residents can also pay their rent, report repairs and read the latest bchs news all online at the new site. Carl Taylor, Director of bchs, said: “We’re delighted with our new website and we hope that our residents and co-operatives will like it too. “We’ve introduced a range of new features and pages that will allow residents to get hold of the information they need at the touch of a button. “There are also links to our Twitter page as we know that as technology changes our residents will want to be communicated to in different ways.” bchs is based in Tyseley, Birmingham, and has developed more than 50 housing co-ops and community controlled housing projects since 1997. Housing co-operatives, or co-ops as they are known, allow local people to manage their own homes and have a real say about their housing and neighbourhoods. bchs is part of the Accord Group, a family of seven organisations which work together to provide 11,000 homes and services to people across the Midlands and beyond.

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RESPECT ACTION DAY IN BARLASTON
23 July 2010

A community event in Barlaston is aiming to get local people to make a positive impact on their neighbourhoods. Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) and its partners are running a Respect Action Day, at Wedgwood Drive, on Thursday, August 5. Funded by Stone Community and Learning Partnership, the event will give customers the chance to talk to SARH and partner organisations about any neighbourhood issues they have and get advice about community projects. Anna McLauchlan, SARH Neighbourhoods Project Officer, said: “This event is all about engaging with our customers and getting them actively involved in making a positive difference to where they live. “We hope this event will help to bring the community even closer together and provide an opportunity for people to talk to us about any issues within the community. “We also want to let our customers know we aren’t just an organisation that owns houses, we also do a lot of positive work in communities across Stafford Borough.” A wide range of organisations, including Barlaston Women’s Institute, Age Concern, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Barlaston First Responders, Stafford Borough Council, Barlaston Parish Council and SARH will be offering support and advice between noon and 4pm. Free activities will also be available for youngsters including face painting, a climbing wall, and bouncy castle. There will also be a raffle with prizes provided by Barlaston Garden Centre, Anthony Payton Chiropodists, M Davies Butchers, The Upper House, Kitson’s Chemist, Mayfair Drycleaners, Adam Josef Hairdressers, Premier, and Londis. The initiative follows on from the success of previous Respect Action Days held over the past year at Blythe Bridge, North End, Silkmore, Doxey, Burton Manor, and Highfields.

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CRICKET FUN – SANCTUARY VS WESTON FOYER
23 July 2010

Bragging rights were up for grabs this week as staff from national housing and care provider Sanctuary Group took on residents from Weston Foyer in a game of Twenty20 Cricket. The encounter, which took place at Rushwick Cricket Club, brought together staff from Sanctuary’s office in Worcester and residents who travelled from Weston Foyer – a supported housing scheme which provides accommodation and support services for 16 to 25 year olds who are homeless or in housing need. As part of the occasion, officers from the British Virgin Islands Police Force who have been taking part in the recent Worcestershire Police Cricket Carnival also took part in the match and provided their support for the competing teams. Sanctuary batted first and, led my Armajit Baines (35no) and Peter Williams (27no), posted a competitive total of 110-5. In response, Weston Foyer were unable to chase down their target, despite a strong contribution from man-of-the-match Liam Wooky (35), and finished with figures of 78-7, handing Sanctuary victory by 32 runs. Ian McDermott, Sanctuary’s Group Director – Property Services, impressed with the ball for Sanctuary by taking two wickets. Teresa Moretti, Weston Foyer Manager, said: “It was a brilliant day and it facilitated so much more than a game of cricket. It was ‘feel good’ memory making and a positive experience for everybody. “The majority had never played cricket before and were very brave to move outside their comfort zone to represent the foyer, so I was proud of every one of them." David Bennett, Sanctuary’s Group Chief Executive, added: “Our residents lie at the heart of everything we do and organising events like these helps us build relationships with the people we serve so we are delighted our friends at the Foyer accepted the offer of a game. Both teams produced a fantastic display and their combined efforts made for an exciting evening of entertainment for players and spectators alike.”

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HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
23 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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