Whether or not the Prime Minister manages to win over parliament and deliver his promise that the UK will be leaving the EU by 31^st October, the fact is, we are leaving at some point. Deal or No Deal, there are going to be some challenges that we are going to face to ensure business as usual in the sector.

The Sector Risk Profile outlines many things that Housing Associations should take into consideration when preparing for the inevitable, such as health and Safety Compliance, Asset Management and more. You can read the full report here: Sector_Risk_Profile_2019.pdf

One of the major concerns is that our departure could affect the cost of goods and services, funding, investment and those organisations who rely on the EU for staff. Members of CHIC’s supply chain have taken considerable actions to mitigate this risk.

 “We have been working closely with our supplier base in the UK, Europe & Far East to align with their contingency plans to support availability. The plans they are putting in place include increasing manufacturing capability and holding additional safety stock on both finished and raw materials.”

Dave Terrill, 

City Plumbing Supplies

In other news

What makes a good partnership between housing, health and social care? Tyfu Tai Cymru have the answer in their recent report detailing the 6 principles which encourage collaboration, better organisational cultures and more. You can read the full report here: Good_health_brought_home___TYFU_TAI_CYMRU.pdf

Our colleagues at ARK have launched an exciting new partnership with Decision Time. This collaboration combines ARK’s housing sector expertise with Decision Time’s governance software platform, delivering a complete solution to the key challenges faced by the sector – improving performance and risk management and ensuring good governance.

ARK is now the sole provider of Decision Time’s Meeting, Risk and Goals products to the sector.

Together, they are driving a ‘step change’ in the management of performance, risk and the quality of decision making across the sector. ARK’s consultancy services and Decision Time’s easy to use and flexible platform will provide leadership teams with easy access to information and the ability to focus on the detail to enable better decision making.

Find out more - https://www.arkconsultancy.co.uk/service/performance/governance/

CHIC members can benefit from a fantastic introductory offer of free training (saving of £950) if you sign up for any of the Decision Time products before 31st December 2019.

Symphony Group has recently been accepted onto the CHIC framework for the supply of kitchens and are looking forward to working with the CHIC team and clients, supplying high quality kitchens alongside premium client services.

The Symphony Group is one of the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturers of fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathroom furniture, specialising in private and social housing mixed tenure new build developments, and the supply of kitchens to the social housing refurbishment market. The company has nearly 50 years’ experience in both sectors.

Symphony’s Client team specialise in Social Housing, acting as kitchen consultants offering support with specifications, the design process, the supply of bespoke samples and literature for residents/clients and communication relating to the new build and refurbishment market. Their understanding of the industry provides expertise and experience to offer best value and advice to all our clients, with their in-depth knowledge of projects and what our customers require.

Their involvement from the initial contact right the way through to final competition, offers local support and peace of mind to make sure all projects run smoothly.

When it comes to planned refurbishment, Symphony directly employ a large team of surveyors who are managed regionally, who provide national coverage. The Surveyors work to a right first time policy, offering a personal service to residents when visiting their homes, producing a CAD and 3D layout.

Symphony’s designated order processing team and extranet asset management tool provide a systematic approach to projects, allowing accessible ways to see all information, designs and product specification for future ongoing maintenance. This is made available to both the clients and contractors.

All Symphony kitchens are tested to meet rigorous manufacturing standards, with all frontals and cabinetry meeting the standards of FIRA gold certification, which means they offer a product you can trust.

Symphony’s head office in South Yorkshire houses one of the UKs largest showrooms, showcasing the range of product available. They welcome the opportunity to host client visits, to see first-hand the vast product range on offer to suit all budgets and specifications as well as the services available for the new build and refurbishment market.

If you are interested in visiting the marketing suite please contact enquiries@symphony-group.co.uk asking for the client team, or via CHIC who can arrange a mutual visit.

Find out more about Symphony:

https://www.symphony-group.co.uk/business-to-business/