Midland Heart

Our Carbon Reduction Plan sets out our commitment to energy efficiency and low carbon in the homes we rent, the homes we build, and in the way we work.   With our plan in mind, we have taken important steps to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions at our three core offices. Just two examples over the past 12 months include upgrading our mechanical heating and cooling systems at our Birmingham head office, and commencing the roll out of rooftop solar PV across all three of our core offices.   As our drone footage shows, the solar PV programme began at our West Midlands Hub facility in Oldbury and ensures that we can generate affordable, clean energy to run the office space and depot services. Since the installation was completed earlier this month, the solar panels have already been powering over half of our electricity during peak office hours.   We’ll continue to share further updates as we continue our solar PV programme.   #solarpv #solarpanels #greenenergy

At Midland Heart, we’re extremely proud that our apprentices constantly look to go above and beyond. A perfect example of that is Martell Wilson who is the only female in her year group. Martell is in her second year as an apprentice electrician and through her four-year course, is also an ambassador for Walsall College where she spends one day every week, aside from her vital on-site training. Being part of the college’s ambassador programme gives Martell the opportunity to encourage others to look at the wide number of apprenticeships on offer, whilst providing valuable insight to new students on her learning, experiences and the next steps in her career. #housing #careers #tradeapprenticeships

On Friday we welcomed Phil McHugh, Managing Director for Vistry Group North West Midlands and Jane Grant from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to the former Bedworth Bowling and Rugby Club, which will soon be transformed into a vibrant development of affordable homes.   Our Executive Director of Finance & Growth, Joe Reeves, said: “Providing quality, affordable homes for local people is the primary focus of our organisation. We’re delighted that Jane and our partners could join us to celebrate the start of works on the site and hear our plans for its development. “This former rugby site will now be recycled into a new community. It's not just the much-needed homes that will be developed, but the major contribution of further local infrastructure that it creates. The whole community will benefit, including a new clubhouse for Bedworth Rugby Club.”   #UKHousing #AffordableHousing #Development

Last weekend we were delighted to join the annual Birmingham Pride Parade, a celebration of individuality and the power of community. Colleagues from across our organisation joined the c.80,000 strong crowd there to celebrate the achievements of the LGBT community. Celebrating Pride and engaging with the community in which we operate is a key priority for Harmony, our LGBT Inclusion Network, who work alongside our other inclusion networks to deliver activities for colleagues throughout the year, and help promote inclusion for all. #BirminghamPride #Pride #Inclusion

We’re extremely proud to feature in this year’s Sunday Times Best Places to Work list. This prestigious national recognition is received for our commitment to being a great place to work by providing an empowering and rewarding environment for our colleagues. We work hard to ensure our colleagues are able to thrive and succeed irrespective of background; where they are empowered to deliver the right outcomes for the people who live in our homes. This follows our top 40 regional ranking in last year’s 2023 Best Companies to Work For list. More than anything, we know that delivering our mission is only possible with an engaged team. We continue to challenge ourselves every day to ensure we are able to reward the hard work of our people with a great place to work. #STBPTW #UKhousing #Midlands #colleagueengagement

In our new homes, new nature-focused building regulations will mean that nature is left better than when we found it.   Last week, we held community events at Meadowbrook Road, Elderberry Drive and Church Lane to speak to our tenants about our plans to make their green spaces more biodiverse and better places to use and enjoy.   On the day we were joined by our Grounds Maintenance teams, our Estates Officers, FASTSIGNS UK and Dovetail Group (DTG).   Our green spaces are not only important for our physical and mental health, but they protect the homes of pollinating bees and bugs that are vital to all life.   #biodiversity #greenspaces #sustainability

Last week, and just ahead of the May bank holiday weekend, we were delighted to get together with our trade apprentices at a special breakfast session to provide them with a business update, highlight the role they play in delivering for our tenants, and chat through a variety of topics relating to their development and careers. Hosted by our Director of Repairs and Maintenance James Watkins, the session at our West Midlands Hub in Oldbury was also an opportunity to discuss their progress in their base and multi-trade qualifications. James said: “It was great to spend the morning with some of our trade apprentices and see how much they’re thriving. More than anything, it set valuable time aside to discuss so many thought-provoking and important topics, including how we continue to support their development, growth and aspirations. It’s already a successful programme but we want to do as much as possible to ensure we’re providing a pipeline of skilled talent to our repairs and maintenance team, and a place where they can build their careers.”   #tradeapprenticeships #housing #careers 

Yesterday we hosted our first Tenant Town Hall event at Chatham Place, one of our Retirement Living schemes in Northfield, Birmingham. Open to all of our tenants, the event was a great opportunity to chat to our Tenant Scrutiny, Money Advice, Tenancy Services and Communications teams face-to-face, ask questions and find out how they can get more involved with us. Thank you to Northfield Community Partnership and Methodist Homes MHA for joining us and talking to our tenants about the various community groups in the local area. 

Another development of decent and affordable homes completed, this time at Cambridge Road in Whetstone, Leicestershire! This new development comprises of 49 homes, a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom properties, built on a disused brownfield site, that has been transformed into a vibrant community of homes, green spaces and local amenities. The completion of Cambridge Road is a key part of our journey to build and acquire 4,000 homes by 2025, of which we are on track, with our 3000th home due to be handed over later this year. Thank you to Morro Partnerships, for working with us to deliver sustainable, safe and secure homes, and to Alberto Costa MP and Councillor Les Phillimore for joining us to celebrate this important milestone. #affordablehousing #UKhousing #development

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sayeed Haris as our new Executive Director of Property Services. Making sure our tenants and homes have dedicated senior oversight is more critical now than ever before; something which led to the creation of our dedicated Tenancy and Property Directorates. Our new Property Services Directorate led by Sayeed will ensure we continue to maintain the highest levels of building safety compliance, deliver a first-class repairs & maintenance service which is responsive to tenants' needs and oversee record levels of investment to deliver high quality, energy efficient homes. Sayeed will work alongside David Taylor our Executive Director of Tenancy Services, to ensure the needs of our tenants are met and satisfaction with our services remains high. Since joining Midland Heart in 2020, Sayeed has worked closely with colleagues across Operations to ensure we deliver great services whilst remaining financially sound. We are proud to continue our legacy of growing our talent through investment in our people and have no doubt that Sayeed will be successful in his new role. #colleaguedevelopment #propertyservices