More than 50 North East social housing professionals and Supply Chain Partners came together at the Riverside Cricket Ground last week to discuss how landlords can maximise the strategic opportunities they’re facing.
The discussion looked at the current challenges faced by social landlords and the positives, rather than negative outcomes, which may come from these.
Associate Director of Altair Limited, Andy Ballard, and Managing Associate at Trowers & Hamlins law firm, Mark Robinson, were guest speakers at the event as well as NE Procurement Chief Executive, Rod Brasington.
Chair to the Community Housing Group, Ballard, started the conference by asking the question ‘were the Government changes the first of many turns of the screw?, concluding that developing high levels of risk and finance expertise, together with progressive commercial awareness, is key to landlords being most effective in the next few months.
Mark Robinson then discussed the potential of efficiencies through landlords, exploring the options to develop Shared Service Solutions.
The conference was hosted by local procurement organisation, NE procurement which was held on January 19 in the Chester-le-Street venue.
Rod Brasington, chief executive at NE Procurement, said: “Both Andy and Mark were brilliant at the conference – they really got the audience’s attention and we’ve had excellent feedback about the session.”
To close the seminar, Rod Brasington emphasised the importance of procurement being part of strategic planning and the implementation of business objectives.
Guests then had the opportunity to network after the event.
Rod, added: “Hopefully this was just the start of many successful seminars. We are already planning the next seminar which will hopefully discuss the budget in March.”
The event was sponsored by Ideal Boilers, Adey Heating Solutions and Stelrad Radiators.
To find out more and register your interest for future NE Procurement conferences, email info@neprocurement.com.