Mears Group make homes warmer and more efficient in Westminster

The £2m project saw 122 properties in Westminster benefit from energy efficient upgrades, partly funded by the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Mears Group delivered works on behalf of client Octavia (part of the Abri Group), aiming to improve both the condition and performance of Octavia’s social... View Article

Retrofit made simpler

With millions of social homes still sitting below an EPC rating of C, a data-led retrofit model is emerging to help landlords tackle varied portfolios, as Luke Gale at Wienerberger explains. Across the UK, the challenge facing social housing providers... View Article

MVHR: The missing link

Craig Cundey at Ubbink UK explains why MVHR systems are the missing link in delivering healthy, future proof social housing for both new build and retrofit. As housing associations and local authorities continue to face mounting pressure to improve building... View Article

Nurturing the roots of innovation

After attending our decarbonisation round table and witnessing the ingenuity of SMEs in this space, Alison Skillen at RISE explains why they need wider support and promotion in the sector. In October 2025 I attended the Building Insights LIVE round... View Article

Ask the Expert: Shelforce’s social mission

James Parker speaks to Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce, about how the firm’s ethical founding values help it address new safety regulations in a robust and integrity-focused way. Shelforce has been part of Birmingham City Council for decades, supplying... View Article

600 Wolverhampton tenants benefit from completed retrofit works

More than 600 council properties in Wolverhampton have undergone significant upgrades as part of an ongoing housing retrofit programme aimed at improving asset performance and tenant comfort. The council stated the works delivered “warmer, greener and more energy efficient homes”... View Article

Navigator introduces new renewables range

Leading heating and plumbing distributor Navigator continues to offer a range of quality products that offer installers and specifiers ease of installation and peace of mind at competitive prices. The range includes filters and pumps, hoses and clips, valves and... View Article

Stelrad launches new AI room visualiser

Stelrad has released its AI Room Visualiser software. It’s free of charge and available on both the company’s Home and Professional web sites. This new AI based device created in partnership with BIMStore works on both Android and Apple devices.... View Article

Smarter Heating for Social Housing Upgrades

Housing providers across the UK are switching to electric heating solutions that reduce maintenance, minimise disruption, and eliminate combustion risks. Discover how EHC supports compliant, hassle-free heating upgrades. As housing providers plan heating upgrades to meet safety, efficiency and decarbonisation... View Article

The growing pressure on local authorities under Awaab’s Law

John Angus, Managing Director at Switch Management Ltd The Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, widely known as ‘Awaab’s Law’, came into force on 27 October 2025, introducing new obligations for social landlords. The legislation now requires... View Article

So Much More Than Just Bathrooms and Kitchens

Sheet vinyl floors from IVC Commercial provide social housing with a flooring option that’s suitable for more than just bathrooms and kitchens. A growing number of social housing providers are stepping beyond regulation to consider the positive impact of providing... View Article

End the Postcode Lottery with Beauflor Flooring

With the recent announcement that the revised Decent Homes Standard for England will not mandate floor coverings in all rooms of social housing, Beauflor asks whether the provision of flooring for tenants should really be a postcode lottery.  While some... View Article

Toughen up with Arma metal pipe boxing

When external pipework needs to be concealed and protected against the risk of accidental damage or vandalism, Arma metal pipe boxing provides a tough and versatile solution that also improves aesthetics and adds a uniform finish to the project. In addition, with... View Article