Blog

01.06.2023 by Mary Bennell

Signing order for the first tranche of homes for the ‘Cluster Project

The ‘Cluster’ - An innovative partnership to deliver 996 modular homes across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire was set up last year between Magna Housing, Wiltshire Council and Rollalong a Dorset based manufacturer.

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Blog

02.05.2023 by Farah Malik

Recruiting for a Regional Marketing & Communications Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a Marketing and Communications Officer for the South West region and for them to be part of a great team.

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Blog

27.04.2023 by Farah Malik

Damp and mould and decarbonising homes

When moisture laden air comes into contact with a cold surface, condensation occurs. When there is condensation on a cold surface for an extended period, it results in mould. In most cases, this happens in kitchens or bathrooms and on external walls in other parts of a home if there are little or no insulation, i.e. cold surfaces.

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Blog

20.03.2023 by Farah Malik

Recruiting for a Regional Procurement Manager covering the South West Region

Sadly, Phillip Blackmore, our Regional Procurement Manager, will be leaving SWPA. Phil has been a great colleague of the SWPA team for over two years and will be greatly missed! We are now recruiting for his position.

The South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) is seeking to appoint a Regional Procurement Manager covering the South West Region. 

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Blog

17.03.2023 by Phillip Blackmore

Successful Tendering – Procurement Essentials

Have you bid for a public sector contract or framework previously? Were you successful, and how was the overall experience? 

Public Sector procurement has a stigma of being complex and a considerable investment of time and resources needed for the bidder. There are several perceived barriers to public sector tendering, but how can you overcome these and ultimately improve your tender experience?

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Blog

06.03.2023 by Garland UK

Garland UK Report Reveals Challenges Faced by Commercial Roofing Industry

Garland UK has published its first benchmarking report on the commercial roofing industry in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading experts. The report reveals the main challenges commercial landlords and estates teams face with their roofing assets and shares expert advice, strategies and considerations to overcome them.

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Blog

17.02.2023 by Penny Searson

Access Theatre Company - SWPA’s Community Benefit Fund

SWPA’s Community Benefit Fund, delivered in partnership with South West Community Matters, has been running since 2018. The fund is designed to support small community groups, with grants of up to £1000.00, who might otherwise fall under the radar of larger funders. We have delivered £50,000.00 of funding to over thirty-five regional groups.

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Blog

31.01.2023 by Farah Malik

Are you preparing to be awarded the SHDF? If so, what next?

All public sector organisations who applied for the social housing decarbonisation scheme will find out if they have been awarded the grant between the end of February and the start of March 2023. The gov.uk website states that grant funding agreements must be signed with successful lead applicants and projects starting in March.

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Blog

23.01.2023 by Mary Bennell

Uplifts – A guide on what it means for you

There are several issues in the supply market that are driving increases in the cost of materials and labour being used in the delivery of our frameworks

These include:

  • Additional tariffs and import administration overheads
  • Increased transport costs
  • Material shortages (driving price increases)
  • Energy price increases
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Blog

15.12.2022 by Global HSE Group

The Golden Thread

Building compliance is being highlighted more than ever as a consequence of fire doorset legislation amendments. This legislation is purposed to ensure the safety of individuals both in and around the building, following guidance from the Grenfell fire. As of 23rd January 2023, it will be a legal requirement to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to reduce the risk of fire. Upon failure to comply to the legislation, the responsible persons will be penalised both legally and financially. This amendment will ensure the correct individual is held accountable for failing to ensure fire safety in the infrastructure. The legislation in Approved Document B covers social buildings, and those over 11m in height.

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