Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has received further high-profile recognition after triumphing in the Best Digital Transformation category at the Northern Housing Awards.
The accolade came after a fundamental review of the Bradford-based association’s gas safety compliance processes to make them more efficient and effective.
This identified the need to invest in a new digital platform and move away from the existing manual system which was found to be time and cost intensive.
Having considered all available options, MHA teamed up with pioneering technology firm Gas Tag with the aim of improving overall gas compliance and tenant safety.
Founded in 2015, Gas Tag has a growing number of landlords, housing associations and local authorities on its client list.
John Green, Health and Safety Coordinator, Manningham Housing Association (second from right) with representatives of Gas Tag at the Northern Housing Awards (Credit: UKBE and Joe Gardner Photography)
Lee Bloomfield, Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association spoke of his immense pleasure at winning the prestigious Northern Housing Award.
Lee Bloomfield
He said: "I’m thrilled for all involved, but especially our tenants who have benefited from the upgrade.
“Relatively small housing associations such as MHA have limited resources but are rightly required to meet our compliance obligations in full.
“The award is a testament to the hard work and innovative approach we’ve taken to enhancing our processes, including in relation to gas compliance.
“Gas Tag has been key to raising quality and, indeed, exceeding the expectations of the regulator.
“Our story should give other associations confidence that there are complementary solutions in the market which can improve energy use and safety."
Gas Tag has won several accolades in its short history including the Lloyds Bank National Business Award for New Business of the Year in 2018.
Peter Luke, Commercial Director of Gas Tag, said he was particularly proud of the company’s part in winning the Northern Housing Award with MHA as it demonstrated the positive impact the technology offered to housing associations and their customers.
He continued: "As part of the implementation of Gas Tag, we worked with Manningham Housing Association to understand their current business practices around gas compliance.
“We then implemented a business process re-engineering approach which determined that adopting Gas Tag could automate out cost from the process but also increase compliance. The seamless adoption of the application by the existing contractor shows strong teamwork.
“I’m glad these benefits were recognised by the judges."
With an annual turnover of £8.5 million and a staff of 32, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for families, the elderly and those in need in Bradford and Keighley.
Already this year, Manningham Housing Association has been shortlisted for five national awards, achieved the highest standard of customer service excellence and become the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Barrington Billings
Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “I am thrilled that the association continues to blaze a trail in so many areas of service for our tenants.
“We exist to improve their lives and their communities. That is our mission.
“The Northern Housing Award is just the latest evidence that we are making good decisions on their behalf. Full credit to everyone who has contributed to the success.”