social housing

Brett Landscaping & Building Products has launched a new range of concrete facing bricks, offering housebuilders, architects, brickwork contractors and Builders Merchants with a UK manufactured product with many desirable qualities.  With vast experience in the creation of high-quality concrete landscaping products, the new brick range represents a natural expansion.

Public sector procurement specialist LHC Procurement Group has appointed Dame Maria Miller DBE as its new chair from 14 October 2025.

A highly experienced professional in the fields of communications, government, and diversity advocacy, Dame Maria brings over 20 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations, coupled with an additional 19 years as a MP, government minister and select committee chair.

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, shares how efficiency, value, and social purpose combine in Shelforce’s fire door manufacturing journey, delivering fully compliant fire doors that won’t break budgets.

Whenever we’re behind the wheel of our car ready for a long journey, the first thing we do is put the sat nav on. Not necessarily because we don’t know the way, but because we want the best way. I want the quickest, most efficient, most cost-effective route from A to B. That’s exactly how we approach fire door manufacturing at Shelforce.

The industry has been aware of the potential damage lead can do to the environment and health problems, particularly in infants and children for over 50 years.  Houses built before 1970 would have been constructed with lead water supply pipes and in some areas of the UK up to a third of these older properties are still receiving their water through these original lead pipes.1 UK water companies are actively engaged in replacement of these old lead supplies, and many are offering grants to residents.  

For over a decade, IVC Commercial has focused on vinyl flooring solutions that respond to the needs of all people in social housing.  By supporting well-being through comfort, design and practicality; our affordable felt-backed, acoustic, compact and safety floors continue to rise to the challenge of modern social and affordable housing.

Empire View and Gantry Court are nine-storey residential blocks close to the centre of Southampton. Due to fire safety concerns, in 2021 works began to replace the existing bricks works, replacing with a rainscreen cladding system.

Ian Cochran, Head of Consultancy at Changeworks, on how the organisation is supporting housing associations in Scotland to prepare for net zero.
As the UK progresses toward ambitious climate goals, housing associations face the challenge of balancing legislative requirements with the practicalities of retrofitting their housing stock and ensuring tenant comfort. 
In Scotland, the delay in the publication of the Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) has added an element of uncertainty for many in the sector. However, forward-thinking housing associations, supported by experts like Changeworks, are already taking action to prepare for SHNZS.