Features Articles

Legionella bacteria are present in natural water sources. It can also find its way into manmade water systems such as those found in social housing. Low levels are not dangerous, but if the bacteria are permitted to multiply and spread,... View Article

Rob Bryan of Vantage discusses harnessing the power of robotic process automation in social housing Housing associations are fast finding how to harness artificial intelligence to streamline processes and reduce costs. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is evolving as the new... View Article

Keith Plummer of Ubbink discusses why the launch of BS 8612 was necessary and how it has impacted the industry and made dry verge systems a reliable roofing solution British Standards launched BS 8612: Dry-Fixed Ridge, Hip and Verge Systems... View Article

Dean Stritch of LABC Warranty describes what to look for when choosing a warranty provider for residential and commercial projects How do you choose a warranty provider? With a range of options on the market, what is the difference, and... View Article

Chris Edwards, CORGI Technical Services’ Electrical Technical Safety Manager, shares his views on the electrical industry and why he’s keen to highlight effective management, the importance of a ‘ground up’ approach to competence, and drive positive change Ensuring electrical safety... View Article

Robin Tuffley of Closomat discusses why it’s so important for landlords to make their homes –particularly bathrooms – accessible for all and what changes can be made The rental housing market – private and social – is experiencing significant change:... View Article

Barry Sargent of Nittan discusses how housing associations can significantly reduce the number of false alarms in their properties While optical detectors remain dominant, true growth has come from multi-sensors as installers and specifiers realise the benefits to be had.... View Article

Paul Durose of Gas Tag shines the spotlight on gas compliance and safety processes and what we can do better as an industry to improve The importance of having visibility within your compliance processes can’t be understated. When it comes... View Article

Zoe Williams of Selectaglaze discusses why housing managers and landlords should use secondary glazing and the specific considerations to bear in mind There are many misconceptions about secondary glazing, also known as secondary double glazing, but well designed and carefully... View Article

With Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) sales going from strength-to-strength, growing numbers of housing developments in the UK are featuring EV charging units – and new developments may soon have to do so by law. Kieron Alsop... View Article

Mark Lowe of Pinacl Solutions discusses how housing associations can avoid costly disrepair claims with IoT technology Claims for disrepair are on the rise, with some solicitors seeing disrepair claims doubled compared to last year. With the average disrepair claim... View Article

Andy Speake of Aico details the benefits multi-sensor alarms can bring social housing providers, particularly from a cost saving perspective The first mains powered domestic multi-sensor was launched to the smoke alarm market in 2014 as a means of providing... View Article

Stuart Reynolds of AKW discusses how social landlords can build flexibility into their housing stock for both able and disabled tenants A major piece of research by the Smith Institute forecasts that by 2034 there will be 170,000 more residents... View Article

For landlords and specifiers in social housing, there is a constant quest for balancing budgets with longevity throughout their properties – particularly when it comes to kitchens. Bob Andrew of Elfin Kitchens explains how the latest pre-built compact kitchens offer... View Article

Victor D’Allancé of Intratone explains how intelligent access control systems can keep maintenance simple for housing managers and provide the best security for tenants Managers of apartment blocks and those in charge of access to social housing face similar problems... View Article