With sessions focusing on a range of issues including carbon net-zero, resident safety, talent retention, technology and innovation, there was plenty to discuss over the two-day event.

As well as a strong focus on mitigating against the risks associated with damp and mould, there was also a timely opportunity to hear from Rachael Mills (Secretariat, The Heat Network), Richard Bellingham (Head of Heat Networks Implementation, Ofgem) and Richard Ellis, (Director of Sustainability, Peabody Trust), who encouraged attendees to prepare for the extensive new obligations being introduced in 2024 as part of the Energy Security Bill.

Delegates also heard from Russell Thompson (Chair, Direct Works) and Ettan Bazil (CEO, Trade Innovations Ltd) who shared thought-provoking insights on the importance of apprenticeships and working together to ensure we have the right people with the right skills in place for the future.

The NHMF’s Vice-Chair, Stephanie Lloyd-Foxe, (Head of Building Safety and Compliance for Magna HA) said, “The conference is always a great opportunity to meet with key players from across the sector and share ideas. Our members look to us for guidance across a wide range of crucial areas – from tackling damp and mould to the Building Safety Act and carbon net-zero. With housing providers continuing to focus on compliance and best practice, it’s more important than ever that we facilitate the debate and explore new ways of working together to find solutions to common challenges.”

NHMF Awards 

As well as providing a platform for networking and promoting best practice, the conference awards dinner was an opportunity to recognise those organisations who have achieved outstanding results over the last 12 months. 

This year, the annual NHMF Awards were held on Tuesday 24 January at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. The evening was a chance to celebrate success stories and highlight new talent coming through the ranks with the Rising Star Award going to Katie White (Ian Williams). The Hyde Group’s project surveyor Dyron Chambers said: “I’ve watched Katie’s confidence grow so much in her time working on our redecoration programme. She has a fantastic attitude and positive approach to everything she does. Katie is a great asset to the Ian Williams team.”

The awards celebrated achievements across five categories with the judges praising nominees for demonstrating simple, innovative and effective solutions to a range of difficult challenges.

NHMF Award Winners 2023

Best Customer Impact

Platform Housing Group & Voicescape

Most Innovative Property Service

Orbit Group & Parametrix

Best Net Zero Carbon Initiative

Westminster Council & Morgan Sindall Property Services

Rising Star Award

Katie White, Ian Williams

Delegates’ Choice Award

Orbit Group & Parametrix

Next year’s conference will be held on 23-24 January 2024.

It will continue to provide an important framework for maintenance professionals within the social housing sector to exchange ideas and share best practice.

Find out more about the conference here.