Housing Executive Chief Executive, Grainia Long, opened the event by outlining the organisation’s vision and investment plans for its housing stock for the period to 2030. The plans include significant growth in its programme of improvements to its stock.
The Director of Asset Management, Paul Isherwood welcomed dialogue with attendees to explore the opportunities for working with the Housing Executive.
He said: “We want to make it clear to everyone we have an ambitious programme for maintenance and improvements works that will improve the housing stock for our tenants and boost the local economy.
“There is approximately £1.42 billion available to spend and invest in our stock over the period 2025/26-2029/30. While this is not enough to fund everything we need and want to do; we look forward to working with our construction and supply chain partners to deliver a high standard of service for our tenants.
“To do that we want the construction and supply chain partners to engage with us, be part of our vision and help us shape the future of investment delivery here.”
Mr Isherwood went on to discuss expanding the Housing Executive’s supplier base and increase the pace of delivery to improve our tenants’ homes and support our local economy.
A key speaker at the event was Linda Watson, Chair of the Central Housing Forum, and Housing Executive tenant for the past 33 years. Linda emphasised the importance of contractors talking to tenants and local community groups, saying:
“I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to really communicate with the people you are doing this work for, and the impact it can have on their homes.
“As a tenant you will probably get a new kitchen every 20 years or so, and a bathroom suite replaced every 30 years. Consultation with community groups and tenants can really help contractors know what tenants would like and reassure them how the work will take place in their homes. Community groups want to help residents help the contractors to achieve a good result for everyone.”
Assistant Director of Procurement, Kevin Logan, outlined the Housing Executive’s approach to a new procurement strategy and encouraged discussion on identifying potential barriers that could be preventing companies from working with the Housing Executive.
The Department for Communities Climate Change Director, Angus Kerr spoke about climate change in the residential sector and the roadmap for decarbonisation.
Question time at the end proved very popular and a commitment to future positive engagement to build the skills and supply chains needed to deliver.
If you are a member of the construction industry or supply chain and missed the chance to attend you can share your views and find out more about our procurement process, by booking a meeting with Housing Executive staff by emailing: supplierengagement@nihe.gov.uk
You can also view a video message from Grainia Long at: https://youtu.be/j5gGhxUbd9c
