Unity apprentice Kickstarts career with national award

Ben Coultas, a 23-year-old apprentice from Leeds, has won a prestigious national award for his selfless efforts in helping others on a job placement scheme for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

Ben triumphed in the Peer to Peer Mentor category at the Clarion Kickstart Housing Partnership Awards held at Chelsea Football Club’s Stamford Bridge stadium in London.

Established by the Clarion Housing Group, the partnership comprises 84 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, with 58 from the housing sector.

They include Leeds-based housing association, Unity Homes and Enterprise, where Ben completed his placement and is now employed as a full-time apprentice in the Regeneration Department.

More than 500 individuals aged 16-24 year-olds were supported into paid six-month roles through the scheme.  

Following a rigorous selection process, Ben was placed with Unity’s Regeneration team where he was able to access training courses including communication skills and Excel, and gain first-hand experience of the different processes and situations the team faced each day.

But that was not enough for Ben, one of five Kickstarters at Unity, who was determined to reach out to others on the scheme. 

Unity apprentice Ben Coultas with his Clarion Kickstart Housing Partnership Peer to Peer Mentor Award

Kelly Jennings, Unity Employment Outreach Officers, said: “Ben showed great empathy and support towards fellow Kickstart colleagues, quickly gaining a reputation for his encouragement, dedication and positive attitude to those around him.

“This included assisting one Kickstarter with her application to university by helping her through the process and conducting interviews relevant to the course she had applied for.

 “Throughout his placement, Ben also assisted the Employment Services team with our employability and training sessions.

 “Nothing was ever too much trouble.  He is a real star.”

 Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “Ben has come on and developed so much in his time with Unity, both as a professional and a young man.

First on the Kickstart scheme and now as an apprentice, giant strides have been made.

“I am so proud of him, his award is thoroughly deserved.

“Ben has a great future ahead in housing.  I hope he stays with Unity where I know he will fulfil his enormous potential.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “Unity takes immense pride in the work we do to reach out to the local community and create opportunities for local people to transform their life chances.

“Ben has not only grabbed his opportunity but gone the extra mile to help others as the judges have recognised by giving him this national award.

“He has an excellent career in prospect and can be a role model for others in the local community.”  Ben, who attended Lawnswood School in Leeds, said: “I am very proud to have won the award for Peer to Peer Mentor as I always try to support my colleagues where I can.

 “The people who work at Unity and within my team have made it easy for me to be happy, knowing we all strive to make a difference in our communities.

 “I hope to continue to achieve great things with Unity.”

Dynamic leader brings wealth of experience to Unity

Sharon Jandu, Managing Director of the Northern Asian Power policy think tank, has been appointed as Chair of Unity Enterprise and a Board Member of Unity Housing Association.

Amongst other leadership positions, Ms Jandu, a co-founder of Yorkshire Asian Business Association, also serves as the Federation of Small Businesses Area Leader in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North-East, and is a Confederation of British Industry Regional Council Member for Yorkshire and the Humber,

Unity Enterprise and Unity Housing Association are part of the Unity Homes and Enterprise Group based in the Chapeltown area of Leeds.

Unity Housing Association was formed in 1987 to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds, and now manages over 1,350 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds.

Unity Enterprise was established in 2000 as a not-for-profit subsidiary company to support local entrepreneurial activity.  It currently provides 142 affordable units for more than 80 diverse businesses across three centres in Leeds. 

That number is set to increase next summer following the completion of a £1.8 million Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme which will create 12 new units and a bespoke business hub.  

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sharon to Unity.  She is a highly respected, dynamic leader with a wealth of experience gained in the private, public and third sectors.

“Sharon also has a deep appreciation of the issues affecting the communities we are privileged to work with every day.

“The revitalisation of these communities is not just about providing high quality affordable homes, but also stimulating social and economic regeneration, improving life opportunities and addressing inequalities within sustainable neighbourhoods.

Sharon Jandu

“In her dual roles, Sharon will enable Unity to further advance these objectives.”        

Sharon Jandu said: “I lived in Chapeltown for nearly 10 years. I know the area well and how it feels to live in a challenged community.

“Unity has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most successful and forward-thinking housing associations, driven by its social purpose to fight inequality and empower BME people.    

“Unity Enterprise is a key component of this work through its support for local businesses including initiatives to identify and develop local entrepreneurs.  The upgrade of Leeds Media Centre will provide a major boost to these efforts and increase economic activity in Chapeltown and surrounding areas. 

“As Chair, I look forward to being at the heart of delivering a winning strategy to help many more people fulfil their business potential and live better lives.”  

Guiseley Scout to continue fundraising quest with New Year pub quiz

A Guiseley schoolboy who pedalled for 12 hours to raise money to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea will continue his fundraising efforts by co-hosting a pub quiz in the upstairs function room at Coopers Bar and Brasserie in the town on Friday 20 January.

Guiseley schoolboy Jamie White who is raising funds to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree

Jamie White, 14, went through a rigorous selection process to be chosen as a member of the United Kingdom Contingent travelling to the Far East next summer.

He will join more than 40,000 Scouts from over 150 nations for the event which takes place in a different host country every four years.  

One of the conditions of attendance is that each Scout must raise the money to pay for the trip themselves.

Jamie raised more than £1,000 through his ‘spinathon’ in July which saw him and supporters complete 12 hours of non-stop cycling on a static bike on his driveway.

Added to other ventures including a cake sale organised by his 11-year-old sister Charlotte and a morning of carol singing at the White Rose Centre, Jamie has now raised just over £2,100 towards his target of £3,800.

He hopes his pub quiz will attract lots of local support – with fun the order of the evening.

Jamie White with supporters at his 12-hour ‘spinathon’ in July 

Jamie said: “There will be 11 rounds of questions with a different co-host joining me for each round.

“We are also planning to have some live music halfway through and after the quiz has finished.

“I hope people will come along, bring friends and have a really good night out.”

 Jamie is also appealing for prizes for the quiz and a raffle. 

 Individuals or businesses who would like to offer a prize should contact Jamie’s dad, Barry, on Tel: 07787 514324 or email: barry@vanbarassociates.com

Further details about the evening will be announced in early January.   

Anyone unable to attend the quiz but wishing to make a donation can do so online by visiting the GoFundMe website and entering ‘Jamie White Scout’ to access his personal page.

Praise for ‘exceptional’ housing association with diversity and inclusion in its DNA

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been officially reaccredited for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The BS 76005 certification is awarded to organisations that promote a culture which recognises and celebrates people’s differences.

In his final report, the Centre for Assessment assessor wrote:  “MHA is clearly a values driven organisation and people are strongly committed to the work of the association.

“Diversity and inclusion is deeply embedded in the DNA of the organisation, the association was founded some 35 years ago and it is clear that those principles have not only endured over the decades and the sense of inclusion has increased as the organisation reaches out to wider communities.”

He praised MHA staff for taking proactive roles in supporting residents and tenants, efforts he described as “visible on a daily basis whether through the benefits advice provided or advocating on behalf of those on universal credit or applying for council tax and pensions.”

He continued: “The entire MHA team is focused on exceeding customers’ expectations, delivering excellent customer service by providing more homes, looking after the existing homes, investing in the community, developing partnerships and, as the only BME landlord in Bradford, MHA has the leverage and standing within the city to become a lead voice for BME communities.”

The assessor added: “MHA is an exceptional organisation.”

Manningham Housing Association staff at their Bradford head office

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised once again for having diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.

“MHA was the first housing association in the country to achieve the BS 76005 standard and we regard this as a badge of honour.

“I am proud to have guided MHA through the latest reaccreditation process and delighted at the outcome.” 

Ulfat Hussain, MHA Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We were recently named Equality Trailblazer for West and North Yorkshire at the Chamber Business, so being reaccredited by the Centre for Assessment for our commitment to equality and diversity is doubly pleasing.

“Our desire to celebrate difference makes us what we are. 

“It is especially satisfying when our approach is commended by a highly respected national organisation, alongside the positive words about our work with tenants and residents.

“We will continue to build on our achievements and try to raise the bar even higher.”

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “It is a fantastic report which rightly recognises the remarkable efforts of MHA staff to champion diversity and inclusion.  

“I welcome the praise for the leadership provided by the senior management team and board, including a fitting acknowledgement of the skills and fresh perspectives which new board members have brought to the organisation.  

“The collective commitment of everyone at MHA to make people’s lives better, particularly as we endure a cost of living crisis, is phenomenal.

“It is a pleasure to be involved.”  

Government must release energy payments to NI households, UUP peer tells late night debate

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has used a House of Lords debate to appeal to the Government to release promised support payments to help Northern Ireland households pay their energy bills.

Speaking in a House of Lords debate on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last night, Lord Rogan said a great many people were “deeply worried about their personal finances as the cost of living crisis tightens its grip.”

And he criticised the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris for appearing on television screens to tell local people that “Northern Ireland-specific spending cuts are on their way.”

Lord Rogan

Lord Rogan said: “He also threatened to increase fares on public transport, raise the regional rates and introduce water charges. What he failed to do was to provide an indication of when Northern Ireland consumers can expect to receive the £400 promised to them through the energy bills support scheme and the £200 home heating oil support payment promised by the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement.”

The Deputy Lord Speaker told peers that “it surely cannot be right that while households in Great Britain began receiving their energy bills support scheme payments in October, people in Northern Ireland are yet to receive any payment whatever,” adding that Energy Minister Graham Stuart, “recently admitted that a joint task force set up to deliver the payments had met only twice—I repeat, only twice—between the middle of August and the middle of November.”

Lord Rogan appealed to Treasury Minister Baroness Penn – speaking on behalf of the Government - to “update the people of Northern Ireland on when she expects the first energy payments to be released, and by which mechanism.”

He told her: “It is truly a dominant issue in Northern Ireland at present, as I am sure you will fully understand.”

Responding, Baroness Penn said: “The Government are working to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland receive energy bills support scheme support as soon as possible.”

She told Lord Rogan: “I reassure you and the people of Northern Ireland that support will reach them this winter.”

Unity Business Adviser ready to show enterprise

Richard Altoro has been appointed as Business Adviser by Unity Enterprise, the not-for-profit subsidiary company of Leeds housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.

He will lead business development within the Chapeltown and Harehills area, and oversee the launch of a local enterprise hub at Leeds Media Centre which is currently undergoing a £1.8 million refurbishment in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

The building is one of three business centres operated by Unity Enterprise close to Leeds city centre which collectively offer 142 affordable business units for more than 80 diverse businesses. 

Reporting to Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green, Mr Altoro has extensive experience of supporting start-ups, existing businesses, community organisations and social enterprises.

Richard Altoro (right) with Adrian Green at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown

He has previously worked for Unity as a Business Advisor for Unity Enterprise and Leeds Chamber of Commerce, supporting start-ups and SMEs with business planning, cashflow forecasts, sourcing finance, copywriting, marketing, branding and social media strategies.

Richard Altoro said: “It is an exciting time to be joining Unity Enterprise with the Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme due for completion next summer.  This will significantly expand capacity with 12 new business units, in addition to a bespoke business hub with hi-tech virtual facilities and meeting areas.

“My mission is to deliver a major boost to the enterprise culture in Chapeltown through the provision of professional support to enable aspiring local entrepreneurs to succeed.

“Whether you are a start-up or existing business, I am happy to offer support and insights to help grow your business.”    

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are more than a housing association.  Guided by our social purpose, we are driven to empower people to improve their lives by creating economic opportunities.  Unity Enterprise is central to this.

“We are particularly keen to reach out and provide support and assistance to local people who want to set up their own business and have the talent to succeed but have not yet been given that chance. 

“Richard possesses a wealth of business experience and expertise which will be invaluable to the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.

“He is an excellent fit for the role.  I have no doubt that Richard’s impact will be quickly felt, not just locally, but across the wider Leeds and West Yorkshire business community.”    

Manningham Housing Association hits high standards with national award

Manningham Housing Association has won the prestigious British Standards Institution (BSI) Users Award for Sustainability.

Manningham Housing Association’s Head of Housing Services Nadim Khaliq (left), and Neighbourhoods Team Leader Harry Manford (right), receiving the BSI Users Award for Sustainability in London

The accolade, which recognises the use of voluntary standards to enable sustainability, was presented at the BSI Standards Conference and Awards at the Park Plaza Victoria in London. 

Formed in 1901, BSI is appointed by the UK Government as the national standards body, holds the Royal Charter, and represents UK interests at the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission and the European Standards Organisations.  

Its role is to help improve the quality and safety of products, services and systems by enabling the creation of standards and encouraging their use.

In a joint citation, the judges said of the Sustainability Award winner: “Manningham Housing Association has used BS 76005:2017 Valuing People through Diversity and Inclusion to ensure they can provide great customer care to over 6,000 diverse residents who live in their high-quality affordable homes across in Bradford and Keighley.

 “Use of the standard has helped them ensure they have a better understanding of all their customers' needs which in turn enables them retain customer satisfaction ratings of 90% but also helped them to put in place additional support and programming needed during the pandemic.”

Ulfat Hussain, Manningham Housing Association Deputy Chief Executive, said: “I am proud of the team and delighted at the recognition this high profile award brings them.

“Covid-19 brought inevitable changes to the way we operate, including a need to use technology more effectively to assist service delivery and monitoring of performance. 

 “The move towards greater digitisation made us more sustainable and will continue to serve us well into the future.

 “Manningham Housing Association is a ‘glass half full’ organisation and we always seek to gain positives from every situation we face.”     

 Barrington Billings, Manningham Housing Association Chair, said: “Winning the BSI Users Award for Sustainability is a remarkable but well-deserved achievement, particularly given our relatively small size.

“We take sustainability incredibly seriously and, despite the many difficulties the pandemic brought, it is heartening to know the judges felt that Manningham Housing Association not only rose to the challenge but raised the bar.      

“There are more dark days ahead as the cost of living crisis continues to bite but I know our staff will continue to be guided in all they do by the bright beacon of hope.”     

Peer backs protection for Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle

Lord Rogan has welcomed confirmation from a UK Government Minister that Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle will not be affected by plans to reduce BBC local radio output.

Last month the corporation announced that programming would be cut on local stations.

39 networks in England will keep their current schedule from 6am to 2pm, but after that shows will be shared.

Programme sharing will result in the loss of 48 jobs, and 139 roles will be lost in audio teams.

The future of Northern Ireland’s BBC stations was not mentioned in the announcement, prompting the Ulster Unionist peer to table a Parliamentary Question asking what discussions the Government had held with the BBC about cuts to local radio services and whether Radio Ulster or Radio Foyle would be affected.

In his reply, Arts Minister Lord Parkinson said the Government was “disappointed by the extent of the BBC’s proposed changes to local radio services.”

He said: “We will be raising this issue with the BBC and wait to hear more from the BBC on how it expects these changes to affect local communities, including the provision of local news and media plurality.”

But he added: “The BBC’s recent announcement will only affect the BBC’s local radio services in England.  There should be no impact on BBC Radio Ulster or BBC Radio Foyle.”

Lord Rogan said the Minister’s reply had come as “a great relief.”

Lord Rogan

He commented: “I listen to Radio Ulster every day, including when I am in London, and often tune into Radio Foyle to hear what is going on in the North-West.

“Their quality is on a different level in comparison with BBC local radio elsewhere in the UK. 

 “I am sorry that stations in England are facing cuts because they also provide a valued service for their listeners.  I hope there can be a rethink.

 “However, everyone at Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle should be incredibly proud of what they do. 

 “I hope they are still broadcasting many years from now.”

Northern Ireland peer condemns UK Government approach to China

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has strongly criticised the UK Government for failing to categorise human rights abuses in China as genocide and providing Chinese President Xi Jinping with “wiggle room” for his country’s aggressive approach towards Taiwan.

Lord Rogan

Speaking in a House of Lords debate earlier today, Lord Rogan – a co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group – said there had been “a conveyer belt of UK Prime Ministers” who “failed to truly stand up to the Beijing bully boys over Taiwan.”

And he told peers that Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had recently advised a House of Lords committee that the Government supported a “peaceful process” in relation to the Chinese plan “to reunify Taiwan to mainland China.”

He said: “I have to say, that is a statement which surely had President Xi and his coterie rubbing their hands in glee.  In contrast, I have no doubt that they were words that had the good people of Taiwan holding their heads in despair and fear.”

Lord Rogan said the world was gaining greater awareness of the appalling crimes committed by China against the Uyghur Muslims including killings, mass detentions, torture, forced mass sterilisation and cultural persecution.

He said: “The United States has accurately described China’s treatment of the Uyghurs as genocide, with the Belgian, Canadian, Czech, Lithuanian and Dutch parliaments passing resolutions accusing the Chinese Government of committing genocide against them.

“So too has the UK Parliament.”

But he added: “Startlingly, this is not the formal view of Her Majesty’s Government which instead has held steadfastly to the position that it should ‘not make determinations in relation to genocide.’”   

He said: “Failing to stand up to state-led aggression, sabre rattling and worse has terrible consequences, as the brave people of Ukraine are experiencing each and every day.

“Russia invaded Ukraine because President Putin believed he could get away with it. 

“I hold the same fears about President Xi’s attitude towards Taiwan.” 

Autumn Statement will increase worries for those on lowest incomes

The long list of spending cuts and tax rises outlined in the Autumn Statement will increase financial concerns for those with least, the chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has warned.

Lee Bloomfield

Responding the Chancellor’s measures, Lee Bloomfield said: “Confirmation from Jeremy Hunt that we are now in recession, inflation is at its highest level for decades, taxes are going up and spending cuts are on their way will greatly increase financial worries for individuals and families on the lowest incomes.

 “I welcome the Government’s decision to raise benefits and the National Living Wage but, given the ongoing cost of living crisis with inflation set to increase even further in the months ahead, the already stretched household budgets of people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods will be under particular attack.

“Housing associations, such as Manningham, will continue to support the communities we serve in every possible way. 

“However, diminishing resources and increasing economic pressures make this incredibly challenging.”      

Praise and reflection for Unity as housing association celebrates 35 years of achievement

Unity Homes and Enterprise has hosted a special stakeholder event to celebrate 35 years of providing high quality homes, regenerating deprived communities and creating economic opportunities for people in Leeds.  

Established as a housing association in 1987 to address the shortage of homes for the BME population in Chapeltown, Unity has since expanded its operations across the city to areas including Harehills, Beeston and Holbeck, and recently completed new affordable housing developments in Kirklees.

Guests heard from a range of speakers, including a keynote address from Chartered Institute of Housing President Lara Oyedele, and watched a short film - produced by local creative agency Peg - which showcased Unity’s evolution and accomplishments over three and a half decades.

Shruti Bhargava

Unity Chair Shruti Bhargava told the large audience that “two Asian women and two black men came together, ‘in unity’ to form this housing association, right here in the heart of Chapeltown.”

She said: “35 years later, we’re still here, and still making a difference to people’s lives.  We now provide over 1300 homes, we run three business centres which provide workspace for more than 80 businesses, we help people into employment, we support BME entrepreneurs, and we do a whole lot more.”  

Unity Chief Executive Cedric Boston said it was now a “really important time for Unity.”

Cedric Boston

He said: “We will go forward, we want to do more of what we do – providing a decent home and economic opportunities for people to improve their lives.  But it is very challenging, so we need all the help and support we can get.”

Mr Boston said the event would be the first of many stakeholder gatherings, “where we meet, exchange information, collaborate and work out how we achieve the agenda we have set ourselves - to do more to help people living in our community.”        

Corinna Lawrence, Chief Executive of Feel Good Factor, a registered charity, spoke warmly of working closely with Unity since 2003.

She said: “Unity was the lead and accountable body that enabled the set up of Feel Good Factor.  We were looking to get £1 million of funding for the people of Chapeltown and Harehills, working around health and wellbeing.  The pleasure of doing that work was how everyone came together, all the different groups of people and organisations that really believed in what we could do.”         

And Pam Charles, an older person advocate for Leeds Black Elders Association, told guests that housing had become a very big part of her organisation’s work.  

She said: “The housing needs of older people vary.  The fantastic partnership between Unity and ourselves means we can offer value and support to some of the most vulnerable in really desperate times.”   

Lara Oyedele

Concluding the evening, Lara Oyedele – who also serves as Chair of Bradford homelessness charity Hope Housing and Chief Executive of Black on Board which aims to increase diverse representation on boards - congratulated Unity on its achievements.

She said: “I think it’s a fabulous organisation.  It should be used as a model for BME housing associations.  We house people, but then we take care of all the other needs that people have for a productive and useful life.”

Ms Oyedele added: “I am very proud to be associated with this organisation.”    

Government has failed Northern Ireland energy users

Senior peer Lord Rogan has strongly criticised the UK Government after Energy Minister Lord Callanan admitted to him in a Parliamentary Written Answer that energy payments to Northern Ireland households were still “weeks” away at best, with a separate scheme to compensate local heating oil users also yet to be finalised.

Last month, Lord Rogan tabled a Parliamentary Question asking the Government “when and by which mechanisms households in Northern Ireland will receive financial assistance with their energy bills.”

In his reply, just published, Lord Callanan said: “The Energy Price Guarantee will save a typical British household around £700 this winter. This is on top of existing government plans to give all households £400 off their energy bills through the Energy Bill Support Scheme. A comparable scheme to the Energy Bill Support Scheme is being developed to deliver £400 to households in Northern Ireland. Details of how this will run will be announced in the coming weeks and payments will be backdated to October.

“The Government is working with electricity suppliers to explore how the £100 Alternative Fuel payment could be delivered to homes in NI that use alternative fuels for heating, such as heating oil or LPG, instead of mains gas via electricity bills under a similar delivery model.”

Lord Rogan

Responding, Lord Rogan described the Energy Minister’s answer as “further evidence that the Government is failing the people of Northern Ireland as we enter the most difficult of winters.”

He said: “Gas and electricity customers in the rest of the UK are already receiving monthly payments to help with soaring energy bills, and yet consumers in Northern Ireland have been left entirely unprotected in the midst of a cost of living crisis with no financial help seemingly in sight. There is no sense of urgency, no wish to take responsibility and no hint of shame.

“The Northern Ireland Secretary, Chris Heaton-Harris, has already suggested this week that the absence of a functioning Ireland Executive at Stormont is largely to blame. But that has been the reality for many months and yet the UK Government has chosen not to act.

“The situation is grossly unacceptable and must be urgently resolved. The people of Northern Ireland are being let down yet again.”  

Unity key to Leeds healthcare partnership success

Staff at Leeds housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise have played a major part in helping young people across the city to access job opportunities in healthcare.

Earlier this year, Unity was one of a group of health, social care and third sector partners which came together to form Healthier Working Futures Leeds, a Healthier Working Futures project which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.  

The aim was to help unemployed and economically inactive young adults aged 16-25 to develop the skills and confidence to fill local healthcare vacancies, with a particular emphasis on those facing barriers to employment such as learning difficulties or disabilities, mental health issues, family breakdown and homelessness.

At the end of the six-month pilot, Unity staff had made contact with 70 young people – the highest figure achieved by any partner organisation.  

Candidates and staff at a Unity-led Healthier Working Futures Leeds training session

Kelly Jennings, Unity Employment Outreach Officer, said: “We engaged with the candidates in a range of different ways, including through events such as job fairs delivered in collaboration with schools and community groups.

“The team helped with job applications and the preparation of CVs, job search training, interview roleplay exercises and arranged one to one conversations with NHS ambassadors.

“We were delighted with Unity’s contribution to the pilot scheme and hope that the good work already done can be built on well into the future.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “In the last financial year, our small but immensely dedicated Employment Services team helped 148 people to find jobs, 233 to improve their skills and employability through training and a further 15 to take-up voluntary work.

“We also undertook research to calculate the social value of the team’s activities over this period.  For an annual investment of less than £70,000, we calculated that they generated £1.24 million in social value.

“Their efforts on behalf of Healthier Working Futures Leeds have been outstanding and, as an organisation driven by our social purpose, Unity is proud to be making a tangible difference to young people’s lives in the city.”     

Leeds Media Centre set for enhanced role in city’s business success

Work has begun on a £1.8 million redevelopment scheme to create new business space and improve life chances for aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds.  

The project to upgrade Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown is a partnership venture between Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of locally-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – and Leeds City Council.

The centre is owned by Leeds City Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease. 

The refurbishment work, which is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund, is due to be completed in June 2023.

The project will increase capacity within the Media Centre, by repurposing unused space for up to 12 new business units, alongside a bespoke business hub with hi-tech virtual facilities and meeting areas.

The renovation has a particular emphasis on boosting the energy efficiency of the building and ensuring the centre is fit for purpose for at least another 15 years.

The European Regional Development Fund’s contribution to the project also includes funding for a full-time business adviser to deliver a broad range of activity to support young businesses, particularly those working in the creative, digital and media  sector.

In addition, Unity Enterprise is aiming to encourage BME entrepreneurs based in the local community to access support from the project. 

Leeds Media Centre will remain open whilst the refurbishments are being carried out with new tenants continuing to be accepted. 

Cedric Boston, Unity Home and Enterprise Chief Executive (left), and Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, at Leeds Media Centre which is undergoing a major redevelopment

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We want to create new entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurial activity, especially around media and the creative industries.

“This project creates an opportunity for disadvantaged people from all ethnic backgrounds to set up their own business.  

“They will receive all the help they need to improve their own skills and abilities and chart a bright new future for themselves and their families.

“This includes professional guidance on consolidating their ideas, creating a business plan and securing the necessary funds to establish a viable enterprise.

“With construction work now underway, I want people in the local community who may want to get involved to feel assured that this project will come to fruition in June next year.   

“I invite them to start preparing themselves by getting in contact with Unity Enterprise for early advice and support.”

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education at Leeds City Council, said: “The refurbishment of Leeds Media Centre to create a vibrant workspace facility will attract new and young businesses from the creative, digital and media sectors to locate in Chapeltown.

“We are also delighted to be working alongside Unity Homes and Enterprise to deliver a dedicated business advice service which will support these enterprises to grow and create jobs in the local economy.”

Unity apprentices on road to success after Kickstart to careers

Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise have recruited two apprentices after successful placements through the Kickstart scheme.

Samit Miah and Ben Coultas will also complete Level 3 Business Administration NVQs whilst developing their workplace skills as full-time Unity employees.

Both impressed during six-month Kickstart stints with Unity, Samit in the Finance Department and Ben with the Regeneration Team.

Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Kickstart was open to individuals aged 16-24 who were claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. 

Samit and Ben were selected following a rigorous selection process concluding with a panel interview.

They were appraised throughout their period on the scheme including regular meetings with line managers from Unity’s Employment Services Team, to review progress and identify training needs.

From left to right: Unity Employment Outreach Officers Kelly Jennings and Lorraine Charlton with apprentices Ben Coultas and Samit Miah

Samit said: “My first impressions of the apprenticeship were of familiarity, working in the same department with the same colleagues, but with a twist of greater maturity having transitioned from a part-time role to a full-time position with substantial responsibility.

“The support I have received includes training and development for my new tasks and responsibilities, as well as support for my studies in the form of flexibility from both the educational institute and Unity on personal and role-related duties.

“Since starting the apprenticeship, I feel more involved within the association as I work much closer with existing colleagues. This has taken me across the final steps towards getting accustomed to the real working lifestyle I will need later in my career.”

Ben said: “I was welcomed by all the Unity staff from the very first moment, with everyone being friendly and willing to try to get to know me.

“I received help and support with training courses such as communication skills and Excel, alongside learning about the processes and different situations the Development Team come across and must find solutions for.

“The Kickstart opportunity helped build my confidence back after the pandemic and gave me the chance to get back into work where I feel happy. Working for an organisation that wants to make a difference to people’s lives and improving opportunities for the local communities also gives me a purpose.”

Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “Samit and Ben have done excellent work since joining Unity and it is tremendous to offer them apprenticeships with us.

“The blend of workplace experience, bespoke training and the opportunity to gain Level 3 Business Administration NVQs offers a clear route map to career progression.

 “Samit and Ben come from local communities where Unity operates on a daily basis, and both can act as pioneers for other young people who wish to follow a similar path to full-time employment.

“Through Kelly and Lorraine in our Employment Services team, we are proud to be playing a lead role in identifying individuals with the talent, willingness to learn and determination to succeed in the world of work.”       

Cedric Boston, Unity Chief Executive, said: “It has been inspiring to follow the progress Samit and Ben have made.

“Unity’s activities are rooted in local communities and our social purpose is focused on helping individuals and families improve their lives by creating opportunities they might not otherwise access.

“Samit and Ben have shone brightly since coming to us via the Kickstart scheme and continue to do so as apprentices.

“I look forward to seeing them develop further in the months ahead.”    

UUP peer welcomes Minister’s promise to keep Northern Ireland energy payments under review

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has welcomed a Government commitment to consider releasing more money to help people in Northern Ireland pay for higher fuel costs.

Speaking in a House of Lords debate on the Energy Prices Bill yesterday, Lord Rogan said that Northern Ireland found itself in a “peculiar” position in comparison with the rest of the United Kingdom with 68% of Northern Ireland households relying on home heating oil compared to just 3% of households in England. 

He argued that the £100 one-off payment to support home heating oil customers in Northern Ireland was not enough with the price of 900 litres having risen by £50 in the past week, a situation he described as “simply untenable.”

Lord Rogan

The UUP peer said he was also concerned that Government support to households and businesses was only being offered for six months.   

He told Energy Minister Lord Callanan: “I am well aware that there will be a review with new arrangements due to be in place by April.  However, I fear these will be even less generous than those intended to carry the country through the winter.  And as I have sought to make clear, in relation to Northern Ireland, they are not generous at all. This is causing great concern and worry for many.” 

Referring to what he described as “the £100 alternative fuel payment,” Lord Callanan said: “This is designed by reference to past increases in the cost of heating oil in the year to October 2022. We will be monitoring the price of heating oil and other alternative fuels closely in the months ahead to see whether further payments are required at a future point in time.”

The Energy Minister told Lord Rogan: “In the absence of an Executive, the UK Government are taking steps to ensure that households and businesses across the whole of the UK are able to access support to manage their energy bills. In doing so we are ensuring that households and non-domestic consumers in Northern Ireland receive an equivalent level of support to those in Great Britain. I am sure that will reassure you.”

Manningham Housing Association recognised as region’s ‘Equality Trailblazer’

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has been named as the Equality Trailblazer for West and North Yorkshire in the Chamber Business Awards 2022.

Manningham Housing Association staff

The community-based organisation, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, now progresses to the national finals with the winners set to be showcased on the international stage by the British Chambers of Commerce.

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said: “MHA has a dedicated Community Development team that runs and supports a range of projects focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion.  These include free lessons to help those over 55s improve their IT skills, free culturally sensitive counselling sessions, a confidential hotline for men experiencing domestic abuse, free employability courses, and frequent women's health and wellbeing sessions.

“MHA already has numerous accreditations and awards which recognise its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. After recently being awarded the Customer Service Excellence Standard, their assessor described the organisation as a ‘beacon of hope’ to many during the pandemic, before adding that ‘being a truly community-based BAME housing association, MHA has created a range of additional services ensuring that the diverse and varied needs of communities are met.’”

The Chamber added: “We truly believe that Manningham Housing Association is a worthy winner of the Equality Trailblazer Award. When discussing nominations, they were the first organisation to spring into everyone's minds, and the work they do to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion is unmatched.” 

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are honoured to be recognised as an Equality Trailblazer and to be representing West and North Yorkshire in the British Chambers of Commerce national finals. 

“It is more positive news for the district after Bradford winning UK City of Culture status for 2025.

“Despite the immense challenges individuals and families are currently facing due to the cost of living crisis, we must never forget that our greatest strength is our people.

“The MHA family – made up of our tenants, partners and staff – will always be there for each other and the communities we serve from all social and ethnic backgrounds.  MHA’s success is their success.”    

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “It is wonderful to be commended by the region’s leading business organisation in this way.

“MHA is a relatively small housing association with a hard-earned reputation for punching well above our weight.  Much of this is down to our ability to work with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“The approval of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce for what we do is a significant accomplishment and deeply appreciated.”   

Chancellor’s tax cuts will widen the income gap at a time of national crisis

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has warned that the Chancellor’s mini-Budget will increase the gap between people struggling on the lowest incomes and those least in need of financial support.  

Lee Bloomfield

 Speaking in response to Kwasi Kwarteng’s announcements earlier today, Lee Bloomfield said: “The Chancellor’s decision to target his measures towards helping the better off will be deeply worrying for individuals and families on the bottom rungs of the income ladder, including a high proportion of housing association tenants.

 “The 600,000 highest earners in the country will save an average of £10,000 a year through his abolition of the top rate of income tax.

 “Meanwhile, he issued a threat to cut benefits for 120,000 people on Universal Credit.  

 “We are dealing with a cost of living crisis which is slashing household budgets every week. 

 “The Chancellor had the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of those suffering most from rising costs.

 “Instead, he chose to give extra help to people who need it least.”         

Unity CEO expresses sympathies following death of Her Majesty The Queen

Cedric Boston, Unity chief executive

Cedric Boston, the chief executive of Unity Homes and Enterprise, has spoken of his sorrow following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  

Mr Boston, who has led the Leeds-based housing association since 2020, said: “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of people, both in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

 “She witnessed considerable societal changes over more than seven decades on the Throne but moved with the times and was held in the warmest respect by people from all communities and ethnic backgrounds.

 “We are living through a particularly challenging period but Her Majesty’s presence as our nation’s figurehead was reassuring for so many and her loss will be sincerely felt.

 “On behalf of Unity, I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family.”