C

Click here to download the SOCIAL_HOUSING_CROSSWORD_PUZZLE.pdf

The future of social housing was prudently addressed, following a riveting conversation held by Theresa Mays former chief of staff Nick Timothy at one of our own board awaydays, back in January.

Many believe that social housing is nearing the bottom of the agenda when it comes to the implications of Brexit and is being heavily overlooked.

Arguable, the main issue that the social housing sector is going to face is the logistical changes to supply chains. With materials like timber being heavily imported from the EU, many merchants have already begun contingency planning to maintain their sustainability, and have adopted the approach of stockpiling materials; however, it’s a very temporary solution

The overcomplicating of importing materials is set to have some implications on the affordability of social homes, whether this is going to be for the good or bad of renters in the UK.

But the question is, does anyone know what they are doing? Planning for the unknown is an impossible feat in all walks of life, let alone when looking to mitigate the effects of Brexit on an entire industry.

The potential knock-on effects are endless with the immediate ones possibly the most damaging. Will we begin seeing more or less jobs in the construction industry? Half of construction workers in London come from the EU and many have already gone back to avoid being ‘stuck’.

The effects that deal or no deal Brexit could be endless from temporary purchasing alternative materials to a complete logistical change, steering away from current just in time solutions.

Going from a blanket agreement to, well, who knows what, is going to be a huge change regardless of the specifics and the social housing market is inevitably going to learn to adapt no matter what comes its way; Deal or No Deal is just the beginning of something bigger.

With every future deal coming from UK Parliament, surely our government will do what is best for UK citizens? It is no secret that the UK has been in a housing crisis for some time now with the publication of reports like the Shelter’s “vision for social housing”.

Although the UK is going Brexit crazy, there’s no need to panic. CHIC has been actively collaborating with its members / suppliers to gather intel on what is the best course of action to mitigate the amount of disruption to the supply chain. 95% of Manufacturers and Distributors have already plans in place to mitigate for a No deal vote with the large majority being determined as low risk. (Testimonial from a supplier)

CHIC has engaged with it’s supply chain to ensure that members have contingencies in place for every aspect of property maintenance requirements.

CHIC’s Merchant Services Manager (maybe change it to Supply chain manager) is of the opinion that: “The worst thing that we in the social housing industry can do right now, is to put our heads in the sand and hope that this storm will pass us by. The first thing that will be affected will be supply chains, as we see in other sectors such as the automotive industry. Arguably if housing associations engage with purchasing groups, in respect of their suppliers, trends will be noticeable which means that steps can be taken to mitigate negative effects.”

As rightly pointed out purchasing groups such as CHIC, are better positioned to notice trends in the market that individual housing associations cannot see, and this is purely down to the number of suppliers each engages. Having a pool of suppliers providing the same type of service, normally via a framework, will allow members that purchase through that group a better understanding of where the market is going.

In these trialling times, co-operation is key, and instead of we can do it better, we need to do it better together.

The question is then, what has your association done to ensure that services will not drop.

Quote from Bournville to come: - need to chase giles again today.

If you are worried about the Brexit impact on your organisation, please give us a call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure Your Spot at HOMES UK 2025Book your exhibition space now in the CHIC Community Pavilion at HOMES UK, for 25-26 November 2025, at ExCel London.

Our pavilion brings together a range of supply chain partners, boosting opportunities for engagement with delegates. Enjoy a dedicated cafe area with free coffee and refreshments, attracting a steady stream of delegates for valuable networking opportunities.

Last year, our Pavilion welcomed over 1000 visitors; HOMES had a total of over 4,000 attendees. This year, we have expanded our space to enhance visitor flow and networking opportunities. Once again CHIC is located within the Unlock Next Zero area, adjacent to the stage.

Stand Details:

•  2m x 2m Exhibition Space with customised shell scheme graphics•  Listed as a CHIC Partner•  Pre and post-event promotion•  Access to our Cafe area with free refreshments•  Profile on the HOMES UK site and digital event guide•  10 exhibitor passes•  Unlimited free guest invites

Limited spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, exclusive to CHIC supply chain partners. For questions, please contact Curtis at marketing@chicltd.co.uk.

 

Networking at Housing 2025The CHIC team had an excellent time attending the Housing 2025 conference last month. The busy event was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from the housing and construction sectors. We are already looking forward to participating next year. If you had a chat with a member of the team and wish to continue the conversation, please email Mike Harris at mharris@chicltd.co.uk

 

Work Experience Placement: Mihir’s Journey to CHIC
After completing my master’s at the University of Birmingham, I was applying for jobs while working part time at the Hilton Garden Inn. Like many new graduates, I struggled to break into the UK job market due to a lack of local experience.

In January 2025, while setting up a meeting room for ARK Consultancy, I briefly met John Fisher. He noticed my interest in a company brochure and kindly took a moment to share insights about becoming a consultant. I asked if there might be an opportunity to shadow someone at ARK, even unpaid, in which he generously offered his card and encouraged me to follow up.

A few emails later and a bit of persistence paid off. By April, John had helped arrange an interview for an interim role with CHIC - and here I am. I’m now gaining hands on experience in asset management and procurement and I’m truly grateful for the support from the CHIC team.

 

This Month’s Housing UpdatesMajor Social Housing Retrofit Scheme Launches
The government has launched a £500 million retrofit programme aimed at upgrading 100,000 social homes with energy-efficient heating and insulation systems by 2030. The initiative focuses on reducing fuel poverty and meeting net zero targets, with funding available through local authorities and housing associations. (Source: UK Government)

Rising Material Costs Impact Construction Projects
Industry reports highlight continued inflation in key construction materials, including timber, steel, and cement, pushing project costs up by an average of 8% since the start of 2025. This has led to delays and budget revisions on multiple social housing developments across the UK. (Source: Construction News)

Innovative Off-Site Factory Opens in Manchester
A new off-site manufacturing facility specialising in modular social housing units has opened in Manchester. The factory aims to increase build speed and quality, producing up to 1,200 units annually. This investment is expected to boost local jobs and support sustainable construction practices. (Source: Offsite Magazine)

Planning Reforms Propose Streamlined Approval for Affordable Housing
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has proposed reforms to simplify planning processes for affordable and social housing developments. The draft guidelines seek to reduce delays and encourage local authorities to prioritise housing delivery. Public consultation will run through August 2025. (Source: DLUHC)

Construction Sector Faces Labour Shortage Challenges
Recent surveys indicate that labour shortages continue to affect the construction industry, particularly skilled trades such as bricklayers and electricians. Employers are calling for enhanced training programmes and incentives to attract new workers, amid increasing demand for social housing. (Source: Build UK)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multiple Elements Framework – Tenders Closing
The procurement process for our Multiple Elements Framework, which supports planned maintenance works, is now moving to award. Tenderers will be notified shortly of the evaluation outcomes.

Merchants & Materials Framework – Re-Procurement Underway
We are working closely with Efficiency North on the re-procurement of our Merchants & Materials Framework. Together, we are refining the documentation and scope to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and to align with our members current and future needs.

Decoration Framework – Coming Soon
We are entering the final planning stages for the Decoration Framework, with a formal tender launch approaching shortly. We will share further updates as the opportunity progresses.

Frameworks in the Procurement Planning Stage
Initial planning is now underway for the following frameworks, to replace existing ones in the final stages of their term:
• Consultancy Services
• Lifting Equipment & Mobility Aids

Upcoming Procurement – Compliance Services
We are also in the early stages of scoping and supplier engagement for a comprehensive Compliance Framework. This may include lots and sub-lots covering:
• Audit
• Water Hygiene
• Asbestos and Abatement Services
• General Risk Advisory Services

 

Team Update – New Starter and Promotions
Please join me in welcoming our new starter in CHIC’s Procurement Team Nu’Aimaan Shaikh as a Procurement Officer. Here's a brief introduction from Nu’Aimaan himself:

“I’m Nu’Aimaan and I’ve joined CHIC from Leicester City Council where I spent time as a Procurement Officer and Finance Officer. Before this I studied Law at Oxford Brookes University and also worked in the Banking sector. I really enjoy travelling with my wife – we’ve visited 7 countries this year already and we’re hoping for more! I look forward to supporting CHIC members.”

We are also pleased to announce the following internal promotions:• Ian Mackinnon has been promoted to Head of Strategic Procurement, where he will lead on major programmes and new framework procurement. (imackinnon@chicltd.co.uk)
• Mike Ivory has been promoted to Head of Operational Procurement, overseeing framework delivery and service development. (mivory@chicltd.co.uk)• Riten Aghera has been promoted to Senior Procurement Manager, reflecting his continued responsibilities across key procurement projects. (raghera@chicltd.co.uk)

For more details on CHIC’s procurement programme, please contact Sam Domican, Director of Procurement, at tenders@chicltd.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tackling Damp and Mould in London’s Aging Housing Stock

This third instalment in our disrepair series is aimed at registered providers, especially those operating in London, as well as CHIC supply chain partners involved in damp, mould and disrepair remediation.

 

 

 

CHIP in the Community
By Emma Macaulay, Social Value Manager

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the impact of our Community Chest Fund in action. As part of CHIP’s social value programme, we offer grants of up to £10,000 to local projects that aim to improve the lives of individuals and communities. These grants are open to any initiative endorsed by a CHIC member that can demonstrate a clear benefit to people in need.

In 2024/25, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting several inspiring projects. These have ranged from donating refurbished computer equipment to individuals facing digital exclusion to backing a volunteer led farm in Stoke that offers a safe, educational space for the local community.