Shortlisted projects

Clarion – The William Sutton Trust Estate Regeneration is a conservation-led modernisation project of a historic 1912 social housing estate, while residents remain in their homes. It was initially marked for demolition, but a successful conservation appeal preserved the estate’s heritage. A phased investment approach was adopted to incorporate both preservation and contemporary living standards.

North Star – Project Endeavour’s objectives included simplifying processes through the introduction of a new technology system for managing all essential business processes, creating a database encompassing all resident and property related data, increasing remote and mobile working capability for colleagues. Its aims included enhancing customer journeys, reducing admin tasks for frontline staff so they can focus on residents. North Star was struggling to get good reporting for compliance and asset management, which was outsourced to different contractors with disparate processes and systems.

Rotherham – In April 2020 Equans partnered with Rotherham Council to deliver Responsive Repairs, Gas Servicing, Electrical Testing and upgrades, Estate Management, Voids, as well as a number of Capital Investment Projects. It delivered a ground breaking decarbonisation project to transform the energy efficiency of homes in Rotherham, retrofitting energy-inefficient properties, predominantly in Maltby and East Dene, to achieve EPCs of at least C.

Sandwell – In August 2022, MCP was awarded Lot 6 of the Sandwell MBC framework for void and post-tenancy repairs with responsibility for Smethwick. The West Midlands was a completely new operational area for MCP.

What is innovative about and what was achieved with these projects?

Clarion – Key innovative elements include adhering strictly to conservation requirements, such as using triple-glazed, approved windows that improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and lower heating costs—directly enhancing residents' quality of life. It also addressed longstanding maintenance issues by implementing preventive measures like redesigned high-level gutters to prevent blockages and reduce future repair needs. A RLO or “tenants’ champion,” provided a consistent on-site presence to support and communicate daily with residents. An EBRIK online platform enabled residents to stay informed about project progress through regular updates and videos. The previously neglected communal “sunken garden” was revitalised with resident input, transforming it into a shared outdoor space that fosters community cohesion and engagement. By combining conservation-sensitive upgrades, energy-efficient innovations, and transparent resident engagement, the project balanced improving residents’ living conditions while preserving the estate’s architectural heritage, demonstrating how asset management can enhance quality of life, blending innovation with sensitivity to both residents’ needs and historic value.

North Star – Over the last year, Infinity Group replaced legacy resident and property asset systems with Microsoft Dynamics modules as part of a phased approach, providing deeper, analytical business intelligence capabilities. The housing provider is committed to placing the resident at the heart of its new system, enabling a single, data rich view of every customer so they receive enhanced asset management services for repairs and maintenance, voids, and compliance. The AI is scanning certification to bring out which remedial measures are required, for example, in Fire Risk Assessments. It retrieves each detailed recommendation, allocating the priority and deadline for it to be reviewed by property services. This process is working with all compliance checks - Gas certification, Commercial gas certification, EICR (resulting minor works and major work certificates), Fire maintenance, including fire alarms, emergency lighting and partition doors, PAT Testing, Lift and LOLER tests, and Legionella.

Rotherham – The project was innovative in applying external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, and loft insulation as well as installing new energy efficient windows and roofs. It used £1.36 million grant from the Government’s SHDF, utilised local supply chains for 85% of its materials and engaged a workforce living almost exclusively in the borough to stimulate the local economy whilst reducing carbon emissions. Equans have embedded sustainability in its operational practice, using electric vans to service properties and conducting sustainability workshops in local schools and colleges.

Sandwell – The West Midlands was a completely new operational area for MCP. Managing this contract in a new location required an innovative approach. Liaising with Sandwell MBC’s Social Value team, MCP forged a collaborative, long-lasting relationship, based on Sandwell’s four pillars of social value, an immersive approach that differed from competitors. Establishing local links was crucial to understanding what social value support would provide tangible benefits to the area and community. MCP immersed itself in the local community, developing meaningful relationships, and ensuring promises were delivered. Using these four pillars (Employment/Skills, Community Engagement, Local Spend and Environment), MCP developed an innovative programme to meet the needs of all sectors in the community.

What are the measurable benefits to the client, the contractor, the resident, and the neighbourhood?

Clarion – Client Benefits: a long-term, sustainable asset aligned with both conservation standards and modern energy efficiency requirements. By upgrading windows, roofs, and communal areas to high standards, the estate achieves greater durability, reducing future repair and maintenance costs. The project’s positive reception (residents and stakeholders) boosted Clarion’s reputation for delivering sensitive, high-quality regeneration to showcase a commitment to improving social housing while preserving heritage.

Contractor Benefits: Valuable experience in conservation-led refurbishment and expertise in maintaining historic architecture, while incorporating modern energy efficiency standards. This expertise enhances their credibility, positioning them as leaders in sustainable and conservation-based regeneration. The collaborative approach with the RLO and using the EBRIK platform streamlined communication, reduced project delays and misunderstandings. By pre-emptively addressing maintenance issues (e.g., through redesigned gutters and durable triple-glazed windows), the contractor also reduces the likelihood of future call-backs, saving on additional work and boosting project efficiency.

Resident Benefits: Tangible improvement in quality of life. With energy-efficient, triple-glazed windows, homes are quieter, warmer, and cheaper to heat. Upgraded kitchen and bathroom facilities, along with lift replacements and communal area improvements, make daily living more comfortable and accessible. The project’s strong focus on resident engagement, with regular updates through the EBRIK platform, daily support from the RLO, and an inclusive approach to communal spaces, such as the revitalised sunken garden, foster a sense of belonging and community pride that not only enhances residents’ daily experience but also positively impacts their mental well-being by providing a safe, attractive, living environment.

Neighbourhood Benefits: The estate’s transformation has raised the overall appeal and value of the area. The revitalisation of shared spaces, especially the sunken garden, attracts both wildlife and residents, creating a green sanctuary adding aesthetic and environmental value to the neighbourhood, contributing to a positive reputation for the area. It encourages further investment and fosters a sense of community beyond the estate. Revitalising a historic estate rather than demolishing it, minimised environmental impact while preserving a culturally significant asset, fostering a sense of heritage and continuity in the community.

North Star has just over 4,000 properties with a Compliance team consisting of a manager, surveyor and two administrators. The legacy system required manual uploading, checking, and logging of all compliance items (21-26 hours/week/member). While compliance is a key business risk for North Star, the Microsoft Dynamics compliance module using AI provides assurance and automates the process. It reduced the time spent to 8-10 hours/week, saving between two and three days/week across the team. More tasks can be completed away from the office using the system’s mobile technology, speeding up processes. Visits can now be logged on mobile phones rather than adding diary entries at the office. All reporting is in real time, giving wider visibility for each compliance area to shows if a property is compliant, non-compliant or reaching non-compliance. The system has automated job ticket generation, contractor coordination, certificate uploads to SharePoint, AI-assured checks for validity and automatic updates to Microsoft Dynamics. The HMS Endeavour Steering Group and Project Team were able to access data from the Business Intelligence dashboard that provided a wider view and metrics, such as numbers of complaints and how many service desk jobs have been logged. North Star can communicate more effectively with residents, utilising AI to generate letters automatically and sending pdf documents en-masse to residents within Dynamics instead of via mail merges. The team can refocus on compliance areas they did not have time for; work has started on a new tree management programme for a forest that is part of one of its estates, that can now be managed in-house. The Compliance team now has capacity to be responsible for a new damp, mould and condensation module built into Microsoft Dynamics, enabling an extra level of assurance to the monitoring and reporting of damp, mould, and condensation rather than repairs team.

Rotherham – Client Benefits: The Council’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, supported by Equans' commitment to decarbonisation, has facilitated the delivery of the two major projects in Maltby and East Dene. The improved home energy performance puts the council in a better position to meet its environmental objectives while reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking authority committed to sustainability. In addition, the Council has seen exceptionally high levels of customer satisfaction, exceptional performance making and keeping appointments, 100% gas compliance, and emergencies attended in 4 hours.

Contractor Benefits: the initiative has enhanced Equans’ visibility as a leader in sustainable development, solidified relationships with local suppliers, enhancing operational efficiency. Achieving zero non-conformance on work lodged to Trustmark demonstrates its commitment to quality compliance. The contract created employment for local residents, employing 94% of its workforce in 8-mile radius of Rotherham, fostering community goodwill and enhancing Equans’ standing in the local context.

Resident Benefits: Energy bills have decreased significantly — residents report savings of up to £400 annually — as well as improvements in thermal comfort in their homes, allowing for better living conditions. Average annual CO₂ reductions exceed 96 tonnes in Maltby, with each home achieving EPC ratings of band C or higher.

Neighbourhood Benefits: The wider neighbourhood has seen more homes adopt higher energy efficiency standards. Environment benefits from reduced carbon emissions leading to cleaner air and a healthier community. Equans has actively engaged in local educational initiatives, such as sustainability workshops in schools to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among young residents. Overall, this partnership serves as a valuable case study in achieving meaningful social impact, facilitating ecological benefits, and rendering substantial economic advantages for all stakeholders involved. The extensive social value generated (£6.32 million in 2023 alone) captures these efforts and showcases the potential for transformative community development through sustainable practices.

Sandwell – MCP’s regular communication with Sandwell MBC’s Social Value team and local communities, projects and charities focussed on achieving positive outcomes.

Client Benefits: All its social value KPI’s achieved as a result of the strong, proactive relationship between MCP and Sandwell’s Social Value team. All four of Sandwell’s social value pillars addressed. Employment/Skills Opportunities - 4 apprentices employed and 15 Year 9 students given careers advice, interview practice and exposed to career opportunities in the maintenance industry. Community Engagement through MCP’s unique approach of forging productive links between businesses and community organisations, and developing fulfilling, long term grassroots relationships. Local Spend by focussing on Sandwell-based contractors and suppliers. Environment by contributing to Litter Watch’s environmental aims and targets, involving over 100,000 volunteers.

Contractor Benefits: From no local knowledge or presence, MCP has developed a positive profile in Sandwell, which has become a catalyst for growth. Its values-driven work and innovative approach have been recognised, leading to conversations about expanding its business support in the wider Midlands area. All employees are encouraged to participate in voluntary community support and its team members have found engaging with the local community to be a fun, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Resident Benefits: MCP’s local resident engagement has ensured its social value funding and investment has offered both physical and educational benefits. For example, Sandwell’s Adopt a School initiative allowed it to celebrate pupils’ achievements by sponsoring their Opportunity Award. Holly Lodge High School’s values of Ambition, Opportunity and Community align perfectly with MCP’s and Sandwell’s values. Salop Drive Market Garden is a community-led project run by Sandwell charity and social enterprise Ideal for All that MCP supported. At the former Holly Grange Care Home, MCP spent time with residents who had until recently been housed in emergency accommodation to understand the positive impact their new housing had on their lives. MCP has fully refurbished 24 flats ready for occupancy.

Neighbourhood Benefits: MCP has supported Litter Watch, which offers a sanctuary for volunteers with additional needs to promote mental wellbeing and social interaction. It has contributed a polytunnel and raised beds that has allowed them to create a dedicated area for Hanbury Primary’s students to engage in hands-on gardening experience to foster a love for nature and sustainability and provide valuable educational opportunities for the children.’

What are the financial costs and measurable cashable benefits over a defined time period?

Clarion – The regeneration project represents a significant financial investment, with a multi-year phased plan including structural upgrades (e.g. roof replacements), new triple-glazed windows, kitchen, and bathroom refurbishments, lift replacements, and improved communal areas. This investment yields measurable financial returns over time. By installing energy-efficient windows and upgrading heating systems, the project significantly reduces energy consumption directly lowering residents’ utility bills, expected to yield savings of up to 25% on heating costs. This should translate into reduced fuel poverty, more financial stability for residents and support social objectives. High-quality renovation reduces Clarion’s long-term maintenance and repair expenses, and minimises reactive maintenance costs. Anticipated maintenance savings are estimated at 20% annually due to these preventive upgrades. The community’s revitalisation enhances property value, attracting further investment in the area, benefiting the local economy, and supports Clarion’s long-term property stability. Over 10-15 years, these will collectively contribute substantial financial returns, ensuring the project remains economically viable while delivering high-quality, lasting outcomes.

North Star – Microsoft Dynamics’ AI-powered compliance module has reduced labour costs and created significant cashable benefits for North Star’s compliance operations. Saving 2-3 days/week for the Compliance team is equivalent to £22,500 saving last year and this time saving has enabled the team to take on additional responsibilities, such as an in-house tree management program and a new DMC monitoring initiative (initially requiring external consultancy). Automation reduces financial dependence on external compliance consultants for specialised projects and reduces overtime and staff costs for manual compliance tasks. Compliance risks mitigated by real-time, AI-verified certification flagging certificates needing attention. This translates into both operational savings and improved risk management. The total capital budget for project Endeavour was £485,000. There are further cost savings by having one system, with the legacy platform turned off in April 2025.

Rotherham – The financial investment in the decarbonisation projects amounted to a total cost of approximately £1.36 million, successfully secured through the Government’s SHDF, which mitigated upfront capital costs, establishing a solid foundation for ongoing investments in the community’s future. The measurable benefits, include significant annual energy bill savings. For example, in Maltby the residents have benefited from reduced energy bills totalling approximately £51,600 annually and over 96,000 kg of CO₂ emissions/year saving health costs and environmental impacts. £5.8 million generated in the local supply chain in 2023, showing the economic multiplier effect of engaging local businesses. This approach has created job opportunities for 45 apprentices and work experience for 55 people.

Sandwell – From August 2022 to November 2024, MCP delivered a wide range of social value projects supporting diverse communities in the Sandwell area so that every one of Sandwell’s Social Value KPIs has been exceeded. This demonstrates the power of this collaborative, innovative approach and focussed social value delivery. To date, investment involved with this social value projects is financial costs of £5,641.52, total local spend of £1.3m giving measurable cashable benefits of 102 hours of MCP time, valued at £2,040. Total financial benefit is £1,307,681, with a further 30 hours (£600) to be dedicated to a Meet the Buyer event in the Sandwell area. MCP’s pioneering approach ensures this investment is directed as wisely as possible in the Sandwell borough. MCP wants these benefits to ensure a positive difference is made to local communities and residents.

How relevant is this as an example that might be followed by other organisations?

Clarion – This regeneration project provides a highly relevant and replicable model for other organisations involved in housing, asset management, and community regeneration. It serves as a blueprint for tackling similar challenges in historic housing estates through a balanced approach to modernisation, conservation, and resident engagement. A standout feature is the successful integration of conservation standards with sustainability objectives. Many organisations face the challenge of modernising older buildings, while respecting their architectural heritage. This project shows that it is possible to reduce both carbon footprint and residents’ energy costs without compromising conservation. The dedicated RLO and EBRIK platform provided consistent communication and updates, ensuring residents felt informed and involved. This approach has proven to foster a sense of ownership and pride, reducing resistance to construction phases and enhancing the quality of life for tenants that is applicable for organisations implementing disruptive, long-term projects with residents in occupation. The value of upfront investment in preventive maintenance, to reduce future costs by tackling recurring issues, such as high-level gutter blockages and parapet repairs, minimises future repair needs (an example of efficient asset management). This approach can be used by organisations aiming to optimise spending on older properties and improve return on investment by pre-emptively addressing structural concerns. The regeneration of communal spaces, especially the sunken garden, underscores the importance of shared spaces in creating vibrant communities and highlights how enhancing community areas can revive neglected spaces and bring people together, turning otherwise underused locations into neighbourhood assets. Other organisations can replicate this approach to foster social cohesion, environmental diversity, and resident well-being.

North Star – Microsoft Dynamics’ AI-powered compliance module has reduced staff costs in compliance operations and enabled the team to take on additional responsibilities without external consultancy. AI-verified certification has ensured compliance effort is focused.

Rotherham – This partnership provides an excellent model that multiple organisations can emulate when approaching community-focused decarbonisation efforts. It exemplifies effective collaboration between public sector authorities and private contractors to address both environmental and social challenges. A primary aspect of the project’s relevancy lies in its comprehensive approach to retrofitting, which seamlessly integrates environmental goals with community welfare. The emphasis on engaging a local supply chain demonstrated the economic viability of sustainable projects, retaining around £5.8 million in the local economy through procurement promotes resilience while creating job opportunities, which bolsters community cohesion. Relevant to any organizations looking to implement similar initiatives. The project’s commitment to outreach to local schools through sustainability workshops provides another lesson for other organisations by cultivating community awareness and involvement in environmental initiatives. This aspect addresses the often-overlooked societal dimension of environmental work, further exemplifying how organizations can empower future generations to prioritize sustainability. In terms of compliance and quality assurance, Equans adheres to industry standards, such as PAS2030 and PAS2035, to maintain rigour in project delivery. The zero-non-conformance rate achieved offers a compelling argument for investing in robust compliance frameworks, ultimately enhancing trust and credibility in such initiatives. Overall, it sets a benchmark for all stakeholders involved in regeneration and decarbonisation and provides a replicable blueprint for other organizations.

Sandwell – The Sandwell MBC voids contract gave MCP the opportunity to establish a positive relationship with a new client, developing a meaningful presence in a vibrant community and providing an effective contribution to positive change. Aligned values of a shared purpose and believing targeted social value being delivered would have a meaningful impact on the Smethwick community. This collaborative approach to social value offers a working blueprint that can be adopted by other service providers and further developed to suit the needs of their communities.