Retirement village - Various UK H21 sites
Account manager - Richard Amatt
System installed - Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm
Details - Since securing top spot on Housing 21's Framework in 2022 for the design and installation of essential services such as emergency lighting and fire alarm systems, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner. We have become instrumental in supporting Housing 21’s rapid expansion and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, delivering cost-effective, high-quality services.
With over 23,000 properties spread across England, Housing 21 is a substantial not-for-profit provider of retirement living and extra care for older people. Its portfolio includes a mix of independent living properties for those aged 55 and older and extra care facilities with 24/7 staffing. With plans to increase its property portfolio by 50% in the next five years, the need for robust and reliable service providers became paramount.
Since securing top spot on Housing 21's Framework in 2022 for the design and installation of essential services such as emergency lighting and fire alarm systems, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner. We have become instrumental in supporting Housing 21’s rapid expansion and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, delivering cost-effective, high-quality services.
Housing 21’s aim to double the number of properties within the group by 2027 presents a number of challenges that require us to be agile, proactive, and well-informed to effectively support Housing 21’s objectives.
Developing a realistic and achievable upgrade and renewal plan
With such a large programme of works, it’s necessary to remain adaptable to meet Housing 21’s needs, ensuring all technological upgrades and system renewals are timely and efficient. We’ve worked closely with Housing 21 to produce a comprehensive upgrade and renewal plan that addresses both operational and budgetary priorities in a proactive manner.
Managing Framework constraints
Not all jobs under the Framework are direct awards, which means we often have to compete for individual projects. Despite this competitive environment, we are able to regularly demonstrate financial and operational value to Housing 21, working across multiple counties and underscoring our reliability and technical expertise.
Adapting to rapid expansion and technology upgrades
Housing 21's rapid expansion and the need for continuous upgrades and installations often present challenges. As Housing 21 seeks to modernise its properties, many existing systems are becoming obsolete and require replacement. We must proactively manage device obsolescence to minimise downtime, support costs, and maintain high supportability standards. Implementing our thorough obsolescence management procedures is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively. Proactive asset management, identifying and planning for the replacement of obsolete systems, ensures seamless transitions and sustained compliance with safety standards.
Housing 21 has demonstrated an openness to considering modern solutions, particularly during refurbishment programmes. This has allowed the exploration of more advanced, integrated systems, which can significantly enhance operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
Multidisciplinary coordination
Retrofit work often necessitates coordination with various trades. For instance, replacing ceilings concurrently with emergency lighting installations has proven operationally and commercially beneficial for Housing 21. Our willingness to engage in such multidisciplinary coordination further strengthens our value proposition.
Leveraging broader opportunities
Despite the primary focus on emergency lighting and fire alarm systems, Housing 21 often requires support in other areas such as access control, warden call, door entry, and CCTV systems. Our broader TIS service offering means we can offer comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of Housing 21. By aligning closely with Housing 21’s strategic initiatives, we can ensure our services continue to add significant value.
Maintaining resident safety and minimising disruption
With such a large number of properties and therefore residents, our work requires us to install life safety systems whilst residents go about their daily lives. Being clear and open in engagement with people helps make the whole process feel easier for everyone.
Navigating the challenges posed by Housing 21's ambitious growth plans requires us to be flexible, proactive, and innovative. By understanding and adapting to the upgrade and renewal needs, managing Framework constraints, embracing new technologies, and proactively managing assets, we can effectively support Housing 21's vision of providing high-quality housing and care for older people.
We secured our position on Housing 21’s Framework through competitive pricing, proven technical capabilities, and the ability to handle high work volumes across multiple regions. The Framework contract, spanning from July 2022 to June 2027, includes the design, installation, and commissioning of emergency lighting and fire alarm systems across numerous counties.
Comprehensive service delivery: We provide emergency lighting and fire alarm system installations for communal areas and resident flats, ensuring compliance with British Standards.
Quality management and compliance: We maintain high standards through our robust quality management system, holding accreditations such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BAFE.
Technological integration: While Housing 21 primarily focuses on necessary upgrades, we introduced modern solutions during refurbishments, including IP technologies and integrated systems.
Asset management: Using asset tagging through our asset management platform, we support Housing 21 in developing structured upgrade paths by providing real-time asset status.
Active resident engagement: Resident engagement is crucial to the successful implementation of this long-term contract. Installing devices and systems in such a large number of properties is a complex process and can often be invasive and disruptive. The support of the occupants is crucial to success.
The outcome
Housing 21 recognises the value that we bring to its operations, often prioritising quality and service reliability over cost alone. Our prime position on the Framework has facilitated a schedule of rates and various workflows that are mutually beneficial to both TIS and Housing 21.
Service integration: We have continued to explore opportunities to deliver additional services and introduce new capabilities, ensuring ongoing compliance and maximising Housing 21’s budgets to include additional, related works whilst carrying out the installations originally specified.
Proactive support: By holding significant asset data, we have been able to identify sites due for works and support Housing 21’s regional managers in developing business cases for funding
Responsive service: Our rapid response to critical failures and prompt quotations have reinforced our reputation for reliability and efficiency.
Senior relationships: We have fostered relationships at senior levels within Housing 21, ensuring alignment on strategic initiatives.
Our ability to deliver cost-effective, high-quality services within the Housing 21 Framework has solidified our role as a trusted partner. By aligning closely with Housing 21’s growth strategy and compliance requirements, we continue to support Housing 21’s mission of providing high-quality housing and care for older people.
