We are delighted to share the 2023/24 Resident Involvement Statement.
The statement includes an overview of the activities and achievements along with tenant case studies during the last 12 months.
Michelle Dodgson, Operations Director, shares “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to another success year by the way of consultation, Homelife and tenant case studies”
Following a recent re-assessment through the Investors in Excellence standard, Inclusion Group has been recognised as a High Performing Investor in Excellence for a period of two-years to the end of December 2025. Feedback from the assessors noted “This achievement is an accolade of the business’ resourcefulness, resilience, and capability, and a definite testimony to the commitment of continuous improvement displayed by the team at all levels. Congratulations and thanks to each and every colleague across the Group for their continued hard work, commitment, and achievements”
We are delighted to again announce that not only have we retained our CSE award for Customer Service, we have also improved further on last year’s dual compliance plus award by gaining Compliance Plus recognition for 3 service areas as noted below:
Thanks to you the Inclusion team for your continued hard work and dedication to our customers, stakeholders and the business overall.
Congratulations to Inclusion Group on achieving Number 49 in the National Centre for Diversity’s 2023 Most Inclusion UK Employers.
NCFD was founded in July 2005 and was a key driving force behind the creation of “Investors in Diversity”, “Leaders in Diversity” and “Masters in Diversity”.
Inclusion Group continuously strive to ensure that Diversity within the workplace is a key focus in everything that we do. Well done to everyone at Inclusion for contributing towards our success!
We are delighted and pleased to share the fantastic case study completed by the Investors in Excellence.
Having worked with IiE since 2016, Neil Brown, Chief Executive, Inclusion Group tells us “The Investors in Excellence Standard is a robust performance management framework and works well for us. It gives us that independent insight and demonstrates true continuous improvement, and an evidence base which we can confidently share externally”
To find out more, click on the following link: https://www.investorsinexcellence.com/case-study-inclusion-group/
Inclusion Group are delighted to announce that we have achieved re-accreditation of the Leaders in Diversity award from the National Centre for Diversity.
“We are extremely happy and proud to have achieved our Leaders in Diversity reaccreditation – increasing awareness around Equality & Diversity issues and making sure we are as inclusive as possible is something myself and other members of our steering group are passionate about. Reviewing the results and recommendation from this reaccreditation has already given us some great starting points for us to use to assist in further improving the Equality & Diversity both within our business and externally and we look forward to taking these on and incorporating them into our Equality & Diversity action plan.” Jay Haywood – Inclusion E&D Steering Group Lead
The annual report produced by The Press, York St John University and City of York Council ranked Inclusion Housing at number 11 which is our highest ever rating demonstrating the economic impact and business success of the company as we have consistently risen up the ratings over the last 5 years.
A big thank you to colleagues, our tenants and partners. Inclusion has come a long way and future success is what we are planning for.
Following the most recent CFA assessment, Inclusion Housing are extremely pleased to announce that we have been awarded Compliance Plus for the second year running.
The assessment highlighted that within Inclusion “There is corporate commitment to putting the customer at the heart of service delivery and leaders in our organisation actively support this and advocate for customers”
Many thanks to all our staff teams hard work, commitment and continued support in our quest to achieve and maintain Customer Service Excellence!
Residents have been warmly welcomed into their new apartments in Barrow- a £3million development delivered by HBV and managed by Inclusion Housing.
Sixteen new apartments and two bungalows incorporating assistive technology have been built at the site of the former church on Roose Road in Barrow exclusively for local people with physical or learning disabilities.
The scheme, called Church Place, was delivered by specialist supported living developer HBV with Inclusion Housing as the Landlord.
John Woodcock MP for Barrow officially opened the scheme and planted an apple tree with the original engraved spade he used to dig the first sod of earth at the ground-breaking ceremony in 2017.
He said: “This is a remarkable addition to our local community and I’m delighted the apartments and the assistive technology within them creates the opportunity for people with various kinds of disabilities to live a more independent life.
“The development has a real community feel to it.”
Alastair Sheehan, business development director at HBV said: “We are delighted that this site in Barrow provides a fine example of the specialist supported living model and provides a modern and safe environment for people to live their lives independently and with the freedom to manage their own homes, in the manner and dignity that they and all of us deserve.”
See the original article here:
The March edition of The Parliamentary Review, a publication now in its fifth year of circulation, serves as a platform for educators, politicians and business leaders alike to share their knowledge and best practice. With an esteemed readership, including pertinent figures from both Houses, The Review maintains a non-partisan approach to sharing insight across a variety of policy sectors.
Based in York, Inclusion Housing is a leading health and social care landlord for vulnerable adults, providing flexible, innovative housing solutions and life opportunities in collaboration. Chief Executive Neil Brown elaborates on their unique approach and positive outcomes in this year’s Review.
Theresa May and Professor Ted Baker, the Chief Inspector of Hospitals, appear alongside a small number of relevant individuals and organisations from the Care sector. Topics discussed in the Care Review include CMA’s care homes market study, care home bed losses, wage pressures and tougher legal liability for corporate providers.
Co-chairman of The Review Lord Blunkett has already commented on the wide range and informative articles appearing in this year’s edition, stating that “The Parliamentary Review is a must for those who have the real story behind the scenes and a solid perspective for the future.”
Writing in The Review, the prime minister says that “British politics provides ample material for analysis in the pages of The Parliamentary Review.”
Inclusion Housing’s article can be viewed here:
https://www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/organisations/inclusion-housing
Inclusion have for the third year running been awarded the prestigious Customer Service Excellence standard following initial assessment 2016 and successful annual surveillance visits in 2017 and 2018.
Year on year we have seen an increase in our compliance score against the standard, the most recent surveillance noted compliance at 100%.
The standard is awarded for 3 years and December 2019 Inclusion will reapply for the CSE standard
Inclusion has recently been through re-assessment against the Investors in Excellence standard and has been recognised as an Investor in Excellence for a period of two-years to the end of January 2021. Feedback from the assessors noted:
This achievement is an accolade of the organisation’s resourcefulness, resilience and capability, and a definite testimony to the commitment of continuous improvement displayed across the organisation during a time of substantial growth and transition.…….. sincere congratulations are conveyed to all staff for their hard work, commitment and achievements in earning a good and positive assessment outcome
Inclusion Housing has been featured in the NCFD Grand Awards Top 100 Index 2019.
Inclusion’s achievement of reaching number 29 in the Top 100 Index 2019 is notable as this is the first year of qualification.
Well done to all the team at Inclusion a testament to the organisation’s commitment to Equality & Diversity!
In recognition of Inclusion’s listing in the 2019 Parliamentary Review a Gala evening to celebrate the success and hard work of everyone is to be held at the House of Commons.
The event will take place on Wednesday 20th March and will include speeches from notable parliamentary figures, our Chief Executive and Finance Director will be representing Inclusion at the event.
The Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) published Inclusion Housing’s first regulatory judgement on 15th February 2019, the RSH’s full report can be accessed by following the link below:
Recently Inclusion Housing were awarded the Queens Award for innovation!
Last month, Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner presented Inclusion Housing with the incredible award at our Head Office
We would like to thank everyone at Inclusion Housing and all those involved for making such a prestigious achievement possible, thank you!
Leaders in Diversity Award Stage 3
Inclusion are delighted to announce the achievement of Investors in Diversity standard at Stage Three.
As part of the process the National Centre of Diversity noted the commitment from people at all levels of the organisation. The accreditation will run for 2 years and Inclusion will continue its continuous improvement approach to diversity within the business.
Special thanks and well done to all staff at Inclusion on this achievement!
Inclusion Housing is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the ‘Queens Award for Enterprise’ in recognition of our innovation in housing vulnerable adults and increasing their social mobility. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. Neil Brown, our Chief Executive, says: “I am delighted that we have won such a prestigious award. This recognises the exceptional team here at Inclusion, and the great partnership work that ensures that we can help vulnerable adults. Hopefully this will mean that we can do more good for those who need it most”.
Scale-up Business of the Year – Area Winner
Inclusion Housing are pleased to announce they are 1 of 11 winning Yorkshire and Humberside businesses to go forward to the national FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2018 finals after being awarded Scale-up Business of the Year – Area Winner. The Yorkshire and Humberside winners were announced by Master of Ceremonies and BBC broadcaster Dave Sharpe in a ceremony at John Smith Stadium on the afternoon of 7th March.
Simon Williams, FSB Yorkshire and Humberside representative, said:
“Congratulations to all this year’s Yorkshire and Humberside FSB Celebrating Small Business Award winners. They are reflective of the vibrancy, innovation and tenacity that makes up our region’s small business community. It’s been thrilling to see so many of the region’s businesses enthusiastically take part in our awards and the sheer scale and diversity of those who entered is a testimony to the vitality of the small business community in the Yorkshire and Humberside area. The best of luck to all our winners for the UK national finals in May.”
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards celebrate the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the country, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Twelve area awards finals take place between January and March, with the national UK finals taking place at a VIP attended awards ceremony on 3 May in London.
Neil Brown, Inclusion Housing CEO, said:
“Inclusion is a disruptor business and has developed and implemented a proven innovatory model of venture funding and private sector development to provide tailored accommodation to meet the commissioning requirements of local health and care agencies; without the need for grant subsidy. By challenging a traditional commissioning model of grant funding, public commissioning and delivery through a partnership model that shares/mitigates risk Inclusion have been able to work in partnership to attract sources of commercial funding to develop, lease and manage independent living accommodation for disabled adults that saves the public purse thousands of pounds per customer by reducing reliance on registered care”
Members of South Norfolk Council attended the groundbreaking ceremony of a new specialist supported housing development which is being built on Hardingham Road, Hingham.
South Norfolk Council Chairman, Councillor Barry Duffin, officially opened the ceremony on Friday 08 September, and gave a passionate speech about how a development of this type will benefit the local population.
The development will provide local adults with learning and physical disabilities, along with those with high levels of complex care with a safe home environment and is the result of a partnership between Inclusion Housing CIC, Lifeways Community Care and HB Villages. Fieldview Gardens, on Hardingham Road is a multi-million development, consisting of 16 apartments and will be delivered by contractor, LA Construction.
Councillor Barry Duffin, South Norfolk Council, said: “It’s important to me to make sure that the most vulnerable in our society are cared for in Hingham and further afield. This is a really good example of what can be done using the specialist supported living model which is a fantastic approach to dealing with the shortage of quality accommodation for vulnerable adults, improving lives whilst making better use of the Adult Social Care Budget.
“I am really pleased with the progress made and philosophy taken by HB Villages and can see that the key objective is to make sure better outcomes are achieved for residents and the wider local community. By living in their own apartment, rather than living with parents or in sheltered accommodation, vulnerable adults will gain more independence and dignity to live their lives in a supportive community. I would be keen to see more specialist supported living schemes developed in this way at the right sites.”
Alastair Sheehan, Development Director of HB Villages, commented: “Fieldview Gardens will allow vulnerable individuals the ability to live as independently as possible, not only in terms of the 24-hour support on a site located in a highly sustainable location, but one that will also have a comprehensive and bespoke assistive technology offering. It is with the greatest pleasure that we are able to see building work start, and we all look forward to following its progress and to meeting the tenants and their families once the build is completed.”
Jemima Taylor, Group Development Director of Lifeways, adds: “As a company, we’re committed to providing the latest in specialist supported housing for adults with learning and physical disabilities. Fieldview Gardens is a prime example of what we can offer, delivering on all fronts, from architecture that blends into the local environment through to the finishing touches inside. Tenants will be able to live as independently as possible in their own home but with the added benefit of support staff being available on site.”
Paul Atkins, Property Director at Inclusion Housing, says: “The development in Hingham is another example of what can be delivered through innovative partnership working. Inclusion Housing is proud to be a part of the strong working partnership with HB Villages, Lifeways and the Local Authority that has brought the project to this point. We look forward to welcoming new tenants in due course and will continue to work closely with the partnership to deliver high-quality homes for the most vulnerable members of society.”
Inclusion has entered this year’s Amazon Growing Business Awards 2017, hosted by Real Business and supported by the CBI.
Inclusion has been shortlisted as one of the finalists for Growing Business of the Year: Smaller Company (Turnover £10m-£25m); the winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London in November.
The 2017 edition of the Amazon Growing Business Awards will see the likes of CV-Library, web expenses, Flight Club Darts and Revolut vie for accolades, with the awards shortlist featuring an abundance of talent.
Stand-up comedian Iain Stirling will host this year’s awards
Now in their 19th year, the leading awards programme for British entrepreneurs and SMEs has assembled an awards shortlist showcasing the very best of UK enterprise talent.
Coming to a culmination on 29 November at The Brewery in East London, a stellar pool of judges, including the Graze co-founder Anthony Fletcher and Trunki founder Rob Law, will ultimately decide who walks off with the 17 awards up for grabs.
Hunter Ruthven, editor of Real Business, said: “Every year we wonder where the next batch of entrepreneurial and business growth talent will come from, and each year we’re left blown away.
“From disruptive financial technology platforms to new ways for Brits to spend an evening socialising, the great thing about the Amazon Growing Business Awards is it unearths inspiring enterprises changing the way every facet of our everyday life is tackled.”
“The depth and breadth of this year’s shortlist proves why the UK is a great place to set up and run a business,” said Doug Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon
Previous well-known winners at the Amazon Growing Business Awardsinclude Tangle Teezer, Zoopla, Fever-Tree and Ella’s Kitchen – all brands that have become household names and synonymous with British business growth potential.
Luke Johstone, the founder PACK’D and winner of the awards’ 2016 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, said: “We worked incredibly hard to grow PACK’D from a Prince’s Trust market stall to market leader and the Amazon Growing Business Awards gave us a huge boost in confidence.
“It showed us that we were beginning to make the sort of progress that we had dreamed of, that our dedication was being recognised and that perseverance pays off. At a key time in our business, this was the fuel we needed to help drive us forwards.”
One disruptive business that made the shortlist this year is Wine Picker, a “social wine” app that allows users to access food and wine matching services. CEO Josselin Guibert described being nominated for Innovator of the Year in this year’s awards shortlist as an “amazing feeling”.
“It’s great to see that British passion for food, knowledge and businesses that can enhance consumer lifestyle is celebrated,” she added. “These awards help great ideas spread and Wine Picker is thrilled to be part of it.”
Meanwhile, Doug Gurr, UK country manager for headline sponsor Amazon, believes the depth and breadth of this year’s awards shortlist proves why the UK is a great place to set up and run a business.
“With a record number of applicants, there was a high level of competition in every category. I’d like to congratulate all of the businesses shortlisted and wish them all the best of luck on the awards night,” he said.
Growing Business of the Year: Smaller Company (Turnover £10m-£25m)
Pilar Lara Cruz trains people to improve their chances of maintaining a tenancy, she confirms that the key to any successful tenancy begins with the tenant being able to stick to the terms that the tenancy agreement sets out. But for many vulnerable individuals, this is much easier said than done.
Homelessness charity Crisis set out to help those individuals to maintain their tenancies by launching the Renting Ready programme.
Renting Ready is a tenancy training course designed for homeless people, those at risk of homelessness, and those with limited experience of independent living. Its aim is to upskill vulnerable people to help them sustain their tenancies and live independently.
Making a social impact through funding
The course teaches individuals how to find a rented home and provides comprehensive learning around vital tenancy management skills. It covers areas such as housing options, rights and responsibilities, living on a limited budget, looking after a property and managing relationships with landlords and housemates.
“The whole ethos of the course is to prevent instances of homelessness,” says Pilar Lara Cruz, housing trainer at Crisis.
The course is helping individuals overcome some of the major barriers when trying to access accommodation, especially within the private sector. Ms Lara Cruz says that the Renting Ready programme provides a safeguard for those landlords so that they can be confident in the tenant’s ability to maintain their tenancy.
“For some landlords it could prove to be a selling point,” she adds.
Renting Ready has been delivered across Crisis’ Skylight centres for three years to more than 1,000 people, but more recently the charity has had the opportunity to expand the programme to a variety of organisations, including housing associations and local authorities.
“All participants said their confidence in managing a tenancy had improved.”
Ms Lara Cruz has been leading the development of this specialised Renting Ready programme across the country over the past 12 months, which is now funded by Civitas Social Housing.
Much of the first year has been spent developing the programme, Ms Lara Cruz says, but she has had the opportunity to start rolling out the course to vulnerable people in need.
The feedback from the training has been overwhelmingly positive, she says.
“Through feedback forms, all the participants said their confidence in managing a tenancy had improved through the course.”
But completion of the course is not the end of the process. Crisis continues to monitor the progress of individuals three months and six months after the course is completed.
For a Renting Ready course she delivered in January 2017, the results have been particularly impressive, Ms Lara Cruz explains.
“About half of the participants have moved from temporary housing on to settled accommodation and they’ve been able to maintain that tenancy so far,” she says.
Inclusion Housing service delivery focus
To meet this need, Inclusion Housing, which operates nationally, is investing heavily to increase its portfolio of homes. Within the past few years, the organisation has grown to 1,300 properties and aims to grow further, says Mr Brown.
Inclusion Housing operates a business model that focuses on the delivery and management of housing. Its residents often need permanent support and cannot work themselves. Any government benefits they receive are often exempt from reductions experienced elsewhere.
As a result, Inclusion receives a steady, reliable rental and service charge income in return for providing its dedicated, specialist services in support of tenants.
Although it manages the properties, it doesn’t directly provide care services – these are instead delivered through a trusted network of care partners.
This freedom allows the landlord to focus on its key aim of raising the standards of service delivery for tenants across the sector, Mr Brown says.
Inclusion Housing’s singular focus has enabled it to build a strong reputation as an effective supported housing service provider since its creation in 2007. Mr Brown says it is this reputation that first attracted Civitas Social Housing to reach out to the business.
“We met and discovered that our aspirations were the same — getting the right type of growth and achieving very positive outcomes for individuals who need independent living and a better service,” he says.
In June 2017, Civitas Social Housing completed the £22m purchase of a portfolio of regulated social housing, comprising the freehold interest in 16 homes, with 173 tenancies. These properties are located across eight local authority areas, and are now leased to Inclusion to manage over a 22-year period.
“We’re providing accommodation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism, some of them with quite complex needs.”
The homes were already tenanted before they were leased to Inclusion, but this arrangement saw the properties moved into the housing association sector for the first time.
This was a draw for the landlord because by bringing the homes into the sector, there was an opportunity to raise standards higher than they had been previously.
“We’re providing accommodation for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism, some of them with quite complex needs,” Mr Brown explains. “What we’re making sure is that property and management services remain of a very high standard.”
With occupancy levels already high and a care provider on board, taking over the management of the properties has been “relatively straightforward”, he says.
A strong working relationship with the care teams has also helped enable a smooth transition.
“We do work very closely on a local level with the care teams on the ground, so the managers and staff are on site and collaborate to ensure efficient and effective partnership working. We visit all our accommodation at least on a monthly basis to make sure standards are being maintained, but with our local people out there, we are able to respond as and when required,” he says.
Mr Brown hopes this partnership with Civitas Social Housing is just the first of many. What it has been able to achieve with this arrangement aligns closely with the organisation’s aspirations to increase stock numbers through acquisition and development.
“Through partnering with Civitas, there’s more investment going into the sector which allows for more accommodation, provides for higher standards and, more importantly, is meeting the needs and aspirations of residents.”
Inclusion Housing
Conditional achievement of the Investors in Diversity standard at Stage Two
Inclusion are delighted to have conditionally achieved the Investors in Diversity standard at Stage Two. The organisation is committed to rolling out an action plan agreed with the National Centre of Diversity and are now on the path to the next goal of Leaders in Diversity accreditation.
The organisation’s commitment to achieving excellence in diversity is aligned to its core values:
Pioneer Court have announced their Opening Ceremony, located in the heart of Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, Pioneer Court is a new development of 14 accessible and attractive one bedroom apartments and four self-contained bungalows. Now available and suitable for individuals who require specialist, individualised, and person centred support.
The development has been a partnership between Lifeways, HB Villages, and Inclusion Housing. The apartments are spacious and close to the town centre and transport links. Fitted with assistive technology as standard, the developers offer a range of devices that can be tailored to individual needs.
An opening ceremony was held at the new development on Friday 26 May 2017 where prospective tenants and their family members had the opportunity to experience the finished development, speak first hand with the team involved in the project, and find out more about the service. Phil Brundrett of Stoke City Council attended the ceremony, and the turn out and response was extremely encouraging.
Jemima Taylor, Group Development Director of Lifeways, said: “Lifeways is delighted to be part of such an exciting and innovative development. The facilities, opportunities and support on offer at Pioneer Court will provide each tenant with the confidence and independence to choose how they live their lives.”
Inclusion Housing is celebrating after being awarded a Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award in the 2017, at an exclusive awards ceremony at the House of Commons, London attended by business leaders from across the globe.
Inclusion Housing, based in York, is a Social Enterprise working across England and Wales in partnership with an array of funders, carers and developers to provide specialised supported housing. They have a variety of supported living schemes designed to meet a range of housing needs for adults with learning disabilities, mental ill-health, acquired brain injuries, physical & sensory disabilities and Extra Care, including a specialist dementia scheme.
Neil Brown, Chief Executive, who received the award said “ We set ourselves high standards and I am delighted that this has been recognised through an International awards for Corporate Social Responsibility. We try to do the right thing; this award for excellence reflects our effort and ability to turn ideas into reality to make a real difference in communities.”
The International CSR Excellence Awards are presented to companies that have a heart: caring companies that use their privileged position to help their colleagues, communities, customers, the environment and the less fortunate.
DUBROVNIK: Inclusion Housing is celebrating after being named The Business of the Year Award (T/O €0-25m) winner in the 2016/17 European Business Awards, sponsored by RSM, at an exclusive awards ceremony in Dubrovnik attended by prominent businesses leaders and European Ambassadors.
Inclusion Housing, based in York, is a Social Enterprise working across England and Wales in partnership with an array of funders, carers and developers to provide specialised supported housing. They have a variety of supported living schemes designed to meet a range of housing needs for adults with learning disabilities, mental ill-health, acquired brain injuries, physical & sensory disabilities and Extra Care, including a specialist dementia scheme.
Neil Brown, Chief Executive, who received the award said “I’m delighted and very proud that Inclusion is the Best Small business in Europe. We are a great business doing great things; thanks to the judges for recognising this.”
The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies. Inclusion achieved success after a year-long journey in Europe’s biggest and most prestigious business competition, which this year engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries and generated almost 250,000 votes from across the globe in its public vote.
Business VIPs presented trophies to the 11 category winners of the competition
Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: “These companies are Europe’s best. They demonstrate innovation, ethics and financial success and are brilliant examples of the growth potential for European business in a competitive global marketplace. Together they are creating a better future for us all.”
Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, the sixth largest global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms, and long-term sponsors of the awards, said: “At RSM, we believe it is important to champion business excellence as successful and thriving companies are an integral force in driving growth and stimulating economies. The Ruban D’Honneur recipients and overall category winners have demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurialism, innovation, leadership and business acumen. All those involved are a credit to their country and we wish them every success for the future.”
THE WINNERS
The RSM Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Vicente Berbegal Pérez, Actui – Spain
The Award for Environmental and Corporate Sustainability – VAUDE Sport GmbH & Co. KG – Germany
The Business of the Year Award (T/O €0-25m) – Inclusion Housing – United Kingdom
The Business of the Year Award (T/O €26-150m) – True Potential LLP – United Kingdom
The Business of the Year Award (T/O €150m+) hosted by Sysdoc – AB Vassilopoulos – Greece
The ELITE Award for Growth Strategy of the Year – MARINE INSTRUMENTS S.A. – Spain
The Award for Customer Focus – Leroy Merlin España SLU – Spain
The Employer of the Year Award – Chas Visual Management AB – Sweden
The Import/Export Award – Alion Vegetables & Fruit Co Ltd – Cyprus
The Award for Innovation – Tangle Teezer – United Kingdom
The Chairman’s Selection Award – RINGANA – Austria
European Public Champion – The Insiders – Belgium
Lifetime Achievement Award – Vjekoslav Majetic, – DOK-ING d.o.o – Croatia
The 11 category winners went through a process of written submissions, video entry judging and face-to-face interviews, and were shortlisted as one of 636 National Champions and 110 Ruban d’Honneur recipients before reaching the final.
All EU member markets were represented in the competition plus Iceland, Turkey, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
For further information about the European Business Awards and RSM please go to www.businessawardseurope.com or www.rsm.global and follow us on twitter at @rsmEBA
York-based Inclusion Housing Community Interest Company (“Inclusion”), a fast-growing social enterprise business, has received £455,000 funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial to purchase new headquarters.
The new, larger office on Heworth Green, York, has enough capacity to allow the firm to grow threefold, and forms part of Inclusion’s wider plans to increase staff by 5% each year as a direct response to the increase in schemes under its management across the UK.
Established in 2007, Inclusion works with commercial landlords and investors to build and manage high-quality, socially responsible care accommodation for vulnerable individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Inclusion’s team includes a number of experienced professionals from the property, supported housing and finance professions who work closely with commissioners, care bodies and developers to offer those in need bespoke accommodation. The company’s portfolio includes wholly owned, short-term and long-term leased housing units across the UK. The funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial has enabled the company to move out of rented shared offices and to plan more effectively for future growth.
Neil Brown, CEO, Inclusion Housing Community Interest Company, said: “The funding from Santander has been central to our aspirations. We have a growing portfolio and an increasing number of staff managing the business and it was vital that we relocated to accommodate this growth. With our business rapidly expanding, our new offices will provide a base large enough to support a team connected with nationwide partners.”
Andrew Russell, Relationship Director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Neil and the team at Inclusion with their new office move. The firm seeks to provide much needed support to highly worthwhile target market and we welcome the change to support them in this endeavour.”
Inclusion Housing is shortlisted for the Ethical Business Award. Inclusion Housing is a Community Interest Company (Social Enterprise) working across England in partnership with an array of funders, carers and developers to provide specialised supported accommodation without subsidy. We manage a variety of independent living schemes designed to meet a range of needs for adults with learning disabilities, mental ill-health, brain injuries, physical/sensory disabilities, dementia and Extra Care.
Neil Brown, Chief Executive said: “Inclusion Housing is an ethical business and being a finalist in the Better Society Awards highlights the great work and difference we are making across the country to enhance the quality of life for the most vulnerable in society” .
Now in their third year, the Better Society Awards, hosted by Better Society Network, are the showcase for excellence that celebrate the efforts that commercial companies make in order to help create a better society. The Better Society Awards are unique in rewarding companies that give time and expertise freely, to companies that have made a commitment to creating clearly better practices, the awards were created to allow the UK not-for-profit sector to shine.
The winners will be determined by an independent judging panel and announced at the renowned Better Society Awards Gala and Dinner on 11 May 2017 at the prestigious location London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.
Find out more: bettersociety.net/awards
Follow us on twitter @CTBetterSocietyAwards #BetterSocietyAwards
Inclusion Housing from York has been named as one of the finalists, and Ruban d’Honneur recipients, in the 2016/17 European Business Awards sponsored by RSM.
It is one of only 110 finalists announced after over 33,000 businesses were engaged in the competition, and was chosen by a panel of independent judges because it displayed the core values of innovation, ethics and success.
The company will now undertake an in depth face-to-face interview, and will find out if it is a winner of one of the 11 categories at a Gala Final on May 4 in Dubrovnik.
Inclusion Housing is a cutting edge and innovative health & social care Social Enterprise working across England in partnership with an array of funders, carers and developers to provide specialised supported housing for vulnerable and disable adults. It manages a substantial and growing national portfolio of social housing properties, and will grant residential tenancies to vulnerable people who receive daily support from specialist Support Providers.
Chief Executive, Neil Brown, is delighted that the business has been recognised; “We are making such a difference to improve the quality of life and independence of so many people across the country; reaching the final of the European Business Awards will hopefully help us do even more.”
The European Business Awards was set up to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. Lead sponsor RSM, a provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market businesses globally, has supported the European Business Awards since its inception.
Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: “To survive in this economic climate is hard enough, so to innovate, prosper and grow as this year’s Ruban D’Honneur recipients have is truly remarkable. Europe needs more companies like these. Well done to them all.”
INCLUSION HOUSING is also taking part in ‘The Public Vote’, where the public choose ‘National Public Champions’ for each country. To vote for them go to: businessawardeurope.com. The company with the most votes in each country wins and will be announced on 6 March.
For more information on the Awards, the Ruban d’Honneur winners and the public vote please visit businessawardseurope.com and follow the Awards on twitter at @rsmEBA or on Facebook @businessawardseurope
About the European Business Awards:
The European Business Awards’ primary purpose is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. For all citizens of Europe, prosperity, social and healthcare systems are reliant on businesses creating an even stronger, more innovative, successful, international and ethical business community – one that forms the beating heart of an increasingly globalised economy.
The European Business Awards programme serves the European business community in three ways:
• It celebrates and endorses individuals’ and organisations’ success
• It provides and promotes examples of excellence for the business community to aspire to
• It engages with the European business community to create debate on key issues
The European Business Awards is now in its 10th year. This year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Last year’s public vote generated over 227,000 votes from across Europe. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire. businessawardseurope.com.
Supported living for people in Warrington dealing with enduring mental health challenges has improved with the launch of our new development in the town.
Members of Warrington District Council, along with MP Helen Jones, celebrated the opening of our Quadrant House development, which is based on Church Street.
Comprising of 16 apartments, Quadrant House provides a safe home environment for adults with enduring mental health problems. Specialist staff are on-site 24 hours a day to provide comprehensive support, as and when required.
The £1.8 million development is the result of a partnership between HB Villages, Inclusion Housing CIC and Lifeways Community Care.
Mayor Faisal Rashid officially opened the building, along with Helen Jones MP.
Helen Jones MP, said:
“I’m proud that Warrington is leading the way in terms of investment in specialist supported housing. It is important to me that we take care of the most vulnerable people in our society. This HB Villages scheme goes a long way in providing a safe and comfortable environment for people with enduring mental health challenges. It is important that people are given the opportunity, with developments like this, to live as independently as possible.”
Alastair Sheehan, Development and Planning Director of HB Villages, said:
“Quadrant House was one of our first specialist supported living developments and it is fantastic to see the positive impact it is having on the residents who live here.
“The tenants are integrating well into the local community and they continue to make progress with their overall health. We’re currently looking at more locations in the region and we are proud to showcase Quadrant House as a fine example of what positive outcomes can be achieved for vulnerable people with the right kind of housing and support services.”
Jemima Taylor, Group Development Director of Lifeways, adds:
“Lifeways is committed to providing innovative homes for adults with a range of needs including those who suffer from enduring mental health problems. Quadrant House delivers a safe environment with onsite care staff, while also providing a home to call their own. Tenants will be able to live as independently as possible while receiving the right support.”
Peter Ottowell, Chairman at Inclusion Housing, said:
“Quadrant House is a prime example of what can be delivered through innovative partnerships that put the service users at the heart of everything we do. Inclusion Housing are proud to be a part of the strong working partnership with HB Villages, Lifeways and the Local Authority that has brought the project to this point. We look forward to seeing how our tenants develop with improvements in their health and wellbeing and will continue to deliver high quality homes for the most vulnerable members of society.”
Located in the heart of Burnley, Burnham Court is a new development of 12 attractive one bedroom apartments for individuals who require specialist, individualised, and person centred support including two accessible apartments for people with a physical disability.
The development has been a partnership between Lifeways, HomeLife, and Inclusion Housing. The apartments are spacious and close to the town centre and transport links. Fitted with assistive technology as standard, Burnham Court offers a range of devices that can be tailored to individual needs.
The Worshipful Mayor, Councillor Mr Jeff Sumner, attended the ceremony and officially opened the scheme on Tuesday 29 November 2016. Prospective tenants and their family members had the opportunity to experience the finished development, speak first hand with the team involved in the project, and to find out more about the service.
Jemima Taylor, Group Development Director of Lifeways, said:
“We are delighted to be part of such an exciting and innovative development. The facilities, opportunities, and support on offer at Burnham Court will provide each tenant with the confidence and independence to choose how they live their lives.”
For further information on availability contact the Scheme Manager, ella.O’neill@lifeways.co.uk or call 01257 246444.
Work is under way for a new development providing supported accommodation for young adults with disabilities in Blackburn.
Commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council, the £900,000 project scheduled to be completed by October, is being constructed by specialist accommodation developer Homelife in partnership with Inclusion Housing and Lifeways Community Care.
It will provide12 one-bedroomed apartments for young adults with a variety of disabilities along with on-site specialist support.
The council’s children’s services director Maureen Bateson said the Apple Street scheme was ‘a major step forward for young people seeking their independence as adults.”
Ainsworth Projects, Apple Street, Blackburn
The development in Wensley Fold has been designed in two wings to create an individuality within the building and is set over two floors with a central office within the reception foyer and staff accommodation on the first floor.
It also includes a quiet room and a sensory room that opens into a secluded garden to the rear of the development, off the central axis of the building.
Andrew Hopkinson, director of Homelife, said:
“ The apartments will make a big difference to people’s lives, enabling them to live independently with support.
“We are delighted Blackburn with Darwen Council chose Homelife to design and build the property and for their vision, support and approach.”
Cllr Bateson said:
“This is a really excellent development of the type we need.
“It provides young adults with difficulties seeking to move on with their lives independently with a long-term home.”
Homelife is a specialist development company who design and build bespoke supported accommodation delivering individually-tailored housing solutions that meet the needs of local people.
We’re really excited to reveal our new website. We’ve worked with a variety of experts to ensure that the site is user-friendly, easy to navigate, read and understand.
We’ve written the website in a way that our multiple audiences will clearly understand. We’ve used images of real people and real properties so that our visitors can be sure that we’re delivering on our promise to be authentic, transparent and open with our business.
We hope you like it. If you’ve got any suggestions or input please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
Inclusion Housing has been awarded Best Small Business at the Inaugural British Small Business Awards 2016, held in London.
Inclusion Housing stood out to the judges with highly impressive turnover figures and growth combined with strong sector knowledge, innovation and an unwavering support for society’s most vulnerable people.
http://smallbusiness.co.uk/british-small-business-awards-2016-winners-2534627/
Neil Brown, Chief Executive of Inclusion Housing was surprised and delighted with the award. ‘I am immensely proud of the difference we make, the services we provide and the strong partnerships that we forge. Most of all we have a talented, motivated and positive team here at Inclusion focussed on delivering excellence; I am so pleased that their success has been recognised.
Niki Baker, CEO of SmallBusiness.co.uk parent company Vitesse Media says, ‘Against a challenging economic and political backdrop, all of the winners and those shortlisted for awards have demonstrated tenacity, innovation and a commitment to driving growth. Small businesses form the backbone of the UK economy, and these awards provide an excellent platform to showcase the very best of them.’
Dave Stallon, commercial director of the Federation of Small Businesses and judge at the awards adds that small and growing businesses in Britain face an increasing number of challenges so it’s important to recognise those that have really excelled.
‘I have been hugely impressed by the standard of entries this year – the businesses and inspiring people that run them should be very proud of how they have performed and I wish them every success in the future.’
The British Small Business Awards, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, celebrates the nation’s leading sole traders, micro-businesses and small companies – as well as the service providers and advisers that help them start, run, grow and succeed.
We’re excited and delighted to have been named as a National Champion for the United Kingdom in The European Business Awards, sponsored by RSM; Europe’s largest business competition set up to celebrate business excellence and best practice in the European business community.
The Awards, now in its 10th year, is supported by business leaders, academics and political representatives from across Europe, and this year engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries.
Inclusion Housing has been chosen after the first phase of judging by an independent panel.
We were evaluated on the core EBA values of innovation, ethics and success and we’ll now progress to the second stage of the competition, which includes a video and a public vote.
The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies and we are proud to be recognised at this level.
In the words of Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards:
“Congratulations to Inclusion Housing who have been selected to represent their country as National Champions. They are central to the success of Europe’s strong business community, and have shown the core principles we look for of innovation, ethics and success.”
The next round requires the National Champions to make a presentation video, telling their unique story and explaining their business success.
The Awards’ independent judges will award the best of this group the ‘Ruban d’Honneur’ status and the selected companies will then go on to the Gala Final in 2017.
Separately, in a two stage public vote, the videos will be hosted on the European Business Awards website, and the company who receives the most votes in their country will become the ‘National Public Champion’.
Last year over 227,000 votes were cast as companies were supported globally by their clients, staff and peers, as well as the general public.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress through the competition.
Two new people recently joined our team and we’re delighted to welcome them both to this next stage on our development as a business.
Richard Atkinson has joined us as Property Manager for the North of England and Lucy Bowers is now our Managing Agent at Strand Court in Grimsby. We’re delighted to have both on board and we’re excited about their contribution to our business.
So far this year, we’ve successfully implemented a number of service and business enhancements which is helping us to deliver on our business plan. As we head into the final quarter of 2016, it’s important that we maintain this success and keep delivering the right results and the right outcomes.
Encouragingly, we’re still working with partners to approve new developments and we’re also exploring opportunities with a wider range of business partners.
We have now exceeded 1000 units in management, which is a significant milestone and means that we will now come under closer scrutiny by the Regulator (HCA – Homes and Communities Agency). All the plans that we have implemented during the past twelve months put us in a strong position.
Rent Arrears are at an historic low of approximately 1.3% while bad debt is also below target – thank you to everyone who has contributed to this excellent performance.
As new developments come into management void levels remain high. However we are letting more properties than are being terminated so this is positive and we continue to maintain our focus to reduce overall void numbers. Void loss is below target, demonstrating our continued improvement in this regard.
We’re well on track for more growth – watch this space for more developments as we shape up to approach 2017 with the same rigour and enthusiasm to be a major player in the specialist supported housing sector.
Inspired by our role as a 'thought leader' in our sector
E-mail or Callhello@inclusiongroup.co.uk
01904675207
