CHIC CHAT




What's Happening at CHIC?

2020 is CHIC’s 10th Anniversary year. First established in 2010, we have seen our founder membership of 7 housing landlords grow to over 80. We have developed strong relationships over this time and, of course, our members have secured significant savings and efficiencies. Here are a few key things to look out for in 2020:

 

We have new procurement coming up…


• Planned Contracts Framework – Phase 3 (for large projects)
• Mechanical & Electrical Framework

  
And will be re-procuring our arrangements for:
 
• Legal Services Framework
• BuildSmart New Homes

 
Communication – To ensure that our members are receiving adequate information from CHIC, we plan to:
 
• Update our website – we are giving it a fresh new look and feel to best communicate all of the exciting things happening at CHIC this year
• Launch monthly member reports – to help explain what activities we support and the savings that we made
• Update our merchant reports – to track what your organisation is spending, highlight new opportunities and more

 
Presence –we will be available at these must attend events…
 
• NHMF Conference: Tuesday 21st January – Wednesday 22nd January
• CHIC Conference & Exhibition 2020: Wednesday 10th June (Book your free place now)
• Housing 2020: Tuesday 23rd June – Thursday 25th June
 
 
 
In other news:
 
• Ocean Media Groups Partnership Director Sarah Payling joined CHIC’s board back in November. We are delighted to have her on board to provide some strategic support around our Marketing and Communications.
 
• Many organisations have dress down Fridays for fun, but CHIC and our managing agent ARK Consultancy have always seen it as an opportunity for some great charitable work. This year, we are proud to say that we have raised £130 for local charity Feed Brum, alongside some other events throughout the year such as Christmas Jumper day for Save the Children, and Movember.
 



News from the Sector

In the last edition, we looked at the positive changes that each of the political parties demonstrated for the UK. Now that the Conservative party, lead by Boris Johnson has been re-elected, can we now look forward to seeing the much needed change in the sector fall into play over the next few years such as “Millions more invested every week in science, schools, apprenticeships and infrastructure” and “reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050?”

Many of the claims made within the manifesto were consolidated by the Queens speech to both Houses of Parliament on 19th December.

“My Government will continue to take steps to meet the world-leading target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It will continue to lead the way in tackling global climate change”

The Carbon Neutrality agenda continued throughout as it is declared that the UK will be hosting the COP26 Summit in Glasgow this year, one of the UK’s most sustainable cities. It is designed to produce an international response to the climate emergency, with sum 30,000 delegates expected to attend. You can read more about the event HERE
 



News from the Supply Chain

An electric fireplace is an excellent source of heat as well as a key selling point for landlords; Be Modern has developed a range of complete electric fireplaces specifically designed to provide a clean, efficient and cost effective alternative heat source.

One Box Solution

Their electric fireplaces are delivered as complete one box products, including the fire, which can then be fitted directly onto the wall, covering any previous marks. Then simply plug in and play.

Maintaining Efficiencies

In comparison to a traditional gas fire, electric is highly efficient at the point of use; thermostatic controls allow easy use and the option of a realistic flame effect only setting without the heat output ensures tenants can still enjoy the ambience of a fire during warmer months.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Available in a range of finishes, an electric fireplace can provide an aesthetically pleasing centrepiece for the living room and provide an instant source of secondary heat for the living area.

Cost Saving

Installing a complete electric fireplace can save valuable time and money. Our oversized hearth options can easily cover previous carpet cut outs too.

To find out more about the range of Be Modern complete electric fireplaces visit www.bemodernheating.co.uk or download their Product Flyer

 



CHIC Conference 2020

Preparations to make this year’s CHIC Conference the best one yet are off to a great start! We have already received great interest in the event and expect this to continue and grow.

We are delighted to share with you our official list of interactive panel workshops to address the social housing sectors current issues, showcase innovative developments and more:

Compliance or Building Safety – what does best practice really look like?
Dynamic Purchasing – So how does that work?
Zero Carbon by 2050 – How?
Factory Built New Homes – Dream or Reality?
Homes and Communities – What makes the difference?
 
Book your place at this must attend event now, you don’t want to miss out!